(8)
Overall rating
(8)
I thought this was a small group tour but ended up on a huge bus with 50 people. The bus broke down in a truck stop and we waited an hour to get a new bus. We finally get to Cinque Terre and you get paraded through each town with one tour guide through the very small towns. Honestly our tour guide did the best she could and I felt sorry for her as the organization of this tour was not her fault. Also one guide is not enough for a group of 50, you can’t hear her. CAF tours was in charge and I would never use them again. And honestly you do not need a tour guide, there is nothing to see. The towns are cute and quaint but not with the hoards of tourists that were there. You could hardly move. Plus there are nothing but tourist kitchy shops, nothing of quality or made from the area. Wait until mid October to visit and do it on your own. It’s easy to take the train from town to town.
Cinque Terre is without doubt the highlight of the Italian Riviera, a stunning collection of five small fishing communities: Manarola, Corniglia, Riomaggiore, Vernazza and Monterosso. The charming villages are known for their dramatic coastal scenery, pretty pastel-shaded houses and authentic atmosphere (despite the fact they’re such a huge visitor attraction). This full-day tour from Florence gives you plenty of time to enjoy Cinque Terre at your leisure, stopping for a drink in a waterfront bar, paddling on a beach, having a dip in the warm Mediterranean, or watching the fishing boats unload their catch.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll take a boat ride from Manarola to Monterosso (weather permitting), to explore the well-known craft shops. From there it’s a short train ride to Vernazza and a pause where you can sit down for a refreshing drink in a cafe. The train then takes you on to Riomaggiore and its popular beach and shops, and where you’ll have a typical Italian lunch in a restaurant with outstanding coastal views. Finally, the train takes you to La Spezia, where your coach will return you to the city. This Florence gift experience is the perfect way to see one of Italy’s most beautiful and in-demand destinations.
