Small Group Day Tour in Cinque Terre and Pisa From Florence

Exploring Cinque Terre and Pisa in a Day: A Practical Guide to This Small Group Tour from Florence

If you’re considering a trip from Florence that captures some of Italy’s most iconic sights—without the hassle of planning multiple connections—this small group day tour to Cinque Terre and Pisa might be exactly what you need. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on extensive reviews and detailed descriptions, it’s clear this experience offers a well-structured way to see these UNESCO World Heritage sites in one go.

One of the things we love about this tour is its seamless organization. Your guide takes care of ferry, train, and transportation logistics, meaning you can focus on enjoying each stop rather than stressing over schedules. It’s also great that the group is kept small—up to 8 travelers—which fosters a more intimate and personalized experience. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that the day is quite packed, so if you prefer to explore at your own pace or want a more relaxed approach, this might feel busy.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want to tick off two major sights in one day without the hassle of figuring out transport or navigating crowds. If you’re comfortable walking and don’t mind a long, full day on the move, it’s a smart choice. Keep in mind, it’s not aimed at those seeking a leisurely or highly detailed exploration of each village, but rather a curated snapshot of Cinque Terre’s beauty and Pisa’s famous leaning tower.

Key Points

• Small group size for a more personal experience
• All-inclusive transport with ferry, train, and private van
• Free time to explore villages at your own pace
• Visit three charming Cinque Terre villages: Manarola, Vernazza, Riomaggiore
• Includes Pisa with a chance to see the Piazza dei Miracoli and Leaning Tower
• Flexible transportation options depending on weather conditions

What to Expect from This Tour

This tour runs from Florence early in the morning—starting at 7:00 am at Piazza degli Strozzi—and lasts around 12 hours. It’s quite a long day, but it’s designed to maximize your sightseeing with minimal hassle. You’ll journey in an air-conditioned van, which is considered comfortable and easy to travel in, especially given the length of the drive and the potential for crowded public transport.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

Stop 1: Borgo Storico di Manarola
Your adventure begins with a roughly 2-hour drive from Florence to Manarola. This is one of the most picturesque villages along the coast, and it’s a UNESCO site for a reason. We loved the way the tour allows for free exploration, giving you time to walk its narrow streets, soak in stunning views, maybe grab a quick breakfast, and pick up a souvenir if you’re feeling souvenir-y.

Reviewers appreciate the quiet mornings here, before the crowds arrive. As one traveler noted, “We had time to walk the narrow streets, admire the views and enjoy coastal village life,” which is exactly what makes this stop special.

Stop 2: Vernazza
Next, you’ll hop aboard a ferry—weather permitting—to Vernazza, another gem with a small fishing harbor and medieval charm. The fortress-like Doria Castle and the church of S. Margherita D’Antiochia are notable sights. If you love the idea of swimming in the Tyrrhenian Sea, Vernazza offers a small pebble beach perfect for a quick dip.

We found this village’s medieval history palpable, with its colorful facades and narrow streets. You’ll have about 2 hours here—enough time to explore, possibly taste a Ligurian snack, and enjoy the relaxed seaside atmosphere. One reviewer mentioned, “The highlight was Pisa, but we enjoyed all the villages, especially Vernazza.”

Stop 3: Riomaggiore
From Vernazza, you’ll travel by train to Riomaggiore, the southernmost of the five villages. Built on a cliff face, Riomaggiore features houses with vibrant facades and a small castle overseeing the coast—perfect for photos. The 13th-century church of S. Giovanni adds a historical touch, and the small pebble beach invites a quick swim if you’re up for it.

The group has about an hour here, during which you can wander and soak up the lively, yet laid-back, atmosphere. One review speaker, “We visited three villages by van, train, and ferry, and Emilio made it all seamless,” highlighting the efficiency and ease of the trip.

Transition to Pisa
After exploring Riomaggiore, the group catches a train back to Manarola, then a drive toward Pisa, arriving late afternoon. This part of the trip is designed to be efficient, so you’ll spend about an hour and a half at the Piazza dei Miracoli. Here, the famous Leaning Tower is the star, but the entire complex—including the Cathedral and Baptistery—is worth admiring.

Pisa Visit
You can visit the Piazza, take photos, and climb the Leaning Tower (for which you need to buy tickets online in advance, costing around $20). Remember, entrance tickets aren’t included in the tour price, so plan accordingly if you want to go up. A reviewer called Pisa “impressive,” and it’s definitely a highlight for many visitors.

Transportation and Comfort

The use of private van, ferry, and train makes the day flow smoothly. The van is spacious, air-conditioned, and has Wi-Fi, which means you can relax and stay connected. Since the tour only accepts a small group (max 8), you’ll find the experience more personalized and less rushed than larger bus tours.

Weather and Seasonal Considerations

Ferry rides are weather-dependent, operating from March to November. If seas are rough or weather isn’t suitable, the tour switches to train transportation, which still keeps your schedule intact. This flexibility is a plus, as it minimizes cancellations or delays.

The Guide and Experience

According to numerous reviews, the guide (Emilio) is both knowledgeable and personable. Travelers mention that Emilio “answered every question,” “explained things clearly,” and “went out of his way to meet everyone’s needs.” His enthusiasm and professionalism shine through, making the long day much more enjoyable. Several reviews even mention how Emilio’s care and sense of humor made the trip memorable.

Costs and Value

At $200.25 per person, the tour offers a lot, especially considering the inclusions—ferry tickets, train tickets, private transport, bottled water, and Wi-Fi. Not including the Pisa Tower climb, the cost is quite reasonable for a full day of guided sightseeing in such a popular area. The reviews consistently praise the value, with travelers feeling they got a lot for their money.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This small group tour from Florence is excellent if you want a well-organized, hassle-free way to see Cinque Terre’s famous villages and Pisa in just one day. It’s perfect for travelers who are comfortable with walking, are eager to enjoy iconic sights, and appreciate a small, intimate group that allows for personalized attention.

The value is clear, especially given the inclusion of ferry, train, and private van transport, plus the expert guidance. While it’s a long day and involves quite a bit of movement, the ability to explore each village at your own pace during free time makes it worthwhile. If you’re after a relaxed, informative, and efficiently curated experience, this trip ticks many boxes.

Just keep in mind that the tour relies on good weather for ferry rides, and climbing the Leaning Tower requires separate tickets purchased in advance. It’s also not a leisurely, all-day lounging kind of trip—packed with sights and travel, but with plenty of memorable moments.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
It requires a moderate physical fitness level and involves walking on uneven, narrow streets with steps. If you have mobility issues, check with the provider for specific accommodations.

What should I bring on this tour?
Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the terrain. A swimsuit might be handy if you want to swim, and don’t forget water, sun protection, and a camera.

How early does the tour start?
The tour departs at 7:00 am from Piazza degli Strozzi in Florence, so prepare for an early start to make the most of the day.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, so plan to either bring snacks or buy food during your free time in the villages.

Can I climb the Leaning Tower?
Yes, but tickets must be purchased online in advance for about $20. Entrance to the tower isn’t included in the tour fee.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Ferry rides depend on weather and sea conditions. If canceled, transfers between towns will be by train instead. The tour can be rescheduled or refunded if weather prevents the ferry.

How many people are in the group?
A maximum of 8 travelers ensures a personal experience. Fewer than four people means the tour might be canceled or rescheduled, but you’ll be offered options or a full refund.

In summary, this tour offers a reliable, engaging way to visit Cinque Terre and Pisa in a single day without the stress of planning the logistics yourself. It’s ideal for curious travelers who value a guided experience, small groups, and the freedom to explore at their own pace—while enjoying some of Italy’s most stunning coastal scenery.