Beauty by Sea and by Land: a 7-Day Trip from Cinque Terra to Tuscany

10:50 - 11:50, 12:10 - 15:05 — Train from Airport

The nearest airport to Cinque Terre is the Pisa Airport. It is connected to Pisa's central rail station in just 5 minutes by the 'PisaMover', which is an airport-style shuttle train. From Pisa Central Station it is only about one hour to La Spezia on the southern end of Cinque Terre. Unless staying in La Spezia, you'll switch there to a local train (the "Cinque Terre Express") that stops in each of the small towns along the Cinque Terre, such as Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. You may have difficulty finding a good flight to Pisa though. In that case, you should look to Milan, which has 3 large airports, Malpensa, Bergamo and Linate. The total travel time from any of these airports to Cinque Terre will be over 4 hours though. Upon arrival, the first step will be to get to Milano Centrale (Milan's Central Station). The best way to reach the rail station from Malpensa Airport is via the Malpensa Express Train, whereas from Bergamo and Linato you can take a shuttle bus. From Milan you can take a direct InterCity train to Monterosso, on the northern end of Cinque Terre, and to La Spezia, on the southern end. If not staying in one of those towns, just switch to the local rail at Monterosso. One other option is flying into the Florence Airport, which is connected to the city's train station by a direct tram line.

To Be Determined — Transfer from Rail Station

Late Afternoon/Early Evening — Vernazza

The loveliest of Cinque Terre's five villages, with its colorful houses perched precariously on rugged cliffs overhanging the sea, Vernazza is located behind the only natural harbor on this rocky coast. Explore the town's narrow lanes with its iconic tall pastel-hued houses, its medieval bastions and the ruins of its watchtower, and discover the best viewpoints and hidden beaches!

Morning/Mid-Day — Corniglia

Located on top of a 100-meter promontory, Corniglia is the highest of the five villages and is surrounded by a sea of olive trees and vineyards. Corniglia is the only village not to be sat on the water, and it is the least visited town in Cinque Terre, making it the perfect option for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a spot of peace and quiet amongst its shaded lanes.  Due to its location on top of the hill, Corniglia's train station isn't located in the heart of the town like the other 4 towns in Cinque Terre. Instead, you have to take a local shuttle to the top or if you are brave enough, you can tackle the “Lardarina”, a long brick flight of steps composed of 33 flights with 382 steps! Roughly a 20 minute walk uphill. The route by stairs is very clearly marked from the train station. Begin walking down the main street called Via Fieschi and you'll immediately notice three things; fewer tourists, the scent of lemons, and multiple gelato shops! Souvenir shops adorn their doors and outdoor baskets with locally-grown lemon products, such as hand-made soups. A great way to keep the whole family happy is the Granita Limone, a slushy like cold frozen drink which can be eaten like ice cream or with a warm brioche (bread).

Afternoon to Early Evening — Monterosso

The northernmost village, Monterosso al Mare is the largest of the five towns in Cinque Terre. Situated in the centre of a small natural gulf, it is also the most populated village of the Cinque Terre. During your visit, explore this quaint old-world town with its crooked lanes, churches, viewpoints and beaches. If you are looking to take a swim or just relax by the water, keep in mind that Monterosso also has the best and largest beach in Cinque Terre. Monterosso is easily reached by taking the Cinque Terre Express train, or if you are feeling more adventurous, by hiking up the coast.

To Be Determined — Transfer to Rail Station

10:11 - 11:01, 11:09 - 12:01 — Train to Florence

Your 2.5-hour rail journey to Florence will first travel along the coast through the Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli natural park and then cross the beautiful Pisa province of Tuscany. If you are staying in La Spezia, on the southern end of the Cinque Terre, there are frequent direct regional trains to Florence leaving in the afternoon, but you may also connect trains in Pisa if leaving in the morning. In that case you will likely travel on an intercity train to Pisa and then switch to a slower regional train - the overall trip may be about 20-30 minutes faster despite changing trains. If staying in one of the other towns along the Cinque Terre, such as Monterosso, Vernazza, or Corniglia, it is also easy to travel by train, however, you will need to make at least one connection in either Pisa or La Spezia.

12:01 PM — Transfer from Rail Station

Most trains arrive in Firenza S.M.N. (i.e. Florence Santa Maria Novella Station) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option, and trams and buses pick up next to the station. Uber is not available in Florence, but taxis are available at all rail stations and are usually honest (but certainly not always). Some private transfers even meet you directly on the platform to help with bags.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon — Palazzo Pitti

The Ponte Vecchio, an iconic bridge over the Arno River, dates back to Roman times and is a key Florence landmark. Once home to butchers, it now houses jewelers and art dealers. The Vasari Corridor above was a Medici family passage linking the Palazzo Vecchio with the Pitti Palace, a treasure trove of Italian Renaissance and Baroque art by Raphael, Titian, and others. Walk across this magnificent bridge that connects the two sides of the city and learn about its history along the way.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening — Piazza del Duomo

Discover the medieval marvel of the Duomo, Santa Maria del Fiore, with its iconic dome offering panoramic views of Florence. Founded in 1296, it aimed to be the world's largest church, showcasing unmatched Renaissance grandeur in Piazza del Duomo. While entry to the Duomo is free, dome access requires a reservation. Consider a Firenze Card for easy access to other sites.

Morning — Uffizi Gallery

As the capital of the Renaissance, it's only fitting that Florence should also host Italy's greatest art gallery at the Uffizi. It's understandably busy throughout the year, but it's nevertheless worth the crowds to see to see some of the most sumptuous masterpieces of Renaissance art, including Botticelli's Primavera and Venus, and works by Michelangelo and Da Vinci. If you're planning to visit other galleries and museums in Florence, then it's definitely worth investing in a Firenze Card, which gives you free entry and priority access to 72 venues in the city. At a minimum, you should book ahead for the Uffizi to avoid very long queues.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon — Piazza Della Signoria

Piazza Della Signoria represents the very soul of Renaissance Florence and Italy. It was here in the Palazzo Vecchio that the rulers of Florence began commissioning work from the great masters of the Florentine, Roman and Venetian art world before they moved across the Arno River to Palazzo Pitti. The piazza remains an open-air sculpture museum, with eye-catching works such as the Neptune Fountain. Nearby the world famous Bargello Gallery contains the overflow of masterpieces from the Uffizi Gallery, including Donatella's famous rendering of David, while the Loggia dei Lanzi houses some of the greatest statuary to have come out of Renaissance Italy. The piazza is still the most popular meeting point in the city, particularly during political campaigns when speakers address the crowds from the terrace in front of the Palazzo Vecchio.

Early Evening/Evening — Dining Out In Santa Croce

While the focal point of Santa Croce is its exquisite Franciscan basilica, there are a number of culinary gems scattered around the quarter demanding the attention of gourmands and casual foodies alike. With fresh, high-quality ingredients on offer at the nearby Sant’Ambrogio market and a treasure trove of historical architecture as a backdrop, this neighborhood has all the necessary requisites to be a culinary paradise. You can choose from dynamic restaurants with innovative menus serving a hip clientele, or more formal restaurants hewing closely to Florence's strict culinary mores of the past. You can also discover plenty of unpretentious traditional mom-and-pop trattorias serving regional classics such as ribollita and bistecca all Fiorentina.

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM — Private Walking Tour

Enjoy a 3-hour private walking tour of Florence, the perfect introduction to the masterpieces of this city. Stroll around the historic center and take in sights such as the Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signora and end your tour at the famous Galleria dell'Accademia, where you can choose to enter to see Michelangelo's marble masterpiece, the statue of David. Please note that entry tickets to the gallery is not included and you must purchase them in advance.

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon — Galleria dell'Accademia

Take the opportunity to visit Galleria dell'Accademia to see Michelangelo's statue of David and his unfinished Slaves, then pop by the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, the first grand palace built by the Medici family, followed by the Church of San Lorenzo to see more masterpieces by Michelangelo in the Medici Chapel and Old Sacristy. The Spedale degli Innocenti (Hospital of the Innocents) also contains a deeply moving museum dedicated to the social conditions in medieval Florence and the treatment of its unwanted children. We highly recommend the Firenze Card to facilitate easy entry into museums and galleries like Galleria dell'Accademia.

Late Afternoon to Evening — Oltrarno

Meaning literally "the other side of the Arno", Oltrarno is often the forgotten side of Florence, with tourists generally more focused on central Florence, but sometimes it's also worth venturing off the tourist trail! Oltrarno is one of Florence's most popular and trendiest neighborhoods and offers visitors a trove of cultural treasures. Just a short walk from the Ponte Vecchio brings you to the heart of this thriving neighborhood which is host to beautiful gardens and artistic churches. You'll also find the most famous viewpoint in the city - Piazzale Michelangelo.

Morning to Afternoon — Country Villas

The Medicis and other powerful families of Renaissance Florence constructed magnificent country villas in the foothills surrounding the city and surrounded them with elaborate gardens populated with rose bushes, manicured hedgerows, and citrus trees. You can explore these beautiful villas which are concentrated in an area just a short bus ride from the city center of Florence. The villas served several functions, first and foremost as country palaces demonstrating power and wealth. They were also recreational resorts for the leisure and pleasure of their owners; and, more prosaically, they were the center of agricultural activities on the surrounding estates.

2:15 PM - 7:15 PM — Half Day Excursion to San Gimignano

Drive through the scenic Tuscan countryside to San Gimignano, one of the most charming and picturesque Tuscan hill towns with medieval towers built for the richest families of the time. You can choose to visit the Cathedral, climb the “Torre Grossa”, take pictures of the gorgeous landscape and enjoy a delicious gelato in the Cistern Square.  IMPORTANT NOTE : This excursion does not include a guide.

To Be Determined — Private Transfer to Florence Airport

A private transfer service will pick you up from the N/A and take you directly to Florence Airport. This is a private transfer for you and your travel party. You do not need to pay the driver as the cost of the transfer is included in your itinerary.   IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.