Portovenere and the Cinque Terre Private Shore Excursion from La Spezia

This is a private, small-group shore excursion Portovenere and Cinque Terre from the port of La Spezia. A 9-hour tour designed for the discerning traveler seeking an authentic Italian experience with only the very best of English-speaking driver/guides. Discover Italy close-up in a Mercedes minivan for up to 8 people, taking you into the very heart of this beautiful World Heritage site. Get the most of your time ashore and explore the colorful fishing village of Portovenere and adventure through the villages of the Cinque Terre.

Meet your private driver/guide beside your ship at 8am for the short drive to the delightful fishing village of Portovenere, with its tall and colorful waterfront houses. Enjoy memorable sea views from the promontory where the church of San Pietro stands.

From Portovenere, you'll begin your adventure through the five lands of the Cinque Terre, a landscape so unique that in 1998 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A great way to discover this area is from the sea. You'll have an option of departing from the harbor to enjoy a ferry ride (additional cost) to Vernazza, a great stop for lunch at a restaurant set on the cliffs, looking out across the bay (lunch at own expense). The ferry journey will take you past Riomaggiore and Manarola with great photo opportunities from the sea.

Meet up with your driver, and visit either Corniglia set up on the hill or enjoy a stroll around Riomaggiore or Manarola. You could continue on to the larger and busier town of Monterosso but please note it is not possible to stop in all the villages in one day and for this tour it is best to keep the day as flexible as possible and see where your journey takes you. In some places you may wish to consider using the train and if the weather and sea conditions are good, the local ferry is certainly recommended.

Wherever your journey takes you this day, you will return with wonderful memories to your ship in the port of La Spezia at approximately 5pm.