Cinque terre: Day Trips and Tours from Milan

When in Milan, take a day trip to the stunning Cinque Terre region, just a few hours away. This picturesque coastline features five enchanting villages, offering fresh seafood, vineyard strolls, and beach relaxation. A visit to Cinque Terre from Milan is essential for Italy lovers.

You will find below all you need to know about Cinque Terre, one of the best destinations for day trips from Milan.

Getting there

Cinque Terre is in the Liguria region of Italy, on the west coast, about 230 kilometers south of Milan.

• By car: Driving from Milan to Cinque Terre takes about three hours. Take the A7 south to Genoa, then merge onto the E80 and follow signs for Monterosso after exiting towards Levano.
• By train: Catch a direct train from Milano Centrale to Monterosso in Cinque Terre, taking three hours. From Monterosso, hop on another train to villages like Corniglia.
• Guided tours: Enjoy a hassle-free day trip to Cinque Terre with transportation taken care of. Meet at a convenient location in Milan's center, with tours lasting between 12 and 14 hours.

Itinerary

Cinque Terre day tours typically follow a similar itinerary. After meeting in Milan, you'll travel through Italy's countryside to the coastline where Cinque Terre is located. Explore several of the five villages, including Monterosso al Mare, with either a guided tour or free time.

Most tours also stop in Manarola for its sweet dessert wines. Travel between towns by scenic train or boat. After exploring the villages, head to La Spezia, the gateway to Cinque Terre, before returning to Milan by bus to conclude the excursion.

Our selection of the best tours

Cinque Terre Full-Day Guided Trip With Cruise

• Explore the Cinque Terre from Milan with a professional guide
• Boat trip from La Spezia to Manarola + Train trip from Manarola to Sestri Levante
• Price: From €139
• Duration: 13 hours

Private Tour of the Cinque Terre from Milan

• Travel by boat between four of the five Cinque Terre villages
• Taste regional white and red wine during a wine tasting
• Price: From €1400
• Duration: 11 hours

Cinque Terre day trip from Milan

• Cruise from Monterosso to La Spezia
• Free time to explore Monterosso and Manarola
• Price: From €139
• Duration: 14 hours

Kinds of tours

There are several different options for Cinque Terre day tours, depending on your preferences.

Day trips

After a scenic coastal drive, arrive at Monterosso al Mare, a charming fishing village known for its colorful buildings and lemon tree-lined streets. Explore its unspoiled charm before boarding a boat for a Cinque Terre tour, catching sight of Portovenere before returning to Milan.

Private tours

A private day trip takes you from the city to Cinque Terre in a luxury vehicle. Explore four villages with guided walks and travel between them by boat for a unique perspective. Enjoy a local wine tasting session featuring full-bodied reds and crisp whites.

6-Day tours

This multi-day tour begins with a stop in Parma, known for its Parma ham, before heading to Cinque Terre. Explore Cinque Terre before continuing to Pisa, Lucca and Florence the next day. The tour also includes visits to  Montepulciano, San Gimignano and Pienza. Finally, you'll arrive in Rome, the Eternal City, after exploring some of Italy's finest jewels.

Prices

Cinque Terre day trips cost around €130 and last approximately 13 hours. For hotel pickup, you can pay an extra €10 to €20. Private day tours to Cinque Terre are priced at €1,060 for up to eight individuals, with a reduced rate of €390 per person for groups of this size. Multi-day Cinque Terre tours, inclusive of accommodation and breakfast, cost €1,650.

Highlights

Monterosso al Mare

Monterosso al Mare, Cinque Terre's largest village, was founded by Genoese families in the 13th century. Initially a stop for pilgrims en route to Rome, it's now a popular tourist spot. Divided into old and new towns, its highlight is the Monterosso Giant, a concrete and iron sculpture of Neptune on Fegina Beach, created in 1910 by Arrigo Minerbi. Other attractions include ruins of a medieval castle built by the Obertenghi family.

Corniglia

Corniglia, founded in the 12th century, may have gotten its name from its shape or from a Roman farmer named Cornelia. Initially a fishing village, it's now famous for wine and olive oil production. Wine cultivation dates back to the fourth century BC, with the region known for its crisp, sweet, dry white wines from Bosco, Albarola, and Vermentino grapes. Surrounded by vineyards, Corniglia is perfect for wine tasting in Cinque Terre.

Manarola

This tiny clifftop village is a real treat for the eyes and boasts wonderful viewpoints. It has many colorful buildings and sits above a sheer vertical cliffside of rugged rocks. The winding streets of the village slope down to the natural harbor which is a popular swimming spot through the summer months.

Riomaggiore

The most southern village, Rio Maggiore is worth a visit on your Cinque Terre day tour. The village boasts the same colorful buildings which are typical of the area, scenic viewpoints and a rugged natural harbor. If you plan on kayaking or swimming in the Cinque Terre, this is a great place to do it!

Vernazza

The beautiful seafront village of Vernazza is one of the most popular places in the Cinque Terre. It boasts a small beach in the town harbor and pretty streets lined with small shops and restaurants.

Best time to visit

The best time to plan a day trip to Cinque Terre is during September or October. During this time, the hoards of summer tourists will have left, but you can still expect warm temperatures that range from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.

Other tours to Cinque Terre

• Day trips to Cinque Terre from Florence
• Day tours to Cinque Terre from Livorno
• Day trips to Cinque Terre from Lucca
• Day tours  to Cinque Terre from Pisa
• Day trips to Cinque Terre from Genoa
• Day tours to Cinque Terre from Rome
• Day trips to Cinque Terre from Siena
• Tours and trips in Cinque Terre

Travel tips

• It takes around three hours to drive from Milan to Cinque Terre. Bring a magazine and snacks with you for the bus ride.
• The villages of Cinque Terre all have beaches. Take your swimwear and a towel with you on your day tour, in case you fancy a dip.
• During the summer months, Cinque Terre experiences highs of around 30 degrees Celsius. Make sure you're prepared for this with sunscreen, water and a sun hat.