Florence in 1 Day for Couples - Private transfer from Florence to La Spezia
In Collaboration with Enotropea Tours . Updated on February 3, 2026.
Private full-day trip from Florence to the five villages of Cinque Terre. Private transfer, scenic trains and a boat ride, multi-course lunch with local wine and a guide with you all day — tailored for couples seeking scenic vistas, seaside dining and relaxed strolling.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Enotropea Tours , inspired by the tour Exclusive Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Private transfer from Florence to La Spezia
- Visit all five Cinque Terre villages (Corniglia, Manarola, Vernazza, Monterosso, Riomaggiore)
- Scenic train rides along the Ligurian coast + boat ride between Monterosso and Riomaggiore
- Multi-course lunch with sea view and local Cinque Terre wine
- Personal guide with local tips and flexible pacing
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day private tour from Florence to the five villages of Cinque Terre. Start early for quieter villages and best light; enjoy trains, a short boat ride, and a long seaside lunch.
Meet your guide — Caffè Bianco, Borgo Ognissanti 70 (Florence)
Meet your private guide and driver in front of Caffè Bianco for a brief welcome, final itinerary check and boarding. If you requested hotel pickup, your guide will meet you at the arranged location instead.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask your guide to confirm golden-hour photo spots at each village so you can plan poses and timing later in the day.
- Charge phones and take a small powerbank — you’ll be taking plenty of photos; the guide can point out quiet corners for couple shots.
- If you didn’t provide a pickup address, this is the default meeting point — arrive 5 minutes early to ensure a timely departure.
Private drive Florence → La Spezia (scenic countryside transfer)
Relax in private transportation while your driver heads to La Spezia. Enjoy view of Tuscan and Ligurian countryside; restroom and coffee stops can be made on request.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit on the right side of the vehicle heading east for the best early-morning countryside views approaching the coast.
- Ask the driver for a quick restroom/espresso stop about halfway — it’s an easy way to stretch and enjoy local coffee.
- Use this quiet two-hour window to plan which village you want extra time in later — your guide can adapt the schedule.
Transfer & train to Corniglia (start Cinque Terre exploration)
Arrive La Spezia and transfer to the local train network. Short scenic rail ride to Corniglia — the smallest village, known as the 'Balcony of the Cinque Terre'.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy (or have your guide buy) the day pass for unlimited regional trains and ferries — it simplifies hopping between villages.
- Keep a light jacket handy on the train; sea breezes can be cooler than Florence in spring.
- If you prefer fewer stairs, ask the guide for the easiest route from the station up into Corniglia (there's an uphill climb otherwise).
Explore Corniglia — 'the Balcony of Cinque Terre'
Wander Corniglia's narrow lanes, enjoy panoramic terraces and intimate viewpoints — perfect for quiet couple photos and olive-terrace vistas.
Tips from local experts:
- Head to the Belvedere di Santa Maria for sweeping coastal photos — best for soft morning light and fewer crowds.
- Corniglia requires a climb from the train: consider using the shuttle (if available) or take it slowly together to enjoy the scenery.
- Bring small change for a quick gelato from a local shop — sit on a low wall and savor the view together.
Train transfer Corniglia → Manarola
Short coastal train ride to Manarola — known for its romantic cliffside houses and photogenic harbor.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve window seats on the left side for the best coastline views as you travel toward Manarola.
- Use this quick train ride to ask your guide about the best spot for a couples photo in Manarola (the little harbor is a favorite).
- If you want a quieter experience, skip the main viewpoint for a tiny side alley viewpoint the guide can show you.
Wander Manarola — cliffside alleys & sea views
Stroll steep alleys, discover intimate terraces and the main waterfront — a very romantic village with great photo opportunities.
Tips from local experts:
- Follow the path down to the small harbor for dramatic cliffside photos — sunrise/sunset hues are especially beautiful here.
- Stop for a takeaway focaccia or a glass of local Sciacchetrà if available — share plates make for a relaxed romantic snack.
- Wear shoes with grip; the alleys can be steep and uneven. Your guide can lead you to the gentlest routes.
Train transfer Manarola → Vernazza
Short train hop to Vernazza — a village built around a small port with a medieval church and great seaside views.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose the train that gives you the best arrival time for lunch; Vernazza is lively and a popular lunch stop.
- Sit on the coastal side of the train for memorable views; have your camera ready as the coastline opens up.
- Ask your guide to point out lesser-known viewpoints on the walk from the station to the harbor for more intimate photos.
Multi-course seaside lunch — Ristorante Belforte (Vernazza)
Enjoy a carefully prepared multi-course Ligurian lunch overlooking the Mediterranean — seafood dishes, pesto pasta and a bottle of Cinque Terre white wine included.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a waterfront table when the guide books (or arrives early) — the terrace view at Belforte is a true couples' highlight.
- Try local specialties like acciughe (anchovies) and trofie al pesto; pair them with a local Vermentino or Cinque Terre DOC for a romantic tasting.
- If either of you has dietary restrictions, inform the guide in advance so the restaurant can adapt the tasting menu.
Post-lunch: Chiesa di Santa Margherita d’Antiochia & gelato
Short, relaxed visit to the medieval church and the harbor. Enjoy gelato by the water and a slow walk to capture the classic Vernazza views.
Tips from local experts:
- Climb the church steps for an elevated view of the bay — it's a calm spot for a quiet moment together.
- Grab gelato from a small local stand (ask the guide which is freshest) and share a bench by the water.
- If you want a memory token, look for small artisan shops behind the harbor for local ceramics or a tiny bottle of local olive oil.
Transfer Vernazza → Monterosso (train or short transfer)
Quick transfer to Monterosso al Mare — the largest village with sandy beaches and lemon terraces. Prepare for a short boat boarding later.
Tips from local experts:
- If the sea is calm, consider taking the short ferry; it’s more romantic to approach a village from the water.
- Keep sun protection handy — open stretches between villages have little shade in spring/summer.
- If you prefer beaches over cliffs, ask the guide to prioritize extra time in Monterosso for a seaside stroll together.
Monterosso — Fegina beach stroll & lemon-grove views
Leisurely walk along Fegina beach, visit small shops and enjoy the village’s relaxed atmosphere — great time for couples to dip toes in the sea.
Tips from local experts:
- Walk the Fegina promenade hand-in-hand — the wide sandy beach is a contrast to the cliffs of other villages.
- If you want a tiny beachside memento, check local stands for hand-made soaps scented with lemon or rosemary.
- For privacy, walk a few blocks from the main beach toward the old town narrow streets where couples can find quieter viewpoints.
Scenic boat ride Monterosso → Riomaggiore (coastal cruise)
Enjoy a scenic coastal boat ride to Riomaggiore — a special romantic moment on the water with panoramic views of the colorful villages from sea level.
Tips from local experts:
- This is the day’s recommended 'special moment' — sit on the outer benches for unobstructed views and a shared sea breeze.
- Bring a light scarf or windbreaker for the boat; sea spray and breezes can be refreshing but chilly in spring.
- Ask the captain to slow near the cliffs for photos; the guide can help capture a good couple portrait from the boat.
Explore Riomaggiore — harbor, viewpoints & sunset-ready spots
Wander Riomaggiore’s stone alleys and harbor. Great late-afternoon light for photos on the seaside steps and the picturesque marina.
Tips from local experts:
- Walk up to the Castello or the viewpoint above the harbor for a sweeping couple photo as the light softens.
- Stop at a small osteria for an aperitivo if you’d like an early evening spritz — a quiet, romantic pre-drive pause.
- Keep an eye on train/ferry schedules with your guide to avoid crowds; late afternoon is usually less hectic than midday.
Return to La Spezia — regroup before the drive to Florence
Short transfer back to La Spezia to meet the private vehicle for the return drive to Florence. Final restroom and refreshment stop available.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this stop to freshen up — La Spezia station area has clean facilities and a few cafes for a final espresso.
- Ask your guide for a quick review of the day’s photos — they often make recommendations for dusk touch-ups or albums.
- If you’d like a quieter drop-off in Florence (e.g., near your hotel), confirm the location with your guide now.
Drop-off in Florence (end of tour)
Arrive back in Florence and be dropped off at your original pickup place or your requested location within the agreed zone.
Tips from local experts:
- If you’d like, ask the guide to recommend a quiet rooftop cocktail spot in Florence to extend your romantic day.
- Gather valuables and any items from the vehicle before disembarking; keep your guide’s number if you’d like a follow-up transfer.
- Tip guideline: gratuities aren’t included — 10–15% for exceptional service is customary in Italy.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 8 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 7 |
| Total Places | 7 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Neighborhood, Restaurant, Attraction, Experience |
