Things to do in Monterosso al Mare, Liguria: The Best Cultural Tours

April 25, 2022 Marianna Hollaway

The last of the five villages along the Cinque Terre strip, Monterosso al Mare is the most visited, largely because it has the only sizable sand beach and the biggest hotels. Though it can get very crowded with tourists during the peak summer months, Monterosso is still delightful. The old town area, separated from the more modern resort area by the Aurora tower, is home to the ruins of a medieval castle and San Francesco church, which houses an important Van Dyck painting of the crucifixion.
Restaurants in Monterosso al Mare

1. "Wonderland 5 Terre Tour" from Florence

Pek Tuscany In Limo
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Cinque Terre is one of the most popular day trip from Florence: - Our english speaking driver - escort will pick you up at your location (hotel or apartment) around 8.00 AM - We will drive through the A11 / A12 highway between Tuscany and Liguria for about 1h and 40 minutes passing near the beautiful Apuan Alps, (the Marble Mountains). - We will pass through the city of La Spezia and its famous Gulf (Gulf of Poets) until we get to Riomaggiore. We will visit Riomaggiore (the first of the 5 lands) and we will move to the others (Manarola - Vernazza & Monterosso) with the typical local train. - In Monterosso there will be our driver waiting for you for the return to Florence. - The return is scheduled for 8.00 PM

Inclusions: WiFi on board, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Bottled water, Train Ticket from Riomaggiore / Manarola / Vernazza to Monterooso

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Reviewed By craiga904

Excellent transfer Andrea was outstanding. More a friend showing us his wonderful Tuscan region. Very charming and insightful. Excellent knowledge and sharing of experiences Transferred from Firenze to Rome. Stopping at San Gimignano , Siena and at Andreas advice a wonderful winery tour and tasting and lunch. Exceptional service and quality tour. A great driver and tour guide. Would thoroughly recommend and be back next time we are in Tuscany!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

2. Best of Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence

Piazzale Montelungo, Firenze FI, Italy Caf Tour & Travel
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4.4 based on 7 reviews

Visit Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza and Monterosso during this full-day tour. Walking from village to village admiring the cultivated terraces and the pastel colored villages hovering between the sky and the sea: this is the best and only way to experience the magic atmosphere of the Cinque Terre.

Inclusions: Multilingual Assistance at the Meeting Point, Transport by G.T. air-conditioned coach with WIFI on board, Licensed Tour escort, Boat Trip (weather permitting), Transport by train between the Villages, Small Group Tour - max 25 participants

Exclusions: Meals and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By aakebe

Only 7 people and the tour was by Van. The driver guided us during the drive but no guide joined us at our stop in Castellina. Professional presentations at the wineries. Especially at Poggio Amorreli with Andrea where we were treated with Spumante, one white and two red Chianti and one supertuscan. We also got bread, cheese, salami with their own balsamic vinegar and olive oil. The driver called for a taxi upon arrival in Florence ????

3. Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence

Florence, Florence (Villa Costanza Tram T1), 50018 Scandicci, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy My Tour in Italy
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4.2 based on 267 reviews

Explore the breathtaking Ligurian coast on a tour of Cinque Terre, a small corner of paradise subdivided into five villages suspended on steep cliffs overlooking the sea; a unique landscape, where vegetation and lush vineyards frame a spectacular scenery. Visit four of the five villages.

Inclusions: Travel by coach with air-conditioning, Expert multilingual escorts, Ferry boat ride with unique views, Typical ligurian lunch (only if option selected)

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and dropoff

Reviewed By Oversunsetplain

I couldn’t put correct date on this review - I did this tour with my two children in August 2019 and originally posted it then. I have had a message to say that I had posted it under the wrong company (one with a very similar name). I would like to re-post the review as we had such a brilliant day with our guide and would like to recommend the tour company to others whenever this type of activity goes ahead again! Our guide Ms Ivanova was very knowledgeable and friendly. The tour took in many places around the city and we also visited the Uffizi in the afternoon. I was with my children aged 6 and 9 and both really enjoyed this day. They felt included and learned a lot. The guide met us at the times planned and gave plenty of opportunities for questions and were able to answer any queries. Everything was organised well and went smoothly. We were unable to book a tour inside the Duomo but actually this one which took us all the way around the outside and to other fascinating parts of the city was perfect for my family.

4. Best of Cinque Terre Day Trip with Typical Lunch

Piazzale Montelungo, Firenze FI, Italy Caf Tour & Travel
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3.8 based on 17 reviews

Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza and Monterosso. Walking from village to village admiring the cultivated terraces and the pastel coloured villages hovering between the sky and the sea: this is the best and only way to experience the unique magic of the Cinque Terre! On this tour you will walk through the villages of the Cinque Terre in one day, admiring and exploring these picturesque small towns. The Cinque Terre is a beautiful stretch of rugged coast and the only unspoilt part left of the lovely Italian Riviera. It takes its name from the five picturesque fishing villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. Cinque Terre have been inaccessible from the land for centuries, isolated by steep mountains and valleys on one side and by the sea itself on the other. Thanks to its isolation, the unspoilt charm of the Cinque Terre is a protected World Heritage Site and a National Park. Led by our knowledgeable guide, you will discover the spectacular coastline.

Inclusions: Transport by G.T. air-conditioned coach with WIFI on board, Licensed Tour escort, Boat Trip (weather permitting), Typical Lunch with drinks, Transfers by local trains between the Villages, Multilingual Assistance at the meeting point, Small Group Tour - max 25 participants

Exclusions:

Reviewed By aakebe

Only 7 people and the tour was by Van. The driver guided us during the drive but no guide joined us at our stop in Castellina. Professional presentations at the wineries. Especially at Poggio Amorreli with Andrea where we were treated with Spumante, one white and two red Chianti and one supertuscan. We also got bread, cheese, salami with their own balsamic vinegar and olive oil. The driver called for a taxi upon arrival in Florence ????

5. Cinque Terre Full Day Small Group Tour from Montecatini

Piazzale Italia, 51016 Montecatini Terme PT, Italy My Tour in Italy
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2.3 based on 3 reviews

Explore the breathtaking Ligurian coast on a tour of Porto Venere and the Cinque Terre, a small corner of paradise subdivided into five villages suspended on steep cliffs overlooking the sea; a unique landscape, where vegetation and lush vineyards frame spectacular scenery. Visit three of the five villages and Portovenere.

Inclusions: Transport by air-conditioned GT coach or minivan, Expert multilingual escorts, Free time in Portovenere, Manarola, Vernazza and Monterosso, Typical Lunch (only if option selected), Please note that from November 1st to March 31st the boat service won't be available so the itinerary would be guaranteed with train and bus.

Exclusions: Pickup and drop off from accommodation to departure point in Montecatini, Gratuities

Reviewed By Oversunsetplain

I couldn’t put correct date on this review - I did this tour with my two children in August 2019 and originally posted it then. I have had a message to say that I had posted it under the wrong company (one with a very similar name). I would like to re-post the review as we had such a brilliant day with our guide and would like to recommend the tour company to others whenever this type of activity goes ahead again! Our guide Ms Ivanova was very knowledgeable and friendly. The tour took in many places around the city and we also visited the Uffizi in the afternoon. I was with my children aged 6 and 9 and both really enjoyed this day. They felt included and learned a lot. The guide met us at the times planned and gave plenty of opportunities for questions and were able to answer any queries. Everything was organised well and went smoothly. We were unable to book a tour inside the Duomo but actually this one which took us all the way around the outside and to other fascinating parts of the city was perfect for my family.

6. 7-Days Italian Lakes and Riviera Tour from Milan

Starhotels Ritz, Via Lazzaro Spallanzani, 40, 20129 Milano MI, Italy Europeando Europa

With this 7 day and 6 nights package from Milan you'll have the chance to discover the most important lakes of the northern Italy such as the small Lake Orta, the refined Lake Maggiore, the luxurious Lake Como, the amazing Lake Garda, the pictoresque Lake Iseo. Take a boat trip on the main lakes and visit beautiful towns such as Como, Bergamo and Verona. Then, continue to Genoa discovering the amazing Cinque Terre, the village of Rapallo, the symbol of luxury Portofino and a great place to walk and have lunch, Santa Margherita and finally the west coast of the riviera before coming back to Milan. Departures on 2021, May 10th, August 2nd and 30th and 2022, May 9th, August 1st and September 6th are also available with tour director in Portuguese.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting point at Starhotel Ritz, 6 nights accommodation, Meals as per itinerary (B = breakfast), Glass of Prosecco as welcome, Focaccia and cheese focaccia tasting in Liguria, Driver/guide, Walking tour in Como, Bergamo, Verona., Transport by private air-conditioned coach, Free WiFi onboard, Private tour by boat at Lake Orta, Private tour by boat at Lake Maggiore, 2 hour cruise at Lake Como (from April to October), Private tour by boat at Lake Garda, 2 hour cruise at Cinque Terre (from April to October and in good weather conditions)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, City taxes at the hotel, Porterage, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By LadyRJ2019

As a family of three, we were excited to go on the 7 day northern lakes and Dolomites tour - especially as it would be very difficult to visit these areas by ourselves (visiting from Australia and not confident driving/getting around to these areas). The tour started well, we were the only English speakers but we had been assured our guide would provide fluent English commentary. Perhaps we expected too much but there was very little information provided about where we were or where we were travelling through. In fact, the first three days we received very limited information in total while the Spanish speakers were provided with much more. We visited some stunning places but too much of the tour focused on lunch breaks and eating rather than seeing the sights. Halfway through the tour more English speakers joined the group bit we still had to seek information rather than being provided with it on some occasions. The bus was too big for navigating city streets and mountain switchbacks - the driver often had to reverse and try multiple times to get around corners and switchbacks. I felt very sorry for him - he did a marvelous job but it would have been so much easier for him and much more enjoyable for us if we weren't concerned about falling off the side of a mountain. The company can't seem to decide whether they are catering to small groups or large and this has a huge impact on the enjoyment of the tour. In Trento we were advised that we would have several hours and could visit the castle. After paying for admission and entering we were then advised that because it was raining some people didn't want to stay so we were cutting the visit short - this should never happen! We then had to get back on the bus only to stop at a truck stop for lunch (instead of staying in lovely Trento). There wasn't really any point to having the guide as he did not provide much "guiding" only very limited information and directions to places he thought we should go and eat. We would have done as well with just the driver. If you can navigate your way around the northern lakes and Dolomites by yourself then I recommend you do that. Otherwise, perhaps a different company would provide a better tour.

7. The Best of Cinque Terre Small Group Tour from Viareggio

Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte, Piazza Giacomo Puccini, 1, 55049 Viareggio LU, Italy Come & See Italy - Day Tours

Explore one of the most beautiful and stunning Italian landscapes in the world. The Cinque Terre, “Five Villages”, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with an enchanting coastline, with rare flora and small villages that hug the coastline. You’ll have the opportunity to take incredible photos of the Italian Riviera while travelling by bus, boat and train between Vernazza, Manarola and Monterosso. Plenty of time to swim, enjoy lunch, taste home-made Italian gelato and do some shopping.

Inclusions: Expert tour leader, Transport by air-conditioned bus or minivan, Free visit of 3 of the 5 villages, Travelers MUST be able to climb and descend stairs, Transfer from meeting point to the bus in Lucca

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities, Lunch

Reviewed By 649jakew

Beautiful countryside, and very friendly staff and horses. Unfortunately it was a little rainy when we arrived, but the staff offered to reschedule for us, but we were happy to ride in the rain. The kind lady took us out with a rain coat and did it with a smile. Would return and recommend!

8. 4 Day Italian Riviera from Milan

Starhotels Ritz, Via Lazzaro Spallanzani, 40, 20129 Milano MI, Italy Europeando Europa

Departure from Milan. Visit of Genoa and an entire afternoon at your own. Excursion to Rapallo, Portofino and Santa Margherita. Visit of Portovenere and Cinque Terre with boat (if weather permits, otherwise by train); Excursion to West Coast of Liguria visiting Laigueglia, antique village of fishermen and Finalborgo, a medieval walled village. Return to Milan. Departures on 2021 June 7th, July 5th, August 5th, September 7th and October 11th and 2022 May 2nd, June 6th, July 4th, August 4th, September 9th and October 10 th are also available with tour director in Portuguese.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, 3 nights accommodation, Breakfast, Food tasting (focaccia/cheese focaccia), Local guide at Cinque Terre, Tour escort/host, Air-conditioned vehicle, 2 hour cruise at Cinque Terre (from April to October, with good weather conditions)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Hotel pick up and drop off, City taxes, Porterage

Reviewed By LadyRJ2019

As a family of three, we were excited to go on the 7 day northern lakes and Dolomites tour - especially as it would be very difficult to visit these areas by ourselves (visiting from Australia and not confident driving/getting around to these areas). The tour started well, we were the only English speakers but we had been assured our guide would provide fluent English commentary. Perhaps we expected too much but there was very little information provided about where we were or where we were travelling through. In fact, the first three days we received very limited information in total while the Spanish speakers were provided with much more. We visited some stunning places but too much of the tour focused on lunch breaks and eating rather than seeing the sights. Halfway through the tour more English speakers joined the group bit we still had to seek information rather than being provided with it on some occasions. The bus was too big for navigating city streets and mountain switchbacks - the driver often had to reverse and try multiple times to get around corners and switchbacks. I felt very sorry for him - he did a marvelous job but it would have been so much easier for him and much more enjoyable for us if we weren't concerned about falling off the side of a mountain. The company can't seem to decide whether they are catering to small groups or large and this has a huge impact on the enjoyment of the tour. In Trento we were advised that we would have several hours and could visit the castle. After paying for admission and entering we were then advised that because it was raining some people didn't want to stay so we were cutting the visit short - this should never happen! We then had to get back on the bus only to stop at a truck stop for lunch (instead of staying in lovely Trento). There wasn't really any point to having the guide as he did not provide much "guiding" only very limited information and directions to places he thought we should go and eat. We would have done as well with just the driver. If you can navigate your way around the northern lakes and Dolomites by yourself then I recommend you do that. Otherwise, perhaps a different company would provide a better tour.

9. Wonderful Cinque Terre Tour from Livorno with Professional Guide

Cruise Terminal Meeting Hall, 57123 Livorno, Province of Livorno, Italy Enzo Dellaria Private Tours & Transfers

Explore the five enchanting lands on the steep cliff edges of the Liguria coast. Enjoy the breathtaking view over the sparkling turquoise sea while learning about the colorful history of this UNESCO site. Take the train or the ferry boat to journey across the lands accompanied by your guide, and discover spots and traditions as well as the local cuisine.

Inclusions: Round-trip private hop-on hop-off tour, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Luxury executive Mercedes car or minivan, Air conditioning, Onboard WiFi, Bottled water

Exclusions: Lunch, Extras (train or ferry boat tickets, souvenirs)

Reviewed By ralfhubens

I had a 100km+ taxi drive with Enzo. He drives very safe and is a nice person as well. He waited for me at the destination to help me finding the right person in charge.

10. Classic Cinque Terre by train and boat

La Spezia Centrale, Piazzale Medaglie d'Oro, 19122 La Spezia SP, Italy Veronica F.

The landscape of the Cinque Terre is spectacular and being able to savor it on foot and by train is an indelible experience. The scents, the colors of nature capture the visitor who is kidnapped by this landscape made of cliffs, jagged coast, steep and impossible paths that cross the "vertical" vineyards on the hills that frame these colorful seaside villages rich in historical experiences and traditions. We will walk together discovering the ancient traditions, the wonderful views overlooking the sea, the most characteristic corners and local food. All elements that make a day unique in these enchanting places. This excursion can be customized according to your inclinations, we will discover the natural and man-made contexts that have characterized this coast for centuries, I will be able to recommend glimpses for your photos, the best places for your lunch, since after a walk together, you will have free time to dedicate to you.

Inclusions: Accompaniment in all villages by train, return boat trip

Exclusions: Extra transport tickets, train and boat excluded

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