La Spezia Shore Excursions & Cinque Terre

La Spezia is the gateway to the Cinque Terre. If your ship docks here, I meet you at the pier and take you straight to the five villages, to Portovenere, or on to Pisa and Tuscany — one licensed guide and Mercedes driver for the whole day, private and small, and always back on board before departure.

Pastel houses above the sea on the Cinque Terre coast — The Cinque Terre, a short train ride from the port of La Spezia

The day, hour by hour

The Cinque Terre villages are pedestrian — cars can’t enter — so the day mixes driving with the short local train and time on foot:

On disembarkation: I meet you at the pier and we drive to the trailheads or to the La Spezia train hub.
Morning: two or three of the five villages — Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Monterosso — hopping by the coastal train, with time to walk, photograph and have a coffee over the sea.
Lunch: fresh seafood or trofie al pesto, your choice.
Afternoon: Portovenere and its church on the point, or back toward Tuscany.
Back at the pier: with a safety margin. You set the return time.

The natural sea arch of Byron's Grotto at Portovenere — Portovenere, about 20 minutes from the pier

Why book with me

*A guide and* a driver, licensed for both** — one person, one price, and real explanation of what you’re seeing.
Private and small: never more than eight guests, new Mercedes minivan, never shared.
Local knowledge: which village is quiet at nine, when the train is easiest, where the view is worth the climb.
Back on time, guaranteed: I watch your ship all day.

Distances and timing from La Spezia

Cinque Terre villages (by road to the trailheads / by train): about 15–30 minutes
Portovenere: about 20 minutes
Pisa: about 1 hour
Lucca: about 1 hour 10 minutes
Florence: about 2 hours 15 minutes

The Cinque Terre is the natural choice from La Spezia; Pisa or Lucca work well if you’ve seen the villages before.

Dramatic sea cliffs along the Ligurian coastline — The coastline between La Spezia and the five villages

Questions cruise guests ask

Can we really see the Cinque Terre in a port day? Yes — two or three villages comfortably, by train and on foot, planned around your ship.

What if the sea is rough or it rains? We adapt — more villages by train, Portovenere, or inland to Lucca.

Do I get back in time? Always guaranteed. See the FAQ.

Book your La Spezia shore excursion

Pick a ready-made excursion on the booking page, or write to me for a tailor-made day. See also Livorno and Marina di Carrara, or read my story.