La Spezia: Cinque Terre Tour with Lunch on Board 8 hours

La Spezia: Cinque Terre Tour with Lunch on Board — An Insider’s Look

If you’re dreaming of crisp seaside air, colorful villages, and a taste of Italy’s best coastal scenery, this 8-hour Cinque Terre boat tour from La Spezia might be just what you need. For $139.37 per person, you’ll enjoy a day aboard a luxury vessel, gliding past famous towns like Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso — each offering their own charm. Plus, you get to stop at several beaches, including the stunning Rosse, with time for swimming and snorkeling, along with a tasty onboard lunch.

We love this tour’s combination of comfort and authenticity — it’s a boat trip on a brand new, well-equipped vessel, with plenty of space to relax and take in the vistas. The lunch, featuring focaccia with pesto, mussels with spelt, and a Caprese salad of buffalo mozzarella and tomatoes, is a delightful way to savor local flavors without leaving the boat. An open bar serving Prosecco, wine, beer, and soft drinks adds to the celebratory feel.

One potential consideration? The itinerary depends on weather and traffic, meaning some stops might be adjusted or shortened. If your time is tight or weather forecasts look uncertain, this is something to keep in mind.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, relaxed day exploring the Cinque Terre’s highlights from the water, especially those who appreciate good food, stunning views, and a small group environment. Families, couples, or solo travelers looking for an easy, scenic excursion will find plenty to love.

Key Points

• Stunning coastal views and charming villages from a luxury boat.
• Multiple beach stops with swimming and snorkeling opportunities.
• Delicious onboard lunch featuring local ingredients and free drinks.
• Flexible itinerary based on weather and traffic, allowing for a personalized experience.
• Small group size (max 9 travelers) ensures a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere.
• Additional visits to Porto Venere and other picturesque spots make for a full, varied day.

An In-Depth Look at the Cinque Terre Boat Tour

Traveling from La Spezia, this tour offers a unique chance to see the Cinque Terre’s iconic villages from the water — a perspective that’s often more expansive and colorful than on foot. The 8-hour journey is designed to balance sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing, making it an excellent choice if you’re after a well-rounded coastal experience.

Meeting Point and Departure

Starting at the D-Marin Porto Mirabello Marina, a location close to public transportation in La Spezia, the tour begins at 10 a.m.. The small group size (up to 9 travelers) means you’ll get personalized attention, and the mobile ticket makes check-in smooth. Once aboard, you’ll quickly feel like part of an exclusive adventure, with a brand new vessel that’s comfortable and well-maintained.

The Itinerary: A Day of Highlights

The tour’s itinerary is thoughtfully curated to give you a taste of the most stunning parts of the Cinque Terre and beyond.

Portovenere is the first destination — a beautiful, ancient village famous for its San Pietro church and castle dating from the 1400s. The reviews mention that the views here are “fantastic,” and the opportunity to snap photos of this historic town is a highlight. You’ll also get a chance to swim at Le Rosse beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and striking red rocks. The inclusion of admission to the beaches means you can comfortably enjoy sunbathing or splashing around.

Next, the boat stops at Monesteroli, where the seabed is particularly inviting — perfect for snorkeling with little fishes accustomed to travelers, according to reviews. The 45-minute stop here allows for a relaxing swim with snacks and drinks on hand.

The tour then visits the charming Riomaggiore, the first of the five villages, where a short 40-minute stop offers time for photos and soaking in the lively atmosphere. This is followed by Manarola, known for its picturesque harbor and historic buildings, where the 15-minute stop is enough to admire the beauty and take some quick shots.

From there, the boat reaches Corniglia, notable for its terraced vineyards and panoramic views. The 20-minute visit allows for a quick look around and some memorable photos.

The Guvano Beach stop is particularly special — here, you’ll have about an hour for lunch and swimming. The included lunch break features a refreshing selection of local dishes and snorkeling opportunities. Many reviews praise the generous lunch, describing it as “copious” and enjoyable.

Next, the boat visits Vernazza, where you can snap beautiful photos of this colorful village’s harbor and narrow streets. The 20-minute stop is perfect for a quick stroll or a selfie.

The last village on the list is Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five, where you’ll have about 90 minutes to explore, enjoy the beaches, or grab a gelato. Travelers find this stop particularly valuable because it’s the main hub with more options for a leisurely walk and sightseeing.

Additional Stops and Optional Visits

On the return leg, the boat visits Porto Venere — another gem with historic sites and great photo opportunities. The 30-minute disembarkation here allows for a quick exploration and another swim before heading back to La Spezia.

Finally, the journey concludes with a relaxed 40-minute cruise back to the starting point, where many travelers reflect on the day’s highlights.

The Experience: What’s It Like on Board?

The boat itself is described as “very comfortable” and “nice,” with plenty of space to relax or socialize. Many reviewers appreciate the small group setting, which fosters a more personal experience and allows for better interaction with the crew.

The lunch is a major plus — a focaccia with pesto, mussels with spelt, and a Caprese salad with buffalo mozzarella and fresh tomatoes. The free drinks — including Prosecco, wine, beer, and soft drinks — turn the meal into a mini celebration on the water. According to reviews, the lunch is generous and tasty, satisfying even hearty appetites.

The snorkeling gear provided is simple but effective, adding a fun element to the beaches. Travelers mention that waves can sometimes be choppy, but the crew adjusts the course to find calmer waters when needed, making the experience more enjoyable.

Weather and Flexibility

Since the itinerary depends heavily on weather and traffic, some stops could be shortened or combined. It’s worth noting that the tour is weather-dependent — a clear day makes the experience even more memorable, while poor weather might lead to cancellations or adjustments. Most reviews indicate that the operator is flexible and attentive, aiming to maximize the trip’s value regardless.

Pricing and Value

At just over $139 per person, this tour offers good value considering the all-inclusive lunch and drinks, multiple stops, and small group setting. Private tours or independent boat charters would be more expensive and less efficient, especially if you want to see multiple villages and beaches comfortably. Travelers often mention the quality of the experience justifies the price.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This boat excursion is perfect for travelers who prioritize comfort and scenery over vigorous hiking. If you enjoy photography, relaxing on beaches, and savoring local cuisine, you’ll find it hard to beat. Families with kids (the snorkeling and swimming are suitable for kids accustomed to the water) and couples seeking a romantic, scenic day will both appreciate this experience.

You’ll love the way the small group size fosters a relaxed, intimate atmosphere, and the onboard lunch offers a genuine taste of local flavors without the hassle of finding restaurants on the go. However, if you’re looking for a very flexible itinerary or want to spend more time in each town, this might not be ideal — the stops are brief by design.

The Sum Up

For a balanced blend of scenic beauty, good food, and relaxed exploration, this La Spezia to Cinque Terre boat tour stands out. It’s especially suited for those who want to see the villages from a different perspective while enjoying delicious local dishes and drinks in comfort.

The small group size and personalized approach make it a more intimate experience than many larger tours, and the variety of stops combined with beach time makes it ideal for a full, fulfilling day. While the itinerary can shift due to weather, most travelers agree that the stunning views, excellent lunch, and friendly crew make it well worth the price.

If you’re after a convenient, scenic, and delicious day trip that captures the essence of the Cinque Terre without the crowds or hassle of rushing around, this tour will not disappoint. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the Italian coast’s natural beauty and vibrant villages in one memorable day.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a luxury boat ride, stops at several beaches and villages, an onboard lunch with local dishes, free drinks (prosecco, wine, beer, soft drinks), and admission to beaches and port visits.

How long is the boat trip?
The total duration is approximately 8 hours, starting at 10 a.m. and ending back at La Spezia around 6 p.m., including multiple stops and time for swimming and exploring.

Are there swimming and snorkeling opportunities?
Yes, the tour includes stops at beaches like Le Rosse and Monesteroli, and snorkeling gear is provided. The experience is suitable for those comfortable in the water.

Can I visit Porto Venere?
Yes, you will have a chance to disembark in Porto Venere for about 30 minutes, giving you time to explore the historic town and enjoy a quick swim.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Most reviews suggest it’s family-friendly, especially since the activities include swimming and snorkeling. However, kids should be comfortable around water, and the short stops are best suited for children who can enjoy quick explorations.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear and towels, sunscreen, a hat, and perhaps a camera — the views are truly Instagram-worthy. A small backpack with essentials is recommended.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Since the itinerary depends on good weather, the operator may cancel or adjust stops if conditions are unsafe. You’ll be offered a reschedule or full refund if canceled due to weather.

This tour offers a genuine taste of Italy’s seaside magic, blending scenic vistas, cultural highlights, and delicious food into one memorable day. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see the best of the Cinque Terre without rushing and with a touch of comfort and style.