La Spezia is a fantastic base for exploring Liguria’s coastal charm and nearby Tuscany, but it’s also a great spot for enjoying memorable lunch experiences. Whether you’re craving a boat trip with fresh seafood, a relaxed afternoon with wine and panoramic views, or a cultural day visiting Pisa and Lucca, La Spezia offers options that satisfy diverse tastes. Among these, the 8-hour Cinque Terre boat trip stands out for its scenic beauty and active snorkeling, while the Tuscan winery tour offers a deep dive into Italian wine and cuisine. We love these experiences for their mix of stunning scenery, authentic food, and local culture, making each memorable.
If you’re looking for a full-day adventure on the water, the 8 Hours Cinque Terre with Lunch on Boat in Spezia delivers a fantastic combination of sea, villages, and swimming. For a more relaxed but equally indulgent day, the Morning or evening tour with aperitif, lunch or dinner combines good food, drinks, and the breathtaking Gulf of Poets. For cultural exploration paired with a taste of Tuscany, the Pisa, Lucca, and Lunch at a Tuscan Winery provides a comprehensive experience of Italy’s famous sights and flavors. Below, we lay out each tour in detail to help you choose your perfect La Spezia lunch adventure.
1. 8 Hours Cinque Terre with Lunch on Boat in Spezia
At number 1, this full-day boat trip in La Spezia immerses you in the beauty of Cinque Terre’s five villages—Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. The trip includes a visit to Portovenere with its romantic church of San Pietro and the imposing castle, plus stops to snorkel at magnificent beaches like Le Rosse, Il Canneto, and Monesteroli. This route allows you to see Cinque Terre from a perspective few get—by sea—and enjoy equipped snorkeling amid colorful fish and clear waters.
What makes this tour especially appealing is its flexibility: you can disembark at Vernazza or Monterosso for about 40 minutes to explore on land, or take advantage of the beach stops for swimming and relaxing. The boat includes a delicious picnic of focaccia and pesto during some of the swimming stops, adding a flavorful local touch. Passengers consistently praise the knowledgeable crew, the panoramic views, and the chance to escape crowds—since the boat bypasses busy streets and offers a peaceful way to see Liguria’s coast. Plus, the admission tickets for Portovenere and Grotta Byron are included, saving time and hassle.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for active travelers who want a full day of swimming, snorkeling, and exploring Cinque Terre from the water, with excellent reviews and a good balance of relaxation and sightseeing.
2. Morning or evening tour with aperitif, lunch or dinner and bathroom breaks
At number 2, this shorter, intimate boat experience offers a delicious seafood meal, a glass of wine, and scenic views of Portovenere and the Palmaria Islands. The tour is flexible, offered in the morning or evening, and focuses on exploring the Gulf of Poets’ most stunning spots. The highlight is the freshly cooked fish menu—with seafood prepared on board—paired with a bottle of wine for every two guests and other drinks for kids, making it ideal for couples and families alike.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on relaxing, high-quality food, and intimate ambiance. Maurizio and Daniela, the guides, are praised for their warm hospitality and storytelling, which enhances the experience. The stops include swimming in secluded coves, which offers privacy and serenity amid the rugged coastline. The guided commentary about legends and local sights adds a layer of depth to your day. The snorkeling opportunities and tasting local delicacies make this a well-rounded experience for those looking to combine scenery, culture, and cuisine.
Guests rave about the well-organized nature and the quality of the seafood, emphasizing that it’s a perfect way to unwind while absorbing the best of Ligurian coast.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice for those craving a shorter, gourmet boat tour with a relaxing vibe, excellent food, and picturesque views—ideal for a romantic escape or a casual family outing.
3. La Spezia: Cinque Terre Tour with Lunch on Board 8 hours
At number 3, this luxury boat tour offers a full-day exploration of Cinque Terre’s picturesque villages from the comfort of a modern vessel. Starting from La Spezia, the trip visits Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso, with stops for swimming, snorkeling, and photos. The itinerary includes time in Portovenere and beach stops at Monesteroli, renowned for its beautiful seabed and clear waters.
What’s special about this experience is the quality of the boat, which is described as very comfortable, and the balanced itinerary that allows for both sightseeing and relaxation. The lunch on board features Focaccia, Pesto, Spelt with Mussels, and Caprese, all served with a view of the sea. Guests appreciate the flexibility of the stops, choosing whether to explore land or stay on the boat for swimming and sunbathing.
Rated 5/5 by reviewers, this tour provides an excellent value for a full-day adventure with food, snorkeling gear, and scenic stops included. It’s perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers who want a luxurious, hassle-free way to experience Cinque Terre by water.
Bottom Line: For travelers seeking a luxurious, all-inclusive boat tour with excellent reviews, this experience hits all the right notes—comfort, scenery, and tasty food.
4. Pisa, Lucca, and Lunch at a Tuscan Winery from La Spezia
At number 4, this full-day cultural and culinary tour takes you beyond Liguria into Tuscany. Starting with a brief stop at Pisa to see the Leaning Tower and Field of Miracles, you’ll then spend three hours in the charming walled city of Lucca, exploring its bicycle-friendly streets, towers, and piazzas. The highlight, however, is the lunch and wine tasting at a family-run winery in the Montecarlo di Lucca region.
This tour offers a rare chance to combine sightseeing with authentic **Tuscany cuisine—including a **homemade lunch paired with local wines. The olive oil and wine tasting are often praised, and the personalized atmosphere of the winery visit makes it stand out. Guests mention that the short stop in Pisa is enough to snap some pictures of the Leaning Tower without spending hours waiting in lines, while Lucca provides a relaxed stroll through less crowded, picturesque streets.
Priced higher at around $558 per person, the value lies in the combination of cultural sights and culinary experiences. This is best suited for active travelers who enjoy a bit of history, scenic drives, and wine tasting in a relaxed setting.
Bottom Line: Ideal for culture and foodies willing to spend a full day exploring Tuscany’s classic towns and enjoying a relaxed lunch at a family winery.
How to Choose Your La Spezia Lunch Adventure
When selecting between these options, consider your budget, interests, and desired pace of the day. If you crave a full immersion in Cinque Terre’s villages and waterscapes, the 8 hours boat trip offers unmatched scenery and snorkeling. For a more intimate, food-focused experience, the afternoon tour with aperitif emphasizes gourmet seafood and stunning coastlines. If you’re after luxury and comfort, the full-day boat tour combines scenic stops with exceptional reviews for its quality and flexibility. Finally, for cultural explorers with a taste for Tuscan wine, the Pisa, Lucca, and winery tour delivers a full-day experience blending sightseeing, history, and culinary delights.
Booking early is advised, especially for popular tours like the Cinque Terre boat trip, which often fills up, particularly in peak season. Match your choice to your travel style—active snorkeler, relaxed foodie, or culture buff—and you’ll find a La Spezia experience that’s just right.
In summary, La Spezia offers a variety of lunch and sightseeing tours that cater to different interests and travel styles. Whether you prefer sea-based adventures, luxury cuisine, or cultural exploration with wine, there’s a trip waiting for you. For a straightforward and scenic introduction, the Cinque Terre boat tours are hard to beat, but if you want to combine history, wine, and local flavors, the Tuscan excursion will not disappoint. Be sure to book early, and enjoy every delicious moment of your Ligurian and Tuscan journey.