About this tour
This nine-hour private excursion from Lucca takes you to two coastal jewels on the Italian Riviera. Your dedicated English-speaking driver navigates a Mercedes minivan through winding coastal roads to Portovenere, a working fishing village draped across dramatic cliffs, then onto the five UNESCO-listed villages of Cinque Terre. You'll move at your own pace, with flexibility to chase your particular interests—whether that's hidden viewpoints, specific villages, or time to simply sit with an espresso and watch the sea.
Highlights
- Portovenere's pastel buildings and Byron's Grotto
- Five Cinque Terre villages linked by footpaths and trains
- Private Mercedes minivan with fluent English-speaking driver
- Flexible itinerary tailored to your preferences
- UNESCO World Heritage coastal landscape
- Hotel or accommodation pickup and drop-off from Lucca
- Bottled water provided throughout the day
What to expect
You'll start with a morning drive from your Lucca accommodation through Tuscany toward the Ligurian coast. Portovenere comes first—a genuine fishing port where locals outnumber tourists, with narrow streets climbing steep hillsides and a 13th-century castle anchoring the promontory. You'll then head to Cinque Terre, five tiny villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore) stacked impossibly on cliffsides. Your driver-guide can suggest routes, but you set the rhythm—walk between villages, explore by train, or settle into a waterfront table. The landscape is raw: terraced vineyards, tumbling stone, and relentless sea views.
Good to know
Wear sturdy shoes and bring sun protection; coastal paths are uneven and exposed. Lunch isn't included—eat in village trattorias or bring supplies. The famous Via dell'Amore trail (Manarola to Riomaggiore) requires a separate hiking card (€30+). You'll need moderate fitness for village exploration. Infant seats available on request.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.