Private Cinque Terre Trek & Tour
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Cinque Terre, Italy
- 8 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Skip the crowded group tours of Cinque Terre by opting for this private day trip. Avoid getting lost and navigate the area more efficiently by following your guide. Visit charming seaside villages along the Italian Riviera's rugged coastline, including Riomaggiore, Groppo, Manarola and Vernazza. Your guide can help deal with any language barriers, and you'll learn about the villages' history and wine-growing heritage.
- Explore Cinque Terre at your preferred pace on a private tour
- Get insider tips for Cinque Terre from a local
- Enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city
- Learn about local plants and herbs during the hike
What's Included
- Walking Sticks if you want to use one.
- Cinque Terre Train Pass (we recommend you purchase this day train pass) s
- Lunch
- Public transportationCinque Terre Train Pass
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Bar Stazione eredi Soldani EliseoPiazza Rio Finale, 1, 19017 Riomaggiore SP, Italy
We meet at the Riomaggiore train station in front of the Station bar at around 8:30 am. Upon booking, we will give detailed instructions on reaching us. If you are staying in Riomaggiore, we can meet in the evening before our trek. The Cinque Terre Train Pass is not included. I live in Riomaggiore.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.8:30 am
What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Wear comfortable shoes with good traction
- We do our best to fit this day to meet your medical needs if there are problems. We Do Not Run
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Rebecca
Pall is a fantastic tour guide and also very flexible. We were going to hike on a very hot day so we were able to start hours earlier. I learned so much about the surroundings, fields and the farmers. It really made my stay in the area so much more memorable. Pall is able to adjust to accommodate to your pace. He also knows a lot about the locals and the cuisine so ask away, and he will answer any question you have. I highly recommend this for those looking for an adventure.
Reviews
5.0
based on 125 reviews
Adelle_K, Apr 2026
This private walking tour of Cinque Terre with Pall was worth every penny! Although the area in general was packed with tourists, he guided us away from the crowds. We enjoyed learning some history about this region and had wonderful views with plenty of photo opportunities. Pall will tailor the tour to suit your needs. I highly recommend doing a tour with Pall.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
I am glad you enjoyed yourselves. I try my best to make things easy & fun. There can be many tourist but knowing how to get around them is a challenge at times. Thank You for your great review, Pall
Celeste_G, Oct 2025
Perfect way to see the area, do some hiking and get a local feel with a long time resident of Riomaggiore.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for your review & I do hope you enjoyed the rest of your time here. Pall
Alan_R, Sep 2025
This experience has been the best part of our trip to Italy. My wife and I had a hiking trip booked that cancelled last minute due to low people count. It left us scrambling for a last minute replacement. Luckily we managed to find this tour with Pall. He was a fantastic guide as well as a wealth of knowledge. We learned alot from local flora, fauna, to history of the villages from a true local. He expertly guided us through the Terre while avoiding the crowds both on and off the trail. This was one of the best experiences I have ever done and would recommend to anyone who loves hiking and a sense of adventure.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you; we had a great day experiencing this adventure together. Glad that we could meet up after this cancellation. Being an actual Private tour operator made it extra special. We hope you'll tell your friends & maybe we will see you on one of our African tours one day. Regards, Pall
Eric_P, Aug 2025
Pall was an amazing guide! He knew all the best spots for food, pictures and crowd avoidance. We did a hike on a hot day and he knew the best way to keep us in the shade. He also had a ton of interesting facts and stories 10/10 recommend!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Your day was hot, and I did my best to shield you from the heat as much as possible. The key to being a good guide is the love they have for the area & showing it off —bringing you into the land & its people. You didn't leave Cinque Terre, you brought some of it with you. This was no check-in-the-box tour. Thank you for the wonderful review. Pall
Rebecca, Jul 2025
Pall is a fantastic tour guide and also very flexible. We were going to hike on a very hot day so we were able to start hours earlier. I learned so much about the surroundings, fields and the farmers. It really made my stay in the area so much more memorable. Pall is able to adjust to accommodate to your pace. He also knows a lot about the locals and the cuisine so ask away, and he will answer any question you have. I highly recommend this for those looking for an adventure.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much for your review, Rebecca. I am also willing to help anyone who asks. I want people to see this marvellous place in the world & to experience it in such a different way. Not the push through the villages. To see & understand the life, hardships & what tourism has brought with it. Please tell your friends & family to find me & I promise them a unique experience. Regards, Pall
Elizabeth_B, Jul 2025
This was a great walk, off the beaten track and away from the crowds. Paul our guide was informative and new a lot of history of the area.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
It was my pleasure to have you both for this trek/tour & be able to show you the hidden beauty of Cinque Terre. I want to thank you for taking the time to review my services. Viator thinks I am good, but not outstanding, like I was just a week ago. Regards, Pall
Nicholas_M, Jun 2025
This was one of our favorite experiences in a one-week tour of Italy! It was absolutely beautiful, informative, and not even a little rain could ruin it. Our guide was wonderful and loved showing us all the herbs growing along our route through the vineyards and teaching us about the traditional foods and wine made here. I was impressed with how far we hiked up mountains without feeling exhausted. I'll be recommending this trek to friends and family for sure!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank You for the wonderful review. My primary interest is to show Cinque Terre in a way that most people never get to see. The history & the people who came to settle here are wonder in itself. I want people to come here & learn about Cinque Terre. Then, see the pretty villages in a different light. There is so much to discover here in this little area. Please tell your family & friends to visit us. I am delighted you enjoyed yourselves. Pall
Paul_P, Jun 2025
Spending the day with Paul was like exploring the Cinque Terre with a longtime local friend. His deep knowledge, personal stories, and connections to the area brought the landscape and history to life. From hiking through terraced vineyards to an unforgettable dinner at Billy’s (complete with a personal touch), every moment felt authentic and special. Easily one of the most memorable days of our trip—highly recommend!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank You so much for your excellent review. I know I give you the feeling that you've known me like a friend. I want people to enjoy themselves, take away the guesswork & have fun as we transition through the area. I want people to see the true beauty of the region. The bus tour doesn't compare to what your day was like. Thank You Again, Pall
Sharon_B, May 2025
The hike was perfect. Paul paced it well. His detailed knowledge of the area and close relationships with other locals made the experience great. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, May 2025
All nice know that your expectation were met & exceeded. I want you to enjoy yourselves at same time have fun as we trek. Thank You for your great recommendation. Pall
Pat_C, Apr 2025
This was the best tour we never taken. Paul created a perfect day for us and customized the day to our interests. I can not recommend this tour enough. Worth every penny!
Response from Host, Apr 2025
We had a great day & I am happy you enjoyed yourselves. You actually did a few fun things that many people don't get to do. Tell your friends to come & visit me here in Cinque Terre. Thank You, Pall
Kris_S, Nov 2024
Amazing trek with Pall (Paul) on this one day trek. He met us at train station in La Spezia as we drove from Hilton Grand Vacation Club in Selvatelle. Pall grew up in USA but has been in Italy for 25 years. He knew many people along our trek. He is very safe, attentive to hikers abilities and knows shortcuts and alternate routes along the way. His knowledge of flora is impressive with him pointing out rosemary, basil, cumin, thyme, Irish strawberries(scrumptious), kiwi, etc. Pall has a unique skill with the cell phone camera (selfies are not great and most people are well intended but are not good photographers). He knows where to take photos along the way, where to position us and the background/lighting and we end up with photos consistent with what we experienced. Amazing history, amazing land and people and a VERY special man is Pall. Our expectations were exceeded. Peter and Kris Sneed. Michigan, USA 🇺🇸
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank You for the great review. When I saw where you were coming from, I knew I had to meet you in La Spezia. Time is of the essence at this time of the year due to the 1-hour commute between trains to each village. I wanted you to see as much as you could & also have some beautiful photographs. I am happy that you both enjoyed yourselves & recommend me to your family & friends. Warm Regards & Happy Holidays, Pall
Casey_T, Oct 2024
Pall was a wonderful guide. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to do the full hike due to rain, but Pall took us for a partial hike and then through several through the villages. His knowledge of the area was vast.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
When the rain gets too heavy, we must keep ourselves safe. We did see the villages and had some fun as well. Thank You for your great review. Please take a look at our African tours as well. Pall
Raymond_A, Oct 2024
We saw a view of Cinqua Terre that would have not been possible on our own. We had a birds-eye view of the five towns.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank You for your review. We hope people can see that we are the best tour you can do in Cinque Terre. We work with people to get the best that we can for them. Can't hike? Then we walk, but we want you to experience the real Cinque Terre. Pall
Maureen_C, Oct 2024
If you are looking for an up-close and in depth tour in Cinque Terre, look no further. Pall is a very organized and detailed trek guide who will immerse you in all of the important (and off the beaten path) details and history of this spectacular area. Pall is very accomodating to different trek skill/ability levels so you’ll have the flexibility to make it work your way. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to see Cinque Terre through the eyes of a well-versed local!
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank You for this beautiful review. We did have a great day together, especially when you have people like yourselves who want to be immersed in the area. The bus tours do not offer this, as you noticed when we entered the villages. Thank You once again, Pall
Tony_H, Aug 2024
Pall is a very engaging trek guide and gave us terrific history of Cinque Terre along our journey. This trek is suitable only for people that are in moderately good physical shape
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank You for the review & I am glad you 4 were happy with the day. If people walk slowly & have a problem, we can help them alternatively. Our guides are experienced in helping you enjoy your time with us. Pall
MarcAnthony_S, Aug 2024
This was an amazing trek! And by 'trek', I mean huge hike! The trek started in Riomaggiore and went through a bunch of villages, some of which seem extremely happy to be cut off from the rest of the world (I'm looking at you, Groppo). Our guide, Pall, is an American ex-pat who speaks beautiful Italian and is accepted as one-of-their-own by the locals - not something they do lightly. He was extremely knowledgeable of the history, geology, and customs of the villages of the Cinque Terre. He's a fantastic guide. While I mentioned that this is a serious trek - one with steep hills and very narrow trails - he made it very manageable with many stops to talk and rest. That said, when we actually stopped in the main villages of the Cinque Terre, it was hard not to look at all the tourists and think that we actually earned the trip. This was my family's favorite excursion!
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank You, Mark Anthony. It was my pleasure to help you and your family. I try my best to help everyone experience the real Cinque Terre. You don't get this on a bus tour for the day. I have a passion for this area and want you to see it as I do. You will never get this on a trip up from Florence by bus or with a guide who doesn't live in Cinque Terre. Thank You again & please tell your friends to find me. I will help them in any way I can to enjoy themselves. Best Regards, Pall
Nicholas_L, Aug 2024
Our guide Pall was incredible! Lives in the area and has a passion for the history and features that make Riomaggiore special and is great at sharing it with you❤️.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank You, Tony & Mary, for your review. I like to know when people enjoy themselves on our trek & tour. Have a great time in Venice. Pall
Tim_B, Jul 2024
We really enjoyed our tour with Pall through Cinque Terre. He knows so many people in town and everywhere we went many of the locals greeted him warmly. He also knows a great deal about the history of the area and we learned a lot about how it evolved over the centuries.
Best of all, Pall knows the best paths to take to hike between the towns of CQ. It was a very hot day when we went and we were very appreciative of the mostly shaded paths he took us on. We encountered very few people on the pretty paths we took whereas we saw from a distance how many people went along paths with very little shade.
I’d highly recommend people to book this tour with Pall.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thank You both for a great day & your excellent review. It was a hot day, but knowing how to get out of the sun was rewarding. I enjoy people like yourselves who want to learn about Cinque Terre. You see these groups being led around to take a photo & one to the next village. I am happy that you chose us as your guide. Thank You, Pall
DiWendel, Jul 2024
A perfect full day in experiencing Cinque Terre. Brigitte is a gem filled with local knowledge, history, nature and just a delight. She kept paced to our needs and adjusted accordingly. Each town unveiled their personality as we hiked in the morning exploring the first three towns, by train the next two and returned by ferry. Highly recommended to feel the appreciation of the farmers and life in Cinque Terre.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thank You for your great review. It was a pleasure to have you on our journey. We had a great time and a lot of fun testing and trying all of our knowledge to discover the flavors we were smelling. Best of all, we found friendship at the end of the day.
Wish you all the best on your travels.
Brigitte
Melissa_G, Jul 2024
Pall is an AMAZING guide! He takes you through all of the key places, but do so in a way that avoids the crowds as much as possible and points out things I never would have seen or known on my own. I would HIGHLY recomment this experience!
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thank You for the great review. As you know, I love to show off Cinque Terre to people who want to see the past in the present. Have fun on your travels, Pall
Cathy_L, Jun 2024
I can’t recommend our guide Pall enough. He is a local (and US ex-Pat) yet knows the Cinque Terre area and history well. He was able to take us on paths to avoid the crowds and had great recommendations for lunch and gelato too. He had great communications prior to meeting so we knew exactly where to meet and get the tickets we needed to purchase for the train.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
I can't Thank You enough for the excellent review. We do our best to make things less complicated for everyone. Plus, having a guide who lives here and knows the real ins and outs is great. Regards, Pall
Chris_S, Jun 2024
This was the highlight of our visit to CT. Pall is an exceptional guide, with extensive historical knowledge of CT and a talent for storytelling. My family and I learned a ton about the area, we enjoyed hiking trails away from the crowds, and we even met a few of Pall's fellow CT residents and friends!
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Thank You for this great review. I need to let people see Cinque Terre through the eyes of a local and bring you into the feeling of being a local. We did have fun on our trek together. Pall
HelenAmanda_S, Jun 2024
What a great tour! Pall was a pro, so knowledgable... not only about Cinque Terra, but wine and herbs and history. Clearly he knows and loves the area. Every place he took us was amazing. It was a long day, but totally worth it... felt like we'd experienced the area on a really deep level. I especially loved coming back on the ferry after our long hike, seeing where we'd been with the wind in our hair... just a great end to a spectacular day.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Thank You for this great review. We always want visitors such as yourselves to see and discover the real Cinque Terre. It is so much more than a check in a box. You have experienced the workings of the past and what it is today. We always have fun on our tours. Thank You Again, Pall
Paul_T, Jun 2024
The tour guide was very informative with access to areas that we otherwise would not have or even known about. I had a lot of fun with the other members of the group and I made some friends. I cannot ask for more than this.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
We are happy that you enjoyed yourself & hope you recommend us to your friends. People like you who want to experience Cinque Terre are always a bonus. Thank You, Brigitte
Gerald_M, May 2024
We enjoyed a great trek with Pall. It was nice to see the countryside of Cinque Terra and hear about some of the area's history. It was also nice to hear how the area's modern economy has been changing. I would highly recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Thank you for this great review. I love it when people like yourselves are interested in Cinque Terre. Sure, there are beautiful photos of the villages. But to see it from a different perspective of agriculture, hard work, and determination to cultivate this land, you have seen and walked over these walls for hundreds of years. Pall
John_V, May 2024
Visiting Cinque Terre is the trip of a lifetime. We only booked one guided excursion on our trip there, but had the good fortune to select an outstanding guide. Pall exceeded all expectations. He actually met us on our arrival, helped us navigate to our accommodations, took us to Bar e Vini a Piè de Mà and gave us an overview of the area, and what to expect on our hike the next day, and then helped us get our Cinque Terre Cards, and gave us great directions to the restaurant where we had reservations (Trattoria dal Billy). It truly made our initial experience in Riomaggiore perfect.
The next day, despite less than perfect weather, we met for a full day where we learned the history of the region, had a great hike, and saw three of the other villages. We did not just check off the box of seeing the sights, but had an immersive experience, all thanks to Pall. We enjoyed our time together so much that a few days later we shared a bottle of wine and had a great conversation with him. We feel like we made a friend on this trip, and he helped make it more special and magical in so many ways with his advice, insight, tips and stories. Finding Pall, and our time with him was one of the highlights of our trip. Because of that experience, we will return, and can't wait to connect with him again!
Sorry for the delayed review, but life got in the way once we returned.
Response from Host, May 2024
Thank You for the glowing review. It is people like yourselves who make my job easy. People who want to learn & see the beauty of Cinque Terre end up fully satisfied. It was my pleasure to have met such friendly people as yourself. I want to help people Experience Cinque Terre & share it with them. Kind Regards, Pall
Alice_M, May 2024
Bridget was truly an amazing tour guide! She was informative, funny, and took breaks with us because we were out of shape, unlike her. We would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see and learn about Cinque Terre.
Response from Host, May 2024
Thank You for the great review. We did have fun together. It is extra special when people like yourselves are interested in Cinque Terre, not a check in the box. All The Best, Brigitte
4vhgzm6vct, Apr 2024
Pall is an amazing guide. He met with us before to talk about the trip and also gave us a quick tour of Reggimiore. He is an American but living here for over 20 years with a very unique perspective. Learned so much about the nature,walls, etc. he was so very mindful of the walking level and made it attainable and fun. The best!
Response from Host, May 2024
I am so happy that you enjoyed yourselves. I want you to learn & see the beauty of Cinque Terre. Our time gives you more insight & how differently you see Cinque Terre when we finished our day. Thank You for the great review, Pall
John_H, Apr 2024
Tour was great, learned about the history of the area, the farming and fishing culture, and the history of the villages. Pall was a great guide, very knowledgeable of the area, as a 22 year resident, he really likes to showcase his home.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank You for the great review. You are correct that I want to showcase my home in Cinque Terre. So many people miss the real part of this area. It is just more than a check-in-the-box and pretty villages.
Len_P, Apr 2024
Our hike with Pall was the highlight of our weekend in Cinque Terra. All of the 5 star reviews that are associated with this tour are accurate. Pall brings the history and natural wonders of Cinque Terra to life as someone who has lived there for 20+ years. He was super helpful even after the tour was over with recommendations and advice for the rest of our trip. Thanks again for everything Pall!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
I am glad you enjoyed your stay & our hike together. I want people to come & see this amazing place. To experience the real part of Cinque Terre. It is far more than a photo & a hike. Thank You for the great review, Pall
From $208.96
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