Private Cinque Terre Trek & Tour
Recommended by 99% 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 with language barriers, and you'll learn about the villages' history dating back to the 9th and 11th centuries, plus their 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
Riomaggiore train station in front of the Station bar at around 8:30 am. Upon booking, we will provide detailed instructions on how to reach us. If you are coming from outside the area, we can help you with train information or parking details. We are here to help you & make your day memorable.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Start time.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
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 146 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
I have had the most amazing experience over the last few days. Firstly, Pall met me at the train station when I arrived, to make sure that I got safely to my accommodation...and then gave me a quick tour of the village (Riomaggiore - also recommended by Pall as the best place to stay)....the next morning, the day of my trek, he met me again with my guide for the day - Brigitte.
Off we then went on our adventure for the day. The first 4 hours or so, was trekking up hill and down dale. Brigitte was very knowledgeable, and knew all the plants along the way (love how she also prunes the prickly ones along the way to make it safe for trekkers), including the edible ones. She also new the best places to take pictures - and as I was travelling on my own, she took lots of photos with me in them, which I appreciated no end. We stopped to rest when we needed to, as well as get a drink or fill waterbottles along the way. When we reached Manarola, this was the 'hard' part done for the day. We stopped and had a light lunch (I had the local foccacia with cheese and tried another local bread), then coffee to get us on our way. We then caught the train to Vernazza, where we (well, I did!) yummy gelato. A quick explore of the village and the highlights (love, love, love the churches - so much history!!) and then on the train again to Monterosso. This is more of a 'resort' town, and was very busy, but we snuck away from the crowds a little and explored the old town before heading back to the marina to catch the ferry back to our starting point.
What a magnificant way to end the tour - as we could then see where we had walked (wow, we did get up high!!) as well as see the intensity of the colours of these amazing villages.
I had the best day. I am so grateful for everything that both Pall and Brigitte have done for me.
If you have read this far, BOOK A TOUR TODAY! They are amazing!
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for your glowing review. We love to have people like yourself to come to Cinque Terre to explore the hidden beauty it offers. Many people come here & miss the real part of the area. This is not a check in a box. If came here on a bus tour you did not see Cinque Terre. You must experience it & must find someone who can take you off the beaten path. We would love to share our knowledge to help you enjoy your time here. Regards, Pall
We had a fantastic tour treck in Cinque Terre, our guide Pall is very knowledgeable and patient; even though there was a storm, we enjoyed beautiful views and learned a lot.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
I know we had to deal with storm after we started to make our way up the hillsides. I could see the rain coming & I changed our normal route & to be safe as well. As it turned out the rain hit us when we entering Manarola & the trekking over. It was good that I provided you both with rain Jackets. The only bad choice was you staying in Corniglia. You needed a bus up & down with no shelter to wait in. Thank you for your review, Pall
Fantastic experience with our tour guide, Pall! He took us the proper way and not the easy way, to see the trail between towns, see the towns from above, while sharing his knowledge about the trails, vegetation and the way of life thru the years. Highly recommend this tour, especially with Pall!
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank You for the great review. We had a fun day taking in the views & talking about the history as we went on the trek/tour in Cinque Terre. Wishing you a fun filled adventure on the rest of your holiday. Pall
Paul was incredible. The trek was away from the tourist crowds, nicely paced and he knew so much about the area. In fact, a local told me "Paul knows more about Italy than then Italians" and they were correct. I could not recommend this more. If you are on the fence, book. You will not be disappointed:)
Response from Host, Sep 2026
We had a great time & even you staying in Manarola we did the trek backwards. Cooler morning start for us, the views were out of the ordinary. That day was also this way actually. Thank you for the wonderful review, best would be if people read it & book. I know as you, they won’t see Cinque Terre if they miss this opportunity. A real private tour & fun as well. Regards & thank you, Pall
We had a fantastic day with Pall. He knows the history of Cinque Terra area well. He showed us the unusual trek. We walked through private vineyards of acquainted farmers. He knows the best spots for pictures. We enjoyed his stories on the Cinque Terra villages and other villages. If you want to know about the mysterious Swissotel, just ask Pall. We recommend!
Response from Host, Sep 2026
That was funny about the Swiss Hotel, but you seen it for yourselves. It my pleasure to have you in this hike/tour. Learning about the area should be the #1 on everyone’s list. The wonderful views with history under your feet. A great time A fantastic day we enjoyed together. Thank you for the great review & enjoy your holidays. Pall
We spent the whole day with Pall, meeting in the morning and finishing in the evening. He told us a lot about the history, about the lives of the people working on the farms both from now and in the past. He gave a lot of attention to the details which could be easily missed without prior knowledge. The way he took us around the mountains made the hike very comfortable and enjoyable, compared to some days we had without him where we were dying as we ascended. We had a lovely lunch in a place he recommended, the food was delicious. Pall took us on very nice routes, ones which you wouldn't find without a guide like him.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for the great review & how you enjoyed your day with me. I want people to see Cinque Terre from the inside. Have a good time taking photos, playing the name that herb & slowly taking in the beauty this area holds for the ones who really want to see Cinque Terre. Thank You Again, Pall
Pall has a wealth of local knowledge and he did a great job sharing interesting details and pointing out historical facts. We viewed and visited the Cinque Terre towns and enjoyed various vantage points using hiking trails and train rides. We learned about herbs, plants, fruit trees, grapes, and how the stone walls were built. Challenging with uphills, downhills, steps, yet paced nicely to enjoy the scenery and stop as often as we wanted for amazing views and pictures. Highly recommend Pall and this tour for a one of a kind private trekking experience.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
I am always glad when I have such people hiking with me. I want to share my knowledge & have you see how this beautiful place was put together. You appreciate the area more when you see it from the inside & out. Thank You, Pall
Pall is very knowledgeable about the area. He knows all the great spots for the views and pictures. Our family had a wonderful day! Great views, lunch and Gelato. It was a perfect way to see the CT.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank You! As always, I try my very best to show Cinque Terre in a way that everyone can appreciate the beauty. Not just a photo of the villages. You've got to see it from above & below. Glad you all had a great time. Regards, Pall
Informative, well thought through, rich in content but also laid back. Loved it the whole time with Paul
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for the review. I enjoyed taking you on this trek & showing you the hidden beauty of Cinque Terre. To see this wonderful place in a way that opens your eyes to the area & the people. Maybe I will see you on one of my future African adventures. Pall
Paul has an awesome personality and is incredibly knowledgeable about the history of the Cinque Terre region. He made the tour both informative and enjoyable, and his passion for the area really came through.
I hope to join one of his tours in another destination in the near future!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you. We had such a nice day exploring the trails, where we didn't see many people—taking in the history & all the beautiful views from above. I, too, hope you find time to join us on our African adventures in the winter months. Regards, Pall
What an amazing way to experience Cinque Terre! We highly highly recommend Pall. He took us hiking on trails that avoided the crowds and shared all kinds of historical and current information about the area with us. Even though there is quite a bit of elevation gain at points, he sets such an easy pace, stopping along the way at scenic points or to explain something to us. He knows all the scenic spots to take pictures so we ended up with a really nice assortment of photos to remember our trip. The lunch spot was fabulous - best mussels we’ve ever had!
This was the highlight of our entire Italy trip!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank You, Sara. My reward in all of this is that you had a great experience & enjoyed your day. I see so many people on these big tours being lugged around with no insight into Cinque Terre. You made my day with the wonderful review. Regards, Pall
Pall was a very knowledgeable guide that gave us lots of insights on the various villages in Cinque terre. He took us on trails that avoided the crowds and was very entertaining.
Response from Host, May 2026
Lori, Thanks for the review & very happy you all enjoyed your day with me. I like it when people show an interest in what they are seeing & experiencing. Hope the rest of your travels are as good. Regards, Pall
Our guide, Pall, was amazing! He led us from Rio Maggiore to Manarola on what felt like our own private trails, picking the perfect route the whole way. He even stopped to take great photos of us so we’d have memories to keep forever. Super knowledgeable, friendly, and made the whole hike feel special. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank You, Brenda, for this great review. Keeping you away from the crowds makes it all the more special. Showing you the beauty of Cinque Terre that most people do not get to experience. To see these bus tours, which are a waste of time & money. The test of herbs was also fun along the way. Nature is all around us on this trek. Hope the rest of your holidays are as much fun. Regards, Pall
Pall was awesome - so knowledgeable about the towns, the trails, everything. We walked with Pall our first day in Cinque Terre and it sets an amazing basis for the next 3 days.
Would highly recommend taking this or another tour with Pall whether it is your first time in CT or you have been before and want to see it from a local’s perspective.
Thank you Pall!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank You, Mark. It is always my pleasure to have people on any tour with me who want to really see CT & its surrounding areas. Just to come here & think you can do this from a guidebook, you miss the hidden beauty. Of course, many do just this or take a day-long bus tour. I really want people to come here & experience Cinque Terre. Pall
We had a great day hiking and learning about the towns and people of cinque terre.
Our guide was very knowledgeable. We would definitely recommend this to anyone wanting an active day!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much, Mindy, for your positive review. It was great to hike with you. You showed such interest in plants and the area's culture. I wish you wonderful holidays.
Regards, Brigitte, your guide
This hike of Cinque Terre was one of the highlights of our mother/daughter vacation. Pall was an exceptional guide, never rushed, and made sure we had a wonderful day. Thanks to his extensive knowledge, we were able to experience the beauty of Cinque Terre away from the crowds. He introduced us to the flora and fauna, historical facts, and a local’s perspective of this beautiful area as we hiked, visited other villages, and sampled amazing gelato! It was worth every penny, and more. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants an individualized experience of this amazing part of the world and a wonderful memory to look back on.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank You, for your wonderful review. I am happy to have people who really come to see Cinque Terre, especially when I grasp what they are seeing. Plus, having some fun with the herbs & flowers. I see people spending money on these bus tours & getting little more than photographs. You & many others who have spent their day with me. All have come away with a respect for Cinque Terre. What these people did in the past was amazing. You've seen it & learned about it on your day here. Thank you again & I wish you happy adventures for the rest of your trip. Pall
It was an excellent experience, having a hiking tour with Pall. I really appreciated that he was willing to take a solo traveler on a hike. He was so helpful at explaining everything that I was seeing from wild herbs to the grape and farming process of the area. He definitely knows the hiking trails and explained well how to manage the more challenging parts of the hike. He took me on trails where typical tourists do not go. Many sections of the trail we were by ourselves. Paul takes care of organizing the entire day so I could relax and enjoy the hike. He knew the perfect spots for photos. The morning was a full hike and then the afternoon we spent touring the villages. He knew the most iconic spots of each village and took me to those and suggested picture perfect spots for photos. He also gave me useful suggestions for managing the train system. He also had good suggestions for restaurants. I would highly suggest this tour if you want a hiking experience and also want to see the villages in the area. Paul has everything planned and organized and will make sure you get to see and experience everything fully.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank You, Robin. Funny that we met again today on the train with my trekkers. Everyone is going to Galato in Vernazza. I am happy that you enjoyed your day with me. I want everyone to come & see Cinque Terre in a way that they will remember it for a long time. Tell their friends about the great. time they had. Thank you for the wonderful review. Pall
You can see Cinque Terre beauty on your own. You can appreciate the truly amazing history through this tour. Pall was incredible from his connecting with us before the tour to his extensive knowledge during the tour. He took us to incredible areas off the usual tourist path. He was friendly and patient. Highly recommend. Thank you Pall.
Response from Host, May 2026
I love how you & others can appreciate how much I want people to enjoy & see the true beauty of Cinque Terre. You have seen the other tours, with their "meet me back here in half an hour" instructions. This tour is not a check-the-box. Thank You for your great review, Pall
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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