Porto venere and Cinque Terre : boat tour with aperitif and lunch

A Boat Tour of Porto Venere and Cinque Terre: An Authentic Ligurian Experience

If you’re considering a day on the water exploring Italy’s renowned Ligurian coast, a boat tour from La Spezia to Porto Venere and Cinque Terre might just be the highlight of your trip. While I haven’t personally taken this exact cruise, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a compelling picture of what to expect. It’s an experience designed for lovers of scenic coastlines, good food, and a touch of luxury on the water.

Two aspects stand out immediately: the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters within a protected natural park and the opportunity to admire the colorful villages from the sea—a perspective that many overlook when exploring by land. On the downside, this tour lasts about six hours, which is a good chunk of your day, and seasickness or mobility issues might make some travelers think twice.

This experience suits those who crave a relaxed, scenic voyage combined with good food and authentic coastal views. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or families looking to enjoy Italy’s seaside from a different angle—on a comfortable yacht with friendly staff ensuring your comfort and enjoyment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Scenic Coastal Views: Experience Liguria’s iconic villages from the water, including Porto Venere and the Cinque Terre towns.
• Water Activities: Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and even the chance to see dolphins, adding an adventurous element to your day.
• Gourmet Touch: A thoughtfully prepared lunch, drinks, and local delicacies make this more than just a boat ride.
• Luxury Experience: The yacht features amenities like showers, toilets, a minibar, and relaxing music, elevating the journey.
• Flexible Planning: The tour runs for around six hours with different starting times; check availability to fit your schedule.
• Value for Money: At $169.93 per person, you get a lot of memorable moments, especially considering the included meals, equipment, and on-board comforts.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Porto Mirabello

Your day begins at Porto Mirabello in La Spezia, a convenient and scenic departure point for exploring Liguria by sea. The meeting point is straightforward, close to the city’s amenities, making logistics manageable. From here, the boat sets sail along the coast, giving you a first glimpse of the Gulf of Poets—a stretch of coastline celebrated for its natural beauty and literary associations.

Porto Venere

The first significant stop is Porto Venere, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This picturesque fishing village boasts a charming harbor, colorful houses, the historic church of San Pietro perched above the sea, and ancient Doria Castle walls. You’ll enjoy a photo stop here to capture the vibrant scenery and maybe stroll briefly, soaking in the atmosphere of this historic harbor. The tour includes a pass-by view, allowing you to appreciate the town’s charm from the sea.

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The Marvel of Cinque Terre from the Water

Next, the boat heads toward the five coastal villages—Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. This unique perspective reveals their vertical charm, with pastel-colored houses clinging to rugged cliffs. You’ll sail among the towering cliffs, taking in panoramic views that are often missed when only on land. The tour emphasizes the natural beauty of the coastline, with opportunities to stop for swimming, snorkeling, and dolphin watching, giving you a taste of the marine environment that surrounds these villages.

Riomaggiore and Scenic Breaks

In Riomaggiore, you’ll have about an hour to take photos, perhaps sample some local snacks, or simply enjoy the scenery. It’s a good chance to get a feel for the village’s narrow streets and lively harbor, even from the boat.

Marola and Corniglia

The cruise next takes you past Marola and Corniglia, with brief photo stops. These less-frequented spots offer a quieter, more intimate view of the Ligurian coast, perfect for those who like to avoid crowds but still want to soak in the scenic charm.

Vernazza

Vernazza is another highlight—a small but vibrant village with a picturesque harbor and colorful buildings. A pass-by view gives perspective, but some travelers also choose to explore on land if time permits. This is often praised for its authentic feel and stunning setting.

Monterosso al Mare

The last stop before heading back is Monterosso, the largest of the five villages, offering a mix of beaches, old town charm, and regional cuisine. Here, you’ll have about 45 minutes to enjoy a wine tasting, regional snacks, or a quick walk along the waterfront. Many reviews mention the high quality of the brunch and local delicacies served onboard, making this a satisfying finale.

Return to Porto Mirabello

After a full day of sightseeing, swimming, and sampling local flavors, the yacht returns to the starting point, completing a memorable loop along Liguria’s coast.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The Water-Based Perspective: Unlike land-based visits, seeing Porto Venere and Cinque Terre from the sea offers a fresh perspective. The towering cliffs, steep vineyards, and pastel villages look especially dramatic from this vantage point. This viewpoint enhances your appreciation of the landscape’s scale and beauty.

Swimming and Snorkeling: The crystal-clear waters and the natural park setting make for excellent swimming conditions. The inclusion of snorkeling equipment and SUP boards encourages you to get into the water, adding a playful and active element to your day.

Gourmet and Relaxing: The thoughtful inclusion of a seafood brunch, drinks, and regional snacks elevates the experience beyond a simple boat ride. On-board amenities such as showers and a minibar add a touch of comfort, making it suitable for those who want a bit more luxury.

Staff and Atmosphere: The crew is described as attentive, with a focus on making your experience memorable. Many reviews highlight the friendly service, which helps turn a scenic cruise into a true treat.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $169.93 per person, this tour offers quite a bit in terms of scenery, activities, and comfort. The cost includes not only the boat ride but also meals, drinks, snorkeling gear, and on-board amenities. When you factor in the value of experiencing these iconic villages from the water, plus the chance to relax and swim, many find this to be a worthwhile splurge.

However, the price does exclude fuel and optional extras, so if you’re planning to extend your time or add special services, costs could rise. But for a well-organized, all-inclusive experience, this tour hits a good balance between cost and memorable moments.

Practical Details: Transportation, Timing, and Group Size

Departure from Porto Mirabello is straightforward, with the activity concluding back at the same spot. The tour lasts about six hours, so it’s suitable for travelers with a flexible schedule. Check availability to see the start times and consider whether the schedule aligns with your plans.

This is a private group tour, which means more personalized attention, but it’s not specified whether the group size is limited. The language is both Italian and English, making it accessible for international visitors. It’s worth noting that the tour isn’t suited for those with mobility issues or seasickness concerns, given the sea-based nature of the experience.

What to Pack and What to Avoid

To make the most of your day, pack essentials like your passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, camera, and sunscreen. Since the tour involves time in the water, bring a towel and possibly insect repellent if you plan to explore on land briefly.

Note that certain items aren’t allowed onboard: shoes (including high heels), pets, large bags, food, drinks, and anything that could be hazardous or disturb other guests. It’s best to keep it simple and lightweight.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This boat tour offers a genuine taste of Liguria’s coast, blending scenic vistas with opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying regional cuisine. It’s ideal for those who want a relaxing day away from crowded land-based sights, especially if you appreciate being on the water and seeing the coast from a fresh perspective.

Families with older children, couples, or small groups looking for a special day out will find this experience rewarding. It’s also well-suited to travelers who prioritize comfort and good food, thanks to the onboard amenities and thoughtfully prepared meals.

However, if you prefer flexibility or have mobility issues, you might want to consider land-based alternatives or shorter excursions. Seasickness or strict schedules could also be a concern for some travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?
This tour involves sailing on the sea for about six hours, so if seasickness is a concern, you might find it uncomfortable. It’s best to consider your tolerance for open water before booking.

Are there options for customizing the stops or itinerary?
The itinerary is fixed, with specific stops and passes-by points. However, the crew is attentive and will take care of your needs during the cruise.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the yacht commander, hostesses, lunch, welcome drinks, soft drinks, beer, water, snorkeling equipment, SUP boards, beach towels, on-board amenities, and taxes.

What should I bring with me?
Bring your passport or ID, sun protection, swimwear, camera, and any personal medications. It’s advisable to wear comfortable clothes and pack light, as large luggage isn’t permitted onboard.

Is the tour family-friendly?
While suitable for many, the tour isn’t recommended for very young children or those with mobility issues due to the boat-based nature and length. Also, certain restrictions like no strollers or baby carriages apply.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing some flexibility if your plans shift unexpectedly.

This boat tour offers a wonderful way to see Liguria’s coast in style, combining scenic beauty, water fun, and regional flavors. Whether you’re after a relaxing day on the waves or an authentic glimpse into Italy’s colorful seaside villages, it’s a memorable option worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: