The Best Private Shore Excursions from La Spezia: Complete Guide for Cruise Travelers

How To Explore Cinque Terre, Portovenere, Pisa & Florence with Flexible Private Tours

La Spezia is one of the most strategic cruise ports in Italy for exploring the Ligurian coast and Tuscany. Nestled close to the Cinque Terre National Park and within an easy reach of Tuscany, it offers easy access to UNESCO villages, medieval towns, and some of the most picturesque coastlines in the Mediterranean.

Because of the port’s location and logistics, private shore excursions from La Spezia are the most efficient way to experience the area in a single day. Travelers can explore iconic destinations such as Cinque Terre, Portovenere, Portofino, Pisa, Lucca, and even Florence, all tailored around their ship’s schedule.

Why Choose a Private Shore Excursion from La Spezia Instead of a Cruise Ship Tour

Private shore excursions offer a smoother, more flexible, and more meaningful experience compared to the large tours sold onboard.

Avoid Large, Rigid Group Tours - Cruise-organized tours often run with large groups, fixed schedules, and limited flexibility. Private excursions offer a far more intimate, comfortable experience.

Your Day, Your Way - Whether you prefer scenic villages, cultural landmarks, hidden coves, or gentle sightseeing, the itinerary can be customized entirely around your interests.

Local Expertise That Saves Time - Local drivers and guides understand traffic flows, ferry schedules, train crowds, and peak-hour bottlenecks. This means less waiting, fewer lines, and more time enjoying the destination.

More Respectful, Less Impactful Tourism - Traveling privately — with small groups and mindful routing — helps reduce pressure on small towns such as Cinque Terre and Portovenere.

Comfort and Convenience - Private vehicles pick you up directly at the port (or shuttle point), manage all logistics, and return you to the ship well before departure.

Learn more: Why private tours often provide a better experience than cruise-organized excursions.

Top Private Shore Excursions from La Spezia

Before diving into each option, here are the most popular picks at a glance:

Top Picks From La Spezia:

1. Cinque Terre by Train & Public Boat

This is the classic Cinque Terre experience — perfect for travelers who want to see the colorful cliffside villages in an active, authentic way.

Use local trains and ferries just like residents
Combine 2–4 villages depending on schedule
Scenic coastal viewpoints
Local food stops (pesto, focaccia, seafood)

Considerations: Not suitable for travelers with mobility issues due to uneven terrain, stairs and steep paths. Can be busy during summer.

→ See the Cinque Terre From La Spezia Shore Excursion

best shore excursions from la spezia manarola town with glass of white wine

2. Cinque Terre by Private Boat

A relaxed and exclusive way to see the coast of Liguria from the sea.

Coastal panoramas and hidden coves
Swimming stops in crystalline waters
Option to disembark in select villages
Peaceful sailing away from crowds

Important: Boat tours depend on sea conditions; alternative land itinerary required if seas are rough.

→ See the Cinque Terre From La Spezia Private Boat Tour

3. Portovenere & Gulf of Poets by Private Boat

A stunning UNESCO-listed coastline that many travelers prefer to Cinque Terre: quieter, just as scenic, and deeply atmospheric.

Visit Portovenere’s medieval center, Church of San Pietro, and Byron’s Grotto
Swim stops in secluded coves
Perfect for photography and relaxing

→ See the Portovenere From La Spezia Private Boat Tour

best shore excursions from la spezia view of portovenere town

4. Italian Riviera: Portofino & Santa Margherita Ligure

A wonderful alternative for travelers who prefer a more elegant and relaxed coastal experience rather than visiting Cinque Terre.

Visit Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino, two lovely and colorful Riviera towns
Enjoy a public boat ride though the beautiful Portofino Marine Protected Area
A perfect choice for guests who prefer minimal walking and picturesque sightseeing.

→ See the Portofino Shore Excursion from La Spezia

table set up for lunch at the marina of portofino during shore excursion from la spezia

5. Pisa & Lucca from La Spezia

A perfect combination for guests wanting to explore Tuscany.

Iconic leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa
Lucca’s Renaissance walls and charming historic center
Gentle sightseeing and relaxed pacing
Kid-friendly and ideal for multigenerational families

→ See the Pisa & Lucca From La Spezia Shore Excursion

6. Florence from La Spezia

The most culturally rich option—ideal for first-time visitors to Tuscany.

Visit Florence must-see sites
Customized based on interests: art, food, shopping, photography
Optional stop in Pisa
Savor the authentic and delicious food of Tuscany

Considerations: Longest drive of all tours. Best for travelers with a full day in port

→ See the Florence From La Spezia Shore Excursion

How Long Are Shore Excursions from La Spezia?

Cinque Terre by train/boat: 5-7
Cinque Terre or Portovenere by private boat: 4–7 hours
Italian Riviera: 6–8 hours
Pisa & Lucca: 6–8 hours
Florence: 9–11 hours

Most excursions can be tailored around your all-aboard time. Private services ensure a guaranteed return to the ship.

Tips for Optimizing Your Day in La Spezia

Book early—La Spezia is one of Italy’s busiest cruise ports.
Check and share exact cruise arrival/departure times.
Confirm meeting point
Mention interests—nature, food, photography, art, history.
Inform about mobility levels in your group.
Ask about mixed-mode itineraries (ferry + van + train).
Wear comfortable shoes and pack sun protection

Sustainability & Local Impact

Choosing a private shore excursion means traveling without groups, which helps:

Reduce pressure on the environment and local communities
Support locally owned restaurants, boats, shops, artisans
Encourage respectful tourism in UNESCO areas
Ensure a more authentic and comfortable experience

Client Testimonials / Real Stories

Fantastic Cinque Terre Tour! Absolutely loved this tour! The villages are stunning. Matteo was fun and informative, and the mix of train and boat rides made it super easy to explore. — highly recommend! – Andrew W. – Tripadvisor Review

Excellent private tour - This private tour was well worth the cost. Our tour guide Sonia was just an incredible person with a wealth of knowledge and a charm that made the whole day wonderful. She organized and planned all of the stops, the trains and the ferry with ease and made it so enjoyable for us to sit back, walk and take these beautiful sites Cinque Terra. Sonia organized a beautiful lunch spot for us where they had a perfect their best table waiting for us. Sonya was an excellent tour guide. I highly recommend this tour. – Robbin_S – Viator Review

woman in red dress looking at the marina of portofino during shore excursion from la spezia

Final Thoughts: Why La Spezia Is One of Italy’s Top Cruise Ports

La Spezia offers exceptional access to UNESCO villages, scenic coastlines, medieval towns, and Tuscany’s cultural capitals. Whether exploring the Cinque Terre, sailing the Gulf of Poets, or discovering Florence, the variety is unmatched.

Private shore excursions provide flexibility, authenticity, personalization, and comfort—the key to an unforgettable day in Italy.

Ready to plan your day?

Explore our private tours from La Spezia and book online for instant confirmation:

Have questions or want to customize your experience? Get in touch, we will be happy to assist you.

Further reading

Private Shore Excursions in Italy — Complete Guide

Reaching Cinque Terre from La Spezia — Trains, Ferries, and Hiking

Best Restaurants with a View in Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre: All You Need to Know

What to Wear in Cinque Terre For Sightseeing, Hiking, Restaurants and Nights Out

FAQs for La Spezia Shore Excursions

Can I visit all five Cinque Terre villages in one day from La Spezia?

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Visiting all five often feels rushed and crowded. Most guests enjoy 2–4 villages at a comfortable pace, depending on ship timing and transport choices (train, ferry, or private boat).

Will I be able to take the scenic ferry ride during my tour?

Yes—if conditions allow. Trains run frequently all year, while ferries operate seasonally and depend on sea conditions. Your guide will adjust the route on the day to ensure the smoothest experience.

What happens if the weather is bad for a private boat tour?

Private boat tours are weather-dependent. If the sea is too rough, the tour easily switches to a land-based Cinque Terre itinerary by train or a visit to Portovenere or the Italian Riviera.

How much walking is involved?

It depends on the tour. A Cinque Terre tour involves uneven surfaces, steep terrains and stairs, while options like Portovenere, Pisa, Lucca, or the Italian Riviera require minimal walking. Your tour can be tailored to mobility needs.

Are these tours suitable for kids, seniors, or multigenerational families?

Yes. Routes and timing can be fully adjusted for comfort. Whether you need stroller-friendly paths, easy pacing for seniors, or kid-friendly activities, private tours are designed to accommodate all ages.

What if my cruise ship arrives late or leaves early?

Private excursions are designed around your exact ship schedule. Your guide adapts the timing as needed.

Is there time for lunch during the tour?

Absolutely. Most itineraries allow for a relaxed lunch at a local trattoria or seaside restaurant. Your guide can recommend trusted, authentic places away from the busiest crowds.

Can the tour be customized to my interests?

Yes. You can choose sightseeing, nature, hiking, food & wine, photography, shopping, or a mix. Every private tour can be personalized.

How long are the shore excursions from La Spezia?

Most tours run 6–8 hours, depending on your ship’s schedule. Longer itineraries like Florence require more time, while coastal tours can be easily shortened.

Do I need tickets in advance for attractions like the Leaning Tower or museums in Florence?

For Pisa and Florence, advance timed tickets are strongly recommended. Your provider can help arrange them to avoid long lines.

Will I have free time in the villages or towns?

Yes. Private tours always include moments for photos, shopping, gelato, or simply wandering at your own pace.

Is Cinque Terre suitable for guests with mobility issues?

Generally, Cinque Terre land-based tours are not suitable for people with mobility limitations. We suggest to provide details about physical conditions to discuss what are the available options.

Is La Spezia the best port for visiting Cinque Terre?

Yes. La Spezia is the closest major port to Cinque Terre, with fast access by train, ferry, or private boat. It offers the most efficient starting point for exploring the villages in a single day.

How far is La Spezia cruise port from Cinque Terre?

The closest village, Riomaggiore, is about 15 minutes by train. Monterosso, the farthest, is around 30–40 minutes, making Cinque Terre one of the easiest day trips from La Spezia.

Do I need to worry about crowds in Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre can be very crowded, especially in summer. Private tours help avoid peak times, choose quieter routes, and plan around train or ferry congestion. Best way to avoid crowds is to get a private boat tour.