By Laura Caiswell 
Cinque Terre is one of the indisputable gems of Northern Italy. It’s no wonder, as on top of being irresistibly gorgeous, it boasts mouthwatering cuisine, and prime access to the sea.
Cinque Terre literally means Five Lands, and the region is named after its five picturesque towns.
These villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso – were originally fortified communities and fishing hamlets, and are mainly known for their pastel-colored houses perched on the cliffside.
The views of the towns from the water are jaw-dropping, and equally good are the ones you’ll find getting lost in their narrow alleys.
The site has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s visited by close to 2.5 million people every year. It’s no surprise that there are tours to Cinque Terre departing from all the important cities, including Milan!
The fashion capital is located 139 miles (224 km) from Cinque Terre, and the drive between them takes approximately 3 hours. For this reason, I highly recommend visiting on a tour rather than on your own.
Getting there and back using public transportation would take up your entire day…and that’s all you seem to have to explore the region!
I have personally scouted the best Cinque Terre tours from Milan to help you plan your trip, and make the most of your time. So check them out, take your pick, and remember to pack a swimsuit!
Limited time? These are the ultimate tours:
THE BEST TOUR Milan: Cinque Terre Full-Day Guided Trip With Cruise
PRIVATE TOUR Private Tour of the Cinque Terre from Milan
OUR PICK: The BEST Cinque Terre Tour from Milan
This Milan: Cinque Terre Full-Day Guided Trip With Cruise is our top pick. The tour starts with comfortable transfers by coach to the picturesque Italian Riviera.
You’ll be visiting the striking Cinque Terre, the land where colorful medieval villages meet the sea, with a professional guide.
Start your trip in Manarola, making the most of your free time to wander at your leisure. Then, explore the town of Monterosso, the largest of the five coastal villages and the only one with a proper beach.
There you’ll embark on a boat and cruise along the coastline to enjoy unmatched views of the towns from the sea, taking a peek at Portovenere.
Wrap up the journey in La Spezia, where the coach will be waiting to take you back to Milan.
Why this tour? It’s one of the best Cinque Terre day trips from Milan for the value it offers – on top of the great ratings from previous travelers.
You’ll enjoy hassle-free transfers and free time to explore two of the most charming locations in the area. Not only that, but a boat cruise is included, giving you the chance to admire the ultimate sights of Cinque Terre.
This tour includes: All transfers, a guide, and a boat cruise.
Another Great Tour to Cinque Terre from Milan
Join this full-day Cinque Terre with Portovenere and Boat Cruise From Milan and escape to the spellbinding Italian Rivera.
Kick off the adventure in La Spezia, the gateway to the vividly colored villages, and from there catch a scenic train to Monterosso.
This picturesque town offers a maze of narrow streets and local charm to explore. You’ll have plenty of time for lunch (own expense) before hopping on a boat to Portovenere.
Enjoy the stunning coastal views of the Ligurian Sea, and wander through Portovenere’s historic lanes. Then cruise back to La Spezia, from where you’ll return to the city.
This tour includes: Transfers, a guide, audio headsets, a boat cruise, and bottled water.
Private Cinque Terre Tours from Milan
▶️ Set off for a full-day Private Tour of the Cinque Terre from Milan. This 10-hour exclusive adventure takes you through four of the Cinque Terre villages.
You’ll soak in Monterosso’s charm, traverse Vernazza’s alleys, and visit Manarola and Riomaggiore with your friendly guide. Each visit will last about an hour, and half-way through the day you’ll stop for a delightful wine tasting of local varietals and appetizers.
Get ready to travel between the towns on a scenic boat ride, enjoying the sweeping vistas of the cliff-perched towns from the water.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, boat rides between the villages, free time, and wine tasting.
▶️ Ready to start your day with a fancy first-class train ride? Join this Day Trip Cinque Terre from Milan for a memorable journey.
A friendly guide will unveil the secrets of the coastal paradise, leading you through Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Your group of 8 will be hopping from one postcard scene to another by boat and train.
Take in the stunning views from both water and land, and enjoy plenty of time to wander around each village. As the sun sets, you’ll return to Milan.
This day trip from Milan to Cinque Terre includes: First-class train tickets from Milan, all transfers, a guide, a boat ride, and a flexible itinerary.