Cinque Terre Hybrid Boat Tour with Swim Stop

This hybrid boat tour in Cinque Terre sets out from Monterosso, the northernmost of the five villages, and follows the coast south for around three hours with a skipper and crew looking after a small group. It is a panoramic cruise: the boat does not dock at the villages, so the views are the point.

Soon Vernazza appears, with its natural harbour, coloured houses on steep terraces, Doria Castle and the church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia. Further on the boat stops at the most secluded beach of the area, where you can swim in clear water and then taste an aperitif of local Ligurian products with a drink.

• Vernazza with Doria Castle
• Corniglia, the one village high above the sea, among terraced vineyards
• Manarola, whose houses seem to grow from the rock
• Riomaggiore, the southernmost village

After Riomaggiore the boat turns back to Monterosso. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are part of the tour. Snorkeling gear can be brought from home or bought on board, and a fuel surcharge is paid in cash at boarding. The tour is not suited to people with mobility impairments and needs a minimum of four travellers to go ahead.