Escape the hustle and bustle of Florence city center on a full-day tour of the charming villages of Cinque Terre, world famous for its dramatic coastline and terraced towns of painted houses. Following a pick-up from your hotel (or Livorno Port for cruise ship passengers), drive across the rolling hills of Tuscany and past the Carrara marble quarries en route to Riomaggiore. Your driver will tell the history and explain the traditions of the area along the way. Upon arrival in Riomaggiore, look at the boats in the marina, and stroll the colorful streets to browse the local shops. Continue to Manarola, a picture-postcard village of painted houses surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Transfer by boat (in season) or train to Vernazza, considered the “Pearl of Cinque Terre.” Stop for lunch (own expense) in any of the restaurants on the waterfront. Sample the local cuisine along with a glass of Cinque Terre wine, produced in the region since the 11th century. After lunch, drive along the impressive coast road to Corniglia, the smallest of the 5 villages and the only one that can barely be reached by sea. See the vineyards on the terraces of the Cinque Terre hills, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area before your transfer back to Florence (or Livorno Port).