Jewels of Cinque Terre Tour Review (Cruise Excursion)
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If your cruise stops in La Spezia and you’re thinking about visiting Cinque Terre but don’t want to deal with trains, tickets, or figuring out the logistics on your own, Royal Caribbean’s Jewels of Cinque Terre tour might be just what you need.
I did this exact tour back in 2019 during a Mediterranean cruise, and it ended up being one of the highlights of my trip.
The day included a visit to beautiful Portovenere, a boat ride along the Cinque Terre coast, and a stop in Monterosso al Mare, one of the villages to explore on foot.
While the itinerary has changed slightly over the years, the overall experience is still quite similar.
In this post, I’ll walk you through what the tour was like, what’s different now, and whether it’s worth booking through the cruise line, or if you might prefer visiting Cinque Terre from La Spezia on your own.
I’ve also linked to my updated guides to help you plan whichever option suits you best.
What to Expect from the Jewels of Cinque Terre Tour
This cruise excursion is a popular choice for a reason—it combines stunning views, a bit of local history, and a relaxing day without having to plan anything yourself.
🏘️ Portovenere: Guided Tour and Some Free Time
The tour started with a scenic drive to Portovenere, a beautiful seaside town often called the “sixth Cinque Terre.” As soon as we arrived, I was hooked—the colorful harbor, narrow streets, and peaceful vibe made it feel like a hidden gem.
We walked along Via Capellini, the old town’s main street, lined with souvenir shops, bakeries, and plenty of gelato spots.
It’s actually a great place to pick up souvenirs, often cheaper than in the Cinque Terre villages.
If you have time, it’s worth walking up to the Church of St. Peter, perched on a rocky point above the sea. The views from up there are incredible.
The name Portovenere—or Portus Veneris—refers to a temple dedicated to the goddess Venus that once stood where the church is now.
Just below it is Byron’s Grotto, named after the poet who found inspiration in this dramatic stretch of coast.
Since I didn’t have much time, I headed back to the harbor, where I treated myself to a coffee and a chocolate waffle (I’m a chocolate addict, by the way!).
It was the perfect little break before boarding the boat for the Cinque Terre part of the tour.
⛴️ Scenic Boat Ride Along the Cinque Terre Coast
After spending nearly two hours in Portovenere, it was time to leave this fairytale town and board the ferry to Monterosso al Mare, the final and largest of the Cinque Terre villages.
The boat ride was one of the highlights of the day. It’s the best way to get a feel for all five villages if you’re short on time.
The journey takes about an hour, with stops along the way to pick up or drop off passengers in each village. If you’re part of a guided tour, like I was, your guide will organize the tickets and boarding for you—no stress involved.
Our boat was a double-decker, and I definitely recommend heading to the top deck for the best views.
Just keep in mind there’s no shade, so bring a hat, sunscreen, or sunglasses—or all three. And here’s a tip: try to sit on the starboard side (the right-hand side if you’re facing forward), so you get the closest views of the villages as you sail past.
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You’ll see each village from the water—a completely different perspective than arriving by train or hiking in. I’ll walk you through what you’ll spot from the boat next.
🔗 Check out Cinque Terre tours from La Spezia if you’re thinking of going on your own.
As the boat pulls away, have your camera ready—the mix of colorful villages, cliffs, and sea views is something you’ll want to remember.
Starting from Portovenere, you’ll approach the villages in the following order:
🌅 Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is the first village you’ll pass after leaving Portovenere. It’s known for its brightly painted houses stacked tightly along the cliffs and its dramatic location tucked between sea and stone.
From the boat, you’ll see the tiny harbor carved between rocky outcrops and the buildings rising steeply behind it. It’s a favorite among photographers thanks to its postcard-perfect look.
It’s also one of the most romantic spots in Cinque Terre, especially at sunset. The main path through the village is called Via dell’Amore (Lover’s Lane), a fitting name for a place with such an intimate atmosphere.
If you’re visiting on your own, Riomaggiore is also a good place to start or end a hike, and there’s even a tiny beach tucked below the rocks near the marina.
🌇 Manarola
Manarola is the second-smallest and one of the oldest Cinque Terre villages, perched on a cliff about 70 meters above the sea. It’s known for its peaceful vibe, colorful houses, and incredible sea views.
At the heart of the village is the Church of San Lorenzo, built in the 14th century, and a small square lined with cozy seafood restaurants.
From there, narrow lanes lead to the edge of the cliffs—and one of the best viewpoints in all of Cinque Terre: Punta Bonfiglio. It’s a short, slightly uphill walk, and the panoramic views over the harbor and coastline are worth every step.
Manarola is also the starting point of the famous Via dell’Amore, the scenic walking path that connects it to Riomaggiore. The full trail takes about 20 minutes, but even a short section offers unforgettable views.
🍇 Corniglia
Corniglia is the only Cinque Terre village that can’t be reached by sea, so I admired it from a distance as we sailed past.
Perched on a rocky promontory 100 meters above sea level, it’s surrounded by terraced vineyards on three sides and offers a very different feel from the other villages.
With a long wine-making tradition and roots going back to Roman times, Corniglia has a quiet, authentic atmosphere.
Even Boccaccio mentioned it in his Decameron. It may not have a harbor, but it’s well connected by train and hiking paths, and worth visiting if you’re exploring on your own.
🏞️ Vernazza
Vernazza was the village that impressed me the most as we approached by boat. With its tiny beach, colorful harbor, and restaurants overlooking the sea, it has a picture-perfect, laid-back vibe that’s hard to beat.
Rising above the village is the Belforte Tower, part of the 11th-century Castello Doria, which once served as a lookout and defense against pirate attacks.
The village also has a few churches that add to its historical charm, especially the Church of St. Margaret of Antioch, which stands right by the water and shapes Vernazza’s iconic skyline.
Although my tour didn’t stop here, I’ve seen that the updated version of the Jewels of Cinque Terre tour now includes a guided walk through Vernazza, giving visitors a chance to explore this beautiful village up close.
📸 If you want to know the best photo spots in each Cinque Terre village, I’ve covered them all in my Cinque Terre from La Spezia guide, along with tips for visiting on your own.
🏖️ Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso was our final stop on the tour, where we had about an hour to explore.
It’s the largest of the Cinque Terre villages and the most resort-like, thanks to its long sandy beach—one of the few in the area where you can actually stretch out on the sand.
The beach is lined with sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, though prices can be steep, so it’s worth asking before you settle in.
The village is packed with hotels, souvenir shops, restaurants, bars, and of course, gelaterias.
But beyond the beachy vibe, Monterosso also has a few impressive historic sights.
If you have time, don’t miss the 13th-century Church of St. John the Baptist, with its striking black-and-white striped facade, and the nearby Baroque Chapel of Mortis et Orationis.
Both are easy to find and definitely worth a quick visit before heading back.
The train station is just a few steps from the beach, which makes Monterosso one of the easiest villages to access, especially if you’re traveling on your own.
Our group had an organized wine tasting at a local store, and it was one of the highlights for me—I had the chance to try some incredible regional wines. The whole area is known for its wine cellars, so if you love wine, this is a great place to sample a few.
And of course, I couldn’t leave without grabbing some gelato—the perfect sweet ending to a full day of sightseeing.
After our time in Monterosso, we took the train to Levanto, where our bus was waiting to take us back to La Spezia.
What’s Changed Since Then?
I took this tour in 2019, and while the overall experience is still similar, Royal Caribbean has updated the itinerary slightly for 2025.
Back then, we started with a guided walk through Portovenere, followed by some free time to explore the town and take in the views.
We then boarded a boat for a scenic ride along the Cinque Terre coast, stopping in Monterosso al Mare, where we enjoyed some time on our own and a wine tasting at a local shop.
The current version of the tour now begins with a stop in Vernazza, which wasn’t part of my itinerary. Guests get about an hour of free time to explore the village before continuing to Monterosso, where a local lunch is now included.
The final stop is in Portovenere, which still includes a guided visit through the old town.
So while the order of stops has shifted and Vernazza was added, the tour still includes all the key elements: a private boat ride, two of the five Cinque Terre villages, and a visit to the stunning town of Portovenere.
Just keep in mind that sea conditions can affect the route, so small changes are always possible.
Should You Book the Cruise Excursion or Visit Cinque Terre on Your Own?
If you’re stopping in La Spezia on a cruise, you’ve got two main options: book a guided tour like Jewels of Cinque Terre, or explore the villages independently. I’ve done both—and each has its pros and cons depending on your travel style.
✅ Why Book the Cruise Excursion?
- Everything is taken care of — no need to worry about train schedules, ferry tickets, or getting back to the ship on time.
- Boat ride with fewer crowds — while it wasn’t empty, the boat was reserved for our group, so it felt more comfortable than the busy public ferries.
- Relaxed pace — you visit two villages, enjoy a wine tasting or local lunch, and still have time for a guided walk in Portovenere.
- Great for first-time visitors or anyone who prefers a more laid-back experience with scenic views and light walking, without planning every detail yourself.
🧭 Why Go On Your Own?
- More flexible — you can visit more villages, choose your own timing, and stay longer in the places you love.
- Less expensive — especially if you’re traveling with others or don’t need a guide.
- Easy to do from La Spezia — trains and ferries run frequently, and I’ve covered all the details in my DIY guide to visiting Cinque Terre from La Spezia.
💡 My Tip
If you want a comfortable, no-planning-required day with scenic views and just the right amount of activity, the Jewels of Cinque Terre tour is a great option, especially if you prefer the peace of mind of booking through your cruise line.
But if you’re a confident traveler who enjoys exploring independently, doing it on your own gives you the freedom to visit more villages at your own pace.
👉 If you are looking for reliable shore excursions at lower prices, you can also find great Cinque Terre tours on trusted platforms like Viator and GetYourGuide — both offer smaller group experiences, skip-the-line options, and flexible cancellation.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning to take the Jewels of Cinque Terre tour or explore the villages on your own, this part of Italy is truly unforgettable. I really enjoyed the tour — it was scenic, well-organized, and gave me just the right mix of guided time and freedom to explore.
If you’re someone who prefers having everything arranged for you, this cruise excursion is a solid choice.
But if you’re more adventurous or want to see more of the Cinque Terre villages at your own pace, you might enjoy the DIY route even more.
👉 For step-by-step tips on how to visit Cinque Terre on your own from La Spezia, check out my full guide here.
👉 Or, if you’re still planning your day in port, head over to my La Spezia Cruise Port Guide for everything you need to know, including how to get to Florence and Pisa.
🛳️ Planning a Mediterranean cruise? My Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide ebook is packed with practical tips, port highlights, and local advice to help you make the most of every stop.
No matter how you choose to explore it, Cinque Terre is one of those places that will stay with you long after your cruise is over.
You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, USA & Canada, Middle East, Australia & New Zealand
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