01 · THE LARGEST
Monterosso al Mare
The largest beach in the Cinque Terre, a seafront promenade, the Giant statue set against the cliff and an old town of narrow lanes. A natural place to start the day, or to swim in season.
Liguria · Italy · UNESCO World Heritage
Cinque Terre with a private chauffeur from Nice
Five colourful villages clinging between vineyards and the sea. We drive you to the gateway of the coast, shape the day around what you want to see and bring you back to Nice in the evening, with no car to park and no train to catch.
- From Nice
- About 297 km · 4 h
- Best format
- Day trip or 2-day stay
- Best season
- April–June, September–October
- Price
- Per vehicle, on quotation
Why go
Five villages, one coastline and almost no roads
Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore cling to the cliffs of the Ligurian coast between Levanto and La Spezia. Terraced vineyards, ochre and pink houses and tiny fishing harbours make this one of the most photographed landscapes in Italy. It is protected as a national park and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Portovenere and the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto.
What makes the villages so charming also makes them tricky to visit: they are largely closed to cars and parking is very limited. The smart approach is to arrive at La Spezia or Levanto, then move between the villages by train, by boat or on foot. That is exactly what we arrange for you, from your pick-up in Nice to your return to the hotel.
The five villages
From north to south, what makes each one special
A day is enough to see three or four without rushing, and we help you choose to suit your pace.
02 · THE MOST PHOTOGENIC
Vernazza
A small square opening onto the harbour, the church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia at the water's edge and the Doria castle tower watching over the bay. The famous postcard view is from the trail towards Monterosso.
03 · THE MOST AUTHENTIC
Corniglia
The only village without direct access to the sea, perched on its headland among the vines. You climb up from the station by a long flight of steps or by shuttle bus, for quieter lanes and a viewpoint over the whole coast.
04 · THE MOST ROMANTIC
Manarola
Houses stacked on the rock, terraced vineyards that produce Sciacchetrà, the local sweet wine, and the finest sunset view from the path around the point. The perfect place to end your day.
05 · THE LIVELIEST
Riomaggiore
The southernmost village, closest to La Spezia: colourful tower houses tumbling down to a tiny harbour of fishing boats. This is where the Via dell'Amore begins, the cliffside path that leads to Manarola.
A typical day
Nice to the Cinque Terre and back, with nothing to organise
This is an example programme, adjusted to every request: times, villages and breaks are agreed with you before departure.
07:00 · NICE
Pick-up at your hotel
Saloon or van depending on your group, water on board, then the motorway along the Riviera past Monaco, Sanremo and Genoa, with a coffee stop on the way if you like.
11:00 · LEVANTO OR LA SPEZIA
Drop-off at the gateway to the Cinque Terre
We drop you at the station that suits your first village best, with practical pointers on the Cinque Terre card, the trains and the boats running that day.
11:30 – 17:00 · THE VILLAGES
Monterosso, Vernazza and Manarola at your own pace
A few minutes by train between each village, lunch overlooking Vernazza harbour, and the boat in season to see the coastline from the sea.
17:30 · RETURN
Your driver waits at the agreed meeting point
No train timetable to worry about on the way back: you leave when you are ready, within the time agreed together, and rest during the drive.
21:30 · NICE
Drop-off at your hotel
Back at your door in the late evening. Possible variation: a stop in Portofino on the way out, or in Portovenere for the sunset.
The road from Nice
The whole Italian Riviera unfolds along the way
Nice
Departure
Monaco
Optional stop
Sanremo
Riviera dei Fiori
Genoa
Old town
Portofino
Variation
Cinque Terre
Levanto · La Spezia
Practical information
What to know before you go
Access by car
Traffic and parking are very restricted in the villages. Your driver drops you at Levanto, at La Spezia or at the closest permitted access point, then collects you from the same place.
Trains between the villages
The regional line links the five villages in a few minutes. The Cinque Terre Treno card covers train journeys on this stretch and access to the park's paid trails.
Boats in season
From spring to autumn, boats run along the coast between La Spezia, Portovenere and the villages, except Corniglia, which has no harbour. Sailings depend on sea conditions.
When to go
April to June and September to October bring soft light and fewer visitors. In July and August, set off as early as possible and bring water and sun protection.
Luggage and accommodation
Staying overnight? Send us your address: we plan the closest drop-off point and the last stretch on foot or by train with your suitcases.
Documents
Italy is in the Schengen Area, but every passenger, children included, should carry a valid passport or identity card, as for any border crossing.
Our options
Three ways to discover the Cinque Terre
TRANSFER
One way
From Nice or Nice Côte d'Azur airport to your accommodation or the nearest station, luggage included, at the time that suits you.
Price per vehicle, on quotation
MOST REQUESTED
Private day trip
There and back in a day, a driver at your disposal and a village plan prepared with you, with drop-off and pick-up at the most convenient points.
Price per vehicle, on quotation
SHORT STAY
Italian Riviera
Two days or more with Genoa, Portofino and the Cinque Terre, nights on the coast and every transfer between stops arranged.
Price per vehicle, on quotation
Just need a transfer?
From A to B, without a tour
For a one-way or return trip without sightseeing, the route page covers pick-up, luggage and booking.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions about the Cinque Terre
Anything else? Message us on WhatsApp and we will reply with a programme and a quotation.
How long does it take to drive from Nice to the Cinque Terre?
Allow about 4 hours for roughly 297 km, depending on traffic on the Ligurian motorway and on whether you arrive at Levanto or La Spezia.
Can the driver drop us in the centre of the villages?
Rarely, as road access is heavily restricted. We drop you at Levanto, La Spezia or the closest permitted access point, and you continue by train, by boat or on foot.
Can we do the return trip in a single day?
Yes, it is our most requested option. It is a long day, with about 8 hours of driving in total, so a two-day stay is more relaxing.
Do we need to buy the Cinque Terre card?
It is useful if you take the train several times and walk the park trails. We tell you which version suits your programme.
How much does a Cinque Terre day with a driver cost?
The price is set per vehicle, not per person, depending on the duration, the number of passengers and the stops. Send us your date on WhatsApp for a quotation.
Can we combine it with Portofino or Genoa?
Yes, as a stop on the way or as part of a stay of several days. We adjust the programme so you still have time to enjoy each place.
Guest experiences
Journeys our guests remember
Discover experiences displayed by Google Maps after a transfer, airport welcome or private day with OK VTC.
View all reviews on Google MapsReviews are suggested and ranked by relevance by Google. OK VTC does not choose their order.
Combine with
More destinations with a chauffeur
Your day in the Cinque Terre
Tell us your date, we will take care of the rest
Number of passengers, your hotel in Nice, the villages you would love to see: send us these few details and we will come back to you with a full programme and a price per vehicle.
Photo credits
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, published by their authors under free licences.