When traveling from Tuscany to the Italian Riviera, the seaside region of Liguria centered on Genoa, you may find it's easiest to get around by rental car, especially if you're inclined to visit some more off-the-beaten-path places along the way. Train travel is also a great option. Liguria covers more than 200 miles (321 kilometers) of Mediterranean coastline, stretching to include Portofino and the Cinque Terre to the southeast and to the French border near Ventimiglia to the northwest. There's a lot to see along the way.
Consider joining our 13-day Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera tour, and you will experience places in Liguria and Tuscany including Manarola, Portofino, Genoa and Pisa. Or, combine the 7-day Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa & Lucca itinerary with another week in Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera.
By Rental Car
Duration: 2.5 to 5 hours, more with stops
Having the freedom to roam around Tuscany and then drive to the section of the Italian Riviera that excites your imagination is easily accomplished by renting a car. If you begin in Florence, Tuscany's largest city, you'll find all the major rental car companies there. It's a 115-mile (185-kilometer) drive to the Cinque Terre from Florence, which will take you about 2.5 hours.
To make your way almost to the French border and Ventimiglia is a 245-mile (394-kilometer) journey, encompassing about 4.5 hours if you drive along the coastline route on the A11 and A10 highways.
By Private Transfer
Duration: 2.5 to 5 hours, more with stops
Hiring a car and driver is a great way to easily transport your whole group from any point in Tuscany to the Italian Riviera. Our specialists will help you determine just what kind of vehicle you need, from standard or luxury sedan all the way to larger vans and small buses.
Choose to book your personal driver by the hour for a flexible way to see the sights along your journey, or simply negotiate a flat fee to travel directly from your starting point to your final destination.
By Train
Duration: 3-7 hours
Italy's train system is very efficient and, assuming you choose a train that makes local stops, can get you to just about anyplace you desire across Tuscany and the Italian Riviera. Trenitalia is the main train company in Italy and is owned by the Italian government. Traveling from Florence to Genoa takes about three hours, from Florence to Ventimiglia is about 6.5 hours.
Remember that you can often book tickets for different classes on the trains in this country, so check for first- or second-class seats on whatever route you choose to ride. Booking in advance via the internet guarantees your seats on the train, but buying tickets at the station is also usually an option as well in Italy. When visiting the Italian Riviera, some villages are in remote or hilly spots, so be prepared to do some walking from the station (or to have to take a taxi for the final leg of your journey).
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