La Spezia, located along Italy’s stunning Ligurian coast, is more than just a gateway to Cinque Terre. It’s a strategic departure point for travelers arriving by cruise ship, offering a multitude of fascinating destinations within just one hour’s drive. With a private minivan and local guide, you can craft a dream itinerary combining natural wonders, artistic heritage, local cuisine, and charming villages. Whether you’re drawn to world-famous monuments or secret hill towns, this guide outlines the top one-day excursions from La Spezia port—all accessible and timed to get you back before your ship departs.
If you are planning your time ashore, you may also want to explore our dedicated guide to
what to do from La Spezia cruise port, with curated shore excursions designed around cruise schedules.
Coastal and Scenic Destinations
1. Portovenere
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Portovenere is one of Liguria’s most enchanting villages. Famous for its colorful harbor, dramatic cliffs, and the Gothic Church of San Pietro perched on the rocks, it offers postcard-perfect scenery with a relaxed vibe.
Highlights: Byron’s Grotto, Castle of Doria, panoramic promenade
Distance: ~25 minutes
2. Cinque Terre Drive-By (or Access Point)
While driving directly into the five villages of Cinque Terre is restricted, your minivan can take you to scenic viewpoints overlooking Manarola or Corniglia.
Highlights: Clifftop views, colorful terraces
Distance: ~30–40 minutes
3. Lerici and Tellaro
These seaside gems are nestled in the Gulf of Poets, offering a quieter alternative to Cinque Terre.
Historic Towns and Cities
7. Pontremoli
Located in northern Tuscany, Pontremoli is known for its stone bridges, narrow alleys, and truffle-rich forests.
Highlights: Medieval streets,
private truffle hunts in Lunigiana, Castello del Piagnaro
Distance: ~1 hour
Natural Wonders and Unique Landscapes
8. Carrara Marble Quarries
Take a journey into the mountains where Michelangelo sourced his marble. The quarries of Carrara offer jeep tours that take you deep into active excavation sites, revealing dramatic scenery and centuries of craftsmanship.
For a deeper cultural and gastronomic experience, this can be combined with a tasting of the famous cured pork specialty in Colonnata. Discover our Carrara marble quarries and Lardo di Colonnata day trip .
Highlights: Marble jeep tour, quarry viewpoints, local food
Distance: ~45 minutes
Food, Wine & Artisan Experiences
11. Truffle Hunt in Lunigiana
Join a certified truffle hunter and trained dog in the forests near Pontremoli or Filattiera. After the hunt, enjoy tastings of fresh truffle dishes and local wines.
This experience is available as a private shore excursion from La Spezia and is one of the most authentic food experiences in northern Tuscany. View the Lunigiana truffle hunt experience .
Highlights: Real hunt, seasonal truffles, vineyard tasting
Distance: ~1 hour
Final Thoughts
A single day in port doesn’t mean settling for rushed group tours. With a private minivan and a flexible itinerary, you can explore marble quarries, truffle forests, medieval towns, or coastal villages—all tailored to your cruise schedule.
Plan your custom one-day excursion from La Spezia today and turn your port stop into the highlight of your cruise.
Discover more from Emilia Delizia
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.