Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany includes many regions such as Siena, Pisa, Lucca, Livorno, San Gimignano, Pienza, Montalcino, Montepulciano, Volterra and its capital city of Florence.
Tuscany is famous for being the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, for its wine, and for its long list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Many cruise lines list the port as: Florence/Pisa (Livorno).
Unless you are cruising on a small cruise ship, which may dock within walking distance of the Livorno city centre, the main port authorities/cruise lines will provide a short shuttle bus into Livorno city for you.
Distances from Livorno Port:
Florence - 1 hour
Pisa - 30 minutes
Lucca - 45 minutes
Siena - 2 hours
San Gimignano - 1 hour 20 minutes
Volterra - 1 hour 15 minutes
Montepulciano - 2 hours
Livorno
Located near the Livorno Port, the fortress is a historic landmark that offers breathtaking views of the canals and the city.
Take a walk along Via Italia. This road stretches from the start of the port to Parco Bartolini, offering coastal scenery.
Visit Mercato Centrale for local food and goods.
Pisa
Pisa is a city that's hard to resist, with its iconic Leaning Tower as the main draw. However, there's much more to see, such as the Pisa Baptistery and Pisa Cathedral, both located in the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles).
If you're up for a challenge, climb to the top of the tower. Remember to secure your tickets in advance!
Lucca
Lucca is a small yet charming town, enclosed by its famous walls, and well worth a visit.
Lucca is conveniently close to Pisa and can be combined into a single day trip. While in Lucca, don't miss out on visiting the Lucca Cathedral and St. Martin's Cathedral. Climb the stairs to the top of the Lucca bell tower for great views of the town below, although be sure to purchase tickets beforehand.
Take a one-minute walk from the Lucca Cathedral to visit The Church of Saints Giovanni and Reparata, which can be combined with the ticket purchase.
Walking Tour
Lucca is also the birthplace of the famous opera composer Puccini. Be sure to stop by The Puccini Museum, where you can learn about his life and legacy.
Florence
Travel back to the Renaissance period and explore the Tuscan city of Florence. Walk through Florence's UNESCO World Heritage-listed old city center, Cathedral Square, where you can see some of the city's most iconic sites.
Visit the Florence Cathedral and Giotto's Bell Tower, which dominate the skyline, as well as the nearby Romanesque Baptistery.
In Signoria Square, see the Palazzo Vecchio, Arnolfo Tower, Neptune Fountain and the statue of Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David.
Visit the world's largest Franciscan church, the Basilica di Santa Croce, where you can see the resting place of legendary Italians such as Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Dante Alighieri, and Machiavelli.
The Uffizi gallery has a large collection of artwork, including Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and Da Vinci’s “Annunciation.” Book your tickets in advance for this must see attraction.
Palazzo Pitti is home to many museums, including the Grand Dukes' Treasure, the Palatine Gallery, the Imperial and Royal Apartments, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the Museum of Fashion and Costume. Don't miss the Boboli gardens.
Visit the Galleria dell'Accademia where you can see Michelangelo's, David. Book your tickets ahead of time or opt for a guided tour.
Exploring the Chianti Wine Region
Located just south of Florence, Chianti is a celebrated wine region with numerous appellations like Chianti Classico, Chianti Montalbano, Colli Senesi, and Chianti Rufina.
Discover together two of the medieval Tuscan hill towns in this region, Siena and San Gimignano.
San Gimignano, a town situated on top of a hill, is famous for its historic century walls, beautiful skyline, Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and its Piazza della Cisterna.
In the countryside outside of San Gimignano, you can visit many Tuscan wineries.
Continue to Siena, another town with many sites including the Piazza del Campo; one of Europe's most beautiful medieval squares. Here you can visit the City Hall, Siena Cathedral and the Torre del Mangia bell tower. Some other monuments at the square include the Palazzo Sansedoni and the Gaia Fountain.
Montepulciano
Piazza Grande is the main square of Montepulciano. This area is home to some of the most important buildings in Montepulciano, including the Town Hall, the Cathedral of the Assumption, the Contucci Palace, the Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo, and the Well of the Grifi and the Lions.
For one of the best views of Montepulciano, climb to the top of the clock tower on the Palazzo Comunale. You have the option to take the stairs or ride the elevator to the terrace and walk the remaining steps to the top.
There are numerous places in Montepulciano where you can taste the locally produced wine, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, ranging from enotecas (wine shops), to restaurants, and underground cellars.
Guided wine tours are recommended.
Montalcino
Montalcino sit’s on a hilltop, overlooking the Sangiovese vineyards and stunning landscape of Val d’Orcia. A visit to this small town is also a must for wine lovers.
Visit Enoteca di Piazza Wine Room of Fedolfi Andrea Sas , Enoteca Grotta del Brunello, & Enoteca San Giorgio for wine tastings. Cellar Tour.
