Florence & Pisa, Italy - Mediterranean Cruises

On arrival in Florence, you will take a walk to Santa Croce Square with your Escort. Sightsee at leisure or enjoy ‘people-watching’ from a ringside seat at one of the cafés in the Piazza della Signoria. Re-visit some of the wonderful monuments missed on a previous occasion or browse in the elegant boutiques in the city or at the goldsmiths on the famous Ponte Vecchio.

This is the perfect tour option for those who want to take in some of the many museums Florence has to offer, such as the Accademia, Uffizi, the Medici chapels and many more.

Alternatively, you may want to take your place in the queue to visit the spectacular interior of the Duomo or climb the heights of its impressive dome for incomparable views of the city.

The day is yours to do as you please. Your Escort will arrange to meet at a specified time and place for the return drive to Livorno.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour is non-guided and exclusive of lunch and entrance fees. The transfer to Florence takes around 1½ hours. Florence is pedestrianised with cobbled streets. Traffic is not permitted and the coach drop-off point is a 15-minute walk to and from the city centre. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The coaches cannot be held for latecomers and a return taxi to Livorno costs around $140.

Rising above the heart of the city is the richly decorated Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo). Standing in its shadow, you will not be surprised to learn that this is the fourth largest church in the world.

See the most striking square in Florence, Signoria Square. The massive Palazzo Vecchio with its high fortress-like walls dominates the Piazza. Here, you can see a copy of Michelangelo's famous statue 'David'.

Santa Croce Square is one of Florence's most pleasant squares. See the lovely church, surrounded by numerous shops and quaint cafés (church exterior only).

Photograph the famous 14thcentury bridge over the River Arno, the serene Ponte Vecchio.

Enjoy some free time for a quick luncheon before heading off for a brief visit to Pisa. Once in the famous and surprisingly small town of Pisa, view the 'Field of Miracles', site of the Cathedral and, of course, the Leaning Tower.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The transfer to Florence takes around 1½ hours. Florence is pedestrianised with cobbled streets. Traffic is not permitted and the coach drop-off point is a 15 minute walk to and from the city centre. The majority of this tour is conducted on foot and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. There is a 15 minute walk to and from the parking area to the Field of Miracles. Time spent at Pisa is un-guided and may be limited. Guests should dress appropriately when entering churches. Luncheon and entrance fees are not included. The order of this tour may vary.

The Piazza del Duomo holds three beautiful buildings, which complement one another perfectly. The Campanile and the Baptistry are set aside the truly stunning Cathedral (exterior visit only).

Admire the Fountain of Neptune, Donatello's ‘Judith and Holophernes’, and a copy of Michelangelo's ‘David’ amongst other fine works in Signoria Square.

Renowned as one of the most pleasant of Florence’s squares, you will have time in Santa Croce Square to enjoy the gems of this charming area.

During your walk through Florence, there will be an opportunity to photograph the famous 14th century Ponte Vecchio Bridge over the River Arno.

You will have the afternoon free to sightsee at leisure. Discover the sights, relax in an open-air café, or simply stroll around soaking up the atmosphere of this magical city.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The transfer to Florence takes around 1½ hours. Florence is pedestrianised with cobbled streets. Traffic is not permitted and the coach drop-off point is a 15 minute walk to and from the city centre. The majority of this tour is conducted on foot and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. You will have around 3 hours' free time. Luncheon is not included. Guests should dress appropriately if entering churches. Coaches cannot be held for latecomers; a taxi to Livorno costs around $140.

Originally an Etruscan trading post, Pisa grew to be one of the greatest commercial and seafaring towns in the Mediterranean. Today, Pisa offers Renaissance splendour intermingled with modern shops and lively cafés.

The setting for the famous Leaning Tower and splendid Cathedral is the Field of Miracles. Here you will also find the Baptistry and Campo Santo. The Cathedral is one of the finest Pisan-Romanesque buildings in Tuscany; its wonderful four-tiered façade is a medley of colonnades and intricate arcades.(exterior visit only)

The foundations of the Leaning Tower of Pisa began to subside when the builders reached the fourth storey, and each year it was said to lean a little more. A band around the tower prevented further lean, and the tower is now in the same condition as it was in 1810 (exterior visit only).

Time permitting, you will have a chance to do a spot of shopping and browse Pisa's many souvenir stalls.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The majority of this tour is on foot, flat comfortable walking shoes are recommended. There is a 15 minute walk to and from the coach park to the Field of Miracles.Entrance to the Tower is approximately 20 Euros. Euros are accepted for purchases.

Board your boat for a scenic ride along the Arno River, which will allow you to see the principal sights of Pisa's historical centre while your guide gives commentaries on the monuments and the city's history.

Following your boat ride you will be transferred by trolley train to the main square of Pisa, the Field of Miracles. You guided tour of the square will include an exterior visit of the famous Leaning Tower, the Cathedral and Baptistery.

You will have around 45 minutes of free time to enjoy Miracle Square. Take some photographs of the incredible Leaning Tower, do a spot of souvenir shopping, enjoy an ice cream or relax in a nearby café.

Take note of the meeting point for your trolley train transfer back to the parking area, where you will rejoin the coach for the return drive to Livorno.


This excursion will operate by coach, boat and trolley train. Guests' must be able to negotiate steps on and off the coach as well as the trolley train and boat. The trolley has only limited storage for wheelchairs. The amount of walking during the free time is at guests' discretion; the terrain here is flat. Comfortable, flat shoes are recommended.

Before arriving into one of Europe's most captivating cities, you will make a stop at Piazzale Michelangelo, a perfectly situated terrace offering fabulous views over Florence.

Take a trip up to the typically Florentine church of San Miniato perched on the highest point in Florence, offering a wonderful panorama. Your guide will show you inside this charming church built in 1013. Continue to Palazzo Davanzanti Museum, a fine example of a noble Florentine house built in the 14th Century.

Within Florence, you will have an opportunity to visit one of the most famous galleries in the world, the Uffizi. This incredible museum contains one of the greatest collections of paintings in existence. Feast your eyes on works by da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rubens, and many more.

Luncheon will be served at an enchanting restaurant where you will enjoy a spectacular view over the Cathedral Dome (weather permitting).

Following luncheon, you will take a guided walk to Piazza Signoria to see the remarkable Renaissance sculptures and architecture. You will also have some free time for shopping or independent exploration before returning to the ship.


This excursion will operate by minibus and on foot. Due to limited availability, early booking for this tour is recommended. The transfer to Florence takes 1½ hours. Florence is pedestrianised with cobbled streets. The majority of this tour is conducted on foot and flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. Guests should dress appropriately when entering churches. The view from the restaurant is dependent on weather conditions. The order of this tour may vary.

Perched on the Tuscan hills of Pisa, with the ancient arena of Lari as its back garden, is the world famous family-run ‘Martelli’ pasta factory.

Since 1920, the Martelli family have been producing 4 different shapes of pasta ‘spaghetti’, ‘Penne Classiche’, ‘Spaghettini’ and ‘Maccheroni di Toscana’. What makes this even more special is that only family members work in the factory and because of this, have lovingly kept up the passion of this great Italian tradition.

After your visit, we’ll take you on a scenic ride through the Italian wine country to visit a typical farmhouse, where you will learn about the production of wine and enjoy a generous portion of pasta, and pizza accompanied by local wine.

Finish your experience with a taste of vin santo, a typical sweet wine with cantuccini biscuits. After a few hours filled with the aromas and tastes of Tuscany, take in more beautiful scenery during the return drive to Livorno.


This excursion operates by coach and on foot. The transfer to Lari takes around 45 minutes. The majority of this tour is conducted on foot and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Upon arrival into Florence, you will enjoy a stop at Michelangelo Square and capture a breathtaking view across the city of Florence. A refreshing drink will be served before rejoining your coach.

Enjoy a short panoramic drive to the heart of Florence, passing some of the smartest residential areas of the city, surrounded by the Boboli Gardens and Arno River.

Afterwards, you will be taken to Tornabuoni, the real centre of Florence, located nearby the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge and Signoria Square. Some limited free time will be given for you to browse the local shops or simply enjoy the pleasant surroundings before the return drive to Livorno.


This excursion will operate by coach. The transfer to Florence takes around one hour and 30 minutes each way. This tour has limited walking; however guests must be able to negotiate steps onto and off the coach. The time spent in Florence is around 1 hour. Walking during free time is at guests’ own discretion. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.

Your guide will introduce you to the popular sites of Lucca, such as the Renaissance walls. The walls are Lucca's most significant monument, surrounding the city with almost two miles of ancient ramparts.

As you come to the heart of Lucca, you will see the Romanesque-style Duomo with its asymmetrical façade. Founded in the 6th century, the Duomo is home to the 'Volto Santo', an image of Christ supposedly carved by a witness of the crucifixion.

Through the maze of shadowed streets, you will find yourself in one of Lucca's hidden treasures. The oval shaped Amphitheatre Piazza was built on the foundations of an ancient Roman amphitheatre and offers 360 degrees of Italian architectural charm. Beautiful buildings, such as the Baptistery of Saints Giovanni and 5thcentury Reparata, along with typical pastel-washed houses, will encircle you.

Before returning to Livorno, you will have some free time to explore independently or do a spot of shopping. Lucca has many wonderful little shops and is an ideal place to pick up some of the local wine, oils and other specialities of the region.

Those wishing to discover Lucca independently are welcome to do so, as you might like to spend longer shopping and exploring.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Although there is a moderate amount of walking, the ground is flat and the pace will be slow. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. Guests should dress appropriately if entering churches.

On arrival at the Pisa coach parking area, you will be met by your very own Trolley Train. Take a guided tour of the Pisa Medicea. See the interesting buildings along the River Arno, and pass through the lovely little Piazza dei Cavalieri, where the University and Conte Ugolino Tower are located.

The Trolley Train then takes you to the famous Field of Miracles. Here, your guide will introduce you to the delights of the Cathedral and the Baptistery.

You will have around 30 minutes of free time to enjoy Miracle Square. Take some photographs of the incredible Leaning Tower, do a spot of souvenir shopping, enjoy an ice cream or relax in a nearby café.

Take note of the meeting point for your Trolley Train transfer back to the parking area, where you will rejoin the coach for the return drive.


This excursion will operate by coach and trolley train. Guests must be able to negotiate steps on and off the coach as well as the Trolley Train. The Trolley has only limited storage for wheelchairs. The amount of walking during the free time is at guests' discretion; the terrain here is flat. Comfortable, flat shoes are recommended.

Take a scenic drive northeast from Livorno, passing through medieval towns in the rolling Tuscan Hills, famed for their premium olive oil and the acclaimed wines of Chianti. These slopes are dotted with vineyards and silvery green olive groves providing plenty of wonderful photo opportunities.

Sangiovese is the principal grape used in the production of Chianti. Enjoy a visit to a renowned Estate where you’ll have a tour of the winery, and learn how Tuscan wines are produced.

Relax on a scenic horse carriage ride around the Estate where you can enjoy magnificent views over the fertile valley of olive groves and fields covered with the vines which produce this wine.

Sample a variety of house wines accompanied by bread, olive oil, cheese and salami. You will also have the opportunity to sample Vin Santo - a sweet dessert wine.

Afterwards you’ll have an opportunity to purchase some of the fine local wine.


Guests must be able to negotiate steps on and off the coach and horse carriage. There is approximately 10 minutes of walking on this tour.

Discover Italy’s most iconic landmark at your own leisure. Upon arrival, take the short walk to Field of Miracles and enjoy around one hour to explore Pisa and to browse the many souvenir stalls.

Florence is a delightful city to discover. Upon arrival you’ll head to Santa Croce Square, where you’ll have around four hours to explore independently. Sightsee at leisure or relax at one of the cafés in the Piazza della Signoria. See some of the many wonderful monuments, browse in the elegant boutiques or head to the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge over the River Arno.

Your Escort will arrange specified meeting times and places in both Pisa and Florence.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is a 15 minute walk to and from the parking area to the Field of Miracles. An inside visit to the tower is not possible due to time restraints. The transfer to Florence takes around 1½ hours. Florence is pedestrianised with cobbled streets. Traffic is not permitted and the coach drop-off point is a 15 minute walk to and from the city centre. The level of walking is at guests’ discretion. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Please dress appropriately when entering churches. The coaches cannot be held for latecomers and a return taxi to Livorno costs around £80-£100. The order of this tour may vary. This excursion is non-guided and exclusive of lunch and entrance fees. Some shops may be closed on Sundays and guests are asked to bear in mind the general shop opening times in Italy.

During your scenic drive you will pass medieval hill towns surrounded by beautiful valleys en route to central Tuscany. The landscape is adorned with cypresses, olive groves and vineyards.

The ‘Manhattan of Tuscany’, San Gimignano is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the region. The striking skyline bristles with 13th century noble towers giving the town its skyscraper look. Dramatic walls surround the small town, and medieval charm can be found around every corner.

You will have free time to explore the quaint cobbled streets, admire the medieval architecture, browse the shops or simply relax in a nearby café. Even for first time visitors the surroundings may look familiar, as this was the location for the film ‘Tea with Mussolini’.

Tuscan specialities are on the menu for a rustic style luncheon at a delightful farmhouse. Enjoy fabulous views over the rolling hills and the simplicity of Tuscan cuisine.

Set on a high plateau, the Etruscan town of Volterra offers views over the countryside and roadways winding into the distance like ribbons. Volterra is renowned for its Etruscan artefacts and for the beautiful, locally mined alabaster statues. You will have free time to explore independently.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves walking over steep cobbled streets, however the amount of walking is at guests' own discretion. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The order of this tour may vary.