Florence & Pisa Day Trip from Livorno: Market Tasting & Shore Excursion

Summary

Florence alleys, market scents, Pisa’s leaning wonder—Livorno day trip

You’ll walk Florence’s lively markets, taste local Cantucci cookies dipped in sweet wine, cross Ponte Vecchio with its gold shops glinting in the sun, and stand before Pisa’s Leaning Tower—all with an easy pickup from Livorno port and a guide who knows every shortcut (and snack stop) along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The day didn’t start exactly as planned—I lost my sunglasses somewhere between the Livorno port shuttle and our coach (still annoyed about that). But honestly, once we rolled into Florence and our guide, Marco, started pointing out the old city walls through the bus window, I kind of forgot. There was this early warmth in the air and a smell of coffee drifting from somewhere. We walked to San Lorenzo Market first—Marco said it’s where locals actually shop for their bread and cheese. I tried a Cantucci cookie dipped in sweet wine (he called it vin santo), which I’d never done before. It was crunchy and then suddenly soft with the wine—unexpectedly good. The vendors were already joking with each other, calling out prices in that sing-songy Italian way.

I wandered off a bit near Piazza della Repubblica—there was a street musician playing something slow on an accordion, which made everything feel like a movie for a second. We all met up again at Piazza della Signoria; Marco told us to look up at Cellini’s Perseus statue but I kept getting distracted by people taking selfies with the Palazzo Vecchio behind them. Ponte Vecchio was crowded but still felt special—the gold shops looked almost too shiny to be real. I tried to say “grazie” to one of the shopkeepers but probably butchered it; she just smiled anyway.

By the time we got back on the bus for Pisa, my feet were starting to complain (Florence is more walking than you think). The drive was quiet; some people napped but I just watched the fields go by—there’s something about Tuscan light in late afternoon that makes everything look softer. In Pisa, we entered through this old stone gate—Santa Maria gate—and suddenly there it was: Piazza dei Miracoli with that famous Leaning Tower looking even more tilted than in photos. Kids were running around trying to “hold up” the tower for pictures. We had free time here; I mostly just sat on the grass and let myself feel small under all that history.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Florence and Pisa shore excursion

• Arrive at Livorno port
• Explore Florence alleys and monuments
• Visit San Lorenzo Market and taste Cantucci
• See Piazza della Repubblica
• Visit Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio
• Walk on Ponte Vecchio bridge
• View Florence Cathedral and Baptistery
• Travel to Pisa
• Explore Piazza dei Miracoli and Leaning Tower

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Livorno to Florence and Pisa?

The shore excursion lasts a full day, including travel time between Livorno, Florence, and Pisa.

Is pickup included from Livorno port for this tour?

Yes, pickup is included at the shuttle bus arrival point in Livorno port.

Do you get free time in both Florence and Pisa?

Yes, there is free time provided in both Florence and Pisa during the tour.

What food tasting is included on this tour?

The tour includes tasting local products at San Lorenzo Market in Florence—specifically Cantucci cookies if selected.

Are infants or children allowed on this excursion?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infant seats are available.

How far do you have to walk from bus parking to main sites?

Buses must park in designated areas outside city centers by law; expect some walking from parking to attractions in both cities.

Is there an expert guide during the tour?

An expert tour leader accompanies you throughout the excursion.

Does this tour guarantee return to my cruise ship on time?

The shore excursion includes a guarantee for on-time return to your ship.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at Livorno port shuttle arrival point, comfortable travel by air-conditioned coach with an expert guide leading you through Florence’s San Lorenzo Market (with Cantucci tasting if selected), free time in both Florence and Pisa—including entry through Santa Maria gate to see Piazza dei Miracoli—and guaranteed return to your cruise ship before departure.