Livorno to Florence & Pisa: Private Day Trip with Pickup

Summary

Florence’s art, Pisa’s tilt and a day that runs faster than you

You’ll step right off your cruise into a private car bound for Pisa’s famous Leaning Tower before heading to Florence to wander its marble piazzas and cross Ponte Vecchio with a local guide. There’s time to pause at Santa Croce or gaze over rooftops from Piazzale Michelangelo — all with easy port pickup and drop-off so you won’t watch the clock too much.

What’s the experience like?

The driver taps the horn lightly as we pull away from the Livorno port — I’m still tucking my map into my bag. He grins in the mirror, says something about “la dolce vita” and points out the window at a row of umbrella pines. The air smells faintly salty from the sea, but it shifts to something warmer as we head inland toward Pisa. When we finally stand in front of the Leaning Tower, I catch myself squinting up at its impossible angle — honestly, it looks even more tilted in person. There’s this weird hush around the Piazza dei Miracoli despite all the cameras clicking. Our guide jokes about how many times she’s seen people try (and fail) to get that perfect “holding up the tower” photo. I tried anyway. Didn’t nail it.

After Pisa, there’s this lull in the car as Tuscany rolls by outside — olive groves, yellow fields, someone on a Vespa who waves at us for no reason. By late morning we’re winding through Florence’s narrow streets. Our guide (Francesca — her scarf is brighter than anything else in sight) leads us straight to Piazza del Duomo. The marble on Florence Cathedral is almost too clean; it glows pink and green under the sun. She tells us stories about Brunelleschi’s Dome like she knew him personally (“He was stubborn, but look what he built!”). Inside Santa Croce Basilica it smells of old stone and candle wax; I stood quietly for a minute by Michelangelo’s tomb and felt oddly small.

Ponte Vecchio is packed with gold shops and people eating gelato (I caved — pistachio). Francesca points out where the Arno flooded years ago; there’s still a faint line on one wall if you look close enough. We didn’t have time for Uffizi or Accademia this round (those tickets go fast), but she gave us tips for next time — apparently Mondays are hopeless for museums here. At Piazzale Michelangelo, everyone just stopped talking for a second when that view opened up: red roofs, domes, bridges stacked across the river like someone lined them up on purpose. I still think about that view sometimes when I hear church bells back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Pisa and Florence highlights

• See Leaning Tower of Pisa
• Pass by Pisa Cathedral
• Explore Ponte Vecchio bridge
• Visit Piazzale Michelangelo viewpoint
• Pass by Florence Santa Croce Basilica
• Pass by Florence Duomo
• Pass by Giotto's Bell Tower
• Pass by Palazzo Vecchio
• View Brunelleschi’s Dome
• See Michelangelo's Statue of David
• Visit Uffizi Galleries

Top questions

How long does the private day trip from Livorno to Florence & Pisa take?

The tour lasts around 9 hours including transport between Livorno, Pisa, and Florence plus sightseeing time.

Is port pickup and drop-off included in this shore excursion?

Yes, private transport includes pickup from Livorno cruise port and return drop-off after your tour.

Can I visit both Uffizi Gallery and Accademia on this day trip?

You can upgrade to include timed entry tickets for either Uffizi or Accademia if available when booking; both are not always possible due to timing.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible; only foldable wheelchairs are allowed—please request access when booking.

Are there dress codes for visiting churches or museums?

Yes—shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women inside places of worship or selected museums like Santa Croce Basilica.

What language does the guide speak?

The private professional driver speaks English; guides in Florence also speak English unless otherwise requested.

What happens if my cruise ship is delayed returning?

The tour offers a Worry-Free Shore Excursion Guarantee so you’ll return on time for your ship departure.

What’s included

Your day includes private transport by air-conditioned sedan or minivan with an English-speaking driver who picks you up right at Livorno port. If reserved ahead (and available), you get three hours with a private guide in Florence plus skip-the-line entry tickets for Uffizi or Accademia Gallery. All areas are wheelchair accessible if requested during booking—and you’ll be dropped back at your ship without rushing through every stop.