Livorno to Pisa & Florence: Day Trip with Duomo & Ponte Vecchio

Summary

Pisa’s Leaning Tower then Florence’s heart in one wild day

You’ll step right into Tuscany’s story—from awkwardly posing at Pisa’s Leaning Tower to gazing over Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo and wandering past the Duomo’s colored marble. With group pickup from Livorno port and a guide who knows all the shortcuts (and stories), you’ll pack centuries into one day—and maybe still be thinking about those city views weeks later.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely found our spot at the Livorno port parking before our driver, Marco, waved us over with a grin. I didn’t expect to be so awake that early, but there was something about the way Tuscan air smells—sort of grassy and old stone?—that just hits different. The drive to Pisa was quick, maybe half an hour. When we got out near the Campo dei Miracoli, you could hear this low hum from all the other visitors. Everyone does that thing where they “hold up” the Leaning Tower for photos—I tried it too, badly (my hand’s not even close in the picture). Our guide explained how the tower started leaning way back in 1178 and never stopped. I kept staring at it, thinking it looked like it could tip any second, but somehow doesn’t.

Florence was next—honestly, I lost track of time staring out at those rolling hills from the window. First stop: Piazzale Michelangelo. If you’ve ever seen Florence from above in a movie, that’s probably where they filmed it. The city just spills out below you—the Arno river twisting past Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo rising up all pink and green. It was busy but not overwhelming; there were local kids chasing pigeons and a couple arguing softly in Italian nearby (I caught “mamma mia” and had to smile). Walking down into Florence proper felt like stepping into another century. The Duomo is massive up close—like your brain can’t process how they built something so detailed without cranes or computers.

I got lost for a second wandering around Piazza della Repubblica (the merry-go-round is real), then met up with our group near Santa Croce. Our guide told us about Galileo and Michelangelo being buried there—he said it almost offhand, like “oh yeah, just some legends.” There’s this huge star of David on the facade that I totally missed until he pointed it out. We squeezed through little lanes toward Piazza della Signoria; I kept bumping elbows with locals carrying groceries or chatting on their phones. Ponte Vecchio was packed but somehow charming anyway—the gold shops glittering in late afternoon light. I didn’t buy anything (prices are wild), but just standing there watching people cross felt kind of special.

The bus ride back to Livorno was quiet—everyone half asleep or scrolling through their photos. My feet hurt and my head was full of random facts (did you know the Leaning Tower leans more than four meters?). I keep thinking about that view from Piazzale Michelangelo though; sometimes places really do look as good as the postcards.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Pisa and Florence highlights

• Meet guide at Livorno bus terminal
• Travel to Pisa
• Explore Campo dei Miracoli plaza
• See Leaning Tower of Pisa
• Travel to Florence
• View panorama from Piazzale Michelangelo
• Visit Santa Croce Basilica
• Explore Piazza del Duomo
• Walk through Piazza della Repubblica
• See Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio
• Walk across Ponte Vecchio
• Return to Livorno port

Top questions

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

The tour lasts a full day, starting from Livorno port and returning in time for your ship's departure.

Is pickup from my cruise ship included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at Livorno port are included in your booking.

Can I climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa during this tour?

You’ll have time to see the Leaning Tower up close but climbing may require advance tickets not included here.

Will there be a guide with us in Florence?

If your group has 9 or more passengers, a separate guide will accompany you on foot in Florence; smaller groups have an English-speaking driver providing commentary.

Are entrance fees included?

No entry fees are included; you’ll see main sites from outside unless you choose to enter on your own during free time.

Is lunch included on this excursion?

No lunch is provided; you'll have free time to grab food in Florence or Pisa as you wish.

How much walking is involved?

You should expect extended periods of walking through both cities; comfortable shoes are recommended.

What if my mobility is limited?

This shared tour requires moderate fitness due to walking; private tours are suggested for travelers with mobility issues.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transport by air-conditioned vehicle between Livorno port, Pisa, and Florence; live commentary from either an English-speaking driver or dedicated guide depending on group size; guaranteed on-time return to your ship so you don’t have to worry about missing departure; plus plenty of free time at each stop for photos or snacks before heading back along those Tuscan roads.