10 Best Livorno Shore Excursions
Chantelle KincyAre you searching for the perfect shore excursion while cruising near Livorno, Italy?
We’ve got just what you need! We’re here with our Top 10 best Livorno shore excursions with something for everyone.
Don’t feel like reading this whole post? I gotcha covered ⤵️
Pisa and Florence in a Day
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 ⌛️Tour Time: 2 hours (approx.)
Perched on the west coast of Italy is Livorno, a thriving port city that is popular amongst cruisers looking to explore some of Italy’s most iconic attractions.
It’s easy to see why Livorno is so popular. Livorno is the gateway to some of Italy’s top destinations, including Pisa, Florence, and the beautiful Cinque Terre coastline.
Just a stone’s throw away from bustling Livorno city sits Livorno Cruise Port, a vast port consisting of 8 cruise ship berths which are conveniently located just a short shuttle bus ride away from the city center.
With so many remarkable sights on your doorstep, it can be a little overwhelming to decide which shore excursion is best for you.
In this article, I’ve listed some of my favorite shore excursions in order to help you find your perfect shore excursion in Livorno.
My Top Pick for Livorno Shore Excursions
Pisa and Florence in a Day
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 ⌛️Tour Time: 2 hours (approx.)
Winery Tour and Tastings in Bolgheri
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 ⌛️Tour Time: 4-5 hours (approx.)
Private Excursion Exploring Cinque Terre
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 ⌛️Tour Time: 8 to 10 hours (approx.)
Top Livorno Shore Excursions for Cruisers
1. Half-Day Tour of Pisa, including the Leaning Tower
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 ⌛️Tour Time: 4 hours (approx.)✅ Book it Here
Most cruisers arriving in Livorno have their hearts set on laying eyes on the iconic leaning tower of Pisa, which can be found in Pisa town.
Pisa is just a 40-minute taxi ride or 20-minute train journey from Livorno city center, making it the ideal destination for a shore excursion.
There are a number of Pisa tours from the cruise port available, including this half-day guided tour of Pisa which includes tickets to the iconic leaning tower.
The Pisa shore excursion will take you through the beautiful Porta Santa Maria, the historic entrance gate to Piazza dei Miracoli, the majestic square where the tower can be found.
You will have some free time to explore the area at your own leisure.
Piazza dei Miracoli houses some other iconic attractions which are well worth admiring. Cattedrale di Pisa (Pisa Cathedral) stands right next to the leaning tower of Pisa.
This impressive marble-striped cathedral has ornate Romanesque bronze doors.
The Pisa Baptistery of St. John is another beautiful monument within the square.
Alternatively, if you’d like to make your way through Pisa town entirely at your own pace, there are excursions available.
That includes coach transportation from the cruise port and entrance tickets to the leaning tower but allows you to guide yourself through the town entirely at your own pace.
➡️ Check Rates and availability for the Half-Day Guided Tour of Pisa here!
Livorno Shore Excursions
2. Full-Day Excursion to Florence
⭐️ Rating: 4.0/5 ⌛️Tour Time: 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.)✅ Book it here!
Nestled within the rolling hills of Tuscany is one of Italy’s most famous cities.
Florence is renowned for its world-class museums, ancient monuments, and delicious cuisine.
Being just 1.5 hours away from Livorno by either taxi or train, Florence can easily be visited during your day in Livorno.
This full-day shore excursion is an excellent choice if you wish to spend the day soaking up Florence’s impressive architecture and wandering down the charming streets, which are lined with delicious restaurants and cafes.
The excursion includes pick-up and drop-off right outside your cruise ship and gives you just over 4.5 hours to explore the beautiful city at your own pace.
On your visit to Florence, you simply can’t miss Florence Cathedral, arguably the most beautiful monument within the sprawling city.
Standing at 114 meters in height, this impressive building took a whopping 140 years to construct.
Characterized by a red-tiled dome and a striking Giotto tower, it’s clear to see the attention to detail that went into its construction.
Another must-see in Florence is Piazza della Signoria, a vibrant square that’s flanked by some unique buildings and is dotted with statues.
One of the most famous statues is the 500-year-old Fountain of Neptune.
➡️ Check the Availability and Prices of a Full-Day Excursion to Florence here!
Livorno Shore Excursions
3. Pisa and Florence in a Day
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 ⌛️Tour Time: 9 hours (approx.)✅ Book it Here
If you simply cannot decide between visiting Pisa and Florence, you don’t have to!
There are a number of shore excursions available that will whisk you away to both fabulous locations, including this full day tour.
A professional local guide will pick you up from Livorno Cruise Port and take you to Florence.
In Florence, you will be able to absorb one of its city’s highlights, including Piazzale Michelangelo, a viewpoint that yields exceptional views over the city.
As well as taking you to the most fantastic monuments within the city itself.
After spending the morning enjoying what Florence has to offer, you will journey to the beautiful sights of Pisa and set foot in the famous Piazza dei Miracoli, the spectacular square where the leaning tower of Pisa is located.
➡️ Check Rates and Availability of Pisa and Florence in a day here!
Livorno Shore Excursions
4. Winery Tour and Tastings in Bolgheri
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 ⌛️Tour Time: 4-5 hours (approx.)✅ Book it Here
Tucked away amongst fervent hills to the south of Livorno is the quaint village of Bolgheri.
Bolgheri is a beautiful collection of charming stone buildings which house a handful of delightful eateries.
It’s become famous in recent years for its wine production.
A guided wine tour of Bolgheri allows you the opportunity to visit a number of wineries and learn all about wine production, from wandering through the vineyards to meeting the wine-makers themselves.
One of the main wines produced here is Bordeaux. Best of all, you’ll be able to sample some of the delicious wines.
At the end of the shore excursion, you will be able to stroll through Bolgheri village itself, falling in love with its unique charm before sampling some locally-produced gelato.
➡️ Check Rates and Availability of Winery tours and Tastings in Bolgheri here!
Livorno Shore Excursions
5. Livorno Food and Market Tour
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 ⌛️Tour Time: 3 hours (approx.)✅ Book it Here
Livirono city is often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors, Pisa and Florence.
However, Livorno is a city that is oozing with the character itself. Most notably, Livorno has a thriving culinary scene, serving unique dishes and regional wines which are well worth a try.
The best way to make the most of Livorno’s cuisine is to embark on a food and market tour.
The half-day walking tour will take you to Mercato Centrale, one of the largest markets in the entirety of Europe.
The tour finishes just before lunchtime, meaning you can either spend the afternoon exploring more of Livorno or can even join an afternoon shore excursion.
➡️ Check Rates and Availability of the Livorno Food and Market Tour here!
Livorno Shore Excursions
6. Tour the Historical Towns of Lucca and Pisa
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 ⌛️Tour Time: 7 hours (approx.)✅ Book it Here
Just north of Pisa is an equally impressive town known as Lucca, surrounded by towering city walls that conceal a number of stunning monuments, including the famous Duomo di Lucca (Lucca Cathedral).
Being so close in proximity to Pisa, a full-day shore excursion to both towns is a convenient way to spend your day in Livorno.
You will start your day by taking the shuttle bus from Livorno Cruise Port to the city center.
From there you will board an air-conditioned bus which will take you straight to Lucca town, a 1-hour drive.
Once in Lucca, your professional tour guide will take you to the town’s most mesmerizing sights, including Torre Guinigi, a 45-meter-high tower.
Piazza Anfiteatro, a circular square that stands within the footprint of a former Roman amphitheater, and Basilica of San Frediano, a Romanesque church that dates back to the 6th century.
You will then leave the walled town and venture to Pisa, a 30-minute scenic drive south.
In Pisa, you will set foot in Piazza dei Miracoli and get to admire the incredible monuments that can be found here, including the iconic leaning tower.
➡️ Check Rates and Availability of Tour the Historical Towns of Lucca and Pisa here!
Livorno Shore Excursions
7. Private Excursion Exploring Cinque Terre
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 ⌛️Tour Time: 8 to 10 hours (approx.)✅ Book it Here
Consisting of 5 charming fishing villages, Cinque Terre is a stretch of stunning coastline made up of lush hills, striking cliffs, and secluded beaches.
The area is both a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The towns are built into the cliffs, rows of colorful buildings stacked beautifully so that they merge harmoniously into the natural surroundings.
A great way to explore these picturesque villages is via a shore excursion, which takes you to the coastline’s most beautiful spots.
This private shore excursion picks you up from right beside your cruise ship and takes you via an air-conditioned Mercedes minibus to the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On your first stop, you will visit Porto Venere, a delightful village on the tip of La Spezia Gulf. One of the highlights of this village is Byron Grotto, a rocky cove surrounded by striking cliff faces.
Next on the agenda is Corniglia, a small fishing village that is surrounded by vineyards. You will get the chance to wander around the village before moving on to your next destination, Vernazza.
Vernazza is a far larger village and is often touted as one of the most beautiful villages in the whole of Italy.
You’ll have the opportunity to visit an ancient fortress before enjoying some lunch in a restaurant positioned on the cliff, with panoramic views of the bay.
Other destinations on this shore excursion include Rioaaggiore, another scenic village, and a vineyard where you can sample some regional wines.
➡️ Check Rates And Availability of the Private Excursion Exploring Cinque Terre here!
Livorno Shore Excursions
8. Full-Day Private Excursion to Pisa
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 ⌛️Tour Time: 8 to 9 hours (approx.)✅ Book it Here
If both the tranquil Cinque Terre coast and the iconic tower of Pisa appeal to you, then a shore excursion that combines both really is perfect for you.
This full-day private shore excursion starts right outside your cruise ship, whisking you away in an air-conditioned minivan to the picturesque fishing villages of Cinque Terre.
On your adventure, your private guide will take you to the 3 of the 5 beautiful villages within the UNESCO World Heritage Site and will move between villages by taking the ferry.
On your way back to the cruise port, you will stop in Pisa, where you will have the chance to admire the world-famous leaning tower.
➡️ Check Rates and Availability of Full-Day Private Excursion to Pisa here!
Livorno Shore Excursions
9. Private Day Trip to Siena and San Gimignano
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 ⌛️Tour Time: 9 hours (approx.)✅ Book it Here
If you love the idea of exploring cities and towns which are oozing with a rich history but would prefer not to have to contend with too many crowds, a trip to Siena and San Gimignano may be just what you’re looking for.
Siena is a striking medieval city located two hours southeast of Livorno via road. The city is arguably one of the most beautiful in the region.
However, because it’s not as well known as Florence, it doesn’t get nearly as many visitors.
San Gimignano, on the other hand, is a quaint walled medieval town that’s surrounded by rolling countryside.
This private full-day excursion takes you to both Siena and San Gimignano.
First on your agenda is Siena. In this city, you’ll get to admire the famous Piazza del Campo, a shell-shaped square surrounded by stunning historic buildings.
This square is used twice a year for the “Palio” horse race, an integral part of Senese culture.
In San Gimignano, an approximate 45-minute drive from Siena, you will get to enjoy a traditional lunch paired with regional Chianti wines.
You will then get the chance to explore this marvelous town.
➡️ Check Rates and Availability of Private Day trips to Siena and San Gimignano here!
Livorno Shore Excursions
10. Tuscany Wine Tasting Private Tour from Livorno
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 ⌛️Tour Time: 9 hours (approx.)✅ Book it Here
If you’d like to escape the hustle and bustle of the cities and sip on some delicious wines in the Tuscan countryside, with nothing but the sounds of nature to keep you company.
Then this shore excursion to one of Tuscany’s most romantic wine regions may be just what you’re looking for.
You will visit a family-owned vineyard located within the lesser-visited Maremma region of Tuscany, as well as visit two charming towns: Volterra and San Gimignano.
You’ll have the opportunity to wander through the towns, marveling at the ancient monuments that stand within them, before stopping for a lunch and wine-tasting experience.
➡️ Check Rates and Availability of Tuscany Wine Tasting Private Tour from Livorno here!
Livorno Shore Excursions Guide & FAQ
What to do in Livorno Cruise Port?
There’s so much to see when arriving at Livorno Cruise Port!
If you don’t feel like venturing out of Livorno City. In that case, visiting the local market is a fantastic option, or visiting the towns of Pisa and Lucca are just north of Livorno and can easily be accessed by taxi, train, or on a shore excursion.
Florence is a 1.5-hour drive or taxi ride away from Livorno. This city is perfect if you love admiring impressive historical buildings.
Visiting one of these vineyards and sampling some great local wines makes the ideal shore excursion if you love trying different regional wines and being out in nature.
And for those who can’t get enough of the coast, Cinque Terre, to the north of Livorno, is one of the most scenic stretches of coastline in Italy and is home to 5 gorgeous colorful fishing towns that are just itching to be explored.
How far is Livorno Center from the cruise port?
Livorno city center is right beside the cruise port. The cruise port offers a shuttle service that will take you straight from your cruise ship to Piazza Grande, a popular square in the heart of the city. The shuttle bus journey takes a mere 10 minutes.
Does Livorno have a Beach?
Yes! Just north of the city is a vast expanse of golden sand which runs for 6.5 miles all the way to Marina di Pisa, a town that is perched on the edge of a river.
This huge stretch of sand, in fact, houses 50 individual beaches. Many of these beaches are equipped with sun loungers and parasols, and some even have a beach bar behind them. In contrast, other segments of this beach are natural and untouched, meaning there really is something for everyone here.
Is Livorno Worth Visiting?
In my opinion, Livorno is 100% worth visiting! The cruise port itself is conveniently located on the edge of the city, with fantastic facilities such as a regular shuttle service.
From Livorno, there are countless options for your shore excursion which will no doubt leave you falling in love with the area. From climbing the leaning tower of Pisa to staring in awe at Florence’s majestic cathedral, there really is something for everyone in the area.
Even Livorno city itself has a lot of attractions on offer, including the sprawling central market and the ancient fortress, Fortezza Vecchia.
What Shore Excursions in Livorno are good for avoiding crowds?
The best way to avoid crowds when in Livorno is to visit a less popular town or village near Livorno. Pisa, Florence, and Cinque Terre attract a fair share of visitors each day as they are extremely well-known. Instead, why not visit a small charming village in the hills, such as Bolgheri? Another great option is to book a shore excursion at a vineyard, such as this one which takes you to a family-owned winery.
What is Livorno famous for?
Livorno is a prominent economic center that’s renowned for its expansive and contemporary harbor as well as its historic fortifications from the medieval era. Being on the coastline, the port city has also gained popularity for being a great place to enjoy locally caught seafood.
Livorno is famous amongst cruisers due to its close proximity to well-known towns and cities such as Pisa, Florence, and Lucca.
How do you get around Livorno, Italy?
Once you have taken the shuttle bus from the cruise port of Livorno into the heart of the city, Livorno is very easy to get around.
Perhaps the best way to journey through the city is on foot. The main boulevard, Via Grande, is just a short walk away from the cruise port. Via Grande is home to an abundance of shops and restaurants. Via Grande is right beside Piazza Grande, where the shuttle bus drops you off.
Another spot in Livorno that’s definitely worth visiting is Fortezza Vecchia, a medieval fortress that is conveniently located right beside the port. Again, this landmark is extremely easy to access on foot, being just a 10-minute walk from Piazza Grande.
Livorno can also be explored via taxi.
What is the currency in Livorno?
The currency in Livorno and the entirety of Italy is the Euro.
Can you take a boat from Livorno to Cinque Terre?
Despite both locations being on the coastline, there aren’t any viable options to visit Cinque Terre by boat from Livorno port. There are no ferries available, and hiring a boat from Livorno in order to visit Cinque Terre isn’t typical. Instead, you will need to take a taxi or book a shore excursion with a transfer that will take you by road to Cinque Terre. Once in one of the towns in Cinque Terre, you can then take a boat or ferry to explore the area.
Final Thoughts on Livorno Shore Excursions
Livorno Cruise Port is the gateway to a number of incredible destinations.
There’s a vast amount of shore excursions that you can book, some of which visit a number of locations so you don’t have to painstakingly decide what to skip on your visit to Livorno.
From excursions to beautiful coastal medieval villages to visits to sprawling cities, there really is something for everyone in Livorno!
If you need any help at all planning your European Cruise, please reach out! I help at no additional cost to you!
