Florence Italy - Best Insiders' Tips for Florence Cruisers

With my Florence, Italy insiders tips for cruisers you will get equipped for visiting this popular Mediterranean cruise port!

Find out why the capital of Tuscany is worth visiting, how to get to Florence from the cruise dock in Livorno, when to visit, what sights to see in one day, best buys and the most attractive shore excursions and tours!

In this article find out...

FlorenceBreathtaking architecture of Florence

Why is Florence Italy so famous?

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So what is the first thing you imagine when you think of your upcoming cruise to Florence, Italy?

Whether it’s the first, the second or any of the above, you’re right as you can get to experience all of these (and so much more!) while visiting Florence as part of your Western Mediterranean cruise.

Is Florence Italy worth visiting?

  • Of course! Florence is surely a city that is worthwhile visiting. It is well known for its magnificent architecture, world-class art, rich history, and busy cultural scene.
    • Florence is home to a vast collection of Renaissance masterpieces. Famous art museums like the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery, where you can view famous pieces like Michelangelo's David and Botticelli's The Birth of Venus, are located in the city.
    • The capital of Tuscany is home to some of the world's most impressive architecture, topped off by the magnificent Brunelleschi-designed dome of the Florence Cathedral (Duomo). Also, beautiful mansions, piazzas, and buildings abound in the city's historic center, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    • Florence had a major influence on the development of both European and Italian history. It was the cradle of the Renaissance, and the city was influenced by a number of notable personalities from that time.
    • There are many different cultural events, theatre and classical music festivals and performances held all year long in Florence. 
    • The city's riverbanks, bridges, and small streets all contribute to its quaint and romantic atmosphere.
    • Florence is renowned for its high-quality craftsmanship and is known as a hub for fashion and luxury goods. The city is home to prestigious Italian fashion brands and designer boutiques. You can explore local markets and shops to find unique souvenirs, leather goods, gold jewelry, local wine and more.
    • Florence serves as an excellent base for exploring the stunning region of Tuscany. You can take day trips to picturesque Tuscan towns such as Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa, or venture into the beautiful Tuscan countryside, famous for its vineyards and rolling hills.
    Florence Italy InfographicsPin for later!

    Where is Florence Italy located?

    Where is Florence Italy located? Where do cruise ships dock for Florence?

    First of all, Firenze (yes, it is the same as Florence) is the capital of the idyllic Tuscany region (remember Under the Tuscan sky or the Room with a View?)

    Florence, Italy, is located inland and is approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles) northeast of the Livorno cruise port. The other port that your ship may dock for visiting Florence is La Spezia. 

    The two cities, Livorno and Florence, are in the same region of Tuscany but are not directly adjacent to each other. If you're arriving at the Livorno cruise port and wish to visit Florence, you have a few transportation options which you will find about next...

    How to get from Livorno to Florence?

    DavidFlorenceMichelangelo's David replica is located in Piazza della Signoria, but for the real thing, visit Accademia Gallery

    Florence, Italy is definitely not one of the ports in which you can casually walk off the ship and let things unfold without much planning.

    I cannot stress enough: inform yourself about ways of getting from Livorno to Florence, last minute solutions do not work on this day!

    When it comes to reaching Florence from the Livorno cruise port, there are several transport options available. 

    1. Train: Taking a train from Livorno Centrale train station to Florence's main train station, Santa Maria Novella, allows you to avoid traffic and offers a comfortable and cost-effective means of transportation. It's just that it takes some careful time planning (you don't want to miss the ship!) and involves at least 4 steps. 
    2. Taking a Private or Group Transfer or Shore Excursion: Booking your own private or group transfer or shore excursion from Livorno to Florence provides flexibility and a personalized approach - that's why it is our readers top pick! Many first time visitors will opt for Florence On Your Own type of transfers while other prefer exploring Florence with a tour guide.
    3. Shore Excursions: Many cruise lines offer organized shore excursions from the Livorno cruise port to Florence. These guided tours typically include transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and a pre-planned itinerary. The only dowside is that they are limited in choice and can be very pricey!
    4. Bus: There are public bus services available from the Livorno cruise port to Florence. However, keep in mind that the bus journey can be longer due to multiple stops and traffic conditions. That is why it is always better to book a spot on seat on a shared bus transfers for cruisers only (they will get you back in time for sure!).

    Once you manage to get there, there’s nothing to worry about, most of the city of Florence, Italy is a big pedestrian zone and it’s perfectly walkable. You will be surprised to see how small it actually is!

    Find out more about reaching the attractions around the port of Livorno:

    How long does it take to get to Florence from Livorno?

    The duration of the ride from Livorno to Florence depends on the mode of transportation chosen and the traffic conditions. Here are approximate travel times for different modes of transportation:

    1. By train: Taking a train from Livorno Centrale train station to Florence's main train station, called Santa Maria Novella, typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. The duration may vary depending on the type of train and the specific schedule.
    2. By car, bus or private shore excursion: Driving from Livorno to Florence usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the route, traffic, and any stops along the way. Private transfers and private Livorno to Florence shore excursions provide flexibility and allow you to customize your itinerary.

    It's important to note that these travel times are just estimates and can be subject to variations based on the season and the time of day.

    Best time to visit Florence Italy

    The best time to visit Florence as a cruiser depends on personal preferences and the specific experiences you are seeking. But when choosing the time for your cruise, these are the two most important factors:

    1. Weather: Florence experiences a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The most popular time to visit is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and less rainfall. 
    2. Crowds: Florence is a popular tourist destination, and the city can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. The summer months (July and August) tend to have the highest number of visitors, including cruise passengers (however there aren't that many locals around as they are on vacation too!). 

    Read more: 

    Top attractions in Florence, the capital of Renaissance

    Florence, Italy takes our breath away with its marble-cladded churches, church towers and palazzos hiding the secrets of the notable families that were the movers and shakers of Florence at its golden time in history, the Renaissance.

    The most famous of them being the Medici family of course.

    florencePin for later!

    It’s true, Florence, Italy can be hard to master in a day, but our mission here at Mediterranean Cruise Ports Easy is for you to get there and be very clear about what to see and do in the short 5 or so hours you’re most likely to have there.

    All the Florence, Italy attractions can become so overwhelming it’s important to know what to see if this is your first ever visit and you only have one day.

    Some things you will just have to postpone for your next cruise, or that happy time in life when you get to own that villa in Tuscany, right? ;)

    Read more:

    Does Florence have good shopping?

    No matter how long you stay in this city… always leave some time to simply enjoy this beautiful city, to sit down at one of its lively Piazzas, have a cappuccino, have some gelato and… shop!

    Florence fashion is highly regarded in the world of fashion in general. Actually, I can easily say, Florence is one of its birthplaces.

    That’s why you should seriously take some time to shop here. Things you will see there you will not see anywhere else later on in the cruise: the selection of the famous 18kt Florentine/Italian gold, the softest leather in the world, branded clothes, shoes, and handbags, wines and liquers, olive oils and balsamicos, ceramics, linens and hand-pressed paper!

    Florence is a feast for all of your senses and we hope you have a lot of extra space in your luggage to get at least a little bit of it home, you’ll need it.

    Need a skilled local to guide you in your shopping adventures? Get one here:

    Florence Italy vineyards and winetasting

    If you have visited Florence Italy many times before, or you're staying in this magical city for a few nights before or after your cruise, you should consider taking a daytrip to its wine areas.

    Visiting Florence's vineyards and participating in wine tastings provides a unique and memorable experience for tourists (let's not even mention the photo opportunities).

    These daytrip tours and shore excursions combine history, culture, breathtaking landscapes, and the pleasure of savoring world-class wines: think Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

    See the wine tastings I have hand picked for you (some are suited for those based in Florence while the other are from Livorno):

    What food is Florence known for?

    Florence, Italy, is renowned for its culinary traditions and is known for several iconic dishes. The top three foods Florence is famous for are:

    1. Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine Steak): This is one of Florence's most famous dishes and a true carnivore's delight. 
    2. Ribollita: Ribollita is a hearty and traditional Tuscan soup that originated in Florence. 
    3. Lampredotto: Lampredotto is a popular street food specialty of Florence. It is a sandwich made with the fourth stomach of a cow, known as the abomasum, which is slow-cooked in a flavorful broth with herbs and spices. 

    And let's not forget the deserts: cantuccini, crunchy, twice-baked cookies made with almonds, flour, sugar, eggs, and a hint of vanilla; gelatto (Florence is known for its unique gelato flavors that incorporate local ingredients such as saffron, Vin Santo, and Tuscan honey) and Schiacciata alla Fiorentina, a traditional Florentine sponge cake.

    Are you drooling already? Because I sure am! Want something to really look forward to when in Florence? Book one of these gourmet tours:

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