If your Mediterranean cruise stops in Livorno, you’re in for an unforgettable day trip opportunity. Livorno is the gateway to some of Italy’s most iconic destinations—Florence and Pisa—and with a little planning, you can see both in one day by train. If you are lucky, your ship may be docked overnight in Livorno meaning you will have two day to explore!
All Aboard in Livorno
We docked early in the port of Livorno, eager to make the most of our time. Ready to get off the ship by 6:45 and took a short taxi ride from the port to the Livorno Centrale train station (flat rate per person if paying in Euro). We were able to speak with an attendant to purchase our round-trip tickets. The train ride was about an 1 hour and 20 minutes to Florence (Fierenze Santa Maria Novella Station). We opted to take this day trip on our own by train, giving us the flexibility to go at our own pace and save money over a cruise excursion.
First Stop: Florence – A City of Art and Architecture
We arrived in Florence by mid-morning, and the moment you step out of the train station, the city’s Renaissance charm hits you. Our top priority? The breathtaking Florence Duomo.
A short 10-minute walk brought us to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, famously known as the Duomo. The sheer scale and detail of the façade are overwhelming—this masterpiece of white, pink, and green marble is one of Italy’s crown jewels.
You can explore the cathedral interior for free. Still, we highly recommend buying a combination ticket ahead of time (around €15–€30) if you want to climb Brunelleschi’s Dome for sweeping views of the city. It’s 463 steps to the top, but every step is worth it. The climb up was in sections to allow yourself a breather in between sections. I would not recommend this climb for anyone not comfortable in tight spaces for more than a few minutes. While there are open windows throughout the climb up, there are several sections where you may need to cross with someone going the opposite direction, while most people keep moving, some will try to stop and let others pass, which is not ideal. Leaving you stuck in an awkward section of stairs for a few minutes waiting. While I didn’t love that part, for the most part, people kept moving, and going down was much faster and easier. The views from the top were 100% worth the slightly uncomfortable climb up. The tickets we purchased also included entry to the crypt, which was very interesting. The history in the building was incredible. If you wish to climb the dome you will want to be sure to book
If you have time, head to the Ponte Vecchio, it is the most famous bridge in Florence and has a lot of History.
*Image of the stairway, and it was much smaller the higher you went!*
Next Up: Pisa and the Famous Leaning Tower
From Florence, the train to Pisa takes about 1 hour, dropping us at Pisa Centrale station. From there, it’s either a 25-minute walk or a 10-minute bus/taxi ride to the Piazza dei Miracoli, home of the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Seeing the Leaning Tower in person was one of those pinch-me travel moments. It really does lean more than you’d expect! We had pre-booked tickets (highly recommended) to climb the tower (€20), and although it’s a short climb (about 300 steps), the tilt makes for a unique experience.
The area also includes the stunning Cathedral of Pisa and the Baptistery—all set in a lush green field, which makes for great photos and a little relaxation before heading back.
Getting Back to the Ship
We caught a late-afternoon train back to Livorno, arriving with plenty of time before the final boarding call. Always pad your return time by at least 1.5 to 2 hours, just in case of delays.
Tips for a Smooth DIY Day Trip:
- Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll do a lot of walking!
- Keep an eye on the ship’s all-aboard time and plan your return accordingly.
- Pack water and snacks, especially if traveling in summer.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Florence and Pisa in one day from Livorno is totally doable and deeply rewarding. Between the artistic wonders of Florence and the iconic architecture of Pisa, this was one of our favorite cruise port days. With a little preparation, you can turn a single port stop into a double-feature of Italian history, culture, and jaw-dropping beauty.
