Cruise Port Day: Florence, Italy
Arriving at the Tuscan coast, you're just a short journey from the heart of the Renaissance. A cruise port day in Florence offers a tantalising glimpse into this city's unparalleled artistic and historical legacy. But with limited time, navigating its wonders can feel overwhelming. That's where I come in.
know before you go
CRUISE PORT LOCATIONS
Florence, being a landlocked city, is not directly accessible by cruise ship. Instead, cruise passengers aiming to visit Florence will typically dock at one of these major ports on the Tuscan coast.
Livorno
This is the most common and primary cruise port for excursions to Florence. It's located approximately 90-105 km (56-65 miles) southwest of Florence. From Livorno, visitors can reach Florence via organised shore excursions, private transfers, or by taking a shuttle from the port to Livorno Centrale train station, followed by a train ride to Florence (typically around 1.5 hours).
Our NCL cruise excursion from Livorno port whisked us away for a day in Tuscany, visiting both Pisa and Florence. Upon meeting our guide and coach right at the port, we enjoyed a scenic drive of about 1 hour and 15 minutes before immersing ourselves in a comprehensive guided tour of Florence.
la spezia
Located in the Liguria region of Italy, approximately 139-150 km (86-93 miles) northwest of Florence, La Spezia is a popular port of call for cruise ships. While it's slightly further from Florence than Livorno, it is commonly used by cruise lines and independent tour operators offering excursions to both Florence and Pisa, as well as the beautiful Cinque Terre villages.
Plan & prioritise
- Pre-book Everything: Tickets for popular attractions like the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery (for David), and Duomo complex sell out quickly. Book online in advance to avoid disappointment and long queues.
- Choose 2-3 Must-See Attractions: Florence is packed with art and history. Focus on a few key sites that are most important to you, rather than trying to see everything.
- Consider a Guided Tour: A guided tour can help you navigate the city efficiently and provide valuable context for the art and history. Look for tours specifically designed for cruise port days. We thoroughly enjoyed our walking tour of Florence, which offered a fantastic historical perspective and allowed us to see the city's key attractions.
- Organise Transportation: Pre-arrange transportation from the port of Livorno or La Spezia to Florence. Consider a private transfer, train, or organised shore excursion.
- Factor in Travel Time: The journey from Livorno to Florence takes approximately 1.5-2 hours each way. This significantly cuts into your time in the city.
Navigating the city
- Use Public Transport Sparingly: Within Florence itself, walking is often the fastest way to get around.
- Be Aware of Pickpockets: Florence is a popular tourist destination, so be vigilant about your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
- Learn Basic Italian Phrases: While English is widely spoken, learning a few basic Italian phrases will be appreciated by locals.
- Check Opening Hours: Many museums and attractions close on Mondays or have limited hours. Double-check before you go.
- Have a Contingency Plan: Cruise schedules can change. Have a backup plan in case you experience delays or unexpected issues.
florence neighbourhoods
- Duomo/Centro Storico: The absolute heart of Florence, dominated by Brunelleschi's magnificent Duomo. This area is home to iconic landmarks like the Uffizi Gallery, Piazza della Signoria, and Ponte Vecchio. It's bustling, central, and perfect for first-time visitors who want to be immersed in the city's most famous sights.
- Oltrarno: Meaning "across the Arno," this district is considered the artistic soul of Florence. It offers a more authentic, bohemian vibe with artisan workshops (leather, jewelry, paper), independent boutiques, and charming trattorias. Here you'll find the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, offering a slightly more relaxed pace than the immediate city centre.
- Santo Spirito: A lively sub-neighbourhood within Oltrarno, centered around the beautiful Basilica di Santo Spirito. Known for its buzzing piazza, cool bars, and a mix of locals, artists, and students.
- San Frediano: Another Oltrarno gem, recently named one of the "coolest neighbourhoods in the world." It's trendy, with a vibrant nightlife, artisan shops, and excellent food.
- Santa Croce: Located east of the Duomo, this lively neighbourhood is named after the magnificent Basilica di Santa Croce, the burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. It's known for its historic squares, leather shops, and a mix of local life and bustling energy.
- Santa Maria Novella: Situated around Florence's main train station, this area is a convenient hub, especially for those arriving by train or planning day trips. Beyond the station, it boasts the impressive Basilica di Santa Maria Novella and elegant streets that become more atmospheric closer to the Arno.
- San Lorenzo: Found between the train station and the Duomo, San Lorenzo is Florence's bustling market district. It's famous for the San Lorenzo Central Market (Mercato Centrale), a two-story foodie heaven, and the outdoor leather market. It offers a lively, commercial atmosphere alongside important Medici landmarks.
Last Updated: 2 June '25