Located on the western coast of Tuscany along the Ligurian Sea, Livorno is a city of about 160,000 residents that’s known for its busy port, fantastic seafood, and the extensive network of canals that rival those of Venice.
Livorno’s cruise ship terminal welcomes vessels from all over the world. Though many visitors choose to spend a day or two in the port city, others use it as a starting point for side-excursions to nearby cities like Florence and Pisa.
The city’s highlights include an aquarium, historical attractions, and its all-around old-world charm, so staying occupied shouldn’t be an issue.
Below are 15 of the best tours of Livorno.
1. 24-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket
Source: ArTono / shutterstockHop-on-hop-off bus tours have been gaining in popularity in recent years, especially among savvy travelers who prefer to spend their valuable vacation time on their own terms.
Livorno’s history dates back hundreds of years to when maritime trade made it an economic powerhouse.
The city is full of impressive Renaissance architecture, nautical history, and even structures and monuments from the Roman era.
This hop-on hop-off tours conveys guests to many iconic attractions like the Teatro Goldini and the Sanctuary of Montenero. Unlike traditional tours, it allows them to explore the sites that interest them and skip the ones that don’t.
2. 2 ½-Hour Private Walking Tour with Local Guide
Source: ermess / shutterstockFor those who’ve just spent days cramped in a tiny cabin on an overcrowded cruise ship, walking tours are great ways to shake out the cobwebs and see things from a street-level perspective.
During its heyday in the 15th and 16th centuries, Livorno was often referred to as the ‘City of Nations’ for its prosperity and international reach.
On this 2 ½-hour guided tour, participants will explore Livorno’s popular attractions, as well as some hidden gems.
The city’s ancient walls and coastal defense system are tour highlights, as are the Church of St. Catherine, the Piazza della Republic, and the Dome of Livorno.
3. Pasta and Wine Experience in Pisa
Source: ventdusud / shutterstockYou’d be hard-pressed to find two things that are more quintessentially Italian than wine and pasta. The country’s residents are crazy for them, and on this customizable tour to Pisa, guests can experience both together like never before.
Tours begin with pick-up at the cruise ship terminal and include stops at Pisa’s premier attractions, like the Leaning Tower and Baptistery.
While en route, guests will benefit from their guide’s insider’s knowledge. Depending on their schedules and interests, tours can range from just a few hours to all day.
Eat a light breakfast, because pasta and wine tastings are among the tour’s centerpieces.
4. Cinque Terre by Minivan Shore Excursion from Livorno
Source: Olga Gavrilova / shutterstock
After pick-up from the cruise ship terminal in Livorno, tour guests will be transferred to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Cinque Terre.
Cinque Terre is a region on the coast of the Ligurian Sea comprised of five distinct villages that are throwbacks to eras long past.
Along with their guide, tour participants will have time to explore the villages’ narrow streets and historic attractions, and weather permitting, sail up the coast.
Then, depending on time, guests will have the option of exploring on their own, relaxing at a waterfront café with an espresso or glass of wine, or swimming in the amazingly blue water.
5. Florence and Pisa Shore Excursion with Food Tasting
Source: Catarina Belova / shutterstockIn addition to being one of Italy’s centers for art, culture, and cuisine, Florence is the home of the Italian language. It is full of impressive historical attractions that are well worth checking out.
The city’s highlights include the Piazza Republica, Ponte Vecchio, and the Academy Gallery, which is home to one of the country’s most impressive collections of priceless art by artists like Michelangelo.
Next, guests and their guide will head to Pisa to explore the Leaning Tower and the Piazza dei Miracoli just inside the ancient walls that protected the city from outside threats in ages long past.
6. Livorno Shore Excursion to Portovenere and Cinque Terre
Source: leoks / shutterstockFor those who tend to get bored quickly, combo tours are great value because they cover more ground and generally keep guests more engaged.
From Livorno’s port, the drive to the tranquil fishing village of Portovenere takes about 90 minutes.
The town is characterized by angular and colorful houses that line the waterfront, and the Church of San Pietro, which was built over two decades in the middle of the 13th century.
Guests and their guide will also explore the UNESCO recognized villages of Cinque Terre, where options include free sightseeing time or a relaxing and scenic ferry ride across the harbor.
7. Florence Shore Excursion with Tasting
Source: givaga / shutterstockFlorence is one of Tuscany’s true gems. It’s easy to explore for travelers who’ve just departed from their cruise ship in Livorno’s port.
Upon arrival in Florence, tours get underway as guests relax in a traditional restaurant and sample a variety of local dishes while learning about the city’s rich history and vibrant cuisine.
Once their stomachs are full, everyone will embark on an exploration of the city’s historical, cultural, and artistic attractions with their English-speaking guide.
Tours include both guided and free blocks of time, during which guests may choose to visit a number of attractions, like the Duomo and Piazza Della Signoria.
8. Escorted Shore Excursion to Pisa with Leaning Tower
Source: pisaphotography / shutterstockVisiting Pisa without stopping to see the world’s most famous leaning tower is a criminal misuse of valuable vacation time.
That being said, there’s really no need to miss out for those who choose to join this shore excursion tour from Livorno.
At just a half-day, it’s perfect for cruise ship passengers working with limited time. Since the trip from Livorno to Pisa takes only 30 minutes, nearly all of that time is spent enjoying the town’s attractions.
Highlights include Miracle Square, the Leaning Tower, and Santa Maria gate. Each tour comes with a guaranteed return time for those whose ships are departing.
9. Private San Gimignano and Siena Excursion from Livorno
Source: leoks / shutterstockAfter meeting their driver at the port in Livorno, guests will be driven to San Gimignano, where they’ll rendezvous with their local guide before setting out on a value-packed adventure.
Gimignano is widely regarded as one of Tuscany’s most beautiful towns due to its medieval heritage and prominent hilltop location overlooking the pastoral countryside below.
After experiencing its narrow streets, unique architecture, and abundant piazzas, it’ll be time to head to nearby Sienna, which is most well-known for its annual horse race that’s been a much-loved event since the 17th century.
Tours include transportation, a guide, and skip-the-line tickets at attractions that require entrance fees.
10. Pisa, Florence and Chianti Wine Tasting from Livorno
Source: penofoto / shutterstockThe Piazza dei Miracoli—or Square of the Miracles—is Pisa’s historical and cultural heart. Not surprisingly, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for more than three decades ago.
Featuring transportation to and from the Port of Livorno and the services of a knowledgeable and enthusiastic local guide, this history, culture, and wine combo tour is great value for those looking to get the most out of their limited vacation time.
In addition to seeing the Leaning Tower in Pisa, guests will experience many of Florence’s most significant attractions, after which it will be time to retreat to a traditional villa to sample Chianti and other local fare, like bruschetta, cured meats, and olive oil.
11. Private Shore Excursion to San Gimignano and Volterra
Source: StevanZZ / shutterstockThere’s one clear option for picky visitors who prefer traveling in style to being stuffed into a minibus with dozens of other warm bodies.
This shore excursion from Livorno to San Gimignano and Volterra includes transportation via a Mercedes Benz through some of Tuscany’s most stunning scenery before reaching the tour’s destination attractions.
Acclaimed for its impressive skyline, regal residences, and Roman-era cathedral, San Gimignano is a big hit with travelers of all stripes.
In Volterra, visitors will follow their guide’s lead while learning about Etruscan culture, shopping for unique alabaster crafts, and visiting some of Italy’s most amazing squares, like Piazza dei Priori and Piazza San Giovanni.
12. Cinque Terre Private Day-Trip from Livorno or Florence
Source: GoneWithTheWind / shutterstockWhether you’ve just arrived by cruise ship in Livorno or find yourself with time to kill in Florence, this private day-trip tour to Cinque Terre is a convenient and affordable option.
Though Tuscany’s towns and cities are full of memorable attractions, many vacationers long to leave the urban hustle and bustle behind and head into the country.
After being collected at the port for those in Livorno, guests will head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s comprised of a group of five fishing villages along the Ligurian Sea.
For those looking for glimpses into Italy’s past, they’re must-visit attractions that feature stunning homes, scenic vineyards, and amazing sea views.
13. Pisa and Florence Private Shore Excursions from Livorno
Source: Aksenya / shutterstockEnjoying a full-day private tour of Pisa and Florence is a great way to spend a day for those who’ve just arrived by boat to the Port of Livorno.
Pisa and Florence are less than an hour away and were both centers for culture, art, and architecture during the Renaissance.
Tours depart at 8:00. While en route, guests will benefit from their local guide’s narration.
The main attractions include the Baptistery and Piazza Michelangelo in Florence, and the Piazza dei Miracoli and Leaning Tower in Pisa.
Round-trip transportation is included, but meals and site entrance fees aren’t.
14. Half-Day Shore Excursion to Pisa from the Port of Livorno
Source: NAPA / shutterstockHalf-day tours are attractive options for those who prefer to leave large portions of the day open to free exploration time.
Departing from Livorno’s port, this shore excursion to Pisa includes transportation and the services of a local guide who’s familiar with the ins and outs of Pisa’s most notable attractions.
Though it’s not as well-known as the Leaning Tower, the town’s Square of the Miracles is the piazza around which nearly everything else is laid out.
Despite its odd lean, it’s possible to climb to the tower’s top to enjoy unparalleled panoramic views.
Other options include visiting the cathedral or Baptistery at minimal additional expense.
15. Full-Day Private Shore Excursion to Pisa and Lucca
Source: Catarina Belova / shutterstockThough the day-trip options from Livorno are limited, there are a number of combo tours that combine multiple destinations into convenient packages.
This full-day shore excursion departs from the port and includes an English-speaking guide who’ll accompany guests to both Pisa and Lucca.
Pisa is most well-known for its Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli and is widely regarded as one of Tuscany’s most alluring cities.
Likewise, Lucca features an impressive tower of its own. Guests will have the option of walking or biking around the walled city on this nine-hour tour.
Tours are customizable, so consult the tour provider for options before booking.