Livorno: Florence & Pisa Shore Excursion with Food Tasting

If you’re cruising along Italy’s coast, chances are you’ve considered a day trip to see some of Tuscany’s most famous spots — Florence and Pisa. This particular tour offers a guided experience that packs in the highlights of both cities, along with some local food tastings, all for a reasonable price. While we haven’t done it ourselves, the reviews and details paint a pretty clear picture of what you can expect — and whether it might be worth your time.

What we love about this tour? First, the expert guides seem to make all the difference, making sure you hit the main sights and get insider tips. Second, the balanced mix of guided sightseeing and free time gives you a taste of both cities without feeling rushed. The possible downside? If you’re looking for deep dives into museums or climbing monuments like the Leaning Tower, this trip might feel a bit light on those experiences. This tour suits travelers who want a practical, well-organized way to see Florence and Pisa from the cruise port, especially if you’re happy with a snapshot rather than an in-depth exploration.

Key Points

• Great value for the price, especially with included food tastings and guided highlights.
• Flexible timing allows you to enjoy key sights while having some free moments.
• Excellent guides known for their knowledge, friendliness, and organization.
• Comfortable transport in air-conditioned buses helps cover the distance easily.
• Limited inside visits—entrance fees are extra, so don’t expect to go inside many monuments.
• Short but sweet—you get enough time to see the main sights but not to explore every detail.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What This Tour Offers at a Glance

This eight-hour adventure starts with a comfortable bus ride from Livorno, headed straight into two of Tuscany’s most iconic cities. It’s a good choice if you want to tick those famous landmarks off your list without the hassle of planning logistics yourself. Think of it as a practical tour that balances guided commentary with free time, all at a price that feels fair considering what’s included.

The Starting Point and Comfort of Travel

You’ll meet your guide next to Piazza del Municipio, right near where the cruise shuttle buses arrive. The staff are easy to spot in their blue T-shirts. From there, the journey begins with a modern, air-conditioned bus that makes the approximately 1-1.5 hour drive comfortable — especially important when you’re covering quite some ground.

The transportation part is straightforward, and the focus on comfort means you can sit back and enjoy the changing scenery of Tuscany. As many reviewers note, the guides frequently receive praise for their professionalism and friendly demeanor, making the long bus ride feel less like a chore.

Florence: The Renaissance Treasure Chest

Landing in Florence, you’ll step into a city packed with world-famous art, architecture, and some lively streets. The tour guide leads you through the city’s main attractions, providing insightful commentary along the way.

Most guests start at Piazza Repubblica, then follow the guide into the historic heart of Florence. You’ll walk past Piazza della Signoria, soak in the atmosphere, and cross the Ponte Vecchio, the ancient bridge lined with shops. If you choose, you can explore more freely afterwards, visiting highlights like the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David or marveling at the Florence Cathedral in Piazza del Duomo.

What makes this part special? The guides seem very good at highlighting the key sights while also giving you the flexibility to explore on your own. A common praise from reviews is the detailed maps provided, with marked routes that help maximize your sightseeing time without feeling overwhelmed.

Food Tasting in Florence

One of the tour’s appealing features is the included local food tasting. You’ll enjoy sampling regional wines, cheese, and ham at a small wine bar or restaurant. This is a great way to get a taste of Tuscany’s culinary delights and break up the sightseeing. Several reviews mention this as a highlight, noting the quality and authenticity of the tasting experience.

While some travelers find the tasting worthwhile, others might feel it’s a brief introduction rather than a comprehensive food experience. Still, it adds a nice flavor (literally and figuratively) to the day.

More Great Tours Nearby

Free Time in Florence

After the guided walk, you’re given a few hours of free time to explore. Some venture inside museums, while others stroll shops or grab a quick bite. The guides usually give helpful suggestions on where to go and how to find your way back to the bus.

The flexibility is appreciated, especially by those who want to see a specific site like the Uffizi or take photos of the Ponte Vecchio. However, keep in mind that time is limited, so plan accordingly if there’s something specific you really want to do.

Pisa: The Leaning Tower and More

Next up is Pisa, about an hour’s drive from Florence. You’ll pass through the city gates into Piazza dei Miracoli, where the famous Leaning Tower stands proudly. Many guests opt to pay a small supplement to climb the tower, which many reviewers say is worth it if you want that iconic photo from the top. If not, the free view of the tower and nearby monuments still offers plenty to admire.

The tour guide will lead you around the square, pointing out other notable sites like the Pisa Cathedral and the Baptistery. You can relax on the grass, take photos, or explore briefly on your own.

One clever tip from some guests is paying a small fee for the shuttle train ride from the parking area directly to the leaning tower — it saves walking time and makes sure you get maximum sightseeing with minimal hassle.

The End of the Day and Return to Livorno

After a couple of hours in Pisa, it’s time to head back. The tour concludes back at the original meeting point near the cruise port. The guides and drivers are praised for their efficiency, often dropping guests directly at the ship, which is handy if you’re pressed for time or tired after a long day.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $47.37 per person, this tour offers transportation, a guided tour, and local food tastings. The price is quite reasonable considering the included guided visits and the comfort of travel. The main thing to be aware of is that entrance fees to churches or museums are not included — if you want to go inside the Duomo or see other sites, you’ll need to pay separately.

The tour is in English and Spanish, making it accessible to most travelers, but it’s not suitable for children under 8 or those in wheelchairs due to the walking involved and limited accessibility. Pets and large luggage are not allowed, so pack light and plan accordingly.

The Real Experience — What Travelers Say

Reviews consistently highlight the guides’ professionalism and friendliness. Many mention how guides like Sabrina, Igna, and Ariana made the trip engaging with their local knowledge, humor, and helpful tips.

A common theme is the excellent timing and organization, with guests feeling that they saw enough without feeling overwhelmed. Multiple reviews praise the maps and printed materials, which helped them navigate independently in Florence or Pisa.

The inclusion of food tastings is generally appreciated, adding a local flavor to the experience. People also love that the tour includes enough free time to explore or relax, which allows for a personalized touch amid a busy schedule.

Some travelers mention the small extra costs, like paying for the shuttle train in Pisa or climbing the Tower, but most find the overall value quite high considering what they get.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This is a solid choice if you’re looking for a well-organized, budget-friendly way to see Florence and Pisa without the hassle of planning transportation or navigating alone. It’s ideal for travelers who want to hit the highlights and enjoy some local food, but who aren’t expecting a deep dive into art museums or inside monuments.

If your priority is a relaxed, informative overview with friendly guides and some free time, this tour could be perfect. However, if you’re eager to climb the Leaning Tower or see inside every museum, you might want to consider adding those options separately or looking for a tour that includes inside visits.

Ultimately, this experience offers a dependable, enjoyable way to explore two of Tuscany’s most iconic cities, especially if you’re after a taste of Italy with good company and hassle-free logistics.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 8 years old are not allowed to climb the Leaning Tower, and the tour involves some walking and standing. If your kids are older and enjoy sightseeing, they’ll likely be fine, but note the physical nature of the day.

Does the tour include inside visits to monuments?
No, entrance fees are not included. You can visit landmarks like the Florence Cathedral or Pisa Cathedral at an additional cost if you choose.

How long is the bus ride?
The drive from Livorno to Florence takes about an hour, and from Florence to Pisa is around another hour. The bus is air-conditioned, making for a comfortable journey.

What do I need to bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as you’ll be walking quite a bit. Also, consider bringing a hat, water, and a camera to capture the sights.

Is food tasting included?
Yes, you’ll enjoy a tasting of local wine, cheese, and ham, which many find a lovely way to start the day and experience local flavors.

Can I explore on my own after the guided tour?
Absolutely. The tour provides free time in both cities to explore more, shop, or relax, but be mindful of the time and meeting points.

What if I want to climb the Leaning Tower?
You can pay a small supplement at the site—many reviews mention that the climb is well worth it for the experience and photos.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if plans change.

In the end, if you’re craving a straightforward, enjoyable look at Florence and Pisa with friendly guides and some tasty bites, this tour seems to check the boxes. It’s not a deep dive, but it’s a reliable way to pack in the highlights and come away with some lovely memories.

You can check availability for your dates here: