Florence

1. How do i get to Florence

2. Trattoria Dall`oste

3. Ponte Vecchio

4. The Cathedral of Florence

Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is a captivating destination for cruise travelers. The city enchants visitors with its impressive cathedral, the Santa Maria del Fiore, and the famous Ponte Vecchio. Art enthusiasts appreciate the Uffizi Gallery, which houses masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. The narrow alleys, charming squares, and lively markets convey an authentic Italian atmosphere. Florence also offers exquisite Italian cuisine and elegant boutiques. After a day full of art and culture, cruise travelers can relax in one of the cozy cafés. The city is a cultural gem that leaves unforgettable impressions and enriches the stay onboard.

From Livorno to Florence, it's just under 100 km. The shipping companies offer excursions to Florence, and there are hop-on-hop-off buses that go to Florence. You can also take a taxi at the terminal. Alternatively, like we did, you can travel by train. You can conveniently purchase your tickets online in advance from Trenitalia. We took the shuttle bus to the Livorno station, which is about 2.5 km from the terminal. We walked and it took us around 30 minutes.

Trains run very frequently, and you can also take trains at times other than the scheduled ones; this can be arranged online. The journey to Florence takes between one and a half to two hours, depending on the connection. If you want to visit Pisa, it’s just as easy—Pisa is the first stop on the way to Florence and can be reached in 20 minutes. Keep in mind that trains to Pisa are quite crowded until you leave Pisa, after which it gets better.

One of the specialties in Florence is the Bistecca alla Fiorentina. This is a very large T-bone steak traditionally cut from the back of the Chianina cattle. At this restaurant, you can order the steak either in a 500g portion or, for the more daring, 1.2kg. We chose the 500g option and shared a portion. That was enough, and we both were satisfied. However, there were quite a few guests who dared to go for the large portion. A reservation is highly recommended, as the restaurant is far from a hidden gem and gets really busy at lunchtime.

The Florence Market Hall, also known as Mercato Centrale, is a vibrant meeting place for food lovers and locals alike. The historic building was constructed in the 19th century in a neo-Gothic style and is located in the heart of the city. Here, numerous vendors offer fresh local products such as fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, cheese, and Italian specialties. The market hall is not only a place for shopping but also an experience for all the senses. Upstairs, there are modern food stalls and restaurants serving authentic Italian dishes. The Florence Market Hall reflects the culinary diversity and lively atmosphere of the Tuscan city.

The Ponte Vecchio is a famous medieval bridge in Florence, Italy, that spans the Arno River. It was built in the 14th century and is known for its unique row of shops, which today house jewelers, artisans, and souvenir stores. The bridge is characterized by its distinctive arch shape and historic shops, preserving the charm of bygone eras. During World War II, the Ponte Vecchio remained unscathed, making it a symbol of Florentine history. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and a landmark of the city, captivating visitors with its picturesque setting.

The Cathedral of Florence, also known as Santa Maria del Fiore, is one of the most significant structures of the Renaissance. Its impressive dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, shapes the city's skyline. The cathedral was begun in the 13th century and completed in the 15th century. The magnificent exterior is decorated with colorful marble panels and features artistic facades and intricate sculptures. Inside, visitors are impressed by the spacious, bright interior and the elaborate stained glass windows. The cathedral is a masterpiece of architecture and art, symbolizing the power and wealth of Florence, and attracts numerous visitors from around the world each year. Visiting the cathedral is free of charge.

We wanted to make a short detour to Pisa on our way back to Livorno, so we set out early in the afternoon. Unfortunately, our visit to the Leaning Tower didn't happen, as we had to leave the train after a stop in Florence. Replacement bus services were supposed to take us to Pisa. We waited for a total of 2 hours in the blazing sun at the bus station, but the announced buses never arrived. There were no taxis available in the town, so we couldn't even continue on our own. Then we were informed that the trains would be running again, and everyone crowded onto the already full train from Florence. Luckily, the ship didn't depart until 9:00 PM, so we just made it in time to catch our ship. Therefore, when planning excursions on your own, make sure to have enough buffer time for such situations.