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The short answer? Yes, you can do both Florence and Pisa from Livorno in one day, but it requires a tight schedule and some strategic choices. Most cruise ships dock in Livorno for around 9-10 hours, typically from 8:00-9:00 until 17:00-18:00. That’s just enough time to hit the highlights of both cities if you’re organised and realistic about what you’ll actually see.
The key is accepting that you won’t have time for long museum visits or leisurely three-course lunches. This is a greatest-hits tour, not a deep exploration. But if you’re the type who’d rather tick off two iconic Italian destinations than spend an entire day in one, it’s absolutely worth attempting.
Getting Started: Transport from Livorno Port
Your first hurdle is getting out of the port itself. Livorno’s cruise terminal isn’t within walking distance of the train station, so you’ll need to use the official port shuttle to reach the scambiatore (coach parking area) inside the port. From there, you can access Livorno Centrale train station. Allow 15-30 minutes for this process, including queues at peak times when multiple ships are in port.
Want to know more about your transport options? Check out our detailed guide on getting from Livorno cruise port to Florence for all the ins and outs of trains, shuttles, and organised tours.
The train is your best friend for this itinerary. Direct services run regularly:
- Livorno to Pisa: 40-60 minutes depending on the service
- Livorno to Florence: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
- Pisa to Florence: about 1 hour
Book your tickets in advance when possible. Popular departure times sell out, and you don’t want to waste precious port time standing in ticket queues. Factor in a 2-2.5 hour total transit window from port gate to your first destination and back again at the end of the day.
The Realistic One-Day Itinerary
Here’s a practical timeline that actually works, assuming your ship docks around 8:00-8:30:
Morning: Pisa First (The Smart Strategy)
Most people rush to Florence first because it’s the headline act, but starting with Pisa makes more logistical sense. It’s closer to Livorno, so if there are any delays with the port shuttle or train connections, you haven’t blown your entire day before you’ve even started.
- 08:30-09:00: Leave ship, take port shuttle to Livorno Centrale
- 09:15-10:00: Train to Pisa Centrale
- 10:00-12:30: Pisa sights (2.5 hours on the ground)
That gives you enough time to walk from Pisa Centrale station to the Piazza dei Miracoli (about 20-25 minutes), take your obligatory tourist photos with the Leaning Tower, admire the Baptistery and Cathedral, and either climb the tower or simply appreciate it from ground level. If you want to climb the tower, pre-book a timed ticket – walk-up slots fill quickly and you’ll waste time queuing.
For everything you need to know about visiting, check out our complete guide to seeing the Leaning Tower from Livorno port.
Midday: Train to Florence
- 12:30-13:30: Train from Pisa Centrale to Florence Santa Maria Novella
- 13:30: Arrive in Florence
Use this hour to eat lunch. Grab something quick at Pisa station or bring snacks for the train. You don’t want to waste Florence time hunting for food when you could be seeing the sights. Keep a collapsible water bottle handy to fill at Italy’s public fountains – the water is perfectly safe and it’ll save you money at tourist spots.
Afternoon: Florence Highlights
You’ll have roughly 3-3.5 hours in Florence before you need to catch a train back to Livorno. That’s not enough time for the Uffizi or a leisurely exploration of every Renaissance masterpiece, but it’s plenty for the compact historic centre.
Our complete Florence from Livorno guide breaks down exactly what you can realistically see in a short port visit.
Focus on these walkable highlights near Santa Maria Novella station:
- Duomo complex: The cathedral exterior, Baptistery doors, and Giotto’s Bell Tower (exterior viewing takes 20-30 minutes; climbing takes longer if you pre-booked)
- Historic centre walk: Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio exterior, and the Loggia dei Lanzi sculptures
- Ponte Vecchio: The iconic medieval bridge lined with jewellery shops
- Quick streets and squares: Get intentionally lost in the narrow lanes between the Duomo and the river
Skip the Uffizi unless you have a pre-booked timed ticket and are willing to sacrifice other sights. The queue alone can eat up an hour, and you’ll need at least 90 minutes inside to make it worthwhile.
Late Afternoon: Return to Livorno
- 17:00-17:30: Train from Florence to Livorno Centrale
- 18:00-18:30: Port shuttle or taxi back to the cruise terminal
Build in buffer time. Trains can run late, and you absolutely cannot miss the ship. If your ship’s all-aboard time is 18:00, you need to be on that train no later than 17:00, preferably earlier.
What You’ll Actually See (And What You Won’t)
Let’s be honest about what this itinerary delivers. In Pisa, you’ll see the main event: the Leaning Tower, Cathedral, and Baptistery in the Piazza dei Miracoli. That’s genuinely all most people come to Pisa for, so you’re not missing much by keeping it short.
In Florence, you’ll see the architectural highlights and get a feel for the city’s Renaissance beauty, but you won’t have time for:
- The Uffizi Gallery (2-3 hours minimum)
- The Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David (1-2 hours)
- Climbing the Duomo dome (pre-booking required, 1+ hours)
- Any meaningful time in the Boboli Gardens or Pitti Palace
- A proper sit-down Florentine meal
What you will get is a walking tour of the historic centre, stunning architecture at every turn, and enough Instagram-worthy moments to prove you were there. For many cruise passengers, that’s absolutely sufficient.
Independent vs Organised Tours: Which Makes Sense?
Going independent gives you flexibility and costs less, but it puts all the logistical pressure on you. Miss a train and you’re scrambling. Many shore excursions from Livorno offer Florence and Pisa combinations with coach transport, meeting at the port terminal or scambiatore, and guaranteed return times that sync with your ship’s departure.
The trade-off? Less time in each city because coaches take longer than trains, and you’re tied to a group schedule. But for nervous first-time cruisers or anyone who just wants the logistics handled, organised tours remove the stress entirely.
If you book an excursion, confirm exactly where and when the pickup happens – some meet inside the port, others at Livorno town centre.
Practical Tips That Actually Matter
Pre-book what you can: If you want to climb the Leaning Tower or the Duomo, book timed tickets weeks in advance. Walk-up availability is never guaranteed.
Validate train tickets: If you buy regional train tickets at the station, you must validate them in the yellow machines on the platform before boarding. Forget this and you’ll face a fine from the conductor.
Watch your belongings: Florence’s tourist areas are pickpocket central, especially around the Duomo and on crowded trains. Keep bags zipped and phones secured. Consider bringing an anti-theft backpack with slash-proof material and lockable zippers to keep your valuables safe while exploring crowded tourist areas.
Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll walk 10,000+ steps easily. Florence’s streets are cobblestoned and uneven. A good pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential for this ambitious itinerary. Prevent blisters before they start with blister prevention products – trust us, you don’t want foot pain ruining your day.
Bring water and snacks: Prices near major sights are inflated. Fill a bottle at public fountains (the water is safe) and carry snacks to keep energy up.
Check station departure boards: Italian trains sometimes change platforms at the last minute. Always double-check the board 10-15 minutes before departure.
Don’t book the earliest shuttle: If your ship docks at 8:00, the earliest port shuttle might be swamped with passengers. Sometimes the second shuttle is faster because the queue is shorter.
Pack smart: Keep your essentials organised with packing cubes and use a cable organizer for your electronics so you’re not fumbling through your bag on the train. A portable charger is essential for a full day of navigation and photos – your phone battery won’t last otherwise.
Stay connected: Don’t forget a European power adapter to charge your devices at cafés or on the train if you get the chance.
Is It Actually Worth Doing Both?
That depends entirely on your travel style. If you’re a “been there, done that” traveller who values seeing multiple iconic spots over in-depth exploration, then yes – this itinerary is brilliant. You’ll leave with photos of the Leaning Tower and the Duomo, and you’ll have experienced two of Italy’s most famous cities in one efficient day.
But if you prefer slow travel, lingering in museums, and really soaking up the atmosphere, you’ll find this pace exhausting and unsatisfying. In that case, pick one city and give it your full attention. Florence has far more to offer if you have a full day, while Pisa can genuinely be “done” in 2-3 hours.
The other consideration is cost. Train tickets for Livorno-Pisa-Florence-Livorno will run you roughly £20-30 per person if booked in advance, plus any attraction entry fees. An organised shore excursion typically costs £60-100+ per person but includes transport and often skip-the-line entry. Weigh convenience against budget.
What Could Go Wrong (And How to Handle It)
Trains run late sometimes. If your connection is tight and the Pisa train is delayed, you might miss your Florence train. Always have a backup plan – check the next departure time and adjust your Florence time accordingly.
The port shuttle can have long queues when multiple ships are in port. If you’re running late getting back to Livorno, don’t wait for the shuttle – grab a taxi. It’ll cost £10-15 but it’s worth it to avoid missing the ship.
Stations can be confusing. Florence Santa Maria Novella is large with multiple platforms. Give yourself time to find your departure platform and don’t assume the board is correct until 10 minutes before departure.
If you genuinely miss the ship, contact the cruise line immediately and head to the next port. It’s expensive and stressful, which is why building in buffer time is non-negotiable.
Extend Your Stay in Florence or Pisa
If this whirlwind itinerary leaves you wanting more, consider booking accommodation in Florence for a night or two before or after your cruise. Hotels in Florence range from budget spots near Santa Maria Novella station to boutique properties in the historic centre, giving you time to visit the Uffizi properly, climb the Duomo, and enjoy a real Tuscan meal without watching the clock. Pisa works better as a day trip, but if you prefer a quieter base with easier parking and lower prices, accommodation in Pisa puts you close to the Leaning Tower and offers better access to the Tuscan coast and countryside.
Personal Experience
We docked in Livorno at 8 AM and decided to tackle both Florence and Pisa in one day – ambitious, sure, but totally doable if you keep your expectations realistic. We grabbed the ship’s shuttle to Pisa first since it’s only about 20 minutes away, spent a solid hour and a half at the Leaning Tower (got our silly photos, climbed to the top, wandered the beautiful Piazza dei Miracoli), then caught the train to Florence by 11:30. The train ride takes about an hour, which gave us time to grab some snacks and plan our attack.
In Florence, we had roughly four hours before needing to head back, so we focused on the highlights within walking distance of the station. We hit the Duomo, walked through Piazza della Signoria, crossed the Ponte Vecchio, and grabbed lunch at a little spot near the Uffizi. Did we see everything? Absolutely not. But honestly, getting a taste of both cities felt better than spending the whole day in just one. We were back at the port by 6 PM with an hour to spare, exhausted but satisfied. Just skip the Uffizi unless you have a pre-booked ticket – the line is insane. If you’re the type who likes checking off multiple bucket-list items and doesn’t mind a faster pace, this combo is completely worth it.
Common Questions & FAQ
How much time do I really need in each city?
For Pisa, 2-2.5 hours is genuinely enough to see the Leaning Tower complex and take photos. Florence needs a minimum of 3-4 hours to cover the main sights in the historic centre without feeling completely rushed. If you try to squeeze both into less time than this, you’ll spend more time in transit than actually seeing anything.
Can I do this itinerary if I’m travelling with young children?
It’s possible but challenging. The pace is brisk, there’s lots of walking, and trains don’t always have space for prams. If your kids are good walkers and adaptable, go for it. If they need frequent breaks or get cranky when rushed, consider picking just one city or booking an organised tour with coach transport that’s more family-friendly.
What happens if I miss the last train back to Livorno?
Don’t panic, but act fast. Trains run regularly until evening, so there’s usually another option within 30-60 minutes. Check the departure board immediately and grab the next available service. If you’re cutting it extremely close to the ship’s departure time, take a taxi directly from Florence to Livorno port – it’ll cost £100-150 but it’s better than missing the ship entirely.
Should I book train tickets in advance or buy them at the station?
Book in advance if you’re taking high-speed Freccia trains or travelling during peak times. Regional trains often don’t require advance booking and you can buy tickets at the station, but popular morning and late afternoon services can sell out. Booking ahead locks in your preferred times and often saves a few pounds.
Is it better to start with Florence or Pisa?
Start with Pisa. It’s closer to Livorno, so any morning delays won’t derail your entire day. Pisa is also the quicker stop, so you’ll feel less rushed there. Saving Florence for the afternoon means you have more flexibility if something runs late, and you can always catch a later train back to Livorno if needed.
Can I fit in a proper sit-down lunch in Florence?
Technically yes, but it’ll cost you at least an hour of sightseeing time. Italian lunches aren’t rushed affairs, and restaurants near tourist sights can be slow with service. If eating well is a priority, plan for it and accept you’ll see fewer sights. Otherwise, grab a quick panino or pizza slice and keep moving.
Do I need to pre-book anything besides train tickets?
If you want to climb the Leaning Tower in Pisa, pre-book a timed slot – walk-up tickets often sell out or have long waits. In Florence, pre-booking is essential for the Uffizi and Accademia, though on this tight itinerary you probably won’t have time for either. Climbing the Duomo or Campanile also requires advance booking. Everything else you can do on the fly.
What if my ship docks later or leaves earlier than usual?
Adjust the itinerary or pick just one city. If you only have 7-8 hours total, doing both cities becomes extremely stressful and you’ll barely see anything. Florence alone is a better use of limited time. Check your ship’s actual docking and departure times as soon as they’re published and plan accordingly.
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