Florence vs. Cinque Terre

very hard to even compare the two nor do i dare. In all do respect, when you say that you have covered all the arts and culture side in other ports, you are gravely mistaken. Florence IS like a living, breathing museum. Florence,can be hurried through in a day but you will never be able appreciate her unless you spend at least three days to listen and see her properly along with her outer-surroundings. The Duomo IS spectacular and something that cannot be appreciated untill you have learned the history and walked her circumference or even climbed the campanile in order to see something truly ALIVE. It is not just another church in italy and her significance is vital to the architecture and culture of the renessiance as well as Florentine history. The Ufizzi and Academia are museums not to be missed. Skipping a chance to see "David", the scale of this mind numbing piece of art is enormous, would be a sin or missing a chance to gaze at the "birth of venus" would be regrettable. I was mildly impressed with Cinque Terre. i find that it has become a new outpost for tourist to visit simply because it has been made famous by Rick Steves to north americans. Just as Portofino and Positano were must see destinations, so has become CT.the hiking and the views are of course beautiful and in many ways you can spend the day there and hike through all five villages and take in alot. The wine and food are very good.
Florence has alot to offer and shouldnt be dismissed so easily but if you have just a few hours from the time you dock in Livorno i would do CT as too much time would be spent trying to get to and see too much of Florence without appreciating it.

Brian,
I am living here in Firenze, and I've spent a few days in Cinque Terre - I love both of them, it's really a hard choice. I'm sitting here in my apartment looking at the Duomo, trying to make a comparison to Cinque Terre and I can't, but i'm partial to Firenze because i'm an Art History buff. Florence is beautiful, but crowded - you didn't mention when you were coming here, but now its jammed pack with tourist and will continue to be like this until after the harvest in a few weeks. With that being said, it's a little more expensive and the lines tend to be much longer. There's so much to do here, so many great places to eat, so much to see. Cinque Terre no the other hand is soooo different than Firenze, we loved it and will be going back for a day to do the hikes. If you want to do outdoors stuff, sit on the beach and relax, enjoy the beautiful water and mountains, stay there. Cinque Terre is a great small town(s) to visit for the day, you won't feel rushed and you should be able to do all of a few of the hikes and feel good. It's a real toss up, but think about what you want to do. Relax, hike, enjoy the outdoors, or see some of the most stunning art in history.

I agree with John and JB. Florence is my favorite city in the world, but it would be hard to enjoy it in a few rushed hours. I think the Cinque Terre is better for a quick day trip.

Thanks for the advice. I think that the enthusiasm for Florence that is evident in your replies has actually swayed us over to the Florence side in our decision making. We'll be docking in Livorno on the 7th of Oct. So despite the caution about the crowds, this will be the only day that we have available. Unfortunately (as with cruise itineraries) you only get a chance to nibble as opposed to savouring the feast.

Brian
Burlington, ON CAN

Definitely skip the Leaning Tower in Pisa if you can go to Florence instead.

Firenze, Firenze, Firenze. Cinque Terre is for slowing down, for doing nothing, for settling in and chilling out. Not really possible to do in a single day when you're heading back to the ship for the night, I presume. A well-thought-out day in Florence is heaven. If I had a single day left, that's where I would go!

Florence and CT are very diffrent places.
Florence is a cultural city, with museums and outside art, Cinque Terre is a place to hike and see the architecture, perhaps unique, around the little towns.
CT is a beautiful outdoor place and hikes take many hours. Even I am into hiking I wouldn't skip the Duomo.
But since you are going to dock in Livorno and just for a day, I would suggest to stick around that area which is CT. I think Livorno to Florence by train would take about 3 hours, so time is short .

I personally believe that Monterosso al Mare is the most beautiful place in the world!

But maybe if you only have a day...you should go to Florence. As a history student, it would be silly in my mind to pass it up!

Florence is beautiful and perfectly do-able in one day!

The Cinque Terre...as a day traveler...you are a cheap, ugly America. You really have to stay for at least three nights to feel and experience the TRUE flavor and charm of the Rivera.

Choose Florence.

If you are on a cruise, chances are, you are getting plenty of relaxation already.

ps. Skip the leaning tower. it's silly.

We just got back from Italy,and went to both these places.It all depends if you like small towns vs cities.I much preferred Cinque Terre-we stayed in Monterosso,and hiked to Vernazza,and took the train to Riomaggiore(I'd skip that place,it was dirty).Monterosso(old town and new) is gorgeous,clean,tons of lovely little shops and restaurants,and I'd definately go back there again.The hike was spectacular,but really,really hard!Not a good thing to do if you are at all unfit,but totally worth it.

Have a great trip.