Overwhelmed Traveler

Where is the port of call? How long will it take to get to Florence or Pisa from there? With just 10 hours, including transportation and making sure that you don't miss the 5:00 boarding, I think that doing both is too much. This is especially so, given your 12:15 Accademia entrance.

Since there's more to do in Florence (and, you already have your Accademia tickets) than in Pisa, I would opt for Florence and save Pisa for another time. I really enjoyed our short visit to Pisa (just long enough to climb the Tower and explore a bit of the other buildings on Field of Miracles), but we were just passing through, between Florence and the Cinque Terre.

I know how difficult it is to be so close and not be able to do everything that you want. But, it's much better to enjoy what you do see, rather than just feeling pressured to get to the next spot to check off your list.

Enjoy!

Ten hours total,, forget Pisa,, it really isn't worth cutting Florence short.. and I didn't particularily love Florence, but even I can tell you there is alot to see there, and Pisa just has the Tower and the Church,, and frankly they are just skippable ,, when compared to many other places in Italy( so unless you have at least 10 or more days don't bother,, never mind 10 HOURS!! LOL

On the other hand,, if you really want a pink pulsating lamp shaped like the Leaning Tower for your rec room,, ,LOL theres only one place to get it,, from the hawkers circling the Tower..

DEFINITELY SKIP PISA! Not only are regional trains unreliable--you could spend three hours alone just waiting for trains after delays and cancellations--but Firenze is stunning and full of life. Pick up Steves' guidebook on Florence and build one amazing day for yourself. You won't regret it. Buon viaggio!

I can probably guess that the port is on the coast near Pisa (Pisa used to be a coast town)and you have to go through Pisa to get to Florence. So a quick stop to look at the tower is probably OK, just don't have any expectation of going up in the tower or much touring of the church. Figure into Pisa by 8:00, back on the train by 9:00, into Florence by 10:30 or 11:00; a wander and a bite to eat, Accademia 12:00 to 1:00 (you only want to see David right), wander the streets until you catch the train back at 2:30...Plop on board by 5:00. Maybe along the way you do better on time, giving you a little more wander time in Florence. Either Train station in Pisa works I believe, Centrale may have more connection options.

Whatever you decide to do, give yourself extra time. Italy is not known for the most efficient on-time rail system.

Why don't you tell us the following so we can be more helpful:

Port of call:

Day and date of visit:

Next port of call (in case you miss the boat):

Cruise Line:

What shore excursion is the ship offering and how much is it? (You may be able to use this to your advantage.)

For those interested, the Port is most likely Livorno, located a few miles from Pisa and typically used as the port of call for Florence (Had to look, always wondered how they got such a big ship up the Arno)

Thanks for the information on Livorno.

I would still opt for spending the day in Florence. If you run out of things to do (doubtful), and you have time, you could stop in Pisa on the way back to the ship. That way, you're closer to the ship, if you do decide to stop.

Spend you time in Florence as there is nothing to see in Pisa except the tower. Unless you absolutely HAVE to see the tower spend you time checking out Florence, you will not regret it!!! Have fun!!!

I was at the Academia a week ago. Here's what happened: I had an 8.45 reservation. I got there just before 9 am (they really don't care if you are an hour or more late - that happened to me at the Uffizi) and there was a line of about 20 people at the reservation door and a line of well over 50 at the ticket w/o reservation door, and notes taped on the doors that the museum was closed for a STAFF MEETING until 10.30. Turns out all the museums were closed for that staff meeting (here we used to call them Italian strikes - now I know why). I returned a little past 10 and got in, with my reservation, by 11.00. Even with the crowds, it was well worth it and a delight to have the RS audio guide. Now I don't think that will happen to you, but be prepared for snags.

The Duomo is a 5 minute walk from the Academia and the Uffizi is another 5 minutes, but with a tight schedule I would skip it. Even with a reservation, it took me 45 minutes just to get in. The Uffizi is relatively small, so they only let in so many visitors at a time. OTOH, by November the crowds may be less. . .

There is an RS audio guide with a walking tour (and pdf map) from the Duomo to the Ponte Vecchio (THE bridge in Florence) that takes you past the Uffizi.

There is a red double-decker sightseeing bus that starts at the train station and has stops near the Academia, the Duomo, etc etc. There are 2 lines, you can buy tickets (20 euros) when you board. It's about a 15 minute (maybe 20) walk from the train station to the Academia, IF you know the way. If you want the sightseeing bus, let me know and I'll give you exact directions from the train platform.