I will be arriving on Holland America cruise ship at port of Livorno at end of August. Had a look at H/A excursions and nothing appeals, either too long or too expensive. Thinking of going to either Pisa or Luca, but they don't seem to offer a transfer only option. Looking for suggestions on best place to visit for a day, and how easy it is to get there without too many complications. Don't want to have to do too much walking, but a short guided tour would also be of interest.
Posted by
Dallas, TX, usa
323 posts
In Pisa you will get to sea beautiful church and Baptistry and of course the Tower. It is a rush around place. In Luca you will get to see a lovely smallish town and a lovely piazza. We have been to Pisa, we don't need to go back. We went back to Luca and spent 5 days. If you are in to sights, Pisa would be the choice, if not try Luca.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
You might be able to see both, there is frequent rail or bus service between Pisa and Lucca ("Luca" is a man's name). How many hours do you have? Pisa would take an hour or two, not counting transportation time; Lucca would take more time (walking the walls alone could take an hour if you dawdle), has similar architecture (but not a landing tower), better restaurant choices than the Pisa area around the Campo dei Miracoli.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
You should get Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise Ports. This will have lots of details about most, if not all, of your cruise stops.
He has detailed directions about what's involved in seeing each port on your own, including Pisa and Lucca from Livorno. This way, you can see if you want to do this on your own, or use a guided shore excursion.
If you don't like the ship's excursions, you can use Cruise Critic to sign up for a small group independent tour with others on your sailing. Here's the Roll Call forum, just for that purpose: http://tinyurl.com/ap7h55m
And here's the Italy Ports Forum: http://tinyurl.com/bwqtmhk
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
And here www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en you can find the train schedules to Pisa and Lucca (choose for both places the »Centrale« option).
Posted by
OP
6 posts
thank you for all the advice. Will check out the websites, and Rick Steves guide book.