Port of Livorno Destinations

Both are doable if you don't mind a quick visit, although my choice would be Florence. There should be shore excursion options through the cruise line; alternatively, you could arrange something private with a day-tour vendor. (The nice part of taking the cruise line's excursion is they're certain to get you back in time so you don't miss the boat.)

Hank, at cruisecritic.com you can get a lot of useful information on each port of call on your ship's itinerary, including ways to do your own excursions.

If you have never been to Florence, it would be a shame to be that close and not see Florence. We've been three times and have loved it every time (first time we were on a cruise docking in Livorno). Favorite sights there include the Duomo, Santa Croce, Medici chapel, Central market, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio. I'm sure there is a train from Livorno to Florence several times a day or you could rent a car.

If you have never been to Florence, it would be a shame to be that close and not see Florence. We've been three times and have loved it every time (first time we were on a cruise docking in Livorno). Favorite sights there include the Duomo, Santa Croce, Medici chapel, Central market, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio. I'm sure there is a train from Livorno to Florence several times a day or you could rent a car.

Hank, the train is about 1.5 hours each way to Florence. If you have not been there, it is wonderful. I am not as impressed with Florence as most as I am not a museum guy and found the Uffizi underwhelming. Nevertheless, there is much to see. Sienna and San Gimignano are also wonderful, but if you have seen none of them, for one day, I would go with Florence.

Wow! About 13 hours off the boat. Not bad. The train to Florence takes about 1.5hrs. The train to Siena takes 2.0hrs so its not that bad. Just plan carefully for your return journey. All trains for these areas are Regionale trains so a seat reservation is neither necessary nor permitted. Your ticket is an "open" ticket that is good for 60 days. Just hop on to any Regionale train making the run shown on the ticket. Note that San Gimignano and Volterra do not have train stations. Once in Siena, you can take the local bus to San G. But, you're beginning to push your time a bit as the bus transfers take a bit of time. If you need to bus schedules, I can provide them.

I agree with others, Florence is a must. Been to Siena several times, loved it!
But of all the cites in Italy, Florence is my favorite!! Don't miss it!! Happy Travels!!

Thanks to all! I've been to Florence three times. In fact, my wife and I were there for two nights last September. I've been to Siena once (in 2000). Never been to San Gimignano. Hence the question. Are Siena and San Gimignano do-able by train and bus. My intuition tells me they are, but we'll have to closely watch the clock. What do you think? Thanks again!

Hank, makes sense to make the choice toward which you are leaning. But why not rent a car?

We rented a car right on the dock where our ship was and drove to the Cinque Terre. It was about a 90 minute drive there and back, and we took the train between villages (just a few minutes by train between villages). We loved it.