Enjoying a Mediterranean cruise means enjoying the convenience of unpacking only once in your stateroom as you visit all of the fabulous places on your cruise. Unfortunately, it also means expensive excursions as the ports of call can be up to an hour away from the actual sights you want to see. The case is no different with the port of Livorno for Pisa and Florence. However, there are ways you can save big bucks and still do everything the shore excursions offer and more!
If you have not yet been, Pisa should be at the top of your list. It is a definite must to take the obligatory Leaning Tower Photo. If you have looked at your cruise excursion list, you should see an excursion on there for the Leaning Tower and other near attractions for around $70. Did you know that you can do this for much less on your own? The train will get you there much cheaper. Are you ready for this? You can take the train from Livorno Central Station to Pisa for only 2 Euros, and that's roundtrip! Yep, the cruises want to make money. It is true that you will not have a guided tour, but you can definitely look into doing that on your own as well. This site offers a Pisa tour for 6 Euros per person (which still leaves you way under the "cruise excursion budget" and you'll have enough left over for a really nice lunch!).
As for seeing Pisa and Florence, through your cruise line you are looking at spending around $200 per person. Or, you can just ride the train around. So, for instance, you can start your day in Pisa after taking a very quick and cheap ride from Livorno. After you look around, you can hop back on the train and head to Florence for only 6 Euro. In this way, you can explore the quaint and majestic shops and cafes while sampling some of the infamous gelato everyone raves about. You can take it at your own pace. You can also see the famous statue of David (click here to buy tickets to the museum). You will want to make sure to check the train schedule and sync with the time you need to be back on the ship as train times vary.
As you can see, you can plan out a lot of exploring on your own, or even get a guide and save a lot of money. Yes, the cruise tours are convenient, but doesn't everyone like a little adventure in their lives (and money in their wallet)?
To see the Florence tourism site, click here.
To see the Pisa tourism site, click here.
If you are visiting Monaco on your cruise, click here.
For more Europe Travel Tips, click here.
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