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Pisa/Florence or Florence only


LM63
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Hi everyone,

 

My husband & I are booked on a Princess cruise in October & are having a little trouble deciding which shore excursion to book from Livorno port.

We have been on a few cruises & booked independent tours before but this time we've decided to take a ship excursion to Florence (playing it safe as our next port is Katakolon Greece).

The two tours we are looking at are:

 

1. Florence On Your Own - 9 hr tour to Florence with *5/6 hours on your own

2. Pisa/Florence On Your Own - 9.5 hr tour to Pisa *0.5/1 hr & Florence 4 hrs on your own

 

Is 4 hours in Florence enough? I'm sure there is a lot to see there.

Is it worth going to both? Would we be trying to fit too much in by taking time away from Florence?

 

*There's also a bit of conflicting information on the Princess site. In the tour overview it says 5 hours in Florence but 6 hours in the detailed itinerary & the overview says 1 hour in Pisa but only 0.5 in the detailed itinerary.

 

Thanks

LM

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Half an hour in Pisa? Barely enough time to get off the bus, take a picture with you holding the leaning tower up, and get back on the bus.

1 to 1.5 hrs there is just right for an overview (depending where you are dropped off) . On the positive, October should be fairly quiet.

You could easily spend the whole day in Florence and you just scratch the surface. It's quite overwhelming.

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There is on right answer on this one.

 

Yes four hours in Florence is not enough time but even six hours is not enough time to see it all.

 

The time in Pisa while not a lot of time would allow you to see the iconic site.

 

You will need to think through lunch though. Where will you eat? Florence is your only option and that will take time leaving you even less time in Florence.

 

So just think this through including the logistics.

 

Just a suggestion but you might want to consider a private tour. Yes it will be pricey but it will allow you to maximize your time

and get as much as you can out of your one day visit. Many tour companies to choose from and if you would like recommendations please let us know.

 

Keith

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I think it partly depends on where you live and the chances of your returning. If this may be the only opportunity you ever have to see the leaning tower of Pisa, then maybe you shouldn’t miss it!

 

We did the ‘on tour own’ tour to both places and were happy with it. It was July and the heat was overwhelming, so the time in Florence was quite long enough!

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Thank you for your prompt replies.

 

buchhalm you're right, half an hour is barely time to do anything, anywhere. One would hope that was a typo & that it actually is an hour as mentioned in the overview.

 

Keith1010, as you said 4 or 6 hours is definitely not enough time in Florence to see it all :( I would ideally love to spend days there, however we only have hours so I'm hoping to at least see a few sights & get a little bit of a feel for it. As far as lunch goes we normally have a big breakfast & an early dinner so we don't really get too hungry during the day. We'd probably just spend 20 mins having a coffee with a light snack at an outdoor cafe to watch the world go by & soak up the atmosphere.

We normally book private or independent tours & would be happy to have some recommendations. I'm only leaning toward the ships tour as our next port is so far away & I'm a bit nervous about getting back to the ship on time. We plan on doing a private tour from Naples which is on the last day of the cruise so I don't feel so nervous as Naples isn't too far from Civitavecchia. I would welcome any recommendations for tours companies from Naples to Amalfi Coast also.

 

marylizcat you have a point. We are coming from Australia & as much as I'd like to think we would come back one day we may never get there again. We are in our mid to late 50's with so many places to see & not enough time :D Good to know you were happy with the tour to both places.

Edited by LM63
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Ultimately, I'd frame the decision in terms of how much of a "must see" Pisa is to you. And let's be honest, with such a short stop you won't see Pisa, only one thing in Pisa -- the leaning tower. (And you won't be able to climb it, just see it.)

 

I went to Pisa many, many years ago (age 15) and climbed the tower. Was not impressed. I hadn't been back there since but my DS wanted to go there and see/climb the tower when we were spending some time in Florence. I wasn't looking forward to it -- and I have to say that I still did not think much of it, nor the vaunted 'Field of Miracles' it sits in. Just not an era that interests me much. However, my son loved it and probably would list it as one of his highlights of the trip.

 

(Lisiamc, I did see the small church you recommended and it was absolutely LOVELY!)

 

So if I were making the call, I'd opt to spend every minute in Florence. The tower isn't famous for anything other than its architectural faults. (And there are actually 'leaning towers' all over Italy...) And Florence has so much to offer.

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I personally would just walk around Florence, and book tickets to go up the Duomo. If you do not have advance tickets, the line can be long. The Tower of Pisa is outstanding too. You honestly, just need a photo op there IMO. But if a photo/ seeing Pisa is not important to you, then just spend the time in Florence as it is magical.

We too, like Keith used Joe Banana Limos. You can make your day designed to what you want to do.

The second time I went , I actually did Florence with a family winery which was one of my favourite days.

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We did a private tour for 6 with Rome In Limo called Port of Livorno Florence and Pisa. We have used Rome In Limo at several different ports and never been disappointed and never been late back to the ship. When you make the reservation request to be back at the ship at least an hour before sailing time (or more if you want). And, if you ask they will modify the tour for you.

 

It was great - not sure how long we were in Pisa, but it was long enough to get the iconic picture and walk around some.

 

In Florence we saw the statue of David and stopped at a gorgeous overlook. We also had time to walk around, shop and each lunch - I can’t remember if that was a separate stop or at the Accademia Museum stop and unfortunately I didn’t make a note of that.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

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Ultimately, I'd frame the decision in terms of how much of a "must see" Pisa is to you. And let's be honest, with such a short stop you won't see Pisa, only one thing in Pisa -- the leaning tower. (And you won't be able to climb it, just see it.)

 

I went to Pisa many, many years ago (age 15) and climbed the tower. Was not impressed. I hadn't been back there since but my DS wanted to go there and see/climb the tower when we were spending some time in Florence. I wasn't looking forward to it -- and I have to say that I still did not think much of it, nor the vaunted 'Field of Miracles' it sits in. Just not an era that interests me much. However, my son loved it and probably would list it as one of his highlights of the trip.

 

(Lisiamc, I did see the small church you recommended and it was absolutely LOVELY!)

 

So if I were making the call, I'd opt to spend every minute in Florence. The tower isn't famous for anything other than its architectural faults. (And there are actually 'leaning towers' all over Italy...) And Florence has so much to offer.

 

Thanks Cruisemom42 - I’m glad you enjoyed it! :)

 

Although I’m a fan of Pisa, in this instance I agree completely with Cruisemom. Faced with the decision between the two ships’s tours, I’d skip Pisa and spend my day entirely in Florence. Half an hour or even an hour in Pisa is barely enough to get a glimpse of the tower and a photo, with driving back and forth, getting off the bus and back on, etc. I think your time would be much better spent in Florence.

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Agree with everyone - just 'do' Florence. If you want to go to the Uffizi then I'd strongly suggest you book tickets in advance from the official website. If you don't then there's usually a 2 to 3 hour line to get in! Also, if you want to go up the Duomo, then you have to make a reservation. You can go into the Duomo for free though and the line may look long but it goes really fast. October will be a great time to visit - we went last May and it was boiling hot and really busy. Enjoy!

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In 2014 we went with friends on a Princess Mediterranean cruise with a stop for Florence and/or Pisa. DH and I had been to Florence years ago and knew that we need as much time as possible there. We chose "Florence On Your Own" through Princess and we broke away from the group as soon as we were told the time and place to meet. Saw some "old friends" and several new places. Our friends insisted that they "had to" go to Pisa. so they did the tour that included Florence and Pisa. Well, they went to Pisa first and the tour spent way too much time there. They had pre-booked tickets for the Uffizi and missed their time slot but were let in when they got there anyway. Hurried through the museum and had a bit of time to look around before all the groups met up for transportation back to the ship. When we told them what we had done, what we had seen, they were sorry they had missed so many things. DW mouthed to me "we should have gone with you".

 

The moral is if you are doing a ship's tour skip Pisa and just do Florence so you have as much time as possible there.

 

<<<Karen>>>

 

P.S. We did the ship's tour because we had OBC to use or lose otherwise we would have used a company like RIL. We used them for tours in Naples and Rome.

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If this might be your only chance see both. You really only do need the half an hour at Pisa to satisfy your curiosity. I agree with all Florence needs days to do it justice. We took a self directed walking tour using a guidebook centered around the Duomo. The replica statue of David is there also. Stop for gelato and another stop in a plaza for lunch. Even time for a little shopping. Lol We did the Florence and Pisa on your own excursion. There is a guide on the bus who fills you in and gives suggestions on the way there. She’ll give you the meeting point and time and then escort you back to the bus.

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We did the "Florence and Pisa On Your Own" tour two years ago (not Princess - Carnival Vista - but since they're both Carnival Corporation I figure it's the same tour operator) and enjoyed the tour. We spent an hour in Pisa and liked our time walking around the cathedral buildings and the city walls. (No, we didn't take the photos holding up the tower.:D) To me, though, the main problem with this tour is that you won't know in advance whether you will visit Pisa or Florence first, so you can't buy advance tickets. We visited Pisa first, then Florence. Without advance tickets, there was no way we could go inside Duomo or the Accademia. If you have a set time in Florence only, you can get advance tickets.

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Well, having the same dilemma, it was solved in my case because we will be in Livorno on a Monday, and what we want to see in Florence will be closed for the day.

 

So, we will go Pisa, and most likely Lucca as well. Such is life, and another reason to visit Italy in the future!

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In 2014 we went with friends on a Princess Mediterranean cruise with a stop for Florence and/or Pisa. DH and I had been to Florence years ago and knew that we need as much time as possible there. We chose "Florence On Your Own" through Princess and we broke away from the group as soon as we were told the time and place to meet. Saw some "old friends" and several new places. Our friends insisted that they "had to" go to Pisa. so they did the tour that included Florence and Pisa. Well, they went to Pisa first and the tour spent way too much time there. They had pre-booked tickets for the Uffizi and missed their time slot but were let in when they got there anyway. Hurried through the museum and had a bit of time to look around before all the groups met up for transportation back to the ship. When we told them what we had done, what we had seen, they were sorry they had missed so many things. DW mouthed to me "we should have gone with you".

 

The moral is if you are doing a ship's tour skip Pisa and just do Florence so you have as much time as possible there.

 

<<<Karen>>>

 

P.S. We did the ship's tour because we had OBC to use or lose otherwise we would have used a company like RIL. We used them for tours in Naples and Rome.

 

 

Which tour are you on for this coming year? This is my one predicament, Florence alone or with Pisa, ship tour or not, I can skip Pisa, but my husband doesn't want to skip. Would we be better of taking the smaller van to Florence so the drop off is closer? I'm thinking it's going to be too much fast walking just to get to the center area. What ship will you be on? when? We're from Northern VA

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We did the "Florence and Pisa On Your Own" tour two years ago (not Princess - Carnival Vista - but since they're both Carnival Corporation I figure it's the same tour operator) and enjoyed the tour. We spent an hour in Pisa and liked our time walking around the cathedral buildings and the city walls. (No, we didn't take the photos holding up the tower.:D) To me, though, the main problem with this tour is that you won't know in advance whether you will visit Pisa or Florence first, so you can't buy advance tickets. We visited Pisa first, then Florence. Without advance tickets, there was no way we could go inside Duomo or the Accademia. If you have a set time in Florence only, you can get advance tickets.

 

 

Thank you, that was my thoughts as well, going to Florence and standing in line is not my cup of fun. We may have to find a private tour that includes tickets to Accademia

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When I was young, my grandmother and aunt took my sister and I on a Perillo tour of Italy. We actually walked up the Leaning Tower of Pisa and thought it was grand. Of course Florence was even better!

 

Fast forward to my 50th birthday a few years back and my husband and I took our two college aged sons on a trip to Italy on our own. Went to Pisa but didn't climb the tower, it was closed at the time and the entire area smelled really bad. We had taken the train from Rome to Pisa (I thought it was important they saw it) and they really weren't that impressed.

 

Florence on the other hand was outstanding! We actually stayed in an apartment for 4 days and wandered Florence on our own...priceless! I would spend as much time as you can in Florence and just skip Pisa. It's really just a photo op in my opinion. Decide if you want to see the Uffizi Gallery or the Academia and book tickets. Walk over the Ponte Vecchio; see the Druomo whether from the outside or inside if there is time. Wander the Straw Market. Sit and have a coffee. Part of Florence's charm is the ability to just soak it all up. Sadly, 4 days was not long enough for us but it made for some wonderful memories. I hope you enjoy your day in Florence!

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Which tour are you on for this coming year? This is my one predicament, Florence alone or with Pisa, ship tour or not, I can skip Pisa, but my husband doesn't want to skip. Would we be better of taking the smaller van to Florence so the drop off is closer? I'm thinking it's going to be too much fast walking just to get to the center area. What ship will you be on? when? We're from Northern VA

 

We are not going to Europe this year. Instead we are doing the Canada/New England cruise. Last year was the Mediterranean cruise and we did not go to Florence. Check the roll call for your cruise. Someone may have already set up a tour to Florence/and or Pisa using one of the many private tour companies. We do private tours through the roll call almost exclusively and never had a problem. In fact, I have arranged some. If we have use or lose OBC then we might take a ship's tour just to use it.

 

We are from the Roanoke area.

 

<<<Karen>>>

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Hi everyone,

 

Appreciate all your replies.

 

Been having a good think all week & have been quite conflicted about which excursion to take.

After doing a lot of research I've come to see that Florence has so many things we'd like to see.

If we go to Pisa 4 hours just isn't enough time to get a feel of Florence as well as go to the Uffizi & Accademia.

Even 6 hours is not enough but we can see quite a few of the things we'd like to see.

Basically it comes down to a choice between the Tower or David + a whole heap of wonderful art works. I think the later wins for us as we do enjoy seeing a bit of art.

 

So here's our plan for the day.

 

From what I've read the drop off point for Princess passengers is a short walk to the Santa Croce Basilica.

I was really looking forward to having a look inside the church but it appears to be closed on the day we arrive, Oct 4 St Francis day, unless it's only the museum that's closed. Anyone know??

MCazer I sympathise with you & understand how you must feel with the museums being closed on the day you are in port but as you say "such is life" & we will move on to the next attraction.

 

Start time approx 10 am

 

From Santa Croce walk to Piazza Del Duomo (google says 10 mins I'll say 15 to admire sites along the way)

Spend an hour at the Baptistery & Cathedral (if not climbing Dome, should we pre book tickets to save time?)

Walk to Accademia Gallery (another 10 mins, pre book tickets to avoid line, stay approx 1 hour)

Stroll down to Piazza della Signoria (1 hour to walk down, browse around & have a coffee)

 

By now it's about 1.30 pm

 

Uffizi Gallery (pre book tickets spend a couple of hours there)

Walk up to Ponte vecchio (browse shops if time permits)

Walk along river back to Santa Croce Basilica (meet at designated area)

Snooze on bus back to ship because we are exhausted :D:D :D

 

I know for some 2 hours at the Uffizi probably wouldn't cut the mustard but for us I'm sure it will be enough time to see the rooms & pieces we really want to see.

 

So what do you think? It's a bit fast paced & certainly would be best done over several days but I do tend to cram a lot in when we travel. I'm the same on the ship cramming as much as I can in. My motto is "you can rest when your dead". I do feel sorry for my poor ol' husband though, he just says "you plan it & I'll just do it" :D

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LM63,

Hi, I believe we are on the same cruise. Oct 2 Barcelona to Rome on the Crown Princess? We have booked a tour from the port of Livorno to Florence for the day. It is a private tour with Papillon and we will be in a van for 6-8 passengers. Currently we are unsure if our relatives will actually be making the trip so we may have openings. I will put the tour on CC role call once final payment occurs to advertise for others to fill the tour. This will also be true for the tours I have booked for Amalfi coast out of Naples and Civitavecchia to Rome with a full day tour prior to drop off at hotel. I am sure others will be booking tours and sharing as well. Something else to consider

 

Join the roll call, to follow up on possible group tours.

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Hi gma rae,

 

Yep same cruise by the sound of it.

Thanks for letting me know about the tour you have booked, sounds good.

Hubby is a bit worried about doing a private tour as the next port is in Greece

We do want to do a tour to the Amalfi Coast though, so we'll see what happens.

 

Cheers

LM

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