On Own Tour - Florence Port (Livorno)

[dcfulk]

We are traveling on the Epic this September with our 16 mo old. All the ports seem manageable with a toddler, but Livorno looks a little harder to manage. Everything I read says that its about a 3km cab to the train station and the trains aren't a reliable as you'd like. Wonder if anyone had advice on how to manage this port vice going on the costly excursions.

 

Thanks!

 

Derek

[ab0si]

Italian trains are quite reliable. There are occasional strikes, but they are announced months in advance. I only with U.S. trains were half as reliable.

 

Your best bet is probably to catch a taxi at the ship to take you to the train station.

[KirkNC]

The taxis were plentiful when we did this port last summer but we were in the first wave off the ship. Understand there is a limited number that really want to take you to the station as they are looking for a full day. I think getting off early makes them ok with taking you as they can swing back and get another party.

 

The bigger challenge is on the return trip. There are not a ton of taxis waiting at the station and those who get there first will quickly use them up. Many talk about lines for the taxis that can take a little while. We had researched the port enough to know we could take the bus (#1 I believe) from the train station to the grand plaza and that a cruise ship bus would be one block away. That is how we got back to the ship.

 

Kirk

[wcook]

We rented a car in Livorno, which worked out great. Only went as far as Pisa and Lucca however.

[Carolyn R]

With a 16-month-old I would rent a car whenever possible so you can more easily pace your day. I would also bring a helper so I could leave the little tyke behind on the ship when things get too complicated and stressful.

[kozkruiser48]

We rented a taxi for the whole day, it cost us $350 euro flat rate. We went to pisa and florence the same day ( not much to do in Pisa except the tower and a lot of "knock -Off" shopping.

[Hlitner]

We think the train option is fine, the least costly option, and contrary to what many say, the Italian trains are normally pretty reliable (except when they have strikes which are usually announced well in advance). As to renting a car, although we love to drive in Italy a rental car makes little sense if you are just going to Florence. There can be a lot of traffic congestion around Florence, you must be careful not to accidently drive into the large restricted ZTL (limited traffic zones), and parking can be a hassle (and expensive). And of course you would have to arrange for a car seat (unless you have one with you on the ship).

 

Hank