 |
| Port Side in Livorno |
The port of Livorno, Italy is the closest port to Florence, a popular stop for ships in the Western Mediterranean. The port of Civitavecchia is the port that is closest to Rome. I just want to take a moment to set your expectations accordingly for the immediate port areas.
 |
| The good view at Livorno |
Livorno is a VERY industrial port. You will not be able to walk off the ship at this port and do anything. Actually, I'm not sure that even a few miles from the port there is much to do. I'm sure their is a town nearby, but I distinctly remember driving for a decent bit before seeing anything that remotely resembled the Tuscany in my dreams. I haven't heard of anyone getting off the port for a little while to just enjoy the area. I highly suggest planning a tour either through the cruise line or privatly if you want to get off the ship.
 |
| Starboard Side in Livorno |
Civitavecchia is a little better. You cannot walk out of the the port area, you must take a free shuttle bus out of the port to Cicitavecchia, but here there is an actual little town. It's nothing fancy, but there are some shops, restaurants and a beachy area. This isn't the type of place you'll spend a day, but it would be perfectly suitable if you just wanted to escape the ship for an hour or two without the cost and energy required to visit Rome or take another excursion of the area.
I was quite shocked when I visited Livorno, I expected the port area to be somewhat industrial, given that it's the place where shipping happens. But, from what I could tell their was nothing there to entice those who stayed onboard for the day to take a quick trip off the ship for anything. Civitavecchia was much closer to my expectations, but probably because of the research I had done prior to the cruise.
Happy Sailing
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter:
Travelingiraffe
