On the Ligurian coast, Livorno invites you to Tuscany, a charming region offering archaeological vestiges, Renaissance treasures, undulating landscapes, and a pleasant way of life. When the Medicis arrived in the 16th century, they developed the city, which became one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean. Cosmopolitan and multireligious, Livorno has welcomed many immigrants and stands as a wonderful example of cultural diversity. Built during that period, Fortezza Vecchia and Fortezza Nuova attest to the city’s power. At the foot of the new fort, stroll through Nuova Venezia, an enchanting district with small canals and streets, to discover architectural treasures such as the magnificent Santa Caterina da Siena church in the Tuscan Baroque style.
Included Excursions
Pietrasanta and visit to Marble Studio
Duration : 4h30
Succumb to the charms of Pietrasanta, the Tuscan capital of sculpture and a source of inspiration for many great artists. Between the silvery peaks of the Apuan Alps and the deep blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Pietrasanta stands as a sanctuary of Italian sculpture. For centuries, creatives have come here in search of inspiration, guided by the gentle Tuscan light and the purity of Carrara marble. Your visit will begin at the Cervietti workshop, a temple of craftsmanship where several life-sized replicas of Michelangelo’s David were sculpted from the same immaculate marble as that used by the Florentine master himself. The gentle chink of chisels against stone here evokes the continuity of an age-old tradition. In the historic heart, Pietrasanta, known as the ‘Little Athens’, will reveal its charm: a harmonious square lined with stylish cafés, the marble façades of San Martino Cathedral, and cobbled streets dotted with artist studios and contemporary galleries. From the Rocca di Sala fortress, look out over a chequerboard of ochre rooftops and the rolling Tuscan countryside, for a moment suspended between art and light. Before returning to Livorno, take some time to wander at your leisure, to visit a workshop, perhaps, or discover a fine craft boutique and take back with you a trace of the timeless elegance that makes Pietrasanta such a remarkable place. This tour involves walking a distance of 2 km (1.2 miles) on flat ground. Plan to wear comfortable clothing and footwear.
Medieval Lucca
Duration : 4h15
Fall in love with Lucca, one of Tuscany’s hidden treasures. Here, every cobbled street reveals centuries of history and refinement. The birthplace of Puccini, Lucca is a showcase of history and elegance, offering narrow streets, delicately adorned palaces, and Art Nouveau façades. Every part of the city tells the story of centuries of art, blending past and present with grace. Discover Piazza San Michele, its lively cafés and stylish boutiques. Here, the Church of San Michele in Foro, a 12th-century Romanesque masterpiece, rises with its finely carved façade adorned with arcades, lozenges and colonnades. Then, admire the imposing façade of Lucca Cathedral, a testament to the ingenuity of Pisan and Lucchese architecture in the Romanesque period. Continue on to Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, its circular outline recalling the Roman amphitheater and offering a vivid reminder of the city’s past. From the Church of San Frediano, its façade illuminated by a 13th-century mosaic, continue to Via Fillungo, the main street, where refined boutiques and cobbled alleyways create a setting of rare elegance. Finally, take a moment to wander at your leisure, to absorb Lucca’s distinctive atmosphere, to savor its hidden treasures and the serenity that emanates from every stone, before leaving this timeless city, carrying with you precious memories and its quiet grace. This tour involves walking for approximately 5 km (3.2 miles) along cobbled streets, with some steps to navigate. Wear comfortable walking shoes and sun protection.
GINORI Experience in Florence
Duration : 9h00
Let Florence work its magic on you, and succumb to the timeless elegance of Ginori 1735, where history, art and Tuscan light converge with grace. Stroll through the cobbled streets of Florence, where every stone and façade seems to tell the story of centuries past. The majestic Piazza del Duomo commands attention with its radiant dome, while the Baptistery, adorned with the famous Gates of Paradise, captures both light and gaze. Piazza della Signoria reveals all the splendor of the Renaissance, and the legendary Ponte Vecchio offers an enchanting panorama of the Arno and its golden reflections. Each step, each architectural detail, each vista becomes a moment of wonder, a subtle dialogue between art and light. After a pause in a historic restaurant, step into the refined world of Ginori 1735 in Sesto Fiorentino, where fine porcelain is elevated to an art form. Here, Italian artisanal tradition meets contemporary design with exceptional elegance, each piece reflecting the care, skill and creativity of generations of craftsmen. Be captivated by the delicacy of the motifs, the purity of the forms, and the poetry of these timeless creations. This excursion involves approximately 4 km (2.5 miles) of walking, with pauses for explanations. There will be a few steps to climb during the walking tour. Plan to wear comfortable clothing and footwear. This excursion is organized in exclusive partnership with Ginori 1735 for this cruise.
GUCCI Experience in Florence
Duration : 9h00
Fall under the spell of Florence and the refined world of Gucci, where history, art and Italian luxury meet with elegance and distinction. Stroll through the cobbled streets of Florence, where every stone and façade tells the story of centuries of craftsmanship and creativity. The Piazza del Duomo stands out with its cathedral of colored marble, while Piazza della Signoria, a veritable open-air museum, reveals the full grandeur of the Renaissance. The romantic, emblematic Ponte Vecchio offers an enchanting panorama of the Arno and its reflections. This medieval bridge stands as a testament to the skill of the Florentine goldsmiths who continue an age-old tradition along it. Next, discover two iconic sites tied to the history of Gucci: the Palazzo Gucci, where an exhibition retraces more than a century of creativity, from the first boutique opened in 1921 to the brand’s international influence, and the Palazzo Settimanni, a 15th-century jewel housing the brand’s precious archives, from original sketches to iconic pieces tracing the evolution of a style that has become timeless. A lunch in a historic restaurant in the heart of Florence will round off your experience, before leaving the city with memories of an exceptional journey into the very heart of Italian luxury. This excursion involves approximately 4 km (2.5 miles) of walking, with pauses for explanations. There will be a few steps to climb during the walking tour. Plan to wear comfortable clothing and footwear. This excursion is organized in exclusive partnership with Gucci for this cruise.