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Photo © Elena Tedeschi
Photo © Elena Tedeschi

Cruise tourism in Tuscany

Float your way to spectacular destinations as you enjoy fine dining, entertainment and leisure activities on board

Cruise ship tourism means luxury, comfort, and waking up in a new place every day. Tuscany has several options for those on cruise holidays, suiting all types of traveller from families to honeymooners to those in need of the ultimate relax with your every need catered. Let us take you through some of the places where you can disembark in Tuscany and go on exploration.

Contents
  • 1.
    Livorno
  • 2.
    Portoferraio
  • 3.
    Porto Santo Stefano
  • 4.
    Piombino
  • 5.
    Marina di Carrara
1.

Livorno

Port of Livorno
Port of Livorno - Credit: Alessandro Farese

Disembark in Livorno, the gateway to discovering Tuscany. With Florence 100km away and Pisa a mere 15-minute train ride, it’s a great location from which to see some of the most iconic places in Tuscany. Founded in 1017, Livorno was historically a small coastal fortress protecting Pisa. Don’t miss the Quartiere Venezia, a pretty canal-lined district and make sure to try the local speciality Cacciucco, a delicious fish stew. Close by you’ll find charming villages characterized by paved streets, hushed churches and craft shops that seem to belong to another time. Discover the hidden gems of the Etruscan coast or the fascinating viewpoint from the castle of Boccale, a few kilometres south of Livorno. There is a lot to offer nature lovers too, with wildlife refuges and parks peppered all over the region.

1.

Portoferraio

Portoferraio
Portoferraio - Credit: Shutterstock.com / Luciano Mortula – LGM

Portoferraio is the main town on Elba island, and one of its oldest. Reachable also by ferry from Piombino, the island is a pearl of the Tuscan Archipelago. Not only a natural paradise known for its sandy beaches, white pebble coves and lush, mountainous terrain, it also features Napolean-era villas, fortresses, an archaeological museum and historic mines. Another treasure is the Butterfly Sanctuary, part of a 2km nature hike with a picnic on Monte Perone. Of course, the spectacular beaches are also a must-see while on the island.

1.

Porto Santo Stefano

Monte Argentario
Monte Argentario - Credit: Shutterstock.com / Oscity

Visit the Tuscan Maremma and the Argentario by arriving at Port Argentario/Porto Santo Stefano or Porto Ercole. Approach the sheltered port with the magnificent Monte Argentario tantalising you as you land. It is also a strategic location for reaching Siena and Florence, offering many options for memorable trips. Many of the most stunning seaside spots are also just a short distance away. Natural beauty, food and extraordinary wines, as well as Etruscan archaeology and Tuscan villages like Foce dell’Albegna and Talamone, a visit to this area uncovers many traditional treasures.

1.

Piombino

Piombino sea
Piombino sea - Credit: Alessioontheroad

Piombino port is just a short cruise away from Elba Island, Sardinia and Corsica. Unspoiled beaches, spectacular landscapes and endless itineraries, jewel-like islands are just waiting to be explored. The historic centre of Piombino is protected by a beautiful defense wall, with traces of its medieval and Renaissance past still visible. Piombino is the ideal starting point to discovering the Etruscan coast and you can also easily reach the Baratti and Populonia Archaeological Park with the beautiful beach of Baratti waiting for marine enthusiasts and holiday-makers alike.

1.

Marina di Carrara

Carrara
Carrara - Credit: Emma Ivarsson

The Port of Marina di Carrara is the entry point to discovering the intriguing past of Carrara. The Civic Museum of Marble will open your eyes to the processes behind the world-renowned marble, while a visit to the historic city centre and the Carrara and Michelangelo museum give insights into the rich artistic history of the area. 

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