Livorno, Cruise Port for Pisa and Florence

The rooftops of Livorno, Italy, as seen from the cruise ship

This cruise port of Livorno was new to us. We had traveled to Pisa and Florence several times before so decided to stay the day in Livorno rather than go back to those more famous cities. And what a surprise this town was!
  A complimentary shuttle bus from the port dropped us in the centre of town near the tourist information office. Just across the road was the stop for the 'hop on, hop off' bus. 
  The tour on this bus was excellent. We trundled around the inner city which is criss-crossed by canals, thousands of little boats tied up along them.

The canals of Livorno

  The city has big piazzas and imposing buildings and on this sunny Sunday, many of the citizens were out at the markets and walking or jogging along the magnificent seafront promenade.

The seafront promenade at Livorno

  Along the coastal part of the city, there are huge mansions in walled gardens with fancy wrought iron gates and lush planting. The whole town looks well cared for and very pleasant. We were glad we stayed the day ashore there.