Overnight in Livorno 2 days -

[realent]

We are going to be traveling on Azamara with an overnight in Livorno and we have already explored Florence, Cinque Terre and Pisa. We are looking to rent a car or train to another city, possibly overnight. Lucca is easy and on the list. Does anyone have any other recommendations? Or opinions about one full day vs an overnight in Lucca?

 

We love exploring new places and food and wine experiences. Not huge museum fans.

 

Thanks for any input. I am hoping Hitler will read this too!

[cruisemom42]

Siena and nearby San Gimignano make a nice pairing.

 

I was recently in Tuscany for about 10 days and stayed in Volterra for four nights. It was pleasant but I wasn't hugely impressed.

[-Lew-]

I recommend you check out Sifracar for car rental. Your vehicle will be dockside waiting for you and you'll return it there upon return.

 

We spent two weeks in Tuscany a few years ago, staying at an Agriturismo near Castellina in Chianti. Driving around Tuscany is easy as long as you have a good GPS...today I'd use HERE on my iPhone. San Gimignano and Siena excellent suggestions. NOTE: Just checked...it was 2007! Time flies...

 

[marazul]

I am hoping Hitler will read this too!

 

Who, Hank???? :confused:

Edited May 21, 2016 by marazul

[realent]

I recommend you check out Sifracar for car rental. Your vehicle will be dockside waiting for you and you'll return it there upon return.

 

We spent two weeks in Tuscany a few years ago, staying at an Agriturismo near Castellina in Chianti. Driving around Tuscany is easy as long as you have a good GPS...today I'd use HERE on my iPhone. San Gimignano and Siena excellent suggestions. NOTE: Just checked...it was 2007! Time flies...

 

 

Thank you! I appreciate the link to the Hertz company. I think we will do this!

[Hlitner]

Hitler??? Sure hope not and would change that name if it were mine. As to an overnight, we would simply spend the night in Florence....and we say that having spent many nights in that wonderful city. 2nd place (for an overnight) would be Siena...with its great piazza that comes alive late afternoon as folks gather at the cafes. Although DW and I do enjoy visiting Lucca, it would not be our choice for an overnight...as that town seems to die as it's abandoned by the day trippers. Another place we would consider (for a hotel) is Volterra.....where we have never spent a night but have heard its a fine place for dinner and perhaps a late night stroll.

 

San Gimignano (a very special place for both DW and moi) also empties by early evening as the day trippers flee. We have been there late at night and recall walking the main street about 11 one night (after dinner) by ourselves without a single other soul in sight. That ancient city is eerie when its late, quiet, and the shadows cast by the lights seem to come alive. It is easy to feel like you are experiencing much the same as those from 700+ years ago....except they now have some electric lights.

 

Hank

[slidergirl]

by saying you "experienced" Florence, did you mean you had a one day trip from a ship or you spent several days/nights there? If it was only a day, I would absolutely go back for an overnight. You don't have to do the museum stuff - Florence is a wonderful city, compact for walking. Me - I can spend hours in the Mercato Centrale! I love looking and smelling and sampling all the wonder food that is in there!!! As for good food and wine, I've had excellent samples of both in Florence. From ribollita at a piazza-side restaurant to the amazing pollo al burro at Trattoria Sostanza, to the little wine bar on one of the streets I happened to wander onto.

I spent an overnight in Montalcino. Best part was sitting outside that evening at one of the cafe with newly-made friends, sipping on some Brunello.

Drove with friends to Siena and Montepulciano, had an espresso on the main piazza at Siena, had dinner at Osteria Acquacheta (even for someone who doesn't do red meat, it was a treat!).

For all of these, the fun is being there at night, after the day tourists have left. Strolling the streets, a casual stop for a pre-dinner drink, coming upon an impromptu street musician and having the time to stand and listen…. this is why I love Italy!!

[realent]

Hitler??? Sure hope not and would change that name if it were mine. As to an overnight, we would simply spend the night in Florence....and we say that having spent many nights in that wonderful city. 2nd place (for an overnight) would be Siena...with its great piazza that comes alive late afternoon as folks gather at the cafes. Although DW and I do enjoy visiting Lucca, it would not be our choice for an overnight...as that town seems to die as it's abandoned by the day trippers. Another place we would consider (for a hotel) is Volterra.....where we have never spent a night but have heard its a fine place for dinner and perhaps a late night stroll.

 

San Gimignano (a very special place for both DW and moi) also empties by early evening as the day trippers flee. We have been there late at night and recall walking the main street about 11 one night (after dinner) by ourselves without a single other soul in sight. That ancient city is eerie when its late, quiet, and the shadows cast by the lights seem to come alive. It is easy to feel like you are experiencing much the same as those from 700+ years ago....except they now have some electric lights.

 

Hank

 

Thank you Hank. Sorry about the typo. It was to late to go back and edit! I appreciate the feedback on towns after dark... ! We will think about the options and let you know what we decided when we get back!

Edited May 22, 2016 by realent

[realent]

by saying you "experienced" Florence, did you mean you had a one day trip from a ship or you spent several days/nights there? If it was only a day, I would absolutely go back for an overnight. You don't have to do the museum stuff - Florence is a wonderful city, compact for walking. Me - I can spend hours in the Mercato Centrale! I love looking and smelling and sampling all the wonder food that is in there!!! As for good food and wine, I've had excellent samples of both in Florence. From ribollita at a piazza-side restaurant to the amazing pollo al burro at Trattoria Sostanza, to the little wine bar on one of the streets I happened to wander onto.

I spent an overnight in Montalcino. Best part was sitting outside that evening at one of the cafe with newly-made friends, sipping on some Brunello.

Drove with friends to Siena and Montepulciano, had an espresso on the main piazza at Siena, had dinner at Osteria Acquacheta (even for someone who doesn't do red meat, it was a treat!).

For all of these, the fun is being there at night, after the day tourists have left. Strolling the streets, a casual stop for a pre-dinner drink, coming upon an impromptu street musician and having the time to stand and listen…. this is why I love Italy!!

 

No, I have never gone to Florence on a Port Day as it is too short. We have gone and stayed in Florence a couple of times for several days each and loved it. We could definitely go back and do it again but there are many places in Tuscany that I haven't been to and would like to visit....

 

Thank you for the recommendations!