Florence (Livorno) Italy
Shore Excursion and Port Information
Nancy LaChance
Livorno is a large industrial port about 65 miles outside of Florence,
not a place you want to spend any time. We had hired Paola Migliorni
info@florencetour.com for a private van tour. She is very knowledgeable
and provided us with a great tour – I highly recommend her. We first
stopped in Pisa, for the perfunctory pictures of the Leaning Tower.
Still ill, I was unable to make the climb – it’s extremely disorienting
to walk up the stairs. The others in our group did manage their way up
and said a terrific view awaited at the top. Then we drove to Florence,
which I believe is the most beautiful city I’ve ever seen. Paola was
able to drive right into the old section of the city (something the
busses can’t do) and so were close walking distance to all of the
spectacular architecture, sculpture and art. She took us to I Mosaici Di
Lastrucci, an artisan’s studio where they use centuries old methods to
create gorgeous works of art from tiny bits of marble and other stone.
On impulse, we purchased a small representation of a lynx, which they
shipped to us UPS and we received the day after we got home. It’s now in
a place of honor and a wonderful remembrance of our trip. In the duomo
we saw the tombs of Galileo and Michaelangelo – an amazing experience.