Florence "Port" Review
Overall- A+ So, I can't really review the port of Florence because it is very much on the mainland. But, if you are using this review to decide whether it is worth visiting while you are in port, consider it an A+++++. I will explain why.
Ease of Travel- This is the only category where Florence must get knocked down a little. From Livorno, you must catch shuttles, buses and trains to get to Florence. From LaSpezia, you have a really long train ride that you must usually change in Pisa. This in one of the only places that I recommend you consider one of those overpriced "on your own" tours offered by the cruise companies. The problem is that the ship usually doesn't stick around past 7:30 at the latest at either port, and Florence is so wonderful, you want to have as much time as possible. If you feel like you have to rush back to make sure you don't miss the boat, you might be too stressed in Florence, and we wouldn't want that.
Quality of Sites- Florence is beautiful. More than Venice, in my opinion, the streets of Florence are an attraction. The city is art personified. Before visiting Florence, I really had little to no appreciation for the visual arts, but after experiencing how my spirits were lifted, simply by being in this gorgeous city with art everywhere, I am an art fan. That is the power of Florence. I know I am laying it on a little thick, but let's say that the jaw-dropping beauty of this city doesn't get you, well, the sites will. The Duomo, the David, the Uffizi Gallery, the Pitti Palace, the Bargello Museum, there are too many to list. Everywhere you turn, you see things that you have previously only seen in textbooks.
Safety/Comfortable- The vespas are still out in force, but not as bad as Rome or Naples. Only certain people can zoom around the city center of Florence, which makes it easier for us walkers. Pickpockets hang out in the typical tourist spots, so be smart, but there are so many places around Florence that you can go in Florence away from the tourist track and still see the beauty of the city. I feel quite safe in Florence, much more so than other large Italian cities. It just has a homey feel to me. (Still no toilet seats in many public restrooms)
Food- I think that the food here is better than any in the world, other than Southern Louisiana (go Cajuns!). It can also be very economically priced. We have visited tiny little places that served reheated food like you would expect in a cafeteria that was better than any Olive Garden or Macaroni Grill. Oh, and it was 15 euros, which includes wine, coke, bread and service charge. The key is to find local places out of the large piazzas. My good friend who lives here, Daniela, took us to a pizza place on our last visit, and it is one of the best meals I have had in my life. Oh, and the gelato is to die for! Our favorite gelato is a little place down the road from the Santa Croce Church (toward the river about a block). 2 euros for a cone with 2 "tastes" or flavors, and we are in heaven.
My 2 Cents- What?! You can't tell? I love Florence. It is my favorite city in the world. (so far) On our recent trip, we had two full days here, and just grew to love the city more. It is totally worth it on a cruise, even if you only have a few hours. This city is so small and walkable, that you can really pack in the attractions, food and beauty of the city. On our first visit, we had 4 1/2 hours. We saw Piazza della Signoria, Accademia (David), ate a nice lunch, saw the Duomo, the Pitti Palace and the Ponte Vecchio. And it was raining. Trust me, you can enjoy Florence in a short period of time. (That being said, don't waste your time in Florence by stopping at Pisa before or after. It isn't worth the time.)
Ease of Travel- This is the only category where Florence must get knocked down a little. From Livorno, you must catch shuttles, buses and trains to get to Florence. From LaSpezia, you have a really long train ride that you must usually change in Pisa. This in one of the only places that I recommend you consider one of those overpriced "on your own" tours offered by the cruise companies. The problem is that the ship usually doesn't stick around past 7:30 at the latest at either port, and Florence is so wonderful, you want to have as much time as possible. If you feel like you have to rush back to make sure you don't miss the boat, you might be too stressed in Florence, and we wouldn't want that.
Quality of Sites- Florence is beautiful. More than Venice, in my opinion, the streets of Florence are an attraction. The city is art personified. Before visiting Florence, I really had little to no appreciation for the visual arts, but after experiencing how my spirits were lifted, simply by being in this gorgeous city with art everywhere, I am an art fan. That is the power of Florence. I know I am laying it on a little thick, but let's say that the jaw-dropping beauty of this city doesn't get you, well, the sites will. The Duomo, the David, the Uffizi Gallery, the Pitti Palace, the Bargello Museum, there are too many to list. Everywhere you turn, you see things that you have previously only seen in textbooks.
Safety/Comfortable- The vespas are still out in force, but not as bad as Rome or Naples. Only certain people can zoom around the city center of Florence, which makes it easier for us walkers. Pickpockets hang out in the typical tourist spots, so be smart, but there are so many places around Florence that you can go in Florence away from the tourist track and still see the beauty of the city. I feel quite safe in Florence, much more so than other large Italian cities. It just has a homey feel to me. (Still no toilet seats in many public restrooms)
Food- I think that the food here is better than any in the world, other than Southern Louisiana (go Cajuns!). It can also be very economically priced. We have visited tiny little places that served reheated food like you would expect in a cafeteria that was better than any Olive Garden or Macaroni Grill. Oh, and it was 15 euros, which includes wine, coke, bread and service charge. The key is to find local places out of the large piazzas. My good friend who lives here, Daniela, took us to a pizza place on our last visit, and it is one of the best meals I have had in my life. Oh, and the gelato is to die for! Our favorite gelato is a little place down the road from the Santa Croce Church (toward the river about a block). 2 euros for a cone with 2 "tastes" or flavors, and we are in heaven.
My 2 Cents- What?! You can't tell? I love Florence. It is my favorite city in the world. (so far) On our recent trip, we had two full days here, and just grew to love the city more. It is totally worth it on a cruise, even if you only have a few hours. This city is so small and walkable, that you can really pack in the attractions, food and beauty of the city. On our first visit, we had 4 1/2 hours. We saw Piazza della Signoria, Accademia (David), ate a nice lunch, saw the Duomo, the Pitti Palace and the Ponte Vecchio. And it was raining. Trust me, you can enjoy Florence in a short period of time. (That being said, don't waste your time in Florence by stopping at Pisa before or after. It isn't worth the time.)
 |
 |
