Florence Italy Ponte Veccio
ICONIC ITALY

Cruise to Florence / Pisa (Carrara), Italy

Lapped by the shimmering blue waters of the Ligurian Sea, the Port of Carrara is often used as a gateway to Tuscany on cruises to Florence, Italy. It’s also just a short car ride from Pisa. While both these cities are must-visit destinations, the port itself offers boundless beauty and enough history to fill a whole day. Artists have extracted marble from its quarries since Roman times, and it’s bursting with captivating architectural wonders like the eleventh-century Duomo di Carrara, the sixteenth-century piazza Alberica, and the medieval Castello Malaspina, now the headquarters of Carrara’s Academy of Fine Arts.
National Language Italian
Currency Accepted Euro (EUR)

Things To Do in Florence/Pisa (Carrara)

The entrance of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy with Michelangelo's famous sculpture, David

ARTFUL UFFIZI

The entrance of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy with Michelangelo's famous sculpture, David

The entrance of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy with Michelangelo's famous sculpture, David

ARTFUL UFFIZI

If you’re an art lover, pencil in a visit to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Originally built in the 16th century to serve as offices for Florence’s magistrates, Uffizi is now one of Italy’s most famous museums. In addition to artworks by Italian masters, Uffizi also hosts traveling exhibitions from around the world.

Leaning Torre di Pisa

LEAN WITH IT

Leaning Torre di Pisa

Leaning Torre di Pisa

LEAN WITH IT

If you choose to spend your day in Pisa, the city’s iconic leaning tower is a must. The third oldest building in Pisa’s Cathedral Square, it first started tilting in the 12th century. Climb to the top for unparalleled views of the city, then savor a tasty lunch at one of the many cafes close by.

Colonnata village and Carrara mountains. Massa-Carrara Tuscany Italy
Colonnata village and Carrara mountains. Massa-Carrara Tuscany Italy

MARBLE MANIA

Carrara marble has been used by artists and craftsmen since the Roman era. The quarries of this historic city are still in use today, and you can tour the famous marble caves in the nearby mountains with an expert guide. Afterward, stop by the Civic Museum of Marble in town.

Acqua Pazza Sea Bream Clams Napoli Stewed Dish
Acqua Pazza Sea Bream Clams Napoli Stewed Dish

LOCAL CUISINE

One of the best things to do in Pisa, Florence and the Port of Carrara is to taste your way through local dishes. In Pisa, indulge in a handcrafted torta co’bischeri, made with white rice, dark chocolate and candied fruit. In Florence, try a bistecca Fiorentina, a thick bone-in steak that will satisfy any meat lover. And in Carrara, opt for some Ligurian seafood stew, freshly fished from the glittering sea.

Florence Italy Shopping
Florence Italy Shopping

SHOPPING

Florence’s open-air markets are your go-to for beautiful leather goods, while the upscale boutique along Pisa’s Borgo Stretto are well known among savvy shoppers. In the Port of Carrara, duck into small street-side shops for fabulous silk clothes, hand-painted goods, and locally made knick-knacks.

Insider's Tips
Insider's Tips
1 If you’re looking for heartier, home-style dishes that won’t break the bank, head to the older section of Carrara.
2 The easiest ways to get from Carrara to Florence or Pisa is by car or train. All trains depart from the Carrara-Avenza railway station.
3 Need a little pick-me-up? Head to Piazza Alberica and duck into a coffeeshop for a shakerato — a cold coffee.

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