ROL Cruise recommends…
1. Historic Livorno
A short walk from the old Mediceo Port, Fortezza Vecchia’s red brick fortifications overlook the water, whilst the marble and bronze Monument of the Four Moors reminds visitors of Livorno’s Medici heritage. A second fortress, the polygonal Fortezza Nuova, now stands as lush inner-city parkland with city views and is surrounded by Venetian-style canals. Catch a boat ride or explore on foot to visit religious attractions, such as the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi, numerous museums, including Museo Civico Giovanni Fattori or to stroll along the sinuous monochrome Terrazza Mascagni.
2. Iconic Pisa
The leaning tower is undoubtedly Pisa’s most famous landmark, its unintentional slant the basis of many a comedic holiday snap. Visit the famous campanile, its adjoining Duomo (cathedral) and other religious edifices at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Piazza dei Miracoli. Venture inside Romanesque structures to discover grand interiors with marble carvings, gilded accents and delicate frescoes, then climb to the Gothic bell chamber for spectacular views. Learn about this ancient city’s artistic, maritime and educational history by visiting institutions such as Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Calci Charterhouse and Palazzo Blu.
3. Fabulous Firenze
Don’t forget your sightseeing shoes because Florence is filled with exquisite buildings, delightfully decadent galleries and fascinating museums. Take to its narrow streets to wander amongst magnificent architecture from a variety of eras. Visit the medieval city walls, the thirteenth century Palazzo Vecchio, the Romanesque Baptistery of St John and the Neo-Gothic marble façade of the Santa Maria del Fiore. If art is of interest, take the opportunity to admire The Birth of Venus by Botticelli and other Italian Renaissance art at Galleria degli Uffizi, or marvel at Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic David statue in the Galleria dell'Accademia. Next, view valuable scientific treasures at the Museo Galileo, or learn more about the timeless fashions of Florence-born designers including Gucci and Roberto Cavalli.
