klondike

Should you decide to go to Pisa instead of Florence (it is on a smaller, more manageable scale and closer from Livorno), there are 3 things I would recommend:

1) Most people snap photos of the leaning tower, outside of the church and MAYBE go into the Baptistry. Buy a combo ticket that includes entrance to the Duomo and the Cemetery. The interior of the Duomo is as beautiful, imo, even more beautiful than that of Florence (ditto the exterior doors). It is beautiful and very "accessible".

Also, a large percentage of visitors never visit the cemetery, which is behind a long, plain façade which is a shame as it has exquisite statuary, ancient tombs, and fantastic frescoes. The grass and lovely rose garden in its interior has been planted in soil brought back from the Holy Land by the Crusaders. I have visited maybe 4-5 times and almost had the place to myself each time. Good for me, but I feel like others are missing the essence of the Campo Santo.
http://it.bing.com/images/search?q=c...pisa&FORM=IGRE

2) Splurge on a horse carriage ride through old town Pisa. The carriages will be at the end of the walkway leading from the leaning tower towards downtown Pisa. Two large cherub statues/light posts mark the spot...can't miss 'em. Spring for the 40 euros yourself or share with another couple (hint: if you do this with another couple, take the seat facing backwards...you will have a spectacular view of the receding Duomo as you head out and have an unimpeded view of the streets as you continue, whereas facing forward the driver kind of gets in the way of the view) It is a great, relaxing way to get a feel for a city that you have limited time to visit; you will get to see great architecture, see the locals and not exhaust yourself in the process.

3)personally, if you are short on time I'd rather visit the musueum (located to the right of the tower, with the Duomo on your left) over the Baptistry. Everyone makes a big deal out of hearing the guy come and "sing" so you can hear the perfect tone in the baptistery...so you hang around waiting for the big event and this guy walks out and up onto the altar, stops, sings four (4!)notes of the scale (like a singer warming up) and then steps down and returns to his ticket counter. I was very disappointed and felt like I would have spent my time differently had I known. I thought I was going to hear an actual chant/song.

Also, if you don't want to walk up the actual tower, which requires tickets in advance and has a limited time at the top, know there is a great view of both Duomo and Tower from the Baptistry (yes, you will have to walk up stairs, but not as many as the actual tower and again with very few people.

R2daO2daZ

Those pictures are incredible Klondike! Thanks so kindly for all the tips and insider info on Pisa. Most had definitely favored Florence.

All the information provided has exceeded my expectations.I have some tough choices to make(other than clothing) but its a position I'll gladly take.

Unfortunately a bum knee may dictate (read: limit) my activity level. I am currently thinking the KISS(Keep it Simple Stupid) method may be best. Even with that you've painted such wonderful pictures for me that picking just one or two at each stop will be awfully tough.

Good thing I have a little time left to decide.
Stay tuned.

Newbie00

honestly - the best advice I can give you (having done a cruise out of Rome last year) ... go to cruise critic and read the ports of call posts. See what other people are doing, what they recommend etc.

I would certainly suggest for many of those ports to arrange your own tour. Sooooo much better than being herded on buses with 50 other people and spending the day waiting for them ...

R2daO2daZ

I concur Newbie. Thank you. That's exactly what I intend to do. Especially now that I've developed both a knee and foot problem just in time for all these walking and standing sights. Oh well ... *sighs*

R2daO2daZ

I concur Newbie. Thank you. That's exactly what I intend to do. Especially now that I've developed both a knee and foot problem just in time for all these walking and standing sights. Oh well ... *sighs*

teachandtravel

I recently completed RC cruise from Naples to Barcelona, France, Livorno, Rome, and back to Naples. I was privileged to have days inNaples on both ends. I loved both historical Naples which you can catch a cab from port to the national museum of archeology and then enjoy sights while walking back towards port. However I enjoyed Pompeii even more. In Barcelona we just hired taxi to drive us to La Sagrada Familia and walked back towards port taking in other buildings of Gaudi and street performers. You don't need paid excursion at that port. Rome and Pisa were worth paid excursions.