Montelupo, Vinci, Lucca or Pisa?
Jan 17th, 2006 | 10:51 AM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Jun 2003
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Montelupo, Vinci, Lucca or Pisa?
We have an opportunity to have a quick side trip from Florence to either Montelupo, Vinci, Lucca or Pisa. We are arriving on a cruise ship and have about two hours at either Montelupo, Vinci, Lucca or Pisa. We have a private driver, and she has suggested one of these towns for a side trip. There are seven of us - 4 adults and 3 children, ranging in ages from 11 to 16. We are after beautiful scenery after hectic Florence! Thank you.
Jan 17th, 2006 | 11:21 AM
#3
Original Poster
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 184
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Ira,
Our ship is at the Livorno port from 7 am to 7 pm. Our driver will pick us up at 7:30 am, be at Florence by 9:30 am, and leave Florence around 3 pm for a quick visit to one of the towns and be back at the ship by 6:30 pm. We had asked her for a suggestion on a side trip, and I am aware that Pisa is closest to Livorno. We know that this is a hectic day, and if other posters think we are better off doing it a different way, then we are more than happy to reconsider our plans. Thank you.
Our ship is at the Livorno port from 7 am to 7 pm. Our driver will pick us up at 7:30 am, be at Florence by 9:30 am, and leave Florence around 3 pm for a quick visit to one of the towns and be back at the ship by 6:30 pm. We had asked her for a suggestion on a side trip, and I am aware that Pisa is closest to Livorno. We know that this is a hectic day, and if other posters think we are better off doing it a different way, then we are more than happy to reconsider our plans. Thank you.
Jan 17th, 2006 | 11:37 AM
#4
Joined: Nov 2003
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Lucca would be my choice, but my guess is the kids would love to see the leaning tower of Pisa. With only two hours, it is a nice drive from Livorno (which I assume is your cruise port) to Pisa and you can see the tower, the cathedral, have a gellato at the truck that is always parked right off the square and even do some souvenier shopping from the vendors whose stands line the grassy area. I have not been to Vinci or Montelupo so cannot comment on them. Have a grat trip.
Jan 17th, 2006 | 11:42 AM
#5
Joined: Feb 2003
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Well, given that you only have 3 hours to see someplace quickly, I would go to Lucca. It is one of my most favorite cities in Toscana. Lucca is tranquil and charming. You all can walk around the perimeter of the city walls (there is a walkway on top of the walls), it will take approx. 1 hour, then see the centre of town with the San Michele church, numerous towers, eat some gelato on Piazza Napoleone, ride the carousel (maybe the 11 year old?), etc. There is also an open market with lots of things to buy, see, etc.
