Mediterranean
Florence and Pisa via Livorno , Italy
Florence — a historic hotbed of art and culture — has been romanticised by poets and painters for centuries . It ’ s filled with museums , boutiques , cathedrals and hotels , many of which are works of art themselves .
One of its most popular squares , Piazza del Duomo , makes a good first port of call : the cathedral complex is free to enter ( advance booking is often required , like many of the attractions here ) and includes access to the Bell Tower for an unrivalled view of the cathedral . Michelangelo ’ s David statue at Galleria dell ’ Accademia is nearby , too .
It ’ s essential that you break up your morning with a lunch at one of Florence ’ s cosy , old-school trattorias . Bury your crisp salad in piles of freshly grated Pecorino Romano , or wait in line for fresh focaccia layered with cured meats and decadent soft cheeses with a cathedral view , at one of the square ’ s many al fresco eateries .
Head next to the Uffizi , which houses what is considered the world ’ s finest collection of Renaissance art ; in 1743 the collection was bequeathed to Florence by the Medici family , on the basis that the art would never leave the city . After you spend a few hours exploring its halls , finish the day overlooking the terra cotta skyline at Piazzale Michelangelo , with a Negroni in hand .
Back near the port of Livorno , stop at Pisa ’ s Leaning Tower . Its grounds are peppered with amateur photographers , lining up their comical shots . Follow up with an authentic Tuscan dining experience at Ristorante Galileo — think wild boar slowly stewed in Italian wine or freshly rolled ricotta ravioli slicked in sage butter .
ITINERARY
Join Norwegian Cruise Line to experience the best of the Med
Day 1 Civitavecchia ( Rome ), Italy
Day 2 Naples , Italy
Day 3 Cagliari , Sardinia , Italy
Day 4 Majorca , Spain
Day 5 Ibiza , Spain
Day 6 Barcelona , Spain
Day 7 Cannes , France
Day 8 Livorno ( Florence / Pisa ), Italy
Day 9 Livorno ( Florence / Pisa ), Italy
Day 10 Civitavecchia ( Rome ), Italy
SPRING 2023 • 47