I say this is the gateway to Tuscany when you're cruising. Many excursions, sixteen in total were offered by the cruise line from here today (as they were from all ports)! As we had been to this region before visiting Florence for several days and spending a week in the Tuscan countryside a few years ago, we had planned not to venture too far. Plus I wasn't looking forward to sitting on a bus or in a car for two hours each way to reach Florence.
We had an enjoyable day just strolling around the city of Livorno getting a feel for the life /beat and culture of the locals.
There was a bustling outdoor market of fresh fruits and vegetables in the Piazza Cavallotti with many choices.
Later we discovered the Mercato Centrale (the Central Market) housed in a giant neo - classical building constructed in the late 19th Century overlooking the main canal.
It is said to be the largest covered market in Italy with approximately 30 shops and 230 vendor stalls.
It has 5 grand entrances!
Here you could stock your fridge and larder with everything you need; however the best part in Europe most of the locals shop fresh everyday!
I love this, fresh food and I'm sure less waste!
There were many prosciutto vendors at the market ...
and if you are a real connoisseur you can buy your own slicer. I think my father in his day would have loved to have one these slicers in his butcher shop/ deli!
We strolled the tiled, covered walkways that looked similar to cloisters along the Via Grande where we found many shops, boutiques and cafes.
Everyday, on the ship we received a newsletter about our next port with detailed info and suggestions of points of interests, etc. Signore Honey had read that we should try the local dish ... schiacciate!
Time for a some lunch in the Piazza overlooking the Duomo.
Delicious! That's one of the great experiences of travelling being able to try a different cultures' food and drink!
We then headed to the ship.
Tonight we were celebrating being in the Tuscany region with dinner at the speciality Italian restaurant Toscana.
I'll be writing a separate post about some of the restaurants/ our dining experiences later.
Tonight we are cruising the shortest distance of 120 nautical miles from Livorno, Italy and in the morning we will be docking Monte Carlo, Monaco!
Coming soon ... our last days on the cruise: Day 9 Monte Carlo, Monaco / Day 10 Marseille, France and then our continued adventure in Spain and France.
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