Thursday 12 September 2013

Cruise ship shore excursions from Livorno cruise ship dock in Tuscany

If your cruise ship will visit Livorno for a day, I have a good recommendation for a cruise ship shore excursion from Livorno. Giovanni Sirabella was ship's purser on several famous cruise ships until he decided to leave the sea and work with smaller groups on dry land. He founded Sunflower Tours of Tuscany and specialises in shore excursions in central Tuscany, especially Chianti. He has a number of themed routes (wine tour, cinque terra tour etc) but since he guides and drives almost exclusively private tours, you can organise your itinerary with him before arrival. Giovanni is a cautious driver, is highly knowledgeable about Tuscany and is a very pleasant person with whom to spend a day. Needless to say, he also speaks excellent English.

Sunflower Tours of Tuscany at Livorno cruise ship dock
Giovanni of Sunflower Tours of Tuscany with two clients at Livorno cruise ship dock

Here are some examples of shore excursions:

CHIANTI CLASSICO TOUR :: the land of the black rooster

A scenic drive among the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, along the famous “wine road” leading to the heart of the Chianti region. Visit the old market square of Greve in Chianti, the mediaeval hamlet of Montefioralle, the old capital Radda in Chianti and some other country villages. Possibility of wine tastings at a local Chianti classico estate.

SAN GIMIGNANO-SIENA TOUR :: scenes of the middle ages and the pilgrims' route

The route used during the middle ages by the pilgrims going to Rome and Jerusalem, known as the via Francigena; visit the "mediaeval Manhattan" S. Gimignano with its seventeen towers, the capital of the crystal glass Colle Valdelsa, the fortress of Monteriggioni and at the end Siena, the pearl of the middle ages famous also for its horse race, the “Palio”.

VINCI, PISA, LUCCA TOUR :: Leonardo’s house and highlights of western Tuscany

A drive through the Tuscan countryside, including a visit to Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo, visiting the house where he was born and the small town of Vinci hosting the museum. Also included, a visit to Pisa to visit Campo dei Miracoli, where the leaning tower, the duomo and the baptistery are located; the remaining part of the day is dedicated to the hometown of Giacomo Puccini, Lucca and its masterpieces.

Giovanni and seven happy vacationers touring Tuscany
Giovanni and seven happy vacationers touring Tuscany
Although Giovanni specialises in picking people up at the cruise ship dock in Livorno, more than half of his customers are staying in Florence where he collects them from their hotels. If you're looking for a relaxed and informative tour of Tuscany with a knowledgeable guide who speaks excellent English, Giovanni Sirabella is your man!

More about Sunflower Tours with Giovanni Sirabella.

More about Livorno Shore Excursions.




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