Search, compare, and book shore excursions in Florence
Florence, the heart of Tuscany and cradle of the Renaissance, is one of Italy’s most iconic and enchanting cities. Whether you’re here for a full stay or just one unforgettable day on a shore excursion, you’ll be surrounded by incredible art, architecture, and history at every turn.
Here are the must-see highlights for your visit:
🏛️ The Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore)
Climb to the top of the iconic dome for sweeping city views, or admire the intricate frescoes and marble details inside. It’s one of the most recognized landmarks in all of Italy.
🎨 The Uffizi Gallery
This world-famous museum houses Renaissance masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo, and more. A skip-the-line ticket is well worth it to fully enjoy the art without the wait.
🗿 Accademia Gallery (Michelangelo’s David)
No trip to Florence is complete without seeing Michelangelo’s David in person. The Accademia is a smaller museum, but this statue alone makes it a must-visit.
🌉 Ponte Vecchio
This charming medieval bridge spans the Arno River and is lined with historic jewelry shops. A walk across offers stunning views and photo ops from every angle.
🏰 Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens
Once home to the powerful Medici family, this sprawling palace now houses several museums and galleries. Don’t miss the beautifully manicured Boboli Gardens behind it.
⛪ Basilica of Santa Croce
This Gothic church is the final resting place of Italian legends like Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. The interior is packed with stunning chapels and frescoes.
🏛️ Basilica of San Lorenzo & Medici Chapels
Explore this grand church closely tied to the Medici dynasty, then step into the Medici Chapels to see breathtaking tombs—some sculpted by Michelangelo himself.
⛪ Santa Maria Novella
Just steps from the train station, this beautiful church features colorful frescoes, cloisters, and a peaceful atmosphere.
🛍️ Mercato Centrale & San Lorenzo Market
Get a taste of local life! Visit the indoor Mercato Centrale for Tuscan street food and wine, or browse the outdoor stalls of San Lorenzo Market for leather goods and souvenirs.
🌄 Piazzale Michelangelo
For the best panoramic view of Florence, head up to this scenic viewpoint above the city. It’s especially stunning at sunset—don’t forget your camera!
Florence is about 90 minutes to 2 hours by bus from cruise ports like Livorno and La Spezia. If you can, consider staying in Florence a few days before or after your cruise to soak it all in.
👉 Click here to explore our perfect 4-day Florence itinerary.
Just in town for the day?
No problem—just be sure your guided tour ensures return to port in time for your ship’s departure. A well-planned shore excursion can still give you a taste of Florence’s magic.
Find the perfect guided tour or excursion from Florence
Whether you’re passionate about art, a history buff, a foodie, or just want to take in the views, there’s a tour for every type of traveler. We’ve partnered with Viator to bring you a carefully curated selection of top-rated excursions, so you can explore the best of Florence.
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