SHORE EXCURSIONS

Almost perfectly preserved Lucca still resides within high walls, though they are now topped by green parkland. Take a guided walk through the old town, with its medieval towers and nearly 100 churches. Stroll from piazza to piazza, and absorb the city's history through its architecture. The Duomo, Lucca's Romanesque cathedral, dates from the 12th century and features a façade with elaborate reliefs and columns.

The Gothic interior includes an image of Christ on the cross, supposedly carved by Nicodemus, a purported witness of the crucifixion. The Duomo also boasts Tintoretto's magnificent painting of the Last Supper. You'll have free time in Lucca to explore, do some shopping, or sample the local cuisine.

Once a powerful maritime republic, and a rival to Genoa and Venice, Pisa offers a Renaissance splendor of its own. A short, guided walk leads to the dramatic Miracle Square, with an array of elegant buildings in Pisa's own Romanesque style.

Here you'll find the Campo Santo, a cemetery with some handsome architecture; the Baptistery, with a statue of St. John the Baptist on top of its dome; and the Duomo, Pisa's medieval cathedral. You'll recognise its freestanding bell tower immediately as the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Galileo is said to have used the 180-foot tower during his experiments with gravity. Today it leans 14-degrees from perpendicular. Recently reopened, admittance to the tower is limited and is not included in this excursion.

Live like a local by browsing one of Europe’s oldest markets and enjoying traditional treats and beverages. Your culinary immersion will begin at the Central Market, one of the oldest markets in Europe. With more than 200 shops and stalls, the late 19th-century Art Nouveau-style market attracts those seeking extraordinarily fresh produce, cheeses and meats. Virtually every iconic Italian food, condiment and beverage is on display. While meandering from stall to stall, you can expect the aroma of freshly ground coffee, baked goods and exotic spices to be wafting through the air. Samples may be offered to whet your appetite for the chickpea pancake tasting that follows. This popular street food is a thin flatbread that is typically crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and spectacularly flavorful. As a complement, you will visit the New Venice district for a cup of Ponce Livornese, a restorative rum-and-coffee concoction that locals often order as digestives following dinner.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Browse the hundreds of shops and stalls in Livorno’s bustling Central Market.
• Enjoy samples that vendors offer and a remarkably flavorful chickpea pancake afterwards.
• Savor a classic spiked coffee drink that locals usually order as a digestive following meals.