The Irresistible Med
Experience the allure of the Med
La Spezia
La Spezia and beyond
La Spezia may not be the name that comes to mind when you mention Italy, but its proximity to some of the country’s more famous destinations (like Positano, Pisa, and Florence) is what makes it the perfect place to start your Italian adventure.
Located about halfway between Genoa and Pisa, hop a train (or boat, or taxi) to many of Italy’s famous cities, villages, and islets for a day trip, including Cinque Terre — the iconic coast of five colorful villages that tops most “must see'' travel lists — begin a food-forward journey into the sprawling orchards and vineyards that make up Ligura’s famed countryside, or take a scenic ride over the Tuscan hills into the Renaissance capital of the world — Florence.
While there are many Shore Things that take you outside of La Spezia, the city features a gorgeous waterfront naval museum (where you can easily spend an entire day), a hilltop fortress, a neighboring fishing islet, and plenty of traditional Italian fare to savor if you are looking to spend your time close to the ship.
While there are many Shore Things that take you outside of La Spezia, the city features a gorgeous waterfront naval museum (where you can easily spend an entire day), a hilltop fortress, a neighboring fishing islet, and plenty of traditional Italian fare to savor if you are looking to spend your time close to the ship.
A Feast In The Tuscan Countryside
Lead with your senses as a Tuscan chef welcomes you to a huge farmhouse kitchen, where you’ll join in the preparation of traditional local dishes (including dessert!) made from ingredients grown in the surrounding gardens. Finally, you’ll sit down to enjoy all that you’ve made together. Pasta is the focus of this culinary experience, and hopefully, you’ll bring some inspiration home.
Cinque Terre Two-Village Visit
Relax on a scenic coach drive from the port to Cinque Terre, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that comprises five picturesque, coastline villages west of La Spezia. First, you'll arrive in a seaside village of criss-crossed hidden lanes, small squares, and eclectic boutiques. Then, you'll continue to Riomaggiore to wander its historic city center, the beach, and the pier before having time to explore a bit on your own.
On the Hunt for Tuscan Truffles
Tuscany is one of the most important regions in the world for truffle production, and this is your chance to be a part of it. After arriving at a Tuscan farm, you’ll join a truffle hunting dog and its owner on a hunt in the forest for the prized delicacies. Bring your finds back to the farmhouse to enjoy a homemade meal prepared with the fruits of your labor. Fragrant, lavish shavings of truffle will complement every course.
La Spezia
Florence by Barchetto
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A rowboat intro to the Arno River
Florence by Barchetto
La Spezia
Float down Florence’s mighty Arno River for a unique view of the city’s most popular sites.
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Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Celebrate your arrival in Florence with a scenic boat ride along the Arno River, giving you an ideal orientation to the city and its history before you enjoy time to set out and explore on your own. The boat, a traditional barchetto, passes some of the city’s highlights, like the Uffizi Gallery, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Palazzo Corsini.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Take time to explore Florence at your own pace
- Check out must-see spots like the monumental Palazzo Corsini, the Uffizi Gallery, and Florence’s famous Ponte Vecchio — right from the water
- Glide down the Arno River in a traditional barchetto rowboat
Need to know
- Approximately 1 hour and 45-minute drive to/from Florence
- Approximately 4 hours of free time in Florence
- Approximately 1-hour row boat ride
- All times are approximate — traffic, high season, road closures, etc. may occur
- Sailors must be able to step in and out of a boat; several steps are required
- The order of sites visited may vary
- Sailors prone to motion sickness should take precautions prior to this Shore Thing
- This Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
- Sailors must be able to step in and out of the boat, several steps are required
Our Shore Things Policies
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Shore Things are fully refundable to the original form of payment. However, please note that Shore Things are only fully refundable if they are canceled at least 24 hours prior to the start of the booked Shore Thing taking place, unless stated otherwise in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section. If you fail to either (a) cancel at least 24 hours prior to the start of the booked Shore Thing (or alternative time period as may be stated in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section), or (b) show up for a booked Shore Thing, you will be charged for 100% of the Shore Thing price.
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Shore Things departure times and/or meeting locations are subject to change. We will make every effort to notify Sailors in advance via the Sailor App of any tour departure and/or meeting changes.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
La Spezia
Biking the Medieval City of Lucca
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Pedal your way to a picnic
Biking the Medieval City of Lucca
La Spezia
Pedal your way around Lucca as the locals do in a tour that includes a picnic.
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Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
Follow your guide in a leisurely bike ride through Lucca’s charming medieval streets and along the two miles of massive, fortified walls that surround the city. Your tour will include photo stops at points along the walls, as well as at the Romanesque-style Duomo and the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, built on the foundations of an ancient Roman amphitheater. Then, taste local flavors on a picnic before enjoying free time to browse the local shops.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Enjoy a scenic bike ride from La Spezia to the cobblestone streets of Lucca
- Pedal through Lucca's maze of medieval passages before browsing its local shops
- Bike around the historic walls
- Take pictures and taste the local flavors on a picnic within the city’s fortified walls
Need to know
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Sailors should consider their physical fitness level and medical history when determining whether this Shore Thing is appropriate
- Sailors should know how to ride a bike
- We recommend Sailors bring a bag or backpack to carry belongings
- Approximately 1-hour drive to/from Lucca
- Sailors must wear suitable clothing and footwear for this activity (hiking, biking, trekking, rappelling, ziplining, yoga, etc.)
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
- Includes 2 hours of combined biking
- Biking route includes steep incline/decline surfaces
- Approximately 1 hour of free time in Lucca
- Light bites and local wine are included
- All times are approximate — traffic, high season, road closures, etc. may occur
Our Shore Things Policies
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Shore Things are fully refundable to the original form of payment. However, please note that Shore Things are only fully refundable if they are canceled at least 24 hours prior to the start of the booked Shore Thing taking place, unless stated otherwise in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section. If you fail to either (a) cancel at least 24 hours prior to the start of the booked Shore Thing (or alternative time period as may be stated in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section), or (b) show up for a booked Shore Thing, you will be charged for 100% of the Shore Thing price.
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Shore Things departure times and/or meeting locations are subject to change. We will make every effort to notify Sailors in advance via the Sailor App of any tour departure and/or meeting changes.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
La Spezia
Florence & Wine Tasting at a Castle
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Enjoy a glass of Chianti after a city tour
Florence & Wine Tasting at a Castle
La Spezia
Have some solo time in Florence before heading to the countryside for a tour and tasting at a family-run estate.
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Top Rated
This Shore Thing is among the most popular with Sailors who’ve visited this port. Book before it’s sold out!
Board a coach from the port to Florence to enjoy two free hours to explore the city’s charming center. At the end of your free time, you’ll join a guide to drive on to Castello del Trebbio, built in 1184. Now a family-run estate producing wine, olive oil, and pure saffron, the castle and cellars will open their doors to you for a tour and a tasting. Walk the garden and enjoy the afternoon with a panoramic view of the Tuscan hills before heading back to the ship.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Stop by the Pazzi family winery for a tour of their 12th-century cellars before embarking on a delicious wine tasting experience
- Visit Castello del Trebbio, a historic estate built in 1184, where a local guide will show you the grounds and a panoramic view of the Tuscan hills
- Explore Florence’s alluring city center at your own pace
Need to know
- Approximate driving times: 2.5 hours to Florence, 45 minutes to the castle, 2.5 hours back to the pier
- All times are approximate — traffic, high season, road closures, etc. may occur
- Dress code alert: Shoulders and knees must be covered while in the cathedral
- Light bites and local wine are included
- Not recommended for Sailors with walking difficulties
- Please note that a few steps are required to access the castle's cellars
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Our Shore Things Policies
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Shore Things are fully refundable to the original form of payment. However, please note that Shore Things are only fully refundable if they are canceled at least 24 hours prior to the start of the booked Shore Thing taking place, unless stated otherwise in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section. If you fail to either (a) cancel at least 24 hours prior to the start of the booked Shore Thing (or alternative time period as may be stated in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section), or (b) show up for a booked Shore Thing, you will be charged for 100% of the Shore Thing price.
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Shore Things departure times and/or meeting locations are subject to change. We will make every effort to notify Sailors in advance via the Sailor App of any tour departure and/or meeting changes.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
La Spezia
Picture Perfection in Portofino & Santa Margherita
SPECXP00005
Arrive by ferry to the gem of the Italian Riviera
Picture Perfection in Portofino & Santa Margherita
La Spezia
Enjoy all the views from the ferry, tour the gorgeous streets in Portofino, and enjoy free time in stunning Santa Margherita.
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Sustainable Tours
This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.
A visit to the Italian Riviera is hardly complete without spending a day in Santa Margherita and Portofino, a small, Mediterranean port village set in a narrow cove delights with views, boutiques, and alfresco dining at every turn. You’ll arrive by ferry and follow your guide to visit the Church of St. George and the Roman fortifications-turned-villa of Castello Brown before enjoying free time to explore more.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- There will be free time in both cities to explore on your own
- Enjoy a guided walking tour to the Church of St. George for a panoramic view of the Marina di Portofino before visiting the striking Castello Brown
- Spend the day sightseeing and shopping in the posh Italian Riviera
- Arrive at the picturesque village of Portofino by public ferry
Need to know
- The order of sites visited may vary
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Sailors prone to motion sickness should take precautions prior to this Shore Thing
- Sailors should expect to walk over uneven pavement for an extended period of time
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
- Approximately 1-hour guided tour in Portofino
- Approximately 1-hour drive to/from Santa Margherita
- Approximately 2 hours of free time in Portofino and 45 minutes of free time in Santa Margherita
- Sailors should expect to walk uphill and/or over uneven pavement
- Sailors will take a ferry boat from Santa Margherita and take a 15-minute ride to Portofino (returning the same way)
- All times are approximate — traffic, high season, road closures, etc. may occur
Our Shore Things Policies
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Shore Things are fully refundable to the original form of payment. However, please note that Shore Things are only fully refundable if they are canceled at least 24 hours prior to the start of the booked Shore Thing taking place, unless stated otherwise in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section. If you fail to either (a) cancel at least 24 hours prior to the start of the booked Shore Thing (or alternative time period as may be stated in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section), or (b) show up for a booked Shore Thing, you will be charged for 100% of the Shore Thing price.
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Shore Things departure times and/or meeting locations are subject to change. We will make every effort to notify Sailors in advance via the Sailor App of any tour departure and/or meeting changes.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Buongiorno from Tuscany
The Italian language originated from a Tuscan dialect.
Shore Excursions
Stray (far off) the course
After a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside, you'll arrive in Florence. Explore the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistery, and Giotto's Bell Tower. You'll then continue on to Pisa, where you'll explore Piazza dei Miracoli and see the famous Leaning Tower.
DISCOVER MORE SHORE THINGSLa Spezia’s location is too perfect to not take a trip beyond the coast. When it comes to visiting Cinque Terre, it’s only a quick train ride away, but the scenic route (by ferry or sailing vessel) guarantees astonishing views of the rocky coast and color changing coastal blues.
Should you want to start (or end) your day with an experience lesser known to visitors, Isola Palmaria should not be overlooked. With hidden marble caves and a rainbowed assortment of old Italian buildings, this tiny islet is only a 15-minute walk from the port to the island’s ferry, and offers incredible photo ops (and Italian allure) from every angle.
While Italy's fame transcends centuries, every destination offers something for those in search of historic landmarks, hidden enclaves, and (of course) incredible food that you won’t find anywhere else but here.