La Spezia (Cinque Terre), Italy Cruise Port

Marvel at the Tuscan scenery of La Spezia, Italy, part of Cinque Terre National Park that’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of five small villages. La Spezia is located near Florence and Pisa in a region considered to be the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. As such, you’ll find countless artistic displays, impressive architecture and – believe it or not – no car traffic. The lack of traffic makes hiking around the villages easier and leaves fewer distractions from the beautiful cliffs and coastlines. Since this is Italy, after all, you’ll also have to try the food and wine, some of the best in the world. Highlighted below are some of the most popular things to do when cruising to La Spezia, Italy:

• Head into the Tuscan countryside to tour an olive grove or vineyard and sample the local wines. Nothing pairs better with wine than the beautiful golden hills of Tuscany.
   
• Explore nearby Florence with a trip to the famous Uffizi Gallery, home to several masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, Raphael and more.
   
• La Spezia is a short distance from both Pisa, so you can take a short ride to either to enjoy sites like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Piazza del Duomo and the Church of Santa Maria.
   
• Eat your way through the region at a local restaurant by trying the various flavors of Northern Italy, including fresh baked breads, fine olive oils, fresh cheeses and dishes like panzanella or Florentine steaks.