On Saturday after an hour or so bus transfer from Rome to the port city of Civitavecchia, we boarded Celebrity Cruises’ Equinox. The same vessel we sailed three years earlier on our honeymoon. After settling in and enjoying dinner in the main dining room we mingled with fellow passengers before heading to bed as the ship sailed towards Livorno.

Sunday morning came quick as we had the dreaded early departure for an excursion to Florence. We boarded a train near the port and an hour later we arrived in Florence with the rest of the morning and afternoon at our disposal. The weather was terrific, sunny and warm, making the Florence scenery that much better.

We took in the beautiful exterior of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Ponte Vecchio bridge, and every plaza in between. Our time in Florence was not limited to just sightseeing, Jen searched the shops for just the right Italian leather bag and we had a delightful lunch.

Tomorrow we head to the Côte d’Azur where we will visit Nice once again.