15 Essential Souvenirs to Purchase in Livorno

A European cruise to Livorno, Italy (including Florence & Pisa) is an ideal getaway that places you at the heart of some of Italy's most famous landmarks. Whether you're admiring the breathtaking Duomo in Florence, the medieval skyline of San Gimignano, or enjoying a tour that features both Florence and Pisa, you’ll immerse yourself in rich culture and history during your stay.

Florence is also a prime destination for shopping, particularly if you want to support local artisans and craftsmen. Here are 15 keepsakes to consider taking home with you from Livorno.

1. Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar is a distinctive Italian delicacy, traditionally produced in Modena and Reggio, located to the northwest of Tuscany. It offers a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy flavors, enriched by the various types of wood used for aging. To ensure you're getting quality Italian vinegar, look for bottles labeled with one of these two cities.

2. Ceramics

The craft of porcelain production flourished during the Renaissance in Florence, where artisans mastered the art of maiolica, a tin glaze that makes colors come alive on porcelain. You'll find numerous ceramics shops scattered throughout the western Italian region.

While wandering through Livorno, you'll easily discover platters, dinnerware, and decorative ceramic items adorned with unique Tuscan designs. Many shops also provide shipping options for those who prefer not to carry their purchases back on the ship.

3. Hand-Painted Wooden Trays

Picture this: each time you grab the TV remote, you're reminded of your cruise to Livorno as you see the beautiful hand-painted wooden tray it rests upon. These authentic Italian trays feature traditional Florentine designs, such as intricate scrolling borders or a touch of gold leaf.

What’s more, these trays are lightweight, nearly indestructible, and serve a practical purpose.

4. Cameo

Cameos have their origins in the Roman Empire when there was a high demand for art. These finely carved shells are like miniature sculptures, typically showcasing a person's profile, a scene, or a mythological figure.

While some artisans still meticulously handcraft their cameos, you can also discover affordable, machine-made options in local shops throughout Livorno.

5. Marble Goods

Italian marble from the Apuan Alps has been cherished for centuries. This beautiful gray stone, with its striking veining, is both resilient and visually appealing, making it a favored material for sculptures and tiles. However, you likely don’t want to haul a heavy, bulky item back onto the ship.

Instead, consider opting for smaller marble souvenirs like coasters, miniature sculptures, or kitchen utensils.

6. Chocolate

Some of Italy’s most renowned chocolate makers have been refining their craft for centuries. The Chocolate Valley of Tuscany stretches from Prato to Pisa, located just northeast of Livorno.

You’ll easily discover a variety of foil-wrapped artisanal chocolates, classic bars, and hazelnut-infused chocolate products in many local shops. Bring these delicious treats home to share a taste of your journey with friends and family!

7. Olive Oil

Olive oil is an essential element of Italian culinary traditions and a must-have item to bring home from Livorno. Tuscany stands as one of the leading producers of olive oil globally, offering a range of blends that embody the unique Tuscan flavor.

If you enjoy cooking with high-quality, savory ingredients, this is the ideal location to find a bottle of exquisite olive oil.

8. Leather Goods

Visiting Livorno without acquiring some of the world-renowned Italian leather would be a missed opportunity. The craft of leatherworking in Livorno has been preserved through generations, and you can witness artisans honing their skills in workshops and factories as you explore the city.

Select from a wide array of leather items, including keychains, bracelets, wallets, and bags, to bring back for your friends and family.

9. Olivewood Cooking Utensils

Olivewood is abundant in Livorno, and artisans prize it as the perfect material for crafting spoons, spatulas, and cutting boards. Renowned for its durability and resistance to odors, olivewood utensils are must-have items in Italian kitchens.

Consider purchasing a set of olivewood utensils from any local shop in Livorno, either for your own kitchen or as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.

10. Pasta

While it's tempting to bring back every flavor of Italy, you can’t. Luckily, one of the country’s most beloved food products—pasta—travels well and is allowed on your Dinogo cruise ship as long as it’s in pre-packaged form.

Look for unique shapes that you won't find at home, and take the opportunity to learn how to prepare and pair your pasta with delicious sauces during your time in Livorno.

11. Perfume

A fragrance can transport you back to a particular moment, so what better way to cherish your cruise to Italy than with a bottle of perfume? Choose some of your favorite scents and bring one back for a loved one to share this special memory.

Take a leisurely stroll through one of Italy’s specialty fragrance shops to uncover a new signature scent, purchase some of your favorite lotions, or find a unique home fragrance product to enjoy once you’re back from your travels.

12. Replicas of Famous Sites and Symbols

While they might be typical tourist souvenirs, replicas of iconic buildings and symbols you encounter during your journey can be delightful keepsakes. Look for models of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Florence’s Duomo, or the medieval towers of San Gimignano. You can also find playing cards, keychains, and bags featuring the Holy Cross or Florence’s unofficial symbol, the lily.

13. Paper Products and Stationery

While there are quicker ways to communicate, sending greetings on exquisite paper or a lovely card carries a unique charm. Stock up on stationery from local stores where artisans still create marbled paper by hand.

Cards, vibrant paper boxes, and hand-stitched journals are popular items to purchase in Livorno, Italy, and can help you create cherished memories to share with friends.

14. Wine

Tuscany is renowned for producing some of the world's most beloved wines, especially Chianti and Brunello. Savor these delightful wines while you're in port and bring a few bottles home to enjoy later. Explore the selection of red and white wines available, and choose the brand and blend that you like best.

Enjoy the stunning scenery while sipping on exquisite Italian wine, and don’t forget to grab an extra bottle to share with someone special.

Additionally, remember that cruise passengers are allowed one duty-free bottle of alcohol per adult, and any alcohol you purchase will be securely stored by your Dinogo crew until the end of your trip.

15. Soap

Italian soaps make for a unique souvenir, with an array of natural soaps featuring various scents and ingredients available throughout the city.

Make sure to visit Europe’s oldest continuously operating pharmacy in Florence to explore their remarkable collection of locally made soaps. Look for fragrances inspired by local flowers and fruits, such as pomegranate or lemon.

While planning your days in the historic cities of Tuscany, make sure to set aside time to wander through the local shops, stores, and restaurants. Dinogo offers a variety of shore excursions that the entire family can enjoy during your stay in Livorno.

Uncover the reasons behind the region's reputation as a hidden gem and explore the stunning sites that surround you. You're bound to fall in love with this city, just as we did!