La Spezia by Cruise Ship

Five colourful villages clinging to dramatic cliffsides above the Ligurian Sea — some of the most photographed scenery in Italy, and genuinely worth the hype. The train from La Spezia takes 10–20 minutes to any of the five villages. Monterosso al Mare is the largest with a proper beach. Vernazza is perhaps the most photogenic. Riomaggiore is the closest and easiest to reach. You can visit one village properly, or two if you're moving at pace. The Cinque Terre card covers multiple train journeys and is worth buying.

Pisa is about 55km south of La Spezia — roughly an hour by train. Most people go for the Leaning Tower (book tickets in advance to go inside or climb it), but the Piazza dei Miracoli is genuinely impressive even from outside the gates. The rest of Pisa is a real, working Italian university city and worth a wander. A good option if Cinque Terre feels too crowded, or if you've already done the villages before.

La Spezia itself is a working port city rather than a tourist destination, but it's not without merit. There's a pleasant seafront promenade, a covered market, and a handful of decent restaurants. If for any reason you decide not to venture out, or the schedule doesn't allow it, there's enough in the town for a reasonable few hours. The market (Mercato Centrale) is worth a look in the morning. But honestly — if you can get out to Cinque Terre or Pisa, do.