Duration : 9 Hours
Our Exclusive Best of Rome shore excursion from Civitavecchia is designed for those who wish to enjoy a complete overview of Rome with a private vehicle and driver. You’ll be able to go where buses are not permitted, enabling you to see more, walk less, and capture the best of The Eternal City.
Features of this day trip to Rome from the port of Civitavecchia:
Our itinerary covers all the iconic monuments of The Eternal City. (Note that the order of things may vary.)
At the heart of Rome is Piazza Venezia, an immense traffic circle dominated by the Victor Emmanuel Monument, a gigantic complex of white marble sometimes called the "wedding cake”. During the fascist era in Italy, Mussolini's headquarters were situated here, and you can still see the balcony where he gave many of his legendary speeches.
After climbing the graceful steps of the Capitoline Hill, you'll find yourself amidst the symmetrical beauty of the piazza restyled by Michelangelo during the Renaissance. The palaces that border the piazza now house the Capitoline Museums. If you have been thinking about visiting the Vatican Museums, we highly recommend the Capitoline Museums instead. The collections are equally as impressive as the Vatican Museums but without the impossible crowds, exaggerated cost, and difficulty procuring tickets.
From the back side of the piazza, you can enjoy a beautiful overview of the Roman Forum. You’ll get an excellent view of the Temple of Saturn and the Rostrum where Mark Anthony made his impassioned speech over the body of Julius Caesar.
One of the most recognizable fountains in the world, Trevi Fountain is one of those monuments in Rome that can't be missed. Not only is this water feature a jaw-dropping collection of Baroque sculpture, but it is also a testimony to Rome's love affair with water that has existed since ancient times. Remember to throw a coin over your shoulder into the fountain to ensure your return to Rome!
The Baroque goodness continues at the Spanish Steps, where Rome’s famous sweeping staircase will also serve to remind you that Rome is built on a series of hills.
Today, Piazza Navona is a handsome plaza known for its three fountains (most notably The Four Rivers) and many restaurants. Its oblong shape gives you a clue to the piazza's ancient origins -- in Roman times, it was the locus of a stadium. Be careful not to be so distracted by the beauty that you forget to try the chocolate tartufo gelato!
The Pantheon is one of those monuments in Rome that will have you shaking your head at the brilliance of Ancient Roman engineering. Even if you don't care about how it was built, you will be impressed by the colossal pillars of the portico and the elegant coffered dome with its immense oculus.
The most iconic and perhaps most fascinating monument in Rome is its two-thousand-year-old arena: the Colosseum. While we typically associate the Colosseum with gladiators and games that entertained the citizens of Ancient Rome, this double-amphitheater is another shining example of the greatness of Roman engineering. On the same plaza sits the stately Arch of Constantine, and you can see some of the ruins in the Roman Forum from here as well.
At Vatican City, we'll stop briefly at St. Peter's Square, an expansive, elliptical piazza lined by elegant colonnades. Of course, the main attraction here is St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in Christendom. Resting on 800 pillars and able to hold over 60,000 worshippers, the church houses a mind-boggling quantity of artworks of every type imaginable. most notably the Pieta, Michelangelo's magnum opus sculpted in marble.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING TICKETS:
Kindly note that the acquisition of skip-the-line tickets is not guaranteed. Procurement is dependent on availability, to be confirmed at the time we go to book them. Due to the activities of prominent agencies with early access, securing tickets has become a real challenge.
Ticket sales for the Colosseum open one month ahead.
In the event we can't secure tickets, we will offer you an alternative activity. There is no end to fascinating archeological sites and amazing churches in Rome.
Our intention is not to cause alarm but we felt it was important to be
transparent regarding this difficult situation in order to manage
expectations. Rest assured we will do our very best to find any tickets
you request through our trusted suppliers. We appreciate your
understanding.
Is this tour private?
Yes, the excursion is for your group only. If you wish to join a shared tour to lower your costs, please ask about our small group shared excursions.
Is the driver also a guide?
Kindly note that our drivers are NOT licensed guides. Our drivers will share with you the facts and history of the places and monuments you will be seeing from inside the vehicle. Drivers in Italy are not permitted to share information once you have exited the vehicle, nor can they accompany you on foot. You will have the opportunity to stop in each area listed on the itinerary to explore on your own. We can arrange a private guide for you if you wish to be accompanied inside churches, archeological sites, and other points of interest.
Does this tour include lunch and admission fees to sites?
No. Lunch, admission fees, and gratuities are not included in the rate.
What is the duration of the excursion?
Up to 9 hours. No reductions in the rate will be given should you wish to shorten the service.
Do you guarantee the return to the ship on time?
In over 35 years of business, we have never caused a client to miss the boat. We have organized all itineraries to guarantee your return to the ship on time.
There will be a full charge made to your credit card for no-shows and
bookings canceled with less than 72 hours notice, including the cost of
any pre-purchased tickets. Pre-purchased tickets are not refundable
under any circumstances.
Please keep us apprised of any problems
or changes during your travels (flight delays and changes, missed
connections, port changes, etc.) and we will do our best to adapt. If
you are on a cruise ship and it does not come into port, your service
will be annulled and no penalty will apply (with the exception of
skip-the-line tickets; you will owe us for any entrance fees we have
pre-paid on your behalf, regardless of circumstances.)
Transfer Services activated.