Rome, Italy, sits on the
banks of the Tiber River but depends on Civitavecchia, a small city 50 miles to
the northwest, to serve as its port on the Tyrrhenian Sea, part of the Mediterranean.
Civitavecchia, a commercial port since the second century, boasts a massive fort
– part of it was designed by Michelangelo. Still, you won’t want to spend too much
time there when all of Rome is waiting for you.
It’s a 20-minute walk from the
port into Civitavecchia, but most cruise lines will have shuttles waiting to
take you into town. There, you can board a bus or hire a taxi to get to Rome; the
ride will take 90 minutes to two hours, depending on traffic. There is also
train service, which is a bit faster, delivering you to Rome in just over an
hour. A knowledgeable travel consultant will also be able to assist with
private transportation options.
There’s a lot to see in Rome,
and there are a variety of shore excursions to help you make the most of your
time there. If you’d like to see as much of the city as possible, choose a tour
that will take you to several iconic sites, such as the Colosseum, the Forum and
Vatican City.
If you’d like to focus on
just a few of Rome’s many treasures, you can choose an excursion that focuses
on the Colosseum and its incredible history; Rome’s beautiful churches, such as
the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore; or the Appian Way and the Catacombs of Domitilla,
to name just a few possibilities.
You can forgo an official
shore excursion and explore on your own, but remember that your cruise ship
will not wait for you if you lose track of time while touring the Eternal City
(it’s easy to do).
Excursions in Rome may
include a significant amount of walking over cobblestones and up steps; choose one
that offers the right pace and level of activity for you. Also, dress
appropriately if you will visit religious sites: bare shoulders, shorts and
skirts above the knee are not appropriate. Finally, if you see the beautiful
Trevi Fountain, toss in a coin, which is said to ensure your return to Rome.
For more information about
cruises that call on Civitavecchia/Rome, talk with Anita, your Cruise Holidays
personal cruise expert.
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