Civitavecchia Shore Excursion: Best of Rome Private Tour
Overview
Our Best of Rome shore excursion is a private tour with a professional English-speaking driver featuring pick-up and drop-off right at the ship. The itinerary covers the major highlights of Rome but is completely customizable. We can also arrange licensed guides and skip-the-line tickets (dependent on availability). If you want to get the most out of your touring day when you dock in Civitavecchia, this tour gives you not only the most efficient use of your time but also convenience, comfort, and engaging commentaries by our fun and friendly drivers.
Inclusions
- Pick-up and drop-off at the ship
- Professional, informative English-speaking driver
- Guaranteed return to the pier on time
- Flexible itinerary
- Private air conditioned vehicle (for your group only)
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Civitavecchia Port, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele 19, 00053, Civitavecchia Italy
Our Best of Rome shore excursion is a private tour with a professional English-speaking driver featuring pick-up and drop-off right at the ship. The itinerary covers the major highlights of Rome but is completely customizable. Skip-the-line tickets and local guides are NOT INCLUDED but we can arrange them for you upon request (dependent on availability). If you want to get the most out of your touring day when you dock in Civitavecchia, this tour gives you not only the most efficient use of your time but also convenience, comfort, and engaging commentaries by our fun and friendly drivers.
Stop At: Pantheon, Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Rome Italy
The Pantheon is now a Catholic church, but in Ancient Rome it was a temple to all the gods (which is basically what "pantheon" means in Greek). The Pantheon is one of the iconic landmarks in Rome, famous for its dome and massive columns at the entryway that are a testament to the incredible engineering savvy of the Romans. Some famous people are entombed in the Pantheon but the real scene-stealer in this monument is the giant oculus in the center of the dome.
Viewing the Pantheon from the exterior is free. As of July 2023, a ticket is required to visit the interior. The ticket costs 5 Euro. If you'd like to go inside the Pantheon, please request that we make a reservation for you.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Rome Italy
Trevi is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world. It has appeared in several notable films, but without a doubt its most famous role was in Federico Fellini's "La Dolce Vita", where Anita Ekberg and Marcello Mastroianni go wading fully clothed. Don't forget to throw a coin over your shoulder into the fountain to ensure your return to Rome and make a small contribution to feed Rome's hungry (a food bank is funded with the coins collected every night).
Duration: 20 minutes
Pass By: Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II, Piazza Venezia, 00186 Rome Italy
The gigantic white monument that is the centerpiece of Piazza Venezia was built in honor of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy. Constructed of mounds of white marble, it houses a museum dedicated to Italy's reunification and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, making it a place of commemoration for all of Italy's fallen soldiers during WWI.
Stop At: Colosseum, Piazza del Colosseo, 00184 Rome Italy
The Colosseum is Rome's poster boy and one of the most fascinating monuments in The Eternal City. Famous for the battles between Gladiators and exotic beasts, the arena could hold 50.000 spectators and is a remarkable feat of engineering and construction. Tickets to the Colosseum are NOT INCLUDED. We can book them for you upon request.
Duration: 45 minutes
Pass By: Arch of Constantine, Via di San Gregorio, 00186 Rome Italy
On the plaza just outside the Colosseum, you'll find the Arch of Constantine, one of several triumphal arches remaining from Ancient Roman times. This one is dedicated to the Emperor Constantine The Great and dates back to the 4th Century.
Stop At: Piazza Navona, 00186 Rome Italy
Built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian (1st Century CE), PIazza Navona still recalls its ancient roots, although the predominant style of decoration in the piazza today is Baroque. The Four Rivers Fountain is the most impressive of the three fountains in the square, a beautiful composition of burly figures representing the four continents through which papal authority had spread at the time of its construction in the 17th Century: Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Spanish Steps, Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Rome Italy
Besides being a common meet-up point for Rome's citizens, the spectacular, sweeping staircase that leads upwards from PIazza di Spagna (so named for the Spanish consulate nearby), is one of Rome's most popular tourist spots. At one time, the Spanish Steps was a grand place to sit and hang out but that all came to an end in 2019, when the city enacted a law that prohibits sitting on the stairs. The name "Spanish Steps" was probably given by the English poet John Keats, who lived briefly in a house at the bottom of the staircase. In Italian, it is simply called "La Scalinata" (which just means "the staircase").
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Colle Capitolino, Piazza del Campidoglio, Rome Italy
Climb the graceful, sloping steps of the Capitoline hill (designed by Michelangelo) and enjoy a beautiful panorama of the Roman Forum from the back side of the hill. Here you'll have a clear view of many of the structures inside the Roman Forum, including the Rostrum where Mark Anthony made his impassioned speech over the body of Julius Cesar. The handsome piazza at the top of the hill, also designed by Michelangelo, features a bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius, last of The Five Good Emperors who ruled Rome with competence and outstanding humanity.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Circus Maximus, Via del Circo Massimo, 00186 Rome Italy
Circus Maximus was a chariot-racing stadium and immense entertainment venue in Ancient Rome ("circus" meaning "ring" in Latin and not having anything to do with a traveling pack of performing animals and clowns). Now an empty field, the elliptical shape and central spine of the ancient track are still evident.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Domus Augustana, Via di San Gregorio 30, 00184 Rome Italy
The House of Augustus is a palatial complex on the Palatine Hill. In Ancient Rome, it was the primary residence of the emperor, and overlooked Circus Maximus.
Pass By: Teatro di Marcello, Via del Teatro de Marcello, 00186 Rome Italy
Teatro Marcello is one of the more unusual architectural sites in Rome. In ancient times, the arena was used as an open-air theatre. During the Renaissance, dwellings were built on top of it. This might sound like a strange place to put condos, but today these homes represent some of Rome's most expensive real estate.
Stop At: Piazzale Garibaldi, Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi, 00165 Rome Italy
The Janiculum Hill is one of the best locations in Rome for a panoramic view of the city.
Duration: 15 minutes
Pass By: Isola Tiberina, Rome Italy
Tiburina is a tiny island in the Tiber River. In ancient times, a temple stood on the island. A hospital is now the most defining element on Tiburina, whose association with healing goes back centuries.
Pass By: Roman Forum, Largo della Salara Vecchia 5/6, 00186 Rome Italy
The Roman Forum was the heart and soul of Ancient Rome. It was a meeting place and a marketplace, as well as the location of the courts, the senate building, and various temples. Today it is a fascinating collection of ruins that can be appreciated in a panoramic drive-by or up close with a private guide (we can arrange for you; additional expense)
Stop At: St. Peter's Square, Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Vatican City Italy
At St. Peter's Square, the circular piazza lined with Bernini's splendid colonnades leads you to Christendom's largest church with its handsome dome designed by Michelangelo.
Duration: 1 hour
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Civitavecchia Port, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele 19, 00053, Civitavecchia Italy
Our Best of Rome shore excursion is a private tour with a professional English-speaking driver featuring pick-up and drop-off right at the ship. The itinerary covers the major highlights of Rome but is completely customizable. Skip-the-line tickets and local guides are NOT INCLUDED but we can arrange them for you upon request (dependent on availability). If you want to get the most out of your touring day when you dock in Civitavecchia, this tour gives you not only the most efficient use of your time but also convenience, comfort, and engaging commentaries by our fun and friendly drivers.
Stop At: Pantheon, Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Rome Italy
The Pantheon is now a Catholic church, but in Ancient Rome it was a temple to all the gods (which is basically what "pantheon" means in Greek). The Pantheon is one of the iconic landmarks in Rome, famous for its dome and massive columns at the entryway that are a testament to the incredible engineering savvy of the Romans. Some famous people are entombed in the Pantheon but the real scene-stealer in this monument is the giant oculus in the center of the dome.
Viewing the Pantheon from the exterior is free. As of July 2023, a ticket is required to visit the interior. The ticket costs 5 Euro. If you'd like to go inside the Pantheon, please request that we make a reservation for you.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Rome Italy
Trevi is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world. It has appeared in several notable films, but without a doubt its most famous role was in Federico Fellini's "La Dolce Vita", where Anita Ekberg and Marcello Mastroianni go wading fully clothed. Don't forget to throw a coin over your shoulder into the fountain to ensure your return to Rome and make a small contribution to feed Rome's hungry (a food bank is funded with the coins collected every night).
Duration: 20 minutes
Pass By: Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II, Piazza Venezia, 00186 Rome Italy
The gigantic white monument that is the centerpiece of Piazza Venezia was built in honor of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy. Constructed of mounds of white marble, it houses a museum dedicated to Italy's reunification and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, making it a place of commemoration for all of Italy's fallen soldiers during WWI.
Stop At: Colosseum, Piazza del Colosseo, 00184 Rome Italy
The Colosseum is Rome's poster boy and one of the most fascinating monuments in The Eternal City. Famous for the battles between Gladiators and exotic beasts, the arena could hold 50.000 spectators and is a remarkable feat of engineering and construction. Tickets to the Colosseum are NOT INCLUDED. We can book them for you upon request.
Duration: 45 minutes
Pass By: Arch of Constantine, Via di San Gregorio, 00186 Rome Italy
On the plaza just outside the Colosseum, you'll find the Arch of Constantine, one of several triumphal arches remaining from Ancient Roman times. This one is dedicated to the Emperor Constantine The Great and dates back to the 4th Century.
Stop At: Piazza Navona, 00186 Rome Italy
Built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian (1st Century CE), PIazza Navona still recalls its ancient roots, although the predominant style of decoration in the piazza today is Baroque. The Four Rivers Fountain is the most impressive of the three fountains in the square, a beautiful composition of burly figures representing the four continents through which papal authority had spread at the time of its construction in the 17th Century: Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Spanish Steps, Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Rome Italy
Besides being a common meet-up point for Rome's citizens, the spectacular, sweeping staircase that leads upwards from PIazza di Spagna (so named for the Spanish consulate nearby), is one of Rome's most popular tourist spots. At one time, the Spanish Steps was a grand place to sit and hang out but that all came to an end in 2019, when the city enacted a law that prohibits sitting on the stairs. The name "Spanish Steps" was probably given by the English poet John Keats, who lived briefly in a house at the bottom of the staircase. In Italian, it is simply called "La Scalinata" (which just means "the staircase").
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Colle Capitolino, Piazza del Campidoglio, Rome Italy
Climb the graceful, sloping steps of the Capitoline hill (designed by Michelangelo) and enjoy a beautiful panorama of the Roman Forum from the back side of the hill. Here you'll have a clear view of many of the structures inside the Roman Forum, including the Rostrum where Mark Anthony made his impassioned speech over the body of Julius Cesar. The handsome piazza at the top of the hill, also designed by Michelangelo, features a bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius, last of The Five Good Emperors who ruled Rome with competence and outstanding humanity.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Circus Maximus, Via del Circo Massimo, 00186 Rome Italy
Circus Maximus was a chariot-racing stadium and immense entertainment venue in Ancient Rome ("circus" meaning "ring" in Latin and not having anything to do with a traveling pack of performing animals and clowns). Now an empty field, the elliptical shape and central spine of the ancient track are still evident.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Domus Augustana, Via di San Gregorio 30, 00184 Rome Italy
The House of Augustus is a palatial complex on the Palatine Hill. In Ancient Rome, it was the primary residence of the emperor, and overlooked Circus Maximus.
Pass By: Teatro di Marcello, Via del Teatro de Marcello, 00186 Rome Italy
Teatro Marcello is one of the more unusual architectural sites in Rome. In ancient times, the arena was used as an open-air theatre. During the Renaissance, dwellings were built on top of it. This might sound like a strange place to put condos, but today these homes represent some of Rome's most expensive real estate.
Stop At: Piazzale Garibaldi, Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi, 00165 Rome Italy
The Janiculum Hill is one of the best locations in Rome for a panoramic view of the city.
Duration: 15 minutes
Pass By: Isola Tiberina, Rome Italy
Tiburina is a tiny island in the Tiber River. In ancient times, a temple stood on the island. A hospital is now the most defining element on Tiburina, whose association with healing goes back centuries.
Pass By: Roman Forum, Largo della Salara Vecchia 5/6, 00186 Rome Italy
The Roman Forum was the heart and soul of Ancient Rome. It was a meeting place and a marketplace, as well as the location of the courts, the senate building, and various temples. Today it is a fascinating collection of ruins that can be appreciated in a panoramic drive-by or up close with a private guide (we can arrange for you; additional expense)
Stop At: St. Peter's Square, Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Vatican City Italy
At St. Peter's Square, the circular piazza lined with Bernini's splendid colonnades leads you to Christendom's largest church with its handsome dome designed by Michelangelo.
Duration: 1 hour
Additional information
- Infant seats available
- At time of booking, cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time.
- A maximum of 8 people per booking.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- If you are not ready to depart at the assigned time , we cannot promise to fulfill the mentioned itinerary nor promise to extend the duration of the tour.
- Service animals allowed
- Your driver is not a licensed tour guide. Due to strict Italian law that protects licensed guides, drivers can only comment and explain attractions from inside the vehicle. Drivers cannot elaborate on the attractions when they are outside of the vehicle.
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 7 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
scar412
May 2018
Our driver Gianni was the absolute best!!! This was the best decision we made to go with a private tour for our family of four instead of the going with the cruise line's tours. We used Gianni for the 3 different ports we visited in Italy where he drove us to Florence, Pisa, Rome, Pompeii, Sorr...
Our driver Gianni was the absolute best!!! This was the best decision we made to go with a private tour for our family of four instead of the going with the cruise line's tours. We used Gianni for the 3 different ports we visited in Italy where he drove us to Florence, Pisa, Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento, and Positano. If we ever need another tour in Italy, we would absolutely use them again. Gianni and the family became friends almost immediately and although he was not assigned to drive us at the 2 other ports on our itinerary we requested him and they easily made adjustments to the their drivers' schedules that allowed us to drive with him for our three port visits in Italy. We could not have asked for a more perfect time. Thanks Gianni for making it perfect and giving us such an awesome history narrative of these beautiful cities in Italy. As many others have said if you ever go to Italy give them a call, you will not regret it. Sheila C.mmikolajewski
May 2018
We were met at the port by our driver Fredirico who escorted us to a Mercedes as there was only our group of 3 on the tour. As we drove to Rome Fredirico was friendly and professional. He was an excellent driver and gave us an Italian lesson along the way. We were a little early into Rome, s...
We were met at the port by our driver Fredirico who escorted us to a Mercedes as there was only our group of 3 on the tour. As we drove to Rome Fredirico was friendly and professional. He was an excellent driver and gave us an Italian lesson along the way. We were a little early into Rome, so he took us to St Paul's Basilica and we had 20 minutes to walk around. It was such a beautiful place and I am glad we were able to see it. We were dropped off near the Coliseum where we met our guide for the the day Valentina. After introductions we began to walk to the entrance of the Coliseum as Valentina explained the area of Rome that we were in and all of the fantastic ruins that surrounded us. She answered our questions and congratulated us when we knew our history. She had priority passes for us to enter the Coliseum so we could avoid the long line that builds throughout the day. After our Coliseum tour we proceeded to locate our driver and on to the Trevi Fountain. As we drove through Rome, Valentina pointed out various buildings and structures along with a brief history. After a few pictures and a toss of the coins into the fountain we ate at this amazing pizza place. Onward to the Pantheon where our driver was able to park on the side. The Pantheon is an amazing structure. Our next stop Vatican City. Once again Fredirico dropped us off right across the street from the entrance to the Vatican Museum. The line to get in was long but our prepared tour guide whisked us in through the priority entrance. As this is a very large museum we asked Valentina to show us some of the highlights and her favorites. Her knowledge of the sculptures, tapestries and other artwork was truly amazing. Next was the Sistine Chapel which is a site to behold. Onward to St Peter's Bascilica for the grandeur, opulence and unparalleled beauty. Unfortunately it was now time to journey back to our cruise ship. We said our goodbyes and were on our way. Valentina's wealth of knowledge was so inspiring. You could feel the love of her city whenever she spoke of its incredible history. She was so friendly, engaging and wonderful to spend time with. Next time we go back i will request her. It truly was the perfect day because of Fredirico, Valentino, delicious pizza and an amazing city.karenlantz
May 2018
Damiano met us at the port and we continued to Rome with two additional couples from the USA. We quickly became friends and enjoyed their friendship. Damiano was so knowledgeable and considerate of our wants and needs. The highlight was walking into Vatican Square and finding the Pope having m...
Damiano met us at the port and we continued to Rome with two additional couples from the USA. We quickly became friends and enjoyed their friendship. Damiano was so knowledgeable and considerate of our wants and needs. The highlight was walking into Vatican Square and finding the Pope having mass outdoors. Damiano was able to show us most of the highlights of Rome before we started back to our ship, He took us to see the vistas of Rome from the many hillsides over Rome. Highly recommended. Erika from Customer Service was also very accommodating.Hppytvlrs
April 2018
I was a little hesitant to book with a company outside of our cruise line but DriverinRome was excellent from the beginning. I spoke with Emily and exchanged several e-mails concerning our excursion and she was very helpful with any question that we had. She arranged for skip the line tickets for...
I was a little hesitant to book with a company outside of our cruise line but DriverinRome was excellent from the beginning. I spoke with Emily and exchanged several e-mails concerning our excursion and she was very helpful with any question that we had. She arranged for skip the line tickets for the Collsseum and the Vatican. Damiano was our driver and he picked us up promptly at 7:30 right outside our cruise ship. He spoke excellent English and we were so happy because I am afraid that we don't speak any Italian! He drove us to all the major sights and was very knowledgeable of the local history. He then took us to a very nice local café for lunch and then we were off to the Vatican where we were met by our guide, Valentina. Valentina was marvelous! We were so glad that we decided to hire a guide. Vatican City is just too large to try and navigate it on your own. My husband and I were then driven back to the cruise port and arrived precisely at 4:30. We only had one day in Rome and Damiano and Valentina made it one of the best days of our entire trip. I have already told all my friends and family....If you ever go to Italy, call DriverinRome you will not be disappointed!StJoe1
February 2018
We were met at the cruise dock by Marco the driver who was waiting for us and he drove us to Rome explaining things we saw on the way and also some of the history and culture of Italy. He dropped is off at the Sistine Chapel where our guide Anna was waiting. She had front of the line tickets for ...
We were met at the cruise dock by Marco the driver who was waiting for us and he drove us to Rome explaining things we saw on the way and also some of the history and culture of Italy. He dropped is off at the Sistine Chapel where our guide Anna was waiting. She had front of the line tickets for us to see the Sistine Chapel, museums, and St Peter's Bacillica. Anna fid a great job pointing out and explaining the items we saw. When we were in the Bacillica, she pointed out the way to climb up into the copula at the very top as I expressed interest doing it, so while Anna and my wife toured the Bacillica more, I did the 551 steps to the top. It was a nice climb and a great view. After we all got back together, Anna explained items on the outside of St. Peters. We then were returned to our driver. Since we had seen Rome a few times before we decided to pass on seeing the Colosseum and asked Marco to take us to a nice local restaurant for lunch. We invited him to join us and to choose glasses of wine to go along with our meals. He had to have coffee as he was the designated drivers. We then drove around seeing a few sites from the car then returned to the dock.WyllaJ_A
October 2017
We booked a Mediterranean cruise and couldn't find any excursions offered that would hit all the places that we wanted to see in one short day. We were a little hesitant about booking outside of the cruise options, but Viator guaranteed our return to the ship, so we chose this tour. Our only r...
We booked a Mediterranean cruise and couldn't find any excursions offered that would hit all the places that we wanted to see in one short day. We were a little hesitant about booking outside of the cruise options, but Viator guaranteed our return to the ship, so we chose this tour. Our only regret now is the fact that we only had a day in Rome. Davide met us just outside the terminal with an easy to read sign. He was so pleasant and personable, that the ride from Civitavecchia into the city seemed to take no time at all. By the time we reached the walls of the city, we felt like long lost relations. We needed to meet our guide for the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill at a predetermined spot outside the Colosseum, so Davide parked, walked us over and exchanged numbers with Eva. Shortly before our tour was over, he had called to check on the times and arranged to pick us up. We had a list of places to see, but we needed to have lunch, and let Davide recommend a small restaurant off the beaten path. He took us to Campo de Fiori, where we sampled some very tasty local pasta dishes and one of the best lasagnas we've ever had, at a very reasonable price. Once fed, we were off to the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona. Davide even managed to eke out some time to visit Vatican City and at least see the square outside the Basilica. Even managed to get some pictures of the Swiss Guard. The day was over all too quickly, and although there was still so much more to see, we were more than pleased to have had Davide as our guide for the day. Hopefully the coin tossed in the Trevi will bring us back.