Rome, Italy - Mediterranean Cruises

Capture the true spirit of Rome as you explore some of the city’s landmarks and highlights.

Your journey from Civitavecchia takes you along the highway, through the city and into the heart of Rome.

Upon arrival, you will visit one of the grandest of all Rome’s monuments, the Colosseum. Once inside, it is easy to imagine the magnificence of ancient Rome. From one of the great viewpoints, you will see this enormous arena that once featured 76 numbered entrances, marble seats and subterranean passages where animals and other apparatus were hidden from view.

A short stroll from the Colosseum leads you to the Roman Forum (exterior view). See remains of the Senate buildings, where decisions affecting the entire Roman Empire took place. Your guided walk will continue through Venice Square and on to the Trevi Fountain.

Join the romantic custom of tossing a coin into Rome’s most famous fountain to ensure that some day you will return.

To round off your tour, you will head to the Pantheon for an exterior view of the immense columns and awe-inspiring hemispherical dome. Afterwards, free time will be given for you to enjoy the charming Piazza Navona and browse the shops and boutiques.

An Italian-style luncheon will be served to allow you to ‘refuel’ during your tour.

Note: This tour involves a substantial amount of walking and standing (approximately six hours in total). Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Please dress appropriately for entering churches.

This tour introduces you to many of Rome’s highlights, with the afternoon for you to explore at your leisure.

The Roman Forum was the religious and political focus of the city in Republican and Imperial times. This interesting ensemble of ancient ruins reflects twelve centuries of history, which created Roman civilisation (exterior view only).

Photograph Rome’s finest amphitheatre, the Colosseum. Commissioned by Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD, this immense structure once held up to 55,000 people. Now standing empty and in ruin, echoes of its glorious past can still be heard (exterior view only).

The centre of the Roman Catholic faith, St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. With its immense dome, lavishly decorated interior, impressive exterior and grand piazza, it truly is a sight to behold. Your guide will offer interesting facts about this incredible monument before you enter independently.

During the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore Rome independently from St Peter’s Square. Have a spot of luncheon, do some shopping or perhaps visit another of Rome’s top attractions.

Note: The guided element of this tour involves substantial walking. Guests are advised that there are some cobbled and inclined surfaces to negotiate during this tour. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. There may be long queues to enter St Peter’s Basilica and other popular attractions. Please dress appropriately for entering churches. Guide commentary will not be given within St Peter’s Basilica. Free time is generally around two-three hours, but this may vary depending on local conditions. Please pay careful attention to the pick-up point and time.

An opportunity to rediscover Rome if you have been before, and the ideal option for those who prefer to explore independently.

As you walk through this treasure-filled city, the shadows of the past surround you. Images of the Roman Forum, the Colosseum and the Pantheon mingle with the splendour of the Vatican, the magic of the Trevi Fountain and the warmth of a hundred flower-filled piazzas.

On arrival in Rome you will leave the coach for a full day of independent exploration. Wander through the shops or sample Italian cuisine at restaurants nearby. Venture further afield and discover as many of Rome’s treasures as your pace allows.

This is the perfect opportunity to tailor your day to suit your needs and make the most of your time in this wonderful city.

At a time specified by your hostess, you will meet up and walk back to the coach park for the return drive to Civitavecchia.

Note: Comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended, as is a bottle of water. This tour is unguided, exclusive of luncheon and entrance fees. City maps will be provided on the coach and local transportation in Rome is readily available. Please remember to take Euros; major credit cards are also accepted for purchases. Coaches cannot be held for latecomers, please listen carefully for the pick-up time and place. The drop off point is the Gianicolo multi-level car park located next to St Peters Square. Transfer time to Rome is approximately 1½ hours.

Take the children for some fun in the sun at the Water Park.

After a 20 minute drive, you’ll arrive at the Aquafelix Water Park to begin your adventure exploring the variety of attractions.

Take a dip in the wave pool (waves roll approximately every two hours), raft the river in an inflatable tube, see the waterfalls and splash in the pool especially designed for children.

For the more adventurous, there is the Black Hole, Kamikaze and other thrilling water slides. If you’re feeling hungry there is a self-service restaurant on site or you may like to relax at the bar.

Note: In order to access the adult slides, including the Black Hole, parents must complete an authorisation form (provided by local agent during the transfer) for children under 12 years old. Lockers are available for a small charge. To qualify for the child price, children must be under three feet, three inches in height. Please remember to take plenty of protection from the sun. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ and ‘Beach / Water Related’ paragraphs under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

This comprehensive tour delivers the highlights of Rome. Visit the Vatican see the Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s and more.

Step inside the colossal Colosseum and imagine the glory of ancient Rome as you look over the vast arena. Pass by the Roman Forum, a once chaotic place with markets, temples and the Senate House. See the beautiful Trevi Fountain, Rome’s largest and most famous fountain.

The Vatican Museum houses one of the most impressive collections in the world. Admire the many works of art and visit the Sistine Chapel, dominated by the efforts of Michelangelo. The conception and execution of ‘Creation of the World’ and ‘Last Judgment’ are positively titanic.

Magnificent St Peter’s Basilica took over 100 years to build and features Renaissance and Baroque stylings. Resting on over 800 pillars and adorned with 44 altars, St Peter’s is by far the largest church in the world.

There will be an opportunity to ‘refuel’ during your tour, with an Italian-style luncheon.

Note: Guests booking this tour will have privileged access to the Vatican Museum, avoiding the main bulk of the crowds and queues for entrance. This is a fast paced comprehensive tour with substantial walking. The itinerary is subject to local conditions. Please dress appropriately for entering churches. For security reasons, St Peter’s may close entrance altogether. In the event of excessive queues, free time will be given in St Peter’s Square. Queues at the Sistine Chapel are to be expected. This tour is not operable on Sundays or on religious holidays.

See the highlights of Rome at a more leisurely pace. Enjoy the drive and the sights without the walking.

As you drive around Italy’s legendary capital, you will be intrigued by the stunning picture of its past and present, by the tranquil fountains that adorn the squares and streets, and by the sculptures and frescoes that cover every church.

Once in the city you take a panoramic sightseeing tour passing by the Vatican walls, which outline the area of the Vatican City, the Lungotevere and the Ara Pacis.

Next, you will pass by Muro Torto (the Roman walls), Villa Borghese and enter the old town by Porta Pinciana. Pass through Via Vittorio Veneto, symbol of the Italian ‘dolce vita’, the white marble Victor Emmanuel Momument, the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine and the Circus Maximus.

A brief stop will be made for you to photograph a building of epic proportions, The Colosseum; an image that will no doubt become a precious memento of your visit to the eternal city of Rome.

Note: All sightseeing will be done from the coach. No entrances are included. A comfort stop will be made during the one hour and 30 minute transfer to/from Rome. Guests must be able to negotiate the steps onto and off the coach.

This delightful tour incorporates the quaint town of Tuscania, with a visit to the countryside to sample the local delights.

Take in the sights as you travel by motorway to the colourful Etruscan countryside, rich in vineyards and olive groves. A stop will be made at the quaint hill town of Tuscania. Your escort will show you the charming centre of this Etruscan settlement and describe how it developed in medieval times with magnificent walls, ramparts and churches. Alternatively you may wish to explore on your own.

You will have some free time in the small town of Tuscania to wander the narrow cobblestoned streets and absorb the old town atmosphere.

A highlight of your tour will be the visit to an ‘agriturismo’ farmhouse. The owners will welcome you and offer some samples of the organic regional specialties, including wonderful olive oils and local wine. There will also be an opportunity to purchase some of these delicious homemade products.

Note: The walk from the coach to Tuscania town takes approximately 10-15 minutes over an incline and some cobblestoned surfaces. The shops in Tuscania are independently owned and shops may be closed during your visit. Tuscania is a small town and is noticeably quieter in the afternoon and during off peak season. There are steps to negotiate at the farmhouse. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Euros accepted for local purchases.

Discover Tarquinia by bike, and sample the area’s famous ice cream.

After a short coach transfer from the port of Civitavecchia, you will follow the coastline for approximately 30 minutes until you enter one of the most important Etruscan centres of Lazio, Tarquinia.

Begin your two mile guided biking tour through the narrow streets of the historical centre of Tarquinia, which is still surrounded by its medieval walls. Discover some of the highlights of this town, including the St Francesco Church, 14th-century Town Hall Lodge, Cathedral and the 15th-century Palazzo dei Priori.

Visit a traditional Gelateria to discover the secrets of Italian ice cream making and enjoy a taste of traditional Italian ice cream.

Enjoy a short stop to browse for souvenirs in the shops located in the quaint streets of Tarquinia before your journey back to the pier.

Note: A safety briefing will be given before you commence your tour. Helmets must be worn and a parent or guardian must accompany children under the age of 18. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Take a scenic countryside drive to Bracciano and visit the impressive Odescastle and tranquil lake.

Just an hour from Civitavecchia is the location of the ancient hillside town of Bracciano, dominated by the imposing Odescalchi Castle.

Odescalchi Castle was built in the second half of the 15th century and combines military architecture with a captivating elegance. The Castle is built around a central courtyard with views over the Bracciano Lake. See for yourself why Hollywood star Tom Cruise chose this fairytale location for his wedding in 2006. Following your visit to the Castle, enjoy some limited free time in Bracciano.

Afterwards, you will take a leisurely boat ride to soak up the wonderful sights and scenery. Formed within an ancient volcanic crater, the tranquil Bracciano Lake mirrors its beautiful surroundings. A refreshment will be offered before arriving on the opposite side of the Lake in Trevignano. Here, you will rejoin your coach for the return drive to Civitavecchia.

Note: There is a 10-15 minute walk from the coach parking area, through Bracciano town, to the castle. The tour of the castle involves around one hour of walking including many steps, gravel and uneven ground and a spiral staircase. Comfortable, flat non-slip shoes are essential. As Odescalchi is a private residence, this tour may be cancelled at short notice. The boat ride is subject to local weather conditions. Shops in Bracciano may be closed on Sundays.

Discover the charm of Viterbo, one of the best preserved medieval towns in central Italy.

Your journey from Civitavecchia takes you through the beautiful Italian countryside, heading towards the Lazio region of central Italy and onto the ancient town of Viterbo.

Upon arrival your guide will take you on a delightful walking tour through the cobblestoned streets, passing Piazza del Plebiscito and Piazza del Gesύ, where some of the best preserved buildings can be seen. An inside visit of The Cathedral of Saint Lorenzo, one of the town’s most important monuments, will show you beautiful Romanesque style architecture.

Enjoy an exterior view of the imposing Pope’s Palace (Palazzi dei Papi). The Palace once served as the Pope’s country residence and is one of the main attractions of Viterbo. See for yourself why the pontiff chose this wonderful location as a countryside retreat.

Your walking tour ends at the Quartiere San Pellegrino District, where some free time will be given for you to explore independently.

During your tour, a refreshment will be served.

Note: The journey time to Viterbo is approximately one hour. This tour involves approximately 2 ½ hours of walking over some uneven and cobblestoned ground. Flat, comfortable non-slip walking shoes are recommended. The majority of shops are open from Tuesday through to Saturday from 9:00am- 1:00pm and from 4:00pm- 8:00pm. Please dress appropriately when entering the Cathedral.