Rome (tours from Civitavecchia), Italy cruises
Your guide to Rome.
Calling at Civitavecchia brings you within an hour of Rome, Italy’s ancient UNESCO heritage city. From port it’s just a 60-minute train connection to the Eternal City, where architectural wonders of yesteryear abound, ready to transport you back to a time of Emperors, sculptors and gladiators. Step inside the iconic curved amphitheater of the Colosseum, scale the Spanish Steps or seal your wish with a coin at the Trevi Fountain. While there, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Vatican City, Europe’s smallest independent state. It’s here that you’ll find the Sistine Chapel with its beautiful ceiling frescoes artfully painted by Michelangelo – a simply stunning sight to behold.
Exploring.
However you spend your time in Rome, the city is sure to enchant you with its unequivocal beauty. Vast and sprawling, winding alleys twist into open squares and history reveals itself around every corner. If you’re keen to explore a few of the city’s most famous sights then the metro is a good option to help you navigate from point to point. The Colosseum, inaugurated in 80AD, can be combined with a visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Likewise, in Vatican City, you’ll find many symbolic attractions, from the holy temple of St Peter’s Basilica to the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s greatest masterpiece will leave you spellbound.
Eating and drinking.
Charming trattorias, classic pizzerias and hip enotecas are the pinnacles of Rome’s dining options, offering visitors a true taste of Italy. Whether craving al dente pasta tossed with garlic and clams or a thin crust pizza oozing with creamy Burrata, you’ll find it among the city’s endless stream of cafés, bars and restaurants. As with all touristic cities, food prices in Rome can vary considerably and a more expensive menu doesn’t always denote better quality. Italy is also renowned for its pastries and gelato, so don’t miss the chance to indulge in a heavenly scoop of pistachio or a sweet ricotta-filled cannoli during your time in Rome.
Shopping.
From leather shops to designer fashion brands and chic Italian ceramics, shopping in Rome offers the chance to add a stylish designer label to your wardrobe or return home with a pretty artisanal ware. The city’s most famous shopping street, Via del Corso, lies at the heart of Rome’s historic center, offering many familiar fashion and beauty brands in one convenient location. If something more uniquely Roman appeals, cast your net a little wider and venture to the trendy neighborhood of Monti or Campo de’Fiori Square, south of Piazza Navona. In both places you’ll find smaller, independent retailers offering a mix of own-brand, vintage and antique finds.
Beyond Rome.
If you decide to forgo the journey to Rome and remain in Civitavecchia, you’ll discover a city with its own rich historic tapestry to unravel. Dating back to the 2nd century, Civitavecchia’s medieval center, 16th century Fort Michelangelo, and Roman age port and Baths, and are just the start of the archaeological treasures you’ll discover in this scenic Italian port call. The town’s San Lorenzo Market, selling fresh produce including fruit, vegetables and fish, makes for a lively lunchtime visit. The area surrounding the market offers many characterful shops, pizzerias and bars, perfect for a spot of people watching while you sip an Aperol Spritz between exploring.