Rome: Shore Excursions from Civitavecchia

The ancient port city of Civitavecchia has been around since Etruscan times and the Civitavecchia of today is built on the ruins of these centuries-old settlements.

With its close proximity to Rome, a shore excursion to Civitavecchia is the perfect way to spend a day ashore.

Whether you would like to explore Rome on your own, join a small group of other cruise guests, or spend a few hours in the company of a private guide there are several comprehensive transfer and tour options available.

Here's all you need to know about Civitavecchia, one of the most captivating shore excursions in Rome.

What are the best shore excursions in Rome?

After docking at Civitavecchia or before embarking on your cruise, there are a selection of full day and half day tours of Rome that you can choose between. Here are some of the best types of shore excursions of Rome:

Rome small group experience from Civitavecchia

In a group of no more than eight people, a small group shore excursion departs from Civitavecchia and travels to Rome.

The group will stop for a panoramic view of the city at Piazzale Garibaldi before visiting some of Rome’s oldest and best known monuments and landmarks.

After a full day of sightseeing you will return to the port in the late afternoon.

Private full day shore excursion of Rome

The best thing about a private full day shore excursion is the fact that within reason, you can tailor your itinerary to suit your interests. On a full day shore excursion to Rome, there is plenty of time to visit many of Rome’s top attractions.

Your knowledgeable local guide make sure that you make the most of your time and will be able to pre-book many of your tickets to monuments, museums and attractions.

At the end of a busy day, you will return to your cruise ship or if your cruise has come to an end, you can be dropped at a hotel in Rome or at the airport for your onward flight.

Pre-cruise private half day sightseeing tour of Rome

If you are about to join a cruise that departs from the port of Civitavecchia you can enjoy a private tour of Rome that starts with a pickup from a Rome hotel or from the airport.

With a customizable itinerary, you can view sights like the Colosseum, the Pantheon or the Spanish Steps, enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants in the city or stop to make a wish at the Trevi Fountain.

Your driver will keep an eye on the time and make sure that you get to the cruise terminal in plenty of time to board your ship.

Private underground tour of Rome from Civitavecchia

For a tour that showcases a different side of Roman history, consider a private excursion that covers the underground historic sites of Rome.

See the ancient tunnels of the San Callixtus catacombs and walk among the ornamental remains of 17th-century monks in the Capuchin Crypt.

Above the ground, pass some of Rome’s most recognizable landmarks and enjoy a tasty lunch. After a day below the streets of modern Rome, you will return to Civitavecchia Port.

Return transfers between Civitavecchia and Rome

Several different types of transfer are available between the port at Civitavecchia and Rome. A one way journey between the two cities is around 85 kilometers and takes about 1.5 hours without stops.

To get to Rome, you can travel by bus, shared minivan or private vehicle. Transfers into Rome usually have a central drop-off point where you will need to return in time for your transfer back to the ship later in the day.

Which places are seen?

The city of Rome is every tourist’s dream with multiple attractions, landmarks and places of interest. Here are some of the most well-know and popular places to visit while on a shore excursion in Rome:

The Colosseum

The massive Flavian Amphitheatre was constructed between 70 and 80 A.D. and was the site of games, gladiator tournaments and other entertainment.

The Vatican

Located with the city of Rome, The Vatican is an independent state and home to the head of the Roman Catholic Church. St. Peters Square, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel can all be found within the Vatican walls.

The Pantheon

The Pantheon is one of ancient Rome’s best preserved buildings and until 1960 had the largest free-standing dome in the world with its famous oculus that allows natural light to flood the vast interior space.

The Trevi Fountain

Located close to the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain is a magnificently carved tribute to the Roman god Oceanus. For good luck, try tossing a coin over your shoulder and into the water.

The Spanish Steps

There are 135 steps that link the Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Trinita dei Monti. Known as the Spanish Steps, these stairs are a great place to rest for a few minutes while exploring the city.

How much do shore excursions in Civitavecchia cost?

Rome small group experiences from Civitavecchia cost from €140 per person and include a port pickup and drop-off in a luxury minivan and live in-vehicle commentary.

Pre-cruise private half day sightseeing tours of Rome are priced from €250 per person and include a vehicle and driver.

For tours that include entry fees and guide services, expect to pay from €300 per person. A minimum of two people are usually required for private tours.

A minimum of two guests are required for a private underground tour of Rome from Civitavecchia. The tour costs from €260 per person and includes entry to the catacombs, Capuchins crypt and St. Clemens church as well as a guide for the duration of the tour.

Return transfers between Civitavecchia and Rome are offered by coach, minivan and luxury vehicle. Return coach transfers start at €50 per person.

A shared transfer by minibus costs from €70 per person one way, while a private transfer by minibus or luxury vehicle starts at €100 per person per one way journey.

A private full day shore excursion of Rome that includes skip-the-line entrance fees to several top attractions, a guide and lunch starts at €350 per person

What is included?

Return transfers between Civitavecchia Port and Rome are offered on a shared or private basis. In both cases you will enjoy transport by luxury minivan into Rome.

At the end of the day (or on your own schedule), you will be collected and driven back to the port or the airport if you have onward travel arrangements.

On a half day or full day shore excursion you will either travel on a private basis or in a small group. Some excursions include lunch and entrance fees, but on other tours you will need to pay for these additionally.

For some excursions, you will only have the services of a driver while on other tours the services of a guide while touring or at the various attractions is included.

Where does it start?

Shore excursions to Rome usually begin at the cruise ship terminal at the historic Civitavecchia port. You are met directly off your ship and transferred to Rome or begin your tour of the region.

How long does it last?

A transfer from Civitavecchia to Rome takes around 1.5 hours by car, minibus or coach. Half day pre or post-cruise tours last roughly 5-6 hours, while a full day shore excursion typically lasts around 9 hours.

Travel tips

• Pre-book tickets to popular attractions online in advance.
• Advise your guide if there are specific sites you would like to prioritize on a private tour.
• Dress modestly if you plan to visit any churches or religious sites.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes.