Plan The Best Rome Shore Excursions
Headed on a European cruise? Have a stop in Rome? If you are looking for the best Rome shore excursions I have you covered! I am excited to help you plan your one day in Rome itinerary!
My family of 6 recently went on an epic Europe vacation and enjoyed a week-long cruise on Royal Caribbean. Civitavecchia Cruise Port in Rome was our embarkation and disembarkation point.
Like so many of you, our time was limited to one day in Rome. (I have been to Italy many times before this trip, so I am very familiar with Rome.)
This was the first time to Italy for most of our kids. We wanted to show them some of the most iconic spots and treat them to some of the best food in Rome.
I am excited to share what we did and give you a few options for one-day Rome itineraries for families.
In this post, we are going to give you a few options of the best Rome shore excursions. We will also list out some example itineraries and one-day Rome tours available.
From the Colosseum to the Vatican your family will have a blast on their shore excursion in Rome.
Let’s get started helping you choose the best Rome shore excursion!
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How Far is The Port of Civitavecchia From Rome
When planning your Rome excursion it is important to note the distance from the port to the city.
The Port of Civitavecchia is located about 1 hour and 15 minutes from the center of Rome.
It can take longer if there is traffic. Keep this in mind if you are planning on exploring on your own or booking with a 3rd party tour company. Be sure to give yourself enough time to get back to the ship.
There should still be plenty of time to plan a day trip to Rome and make it back to the ship in time.
There are several ways to get from Civitavecchia Port to Rome. Public transportation is going to be the least expensive way to get to Rome. Private cars and tours will be more expensive.
Train
An express train runs two times during the morning and two times during the afternoon.
This might work for you depending on when your ship docks. These trains leave around 6 am and 7 am and return around 6:30 – 7 pm.
It is not expensive (around 6 euros for train tickets).
Shuttle Bus Transfer
You will want to make sure you book some sort of transportation to Rome. Booking a shared shuttle bus is a great option. This is a little less stressful than public transportation. However, it is more expensive.
There are also bus tours from the port but I have heard they are not as reliable.
Private Transfer
You can book a private transfer to get to the city. A private transfer to/from Rome will be close to $200 per person so it might be good to look into tours that will provide transportation both ways.
Should I Book Through Cruise Line or Local Companies?
When we cruise, we do a mixture of exploring on our own, booking through Viator, and booking through the cruise line.
I like to see what tours are offered through the cruise line and then compare the prices on Viator or Getyourguide.
Booking Through the Cruise Line
Booking through the cruise line guarantees the ship will wait for you if you are delayed. It is convenient and is nicely organized.
The downside is booking through the cruise line is much more expensive.
One reason to book through the cruise line is to alleviate stress and worry. For example, I was worried when we traveled to Turkey because I had never been before, I felt more comfortable booking through the cruise line.
Italy is one of my favorite places to visit and I have been many times, so booking offsite to save a little money is fine with me.
Booking Tours Through a 3rd Party
Booking with tour companies through Viator or Getyourguide is another option. These 3rd party tours are much more affordable and offer pretty good services.
We have used Viator to book shore excursions and have had good experiences. I don’t think you will have any problem with booking a tour in Rome through them.
How Much Time Do You Have?
Many European cruises will include an itinerary that gives you enough time to explore Rome. I have seen itineraries that have a debarkation time of 11:00 pm.
If you have a full day in Rome, you will be able to see many of the iconic sites and still have enough time to get back to the port.
Rome in a Day Map
I created a map of all of the best tourist sites and the highlights of Rome. If you are doing a 1 day Rome tour on your own this will let you know how far point A to B is.
Top Tourist Sites to See in Rome
- Colosseum
- Roman Forum
- Pantheon
- Castel Sant’ Angelo
- Vatican (Sistine Chapel, St. Peters Basilica)
- Trevi Fountain
- Spanish Steps
- Piazza Navona
When planning a 1 day Rome trip this map is awesome. It will help you plan a Rome one day itinerary.
You can zoom in and look at the different sites.
Let’s start by looking at what options you have when booking a Rome excursion for cruise passengers.
1. Private Shore Excursions
I am all about the private tours with a professional driver. We have a family of 6, so it made sense to book a car and explore. My kids did not want to walk everywhere. It let us go at our own pace.
My friend did Rome last year with her family of 8 and said booking a private tour of Rome was the best thing they did during their entire cruise. It makes day trips so much easier!
It is really nice to book a tour of Rome and cater it to what you want to see.
Booking a Private Tour From the Port to Rome
One thing my family really wanted to do was explore the Colosseum. Learning about ancient history and seeing the ancient sites is pretty cool!
We booked our tickets ahead of time. I think most tours do not include tickets so you might have to do this as well.
Your tickets are digital and timed so you will need to pay attention to when you can enter.
Being able to view the Colosseum was a highlight and I think one of the most iconic things you can do in Rome. The anicent Romans civilization was incredible.
Book the Colosseum
I would book your tickets ahead of time. If you opt to not go on a private Rome tour don’t worry the colosseum is an adventure you can do on your own.
It is nice to have a tour guide but if you just want to explore it on your own that works.
The Roman Forum is located near the Colosseum. It is also ancient ruins just like the Colosseum. The Roman Forum is one of the most important archeologist sites in the World.
It really gives you a glimpse to the past. Some of the temples are intact and others are simple ruins from the past.
We really enjoyed exploring the Roman Forum. In the summer time it is extremely hot! You will want to make sure you wear lots of sun screen, a hat, and maybe even an umbrella. (There is not a lot of shade!)
Palatine Hill is another ancient site near both the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. It is believed to be the most ancient part of the city.
Most tickets and tours include all three locations. You will also be able to see Circus Maximus which was an ancient chariot racing venue near Palatine Hill.
Roman Forum Tours
There are many tours that cater to all circumstances, from family tours to archeology tours. A private guide is helpful when determining what is what!
These tours typically include the Colosseum. If you have the time it is nice to explore both areas!
I know, I know, there is so much food on a cruise why would I want to do a food tour. Well, Italy has some of the best food in the world.
It is so amazing. A food tour will give you an Italian cultural experience unlike anything else. If you are a foodie and want to experience an amazing variety, a food tour is for you.
Rome Food Tours
There are two types of food tours in Rome. One is having a guide take you to the best restaurants and stores to try the different foods.
The other type of food tour is a cooking class. You can learn how to make different dishes. This is a great way to spend a day in Rome!
Get Recommendations!
One thing I recommend is talking to friends and family before you go. Find out what others have tried and liked!
We had a lot of recommendations for places to try and they did not disappoint.
You do not necessarily have to do a “food tour” to enjoy the food while on your Rome excursion. You can visit on your own.
We decided to try a restaurant and gelato shop on our own. My kids loved trying the pizza and pasta. The gelato was pretty good too. Although my mint gelato actually had leaves in it, which I didn’t love!
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most popular sites in Rome. It will be crowded!
One thing I love about the fountain is not only is it beautiful but the sculptures tell a story.
On one side you will see the King Aggripa and the romans who are thirsty and fatigued from battle. A young girl appears and shows them where they can get water. The king wanted to thank the girl but she disapeared. On the other side it is the king approving plans for the new aquaduct in her honor.
In the center is the god of the seas, Oceanus. The tritons represent the temperament of the seas.
Make A Wish
Trevi Fountain is very beautiful. But what attracts so many people to this beautiful fountain? Love and Safety!
- 1 coin will grant you safe return from Rome
- 2 coins will grant you safe return and you will fall in love
- 3 coins will grant you safe return, fall in love, and get married.
Here is something funny I learned. The fountain typically earns 3000 Euros a day. Many tourists do not realize they are throwing in 1 or 2 Euro coins. Tou
Tours of Trevi Fountain
Most walking tours will make a stop at the Trevi Fountain. You can also book a Hop on Hop off bus tour which will have a stop nearby.
The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved buildings from Ancient Rome. It was used as a Roman Temple but later converted into a Catholic church.
Why is it so popular?
Well to this day it is one of the largest unreinforced open concrete domes. The Oculus is an impressive site to see.
It also displays some ancient architecture and interior designs.
The plaza outside is called the Piazza della Rotonda. This is a great area to get a good picture of he Pantheon and the Pantheon obelisk.
Tours of the Pantheon
If you decide not to do a guided tour from the port but still really want to see the Pantheon you can book a guided tour just of the Pantheon. This tour will include your ticket.
The Spanish Steps is another iconic Roman site. These steps are the widest and longest staircases in Europe. They are beautiful!
These steps were built in 1723 to connect the Spanish Embassy to the Trinita dei Monti church. It is now used as a gathering place for tourists and events.
Rome Excursion
Most Rome shore excursions will include the Spanish Steps. It is easy to make a quick stop to see. Waking tours will also include the Spanish Steps!
The Vatican city or the eternal is huge. It is actually a city within Rome. This is where the Pope resides.
The most famous and historical sites you will want to see are the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Booking Vatican Museum Tickets
I would book the skip-the-line Vatican tickets because the line can be insane.
If you only have a day in Rome and have to get back to your ship, you do not want to waste time standing in line! Summer and holidays can be extremely busy.
When we went the first time the line wait was over 2 hours. When we entered the Sistine Chapel, it was packed. You could barely walk there were so many people!
Sistine Chapel and St. Peters Basilica
The Sistine Chapel is where you will find the gorgeous works of Michelangelo.
St. Peters’s Basilica is where Peter, Jesus’ senior apostle, is believed to be buried.
If you are Catholic or love beautiful art and historic sites the Vatican is a great way to spend a day in Rome.
If you have been to Rome before and want to see something different the Castel Sant’ Angelo might be a good choice.
I have been told that if this is your first trip this is not the best place to start because there are lots of iconic landmarks you should visit first.
If you have been to Rome before and want one of the best views of Rome, this is a good place to hit. The Castel Sant’ Angelo is a musuem that use to be a Mausoleum for a Roman emperior. It has also been a forteress and castle.
Castel Sant’ Angelo is a beautiful castle and another ancient Roman building that has withstood time.
Booking a Rome Shore Excursion
You will most likely have to get yourself to the city and then book a skip the line tour once you arrive.
10. Other Religious Sites
One of the top things we wanted to do is visit the Rome Temple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
This is our church and a beautiful Temple and visitor center have been built. We loved spending time exploring the grounds and learning about the different apostles during Christ time on earth. It was very cool.
There are so many other religious sites throughout Rome especially if you are Catholic. You can do a little research before you go on your own religion and see what you find.
One Day in Rome Itinerary
If you are booking a Rome shore excursion they will have your itinerary planned. You will get to see a lot of the most iconic sites and not have to worry about transportation.
If you are leaning towards exploring on your own and booking tickets ahead of time this itinerary is for you.
My advice is not to over-plan. We made this mistake many times when visiting Europe.
Here is a simple itinerary that includes top sites but also allow you enough time to get to the port of Civitavecchia in time.
You will not have time to do it all! One day in Rome is not enough time. But you can decide which iconic site you want to see and have a fabulous time!
Rome Cruise Itinerary
- Colosseum (1 hour)
- Roman Forum (3 hours)
- Lunch
- Trevi Fountain
- Head Back to Port
Rome Cruise Itinerary 2
- Vatican (3-4 hours)
- Lunch
- Castel Sant’Angelo (2 hours) or
- Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain (2 hours)
You might want to book a walking tour or hire a driver to get this all done. If you have enough time go inside the Pantheon, if not just view it from the outside.
Ready to Book Your Rome Shore Excursions?
Hopefully, you know how to spend a day in Rome and will be able to plan the best Rome shore excursion and create a one day in Rome itinerary!
I know you will have so much fun and have the best experience! Good luck picking out your Civitavecchia shore excursions!
I have lots of resources if you are planning to spend more time in Italy before or after your cruise.
More Italy Vacation Ideas
If you are planning on extending your vacation before or after the cruise I have a one week in Italy itinerary that includes many cities.
On one of our trips to Italy we started in Venice with a Romantic Venice getaway. Then we headed to Florence, Pisa and Lucca, and Siena. After visiting Tuscany, we headed to Gaeta, Naples, Capri, the Amalfi Coast, and Pompeii.
In addition, if you are looking for another reason to visit Italy or some great Safety Travel Tips for Italy before you go, we have you covered.
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