Best Shore Excursions in Rome on a Europe Cruise
Attractions and Cruise Line Tours from the Port of Civitavecchia
Jul 16, 2009
Although Civitavecchia is the cruise port and gateway to Rome and the Med, all the best attractions and excursions are found away from the cruise terminal area. Many of the cruise lines visiting Civitavecchia offer shore excursions to Rome’s top historic attractions as well as culinary tours that exemplify the tastes of Italy. Here is a sampling of shore excursions to expect on a Mediterranean cruise out of Civitavecchia, Italy.
Best Historic Attraction Tours in Rome
- Vatican City Tours – Although most cruise lines visiting Rome have a tour of Vatican City, Holland America Line offers the tour, The Vatican’s Sacred Scenes. This 11-hour tour departs the port of Civitavecchia and starts with some free time in the morning for shopping and lunch. Then in the afternoon the excursion features a private Vatican tour that includes a visit to the private papal chambers and the Pope's off-limits balcony.
- St. Peter’s Basilica and Colosseum – Debarking passengers on Royal Caribbean cruises ending in Civitavecchia can book a combination tour that visits both the St. Peter’s Basilica and the Colosseum. The 7-hour tour finishes with a transfer to Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) for a cost of US$155.
- Self-Guided Tours of Rome – Princess Cruises offers a self-guided tour of Rome that includes an iPod rental for a cost of US$25. (Unfortunately, this excursion does not include transfers to or from Rome). Explore the city on foot with an MP3 player and a customized map featuring more than 20 popular attractions such as the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps.
Best Culinary Tours in Rome
- Pasta Party and Demonstration – Both Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises offer a shore excursion that includes a pasta-making demonstration and five-course gourmet lunch accompanied with wine. Learn how to make a variety of different pastas with the opportunity to actively participate (US$140).
- Anguillara and Cheese Tasting – This four hour tour includes a visit to the medieval town of Anguillara and then a visit a local cheese maker. Learn the art of cheese production and have the opportunity to sample a variety of cheeses accompanied by local wines (US$79).
- Olive Oil Tasting – Guests visit a farmhouse that produces olive oil, vegetables and jams. The tour highlights the history of olive oil production and includes a sampling of oils complemented with bruschetta, tomatoes and local wines (US$62).
Although there are numerous shore excursion options offered by the cruise lines, cruise passengers can also choose to explore independent of the cruise ship. Choose to stay an extra day or two before or after a cruise in a Rome city hotel or at a Rome airport hotel. This will allow more of the time needed to take full advantage of the city.
© Pictures of Rome courtesy of Rome.info
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