Rome Shore Excursion from Civitavecchia

Today, your private guide will give you a tour of the mighty Colosseum before taking to the streets of Rome for a walking tour. You'll see famous landmarks including the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, and the ancient Pantheon, and you'll also have free time to enjoy an authentic Roman lunch at one of the city's incredible restaurants (not included). Before returning to your ship, you'll skip the line to enter the Vatican for a guided tour. Your guide will show you the best of the museums, as well as the Sistine Chapel.

Rome Private Shore Excursion Description

Your 8-hour private Rome shore excursion includes:

• Luxury, air-conditioned private transportation from Civitavecchia (return)

• Skip-the-line entry and guided tour of the Colosseum

• Guided walking tour of Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more

• Lunch break in central Rome (lunch not included)

• Skip-the-line tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel

• Entry to St. Peter's Basilica

• Engaging, English-speaking private guide for the entire tour

Please note that the Basilica is closed on Wednesday mornings due to the Papal Audience and will not be included in tours.

Luxury Transportation Around Rome

To make this private tour in Rome super-easy for you, you'll be picked up from your cruise ship in Civitavecchia port and driven around Rome in luxury, climate-controlled vehicle. And don't worry, we'll make sure you get back to the ship in time too! Just relax and let your expert local guide take care of you, while sharing fascinating facts and stories of Rome.

Skip-the-Line Private Colosseum Tour

There are few more awe-inspiring places than the mighty Roman Colosseum, and there's no better way to explore than on a private tour! Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, you'll have skip-the-line access to avoid the crowds of tourists waiting to enter. Your expert guide will set the scene for what it felt like to attend the thrilling events that took place inside the arena from epic gladiator fights to public executions held in front of eager crowds of more than 60,000 Romans.

This tour takes you to the first and second tiers of the Colosseum—areas reserved for seating Rome’s most elite classes during the Colosseum’s gladiator games. As you look around and picture what life must have been like here, your guide will enlighten you with intriguing stories of some of the Colosseum’s most gruesome events.

Private Rome City Tour

A trip to Rome wouldn't be complete without seeing some of the most famous fountains and piazzas. After being driven into Rome's historic center, it's time to set off on a tour of the city's historic sites. While some central Rome sites can only be reached on foot, your driver will also be nearby if needed! You'll follow your guide to the beautiful Piazza Navona to see the Fountain of Four Rivers, before seeing the outside of the Pantheon (entry inside not included), Rome's iconic dome with an open oculus.

Finally, you'll head to the Trevi Fountain to see what is likely the world's most famous fountain. Remember to bring some coins to make a wish here! Your guide will make sure you know how to do it just right. Along the way, your super-knowledgeable local guide will show you some of Rome's hidden gems to help you get to know the city better.

Free Time for Lunch

You'll have some free time in central Rome to grab a delicious Roman lunch, usually near the Trevi Fountain where there's a good selection of eateries. Lunch isn't included, but your guide can point out some of the best places to eat, depending on your tastes.

Guided Vatican Museums Tour

After driving to the Vatican, you'll skip the long general admission line and start exploring the impressive art collection at the Vatican Museums. Your guide will lead you on through the Vatican Museums, visiting the Candelabra Gallery, Gallery of the Tapestries, and Gallery of Maps. Admire the ancient Roman and Greek statues, the Flemish tapestries created by Raphael's students, and the gorgeous topographical depictions of Italy.

At the height of the Roman Empire, pontiffs rarely left Rome. In order to understand the Italian peninsula without endangering his life, Pope Gregory XIII commissioned 40 huge and meticulous maps to be created for his use. Most of these maps measure more than 15 by 16 feet, and the end result is nothing short of spectacular.

You'll hear the stories behind these treasures from your expert guide as the Vatican secrets are slowly unveiled to you.

While you don't need to wait in the normal line, a shorter security line is still required for entrance. Short delays at the security check may occur during the busiest months of June and July.

Experience Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel likely rivals the Colosseum as the focal point of this Rome in a day private tour. Until you stand beneath the chapel's frescoes, there’s no way to fully appreciate Michelangelo’s astonishing accomplishment.

The Sistine Chapel is a place of worship, so speaking inside is prohibited. Your guide will explain the significance of Michelangelo’s artwork before entering.

Please note that to enter the Vatican's Sistine Chapel both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders. Otherwise, you may be refused entry to this portion of your Vatican tour. We understand the summers in Rome are hot, so a great idea is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way, you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.

St. Peter's Basilica

Inside St. Peter’s Basilica, your private guide will bring centuries of art, faith, and power to life—explaining everything from Michelangelo’s majestic dome to Bernini’s towering Baldachin. With personalized insight, you’ll understand the meaning behind every marble detail in the world’s most important church.