Personalized service and information from your private guide. Make the most of your time in Rome and escape the overcrowded ship excursions. This excursion shows you and your group of 9 or more the best sites in Rome including a visit to the Colosseum!
For smaller groups, please see our
Civitavecchia Private Rome and Colosseum Sightseeing Excursion.
You will take the free shuttle from your Civitavecchia pier to the transportation hub near the harbor main gate. Your English-speaking driver and set out in your air-conditioned transport for the 80-minute journey to Rome. The driver will be giving you commentary along the way. As you enter Rome, you will pass Palatine Hill, one of the city's famous 7 hills, and once set for the royal palace. Directly below, you will see the remains and outline of what was once the site for chariot racing, Circus Maximus Stadium.
Arriving at the Roman Colosseum, your professional, licensed Rome excursion guide will be waiting to greet you as you exit the vehicle. Although you already have your entrance ticket, there might be a wait in line due to a security check but it will be as brief as possible. One of the most iconic symbols of Rome, the Roman Colosseum was built around 70-72 A.D. by Emperor Vespasian, it has been the home to celebrations, sporting events, and bloodshed with its infamous gladiators. You will have approximately 40 minutes of free time to explore and take photos. If you venture to the upper level you can view the Arch of Titus and the Roman Forum.
Meeting up with your guide at the transportation again you will depart Imperial Rome passing by the Victor Emanuel Monument (known locally as the wedding cake due to its unique tiered shape). Old Rome is the next stop for your private group. The guide will lead you on foot to see the largest Baroque fountain in the city, the Trevi Fountain. Featured in several Hollywood movies, legend says that if you toss a coin over your shoulder you will be guaranteed a return to Rome.
Your guide will then lead the group walking to the Pantheon, a temple to all Ancient Roman gods. The current structure was built by Hadrian around 112 A.D. Today within its walls, are the burial chambers of many well-known people including painter Raphael, composer Corelli and two of Italy's kings, Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I. Also laid to rest here is Umberto's Queen Margherita, who legend says is the namesake of the most popular style of pizza in Italy.
After leaving the Pantheon, it is a quick trip to the Piazza Navona. The Piazza Navona was built around the site of the Stadium of Domitian. The piazza is one of Rome's most beautiful squares is lined with cafes where locals meet. Located in the piazza are lovely fountains - you will visit Bernini's Fountain of the Four River.
You will then have approximately 40 minutes of free time on your own to shop, sightsee or grab a quick lunch. Your guide can make recommendations. The price of lunch is not included in the excursion cost.
After the break, you will meet your guide back at the transportation and cross Bernini's Bridge of Angels to visit Vatican City. You will pass the Castle of the Angels (Castel Sant'Angelo). Both the bridge and the castle are decorated with stone statues of angels.
When you arrive at the Vatican in St. Peter's Square, your group will enjoy 45 minutes of free time on your own to explore the square, soak up the atmosphere or do some souvenir shopping. Due to the excess wait time, note that St. Peter's Basilica interior visit will not be feasible. If seeing the inside and the famous Sistine Chapel is on your must-do list, please see our Civitavecchia Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica, and Fountains with Private Guide Excursion for your group.
At the appointed time and spot, you will meet your guide with your transportation and head back to your ship pier in Civitavecchia, approximately 80 minutes away.
Please note the sequence of visits may change due to traffic. Anticipate large crowds at all sites with some entrance lines taking over one hour to clear.
The Trevi Fountain is undergoing restoration until approximately April of 2016. During this time, parts or all of the fountain may be covered.
