Vatican & Rome Highlights: Shore Trip from Civitavecchia Port

Vatican City , Italy

Vatican & Rome Highlights: Shore Trip from Civitavecchia Port

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About this experience

Docking in Civitavecchia and eager to explore the Eternal City in limited time? Our Rome and Vatican Shore Trip offers the perfect solution for cruise passengers who want to experience the best of Rome and the Vatican in a single day.
Start your adventure as your private driver picks you up directly from the port in a comfortable vehicle.
Visit Vatican Museums, home to some of the world’s most renowned art, including Sistine Chapel.
Head to the iconic Colosseum and discover gladiators' stories. Stroll through the charming streets of the city, making stops at the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and more.
Why Book This Tour?
Private VIP Experience: Skip the crowds and explore the highlights of Rome and the Vatican in a private vehicle and with an expert guide.
Seamless Logistics: Enjoy a hassle-free, door-to-door service from the port to Rome’s major attractions and back.
Book your Vatican & Rome Highlights Shore Trip now for an unforgettable, efficient and stress-free tour of Rome!

Available options

English

English<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Local guide

Private tour

Pre-reserved access to Colosseum and Vatican

Private driver at disposition all day (including pick up & drop off at port) - 9 hours total

Private guide for 5 hours in Rome

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your tour will start as soon as your ship reaches the dock in Civitavecchia port: a private English-speaking driver will come and pick you up at the dock on board of a VIP car or minivan. You will be escorted to the centre of Rome where a private, licensed guide will join you for a memorable tour, sharing with you all their knowledge about the city of Rome (all our guides have either a degree in Archaeology or in Art History).

The first part of the tour will bring you to the Vatican, to one of the most visited Museum in the world: Vatican Museums!

Stop 2

After entering the Vatican Museums and admiring the astonishing Sistine Chapel. You will spend some minutes in the most famous chapel in the world where Pop are elected!

Stop 3

When your tour of the Colosseum is finished your guide will take you to the Pantheon, one of Rome’s most fascinating and best preserved buildings. Here you will also stop for a complimentary ice-cream, to end your tour on a sweet note!

If you have enough time before re-embarking on your ship, the guide will be delighted to show you other highlights of Rome, like Trevi Fountain, Venice Square and Navona Square. As this is a private tour, it can be customized according to your desires and you can walk at your own pace.

Enjoy your city tour with Colosseum and Vatican Tours by Italy Wonders, TripAdvisor Experience Partner

What's not included

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Other entrance fees to be paid on site if requested

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time

Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship

A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

At the cruise port, please do NOT take the shuttle bus

The order of the itinerary might change due to availability tickets

Please bring a copy of your ID or driver license since it is necessary for the entrance at the Colosseum

Please note: with the use of the wheelchair you won't be able to access to all the areas of the museums

Please Note: In some areas the stroller must be carried by yourself due to architectural restrictions

Please note that, for disabled visitors with certified invalidity of more than 74%, the Vatican Museums offers free entry that is extended to a companion for visitors who are not self-sufficient. To benefit from this, make sure you mention it at the time of booking so that our staff may handle your request.

Important notes

• A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
• If you have not already specified, you MUST advise supplier as soon as possible your Ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and departure time so that appropriate arrangements can be made
This tour is not wheelchair accessible but may be adapted to an accessible itinerary if you contact us.

Please note that, for disabled visitors with certified invalidity of more than 74%, the Vatican Museums offers free entry that is extended to a companion for visitors who are not self-sufficient. To benefit from this, make sure you mention it at the time of booking so that our staff may handle your request.
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• At the cruise port, please do NOT take the shuttle bus
• The order of the itinerary might change due to availability tickets
• Please bring a copy of your ID or driver license since it is necessary for the entrance at the Colosseum

About Vatican City

Vatican City, the world's smallest independent state, is the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Nestled within Rome, Italy, it's home to iconic landmarks like St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, which house some of the world's most renowned art collections, including the Sistine Chapel.

Top Attractions

St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most renowned churches in the world and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. It is a significant pilgrimage site and a must-visit for its stunning interior, including Michelangelo's Pietà and the dome offering panoramic views of Rome.

Religious/Architecture 1-2 hours Free entry (€8 for dome climb)

Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums house an extensive collection of art and artifacts amassed by the Catholic Church over the centuries. Highlights include the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, and the Gallery of Maps. It's a treasure trove for art lovers and history enthusiasts.

Museum/Art 3-4 hours €17 (includes entry to St. Peter's Basilica)

Castel Sant'Angelo

Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant'Angelo is now a museum and fortress. It offers fascinating exhibits and panoramic views of Rome from its terrace. The passage leading to the Vatican, known as the Passetto di Borgo, is a historical highlight.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours €15

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cacio e Pepe

A classic Roman dish made with pecorino cheese and black pepper, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce.

Pasta Vegetarian

Supplì

Fried rice balls filled with tomato sauce and mozzarella, similar to Sicilian arancini.

Appetizer Vegetarian (some versions contain meat)

Tiramisu

A popular Italian dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in nearby parks Biking tours Strolling through historic neighborhoods Visiting parks and gardens Museum visits Art tours Historical site exploration Boat tours on the Tiber River

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

The best time to visit is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the tourist crowds are manageable. These months offer the best conditions for sightseeing and exploring the city's outdoor attractions.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian, Latin
Widely spoken: English, French, Spanish
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Vatican City is generally safe, with a strong police presence and low crime rates. However, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas, so it's important to stay vigilant.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.

Getting there

By air

Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport • 30 km from Vatican City

By train

Roma San Pietro Station

By bus

Roma Termini Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system in Rome is efficient and connects to Vatican City via the Ottaviano Station, which is a short walk from St. Peter's Basilica.

Taxis

Available • Apps: FreeNow, MyTaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Borgo Prati

Day trips

Rome

0 km (Vatican City is an enclave within Rome) • Full day or more

Rome, the capital of Italy, is a treasure trove of ancient history, art, and culture. It offers iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Trevi Fountain, as well as world-class museums and vibrant neighborhoods.

Ostia Antica

30 km from Vatican City • Half day

Ostia Antica is an ancient Roman port city that offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman life. The well-preserved ruins include homes, shops, and public buildings, providing a unique historical experience.

Festivals

Easter Celebrations • March or April (dates vary) Christmas Celebrations • December 24-25

Pro tips

Book tickets for major attractions like the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica in advance to skip the lines.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites to show respect and avoid being turned away.
Use public transportation or walk to get around Vatican City and Rome, as driving can be challenging and parking is limited.
Learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.