My teenage son and I will arrive at the port of Civitavecchia on Thursday, May 28th. I read about a great tour group called Cant Be Beat Tours in Rick Steves book. However, their tours are primarily on Wednesdays. I contacted them to request a Thursday tour, but they require a 10 person minimum and we've had no luck recruiting other passengers. We don't want to wait until the last minute to book something, and we're afraid to venture on our own (speaking only English and being directionally challenged!) The ship's excursion of the Vatican museums, St. Peter's basilica & Sistine chapel will cost almost $700 for both of us. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8366 posts
Well, the advantage of the ship's tour is time management, they will get you there, through the sites, and back to the ship on time. Doing it yourself is certainly an option, with the main risk being getting lost or not getting back to port on time. I find Rome to be a very manageable place to get around, central Rome is reasonably compact, mostly walkable.
I would at the very least just get into Rome and wander. It sounds like you have a RS book, that should help you make up a plan, doing St Peters and/or the museum, is doable, though the museum could be a big time hog. Ricks walk through old Rome is excellent, and if towards the end of the day you get into time trouble, have a cut-off point where you just find a cab to take you to the train station to catch a ride back to port.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
You might take a look at this company.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Check again what your ship offers. I remember a HAL ship offering a bus to Rome that drops everyone off at a certain spot, walking distance to St. Peter's, and then picks everyone back up again later to return to the ship. It wasn't too expensive (sorry, can't remember the cost). You are on your own during your time in Rome but if you do your research that shouldn't be a problem.
Posted by
Newport, Minnesota, USA
113 posts
We did Rome on our own and saved a great deal of money. As I recall, when you get off the cruise ship there are shuttle buses that take you to the port entrance. From there I think the train station is only a few blocks away. You can purchase your train tickets right at the train station. If I recall correctly we purchased round trip tickets so we only had to purchase tickets once. I don't think you will have any trouble with a language barrier, many employees at tourist type locations will speak English. If you wish to visit the Vatican museum, St. Peter's etc. get off the train at the S. Pietro stop. Follow the crowds to St. Peter's Square. You might have to wait in line to purchase tickets ( we waited maybe 20 minutes). If I recall correctly our train tickets and museum tickets together for the 2 of us was under $100.00.
Other passengers that we spoke with were a bit disappointed with the cruise excursion because they wasted so much time having lunch and bathroom breaks and it was rather expensive.
One word of advice is that you don't cut it too close on your return train ride. There is always a chance that a train could be delayed and you don't want to miss the boat.
The following websites might be helpful for you.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thank you for the suggestions and comments!