We are flying into FCO on a September evening and then leaving on a cruise one day and a half later out of Civitavecchia. I am unsure if we should take the train into Rome for 2 nights and then leave on an early train to Civi, or just stay around FCO. Suggestions? We will be back in Rome in a week to stay for 2 more days, so we will have more time then, but this will be my sister's first visit to Italy and I'd love her to have a memorable first impression even though I know we will have jet lag.
Posted by
Chicago
8242 posts
Go hang out in Rome for 2 nights. It is not that far from Civi
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
8076 posts
It's hard to answer your question without knowing your budget and willingness to rent a car. Airport neighborhoods are, worldwide, seldom beautiful tourist meccas. I mention budget because some (same day) cruise passengers immediately take the train "back" into Rome and then get on another train to Civitavecchia, because it's "cheap" although very time consuming. Civitavecchia is a famously remote cruise port, alas.
I agree that Rome is a much better idea than taking your luggage to, say, Viterbo, and being stuck there until the cruise. Did you have something more concrete in mind? Would you stay in a St. Louis airport hotel with 36 hours to spare, instead of going into town? You are certainly right to allow for extra time to avoid missing a cruise departure. Why not embrace the chance for an extra day in Rome?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23660 posts
I would spend two nights in Rome. No reason to do anything else. I would stay in Termini area with nice hotels, restaurants, etc., and reasonably convenient via walking to most of the tourists site. (The max is an hour walk to the Vatican). From Termini you can catch the train to Civi.... Basically a commuter run with 3 to 4 trains an hour taking between 45 mins and 1 hr 15 depending on the type of train. It is a quarter miles or so walk from the Civit.. train station to your cruise ship pick up point just inside the port entrance. There is nothing worth seeing around FCO and there is no direct connection between FCO and the Civit..... other than an expensive taxi run. I think RoninRome.com still has a very detail posting about getting to Civit.... from Rome.
Posted by
Atlanta
5290 posts
Have made that same trip. Stay in Rome. You'll have two nights (surprising what you can see and do in the evening) and one whole day to hit the biggies. Early departure on train to port will get you there in plenty of time.
Posted by
Houston, Texas
1039 posts
We stayed two nights in Rome last August before catching a train to Civi to embark on our cruise. We stayed at the Hotel Napoleon and walked to Termini Station the morning of our cruise. Took a train that left about 10:00 AM and arrived in Civi at 10:45 AM. The Hotel is an easy walk to the Colosseum, Forum etc.
Posted by
Pleasant Hill, CA, USA
473 posts
Totally agree with Ed. We stayed at the Napoleon hotel five years ago before cruising. Easy walk to the coliseum and forum. We however did a private transfer with Rome cabs. A great company.
Posted by
OP
Bainbridge Island, WA, USA
15 posts
We definitely don't want to rent a car. Driving would add stress, and arguments, to a trip for relaxing and learning. Looks like going into Rome is best from your experiences and a 45 minute train ride to Civi will be just fine. Thank you all for your suggestions!
Posted by
136 posts
We did just that two years ago. You definitely need to go to Rome!! We landed at FCO and we used a car service to take us to our hotel from the airport. There were three couples, it was our first time to Rome and the split amongst the three couples made the trip very reasonable. We stayed at the Mecenate Palace Hotel, which is directly across from the Basillica Santa Maria Maggiore. It is also located very close to the main train station. We then used the same car service to take us to the cruise port. Again, split by three couples it made it much more affordable. We did splurge a bit on the trip with things like the car service instead of taking the train about. We are headed back this September and will be staying at the same hotel in Rome. Not doing a cruise this time, now exploring more towns through Italy. But we are (same three couples) are using a car service to take us from the airport to the same hotel. For all six of us with all our luggage, it is only 65€. As someone else mentioned, not knowing your budget, just throwing this out there as an option.... http://www.romelimousines.com
From Rome, we will be training about italy.
Posted by
45 posts
I vote Rome!
Posted by
Orlando, FL, USA
81 posts
We did this years ago - definitely find a hotel in Rome. As others have said if you stay near Termini you can take the Express train in from airport, spend the day & half in Rome,and hop on the train to Civi the morning of your departure. SUPER easy to do! (I did it solo with an 8 year old.)
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12115 posts
With the time difference from the West Coast, you likely will be dragging a bit that 1st day
I suggest you stay in/near Fiumicino and use your full day to visit Ostia Antica which is close by.
Posted by
Kingston, ON Canada
208 posts
ROME!!! (What Frank said). Even if you spend just a few hours wandering around on your arrival day, you'll be amazed!!!
I would wander during the arrival day (try to catch some sleep flying over) -- use the Rick Steves free audio guides for the Pantheon, see Piazza Navona and T. fountain. Then, plan to visit the vatican/St Peter's early the next day. Then, use the rest of THAT day to see the forum and Colloseum.
Wear fabulous walking shoes!
Then, take a train at around 10:30 am to Civi.
If it's not too late to change your flight plans (and if you're not returning to Rome, and it's your first time there), then it would be optimal if you could arrive yet one day earlier. Spend 3 nights. That would give you your remaining "jet-lag day", plus 2 full days. You won't see anything of Rome the morning you depart to Civi.
Enjoy!
Cheers,
Vivian