Hello Fellow Travellers, we have a cruise stop 7:00 am to 10:00 pm at the port of Civitavecchia. We have been to Rome for a number of days before. Has anyone just stayed in the port town before? We don’t mind just wandering, shopping, and a good restaurant or two. We are trying to decide if we should just get a cruise ship ride into Rome and wander, or stay in the port area. For us Rome has the disadvantage of travel time. Thanks so much for considering this and all your valued opinions.
Posted by
8084 posts
We had been to Rome twice when our ship ported there, so we took a tour to some Etruscan sites near to the port, instead of going into Rome. It was nice.
Posted by
Kirkland
223 posts
Take a look at an easy day trip to the hilltop town of Tarquinia. Like you, my wife and I know Rome very well. During a Civitavecchia stop a few years ago, we took the local bus from Civita to Tarquinia for the day. I nice little town, chiefly known for it's historic Etruscan tombs and cemeteries. It also has a terrific museum. The town was not busy and we had a very nice day trip and lunch, returning by bus with more than enough time for a stroll through Civita back to the Largo della Pace shuttle stop.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, US
1005 posts
Civitavecchia is a rather dull port town. I would consider the others' advice about a day trip to Tarquinia. Or take the train to Rome and wander the city for the day. The ride takes about 60-80 minutes and the trains run frequently. I'd avoid the cruise excursion to Rome due to the price, but if you'd rather not take the train, there are bus companies at the port who can take you into Rome for the day, such as Civita Tours. Please don't take a taxi into Rome--it's a huge ripoff.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7766 posts
Month of year? Size of ship? Cabin-level priority for getting ashore?
I think you are wise to skip the slog back to Rome. Because we had a car when we left our ship, I don't have the rail details, but the first stop on our drive to Tuscany was Viterbo - not that far from Civitavecchia. A pretty and historic town with plenty to see and do for one day. The key is checking for sufficient number of trains back to be sure of getting on the ship before it leaves. Keep in mind that you usually have to use the port shuttle to the port entrance to start on a trip anywhere. Then you have to take a bus or cab to the train station.
OTOH, I'd expect the ship's pricey excursions to pick you up right beside the ship. I wonder if there is a taxi company with permission to come to the side of the ship? It's a issue of security, as well as captive customer income, of course.