We are on a Mediterranean Cruise and will be at the Civitavecchia port on October 2. Is it possible to get a tour of the catacombs of San Callisto and arrive back to our ship at 6:00pm? We've been to Rome several times and have seen the Vatican, etc. Any feedback/advise is appreciated.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
Fran,
I don't know how much time it takes to get from Civitavecchia into Rome, so you'll have to allow for that in your planning. However it should be easy to visit the Catacombs of San Callisto on your own. As I recall they offer guided tours on site, so you wouldn't need to take an organized tour.
I can't remember the exact route, but the trip there from Roma Termini requires a ride on the Metro, then a short walk to the Bus depot and then the #218 Bus to the Fosse Ardeatine stop and the Catacombs. The entrance is almost directly across the street from the Bus stop and slightly uphill (you'll need to be cautious crossing the street). I believe I was using a B.I.G. (daily) ticket that day, so buying Bus and Metro tickets wasn't necessary for each ride. I'll check my notes later for the exact details.
There's another significant historical site nearby, which is the reason I was travelling in that area. I'll try to add more detail on the bus and metro route later.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23325 posts
I would allow and hour and half for transit time between Civit and Termini each way. So if you are off around 9 am you should have plenty of time.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16894 posts
The Catacombs of San Callisto are open 9:00-12:00, closed for lunch, and open 14:00-17:00. The San Sebastiano Gate and Museum of the Walls is open 9:00 to 14:00, but not after. San Sebastiano is open 10:00-17:00 nonstop. Ricks's detailed notes for the Catacombs are in the Rome or Italy books, but not the Med Cruise Ports book.