Easy Rome

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

A 90-minute drive from the Port of Civitavecchia through the countryside begins your motorcoach adventure. Once in Rome, your narrated drive will take you past the city's highlights, allowing for photo opportunities from the comfort of your seat.

No trip to Rome would be complete without viewing the expansive, medieval fortress walls that were designed to protect Vatican City, the Pope and the city's 1,000 inhabitants. Despite its size, the Vatican prints its own stamps and mints its own coins and even has a supermarket just for residents.

The significance of the Catholic Church in Rome cannot be overstated, as is evident in the preservation of its spectacular basilicas and churches. The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the great basilicas f Rome. Tradition has it that this magnificent structure was built on the site of an apparition of the Virgin Mary, and that the floor plan was miraculously laid out in snowflakes after a storm.

Make sure your camera is ready to capture the landscaped greenery of Villa Borghese, the city's largest public park. Originally built on a vineyard, The 1911 World Exposition was held on its grounds, and some of the pavilions from different countries are still in existence.

The city streets are a unique experience, and surprises are revealed around every corner. Immortalized in Felini's film, "La Dolce Vita," Via Vittorio Veneto is one of Rome's most famous boulevards. Bustling with activity, the shops and cafes epitomize the cosmopolitan flare of Rome.

No trip to Rome would be complete without seeing some of its most significant historical landmarks. Don't miss a shot of the Colosseum, one of the grandest of all Rome's monuments. An imposing and beautiful site, the building was once used by Emperors to entertain the public with spectacular gladiator games.

Your tour highlights the significance of religion in Roman culture and the next two landmarks are no exception. Tempio Maggiore di Roma, the largest Synagogue in Rome, was built after Italy's unification and the emancipation of Italian Jews. The Synagogue was uniquely designed in a Persian and Babylonian style, which offers a wonderful contrast to much of the city's Baroque ornamentation. Along the shores of the Tiber River stands the Castel Sant'Angelo. Note the statue of Archangel St. Michael, the angel who, it is said, ended a plague that struck Rome in 590 AD when he appeared above the city.

The magnificence of St. Peter's Square must be experienced, and a stop (45 mins) here is a wonderful opportunity to experience this bustling square on foot. There is some time for you to shop for souvenirs and view the historic Basilica before boarding the motorcoach for your return to port.

For tours that offer more in-depth exploration with actual visits to one or more sites, see the other options in this port..

Special Notes:

Please Note: free time may be modified to adhere to local regulations and guidelines for COVID 19 protocols.

This tour does not operate on voyages ending in Rome (Civitavecchia).

The drive between Civitavecchia and Rome is approximately 1 1/2 hours each way, subject to traffic conditions.

There may be an additional walk of approximately 15 minutes to reach Vatican's Square from the designated bus parking area.

Guests must be able to walk approximately 0.6 mile over uneven surfaces.

Guests wishing to visit St. Peter's Basilica must be aware that proper attire that covers shoulders and legs must be worn by both men and women - mini-skirts, shorts and capri pants are not acceptable.

At St. Peter's Basilica visitors must pass through metal detectors. Large bags or umbrellas, bottled water, video cameras, knives or scissors must be checked at the desk.

Guests are advised that long queues to enter St. Peter's Basilica are to be expected.

Please be aware that Basilica might close for security reason at any given time without previous notice.

Please be aware that ongoing restoration work is often being carried out at the various venues visited.

Lunch is not included on this tour. Most shops are closed on Sundays and holidays and maintain seasonal hours.

This tour may operate in reverse order.