Highlights & Rome on Your Own

Description

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

Your adventure in Rome begins when you board your motorcoach at the Port of Civitavecchia for a 90-minute leisurely drive through the countryside, admiring picturesque views of the Tyrrenian Sea along the way.

Arriving in Rome, your guided tour begins with the romantic Trevi Fountain. You'll walk among the narrow streets that lead to this impressive stone sculpture, where aquamarine water tumbles over the ornate Baroque design. Be sure to throw a coin over your shoulder to ensure a return trip to Rome.

The city streets are a visual wonderland and photographic opportunities abound. Step lively as you walk through Piazza Venezia (Venice Square) the bustling center of Rome and the hub of city traffic, en route to the Forum.

A marvel of urban planning, the Roman Forum's vast arches, temples and structures demonstrate the ingenuity of early Roman society, which you can appreciate as you pass by them. Originally a marshland area, the Romans turned the grounds into an intricate center of social and political activity. The sophisticated architecture created a unique marketplace as well as a business district, civic center and temples of worship.

As you leave the Forum, the imposing exterior of the iconic Colosseum immediately captures your eye. This is the grandest amphitheater ever built. Although in ruins now, it still gives an impression of imposing size greater than any building in existence. Be sure to photograph this awe-inspiring icon from several angles to truly capture its architectural significance.

You'll rejoin your motorcoach for a short drive through the heart of Rome, en route to St. Peter's Square. With its fountains and semicircular colonnades crowned with statues of the saints, it perfectly frames the Basilica's entrance and vast ornate dome, which is visible from nearly everywhere in the city. You'll have free time to shop for souvenirs in the Square's shops or visit the interior of the Basilica if you choose.

Three glorious hours in Rome await and you have the whole afternoon to explore. Perhaps you'd like to sample the local cuisine, or peruse the boutiques. The choices are endless in the Eternal City - the hardest part of the day is deciding on the sights you'd most like to see.

You'll return to your escort at a designated place and time to meet the motorcoach for your return to port. Your relaxing return is a wonderful opportunity to compare adventures with your fellow travelers.

Special Notes:

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

This tour is not available to passengers beginning or ending their voyage in Civitavecchia (Rome).

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

The drive between Civitavecchia and Rome is approximately 1.5 hours each way, subject to traffic conditions.

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

Euros are required for entrance fees; Euros &/or credit cards are recommended in retail and dining venues; change your money onboard the ship or at a currency exchange in Rome.

Guests wishing to visit St. Peter's Basilica or other churches must be aware that proper attire that covers shoulders and legs must be worn by both men and - mini-skirts, shorts and capri pants are not acceptable. In addition visitors are often required to check large bags, video cameras and bottled water at a desk.

Visitors must pass through metal detectors at the Vatican Museum, St. Peter's Basilica and the Colosseum. Large bags or umbrellas, bottled water, video cameras, knives or scissors must be checked at the desk.

You might encounter considerable crowds, lines and delays at St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museum and other venues.

Flash photos are not permitted in the Vatican Museum. Photography and video are not permitted at all in the Sistine Chapel.

The guides usually do not accompany the buses from the ship or on the return drive from Rome to Civitavecchia.

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

This tour involves a great amount of walking, therefore it is not recommended to Guests with walking difficulties or using wheelchairs. Guests must be able to negotiate the steps of the coach.

Lunch and entrance fees are not included.

Should the designed motor coach drop off / pick up point for St. Peters Basilica and Vatican Museum (Sistine Chapel) be congested or unavailable, an alternative drop off / pick up point location will be used. Please note that an additional walking portion of 0.6 miles from / to the alternative location should be considered.

Guests suffering from claustrophobia must be aware that the motor coach drop off / pick up point for St. Peter's Basilica, " Parking Gianicolo", is underground Parking.

This tour may operate in reverse order.

On Sundays and public holidays the majority of the shops will be closed – only souvenir shops will be open.

This tour uses headsets.