Top 10 Rome Tours and Shore Excursion FAQ Answered

Buongiorno and welcome to Stefano’s RomeCabs, Rome’s leading company for Rome Day Tours, Day Trips from Rome and Shore Excursions from Civitavecchia.

Rome is the most visited city in Italy by land travelers and cruisers who arrive by ship at the port of Civitavecchia. Rome was not built in a day, but you can surely enjoy the highlights in a day: stroll through the ancient Ruins, admire priceless ancient works of art in museums, enjoy lively squares, visit incredible churches, and delight in local Roman cuisine.

Below are 10 of the most frequently asked questions about Rome Day Tours and Shore Excursions from Civitavecchia.

Top 10 Rome Tours and Civitavecchia Shore Excursions FAQ

1 Which Rome tours include the most popular highlights of Rome?

Our PANORAMIC ROME TOUR and PANORAMIC ROME TOUR FOR CRUISERS are designed to give you a comprehensive yet time-efficient overview of Rome’s most iconic landmarks and historical sites. Whether you're visiting the Eternal City for the first time or are a seasoned traveler, these tours offer the perfect way to see the key highlights without wasting time waiting in long lines or dealing with heavy traffic.

Key Highlights of the Panoramic Rome Tour:

On our Panoramic Rome Tour, you'll experience Rome's most important historical and cultural landmarks. The tour includes external views of:

See the Colosseum: Stroll through Colosseum Square for an outside view of the iconic amphitheater where gladiators once fought, symbolizing the grandeur of ancient Rome.
View the Roman Forum: See the ruins of the political, commercial, and religious center of ancient Rome.
Admire the Pantheon: Marvel at the remarkable engineering of this nearly 2,000-year-old temple, now a church, known for its stunning dome and oculus.
The Spanish Steps: Climb the famous staircase that leads to the Trinità dei Monti church and enjoy panoramic views of the Piazza di Spagna.
Piazza Navona: Admire the beauty of this Baroque square, home to fountains, churches, and historic buildings.
The Trevi Fountain: Toss a coin in this world-renowned Baroque fountain, ensuring your return to Rome.
St. Peter's Square: Visit the spiritual heart of the Catholic world, where you’ll be in awe of the grandeur of Vatican City.
The Circus Maximus: Imagine the chariot races that once took place in this vast ancient stadium.
Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls: Stand before one of the four major basilicas in Rome, home to beautiful mosaics and the tomb of St. Paul.

2. Do You Pick Up at Hotels in Rome for Rome Tours by Car?

Yes, we offer convenient pickup and drop-off services for all of our Rome tours by car directly from your hotel or accommodation in Rome. Whether you're staying at a hotel, Airbnb, or any other type of lodging, our professional driver will arrive at the designated time to collect you from the location of your stay.

At the conclusion of your tour, we’ll ensure you’re comfortably returned to the same hotel or accommodation. This door-to-door service is designed to provide you with a hassle-free and seamless experience, making the most of your time in the Eternal City.

3. Where Do We Get Picked Up for Shore Excursions from Civitavecchia?

For our Shore Excursions from Civitavecchia, pickup and drop-off take place directly at the pier next to your ship. Upon disembarking from your cruise, our professional driver will be waiting for you at the designated area to escort you to your comfortable, private vehicle.

We have all the necessary professional licenses and security clearance to access Civitavecchia port for pier-side pickups, ensuring that you can start your day of exploration without any delays or complications. At the end of your excursion, your driver will return you to the same location, allowing you to board your ship with plenty of time before departure.

4. What is a more leisurely Rome tour that avoids crowded places?

Our tours are designed to offer the best of Rome, ensuring a fulfilling experience with plenty of highlights. However, if you prefer to avoid crowded locations in Rome such as the Colosseum and the Vatican, which require pre-set visit times and advance-purchased tickets, we offer a more leisurely experience with the Panoramic Rome Tour—available as both a day tour from Rome and a shore excursion from Civitavecchia.

Additionally, we recommend the following Rome tours, which allow you to enjoy the charm of Rome at a relaxed pace while exploring more tranquil corners of the city and surrounding countryside:

ROME TOWN & COUNTRY TOUR

For those who can’t choose between the iconic landmarks of Rome and the serene beauty of the Roman countryside, the Rome Town & Country Tour offers the perfect solution. This tour blends the bustling energy of Rome's popular squares and monuments with the peaceful charm of its medieval villages, providing an unforgettable experience that showcases both the city’s grandeur and its tranquil countryside.

Throughout the tour, you’ll travel in comfort with a private deluxe vehicle and an English-speaking driver, ensuring that walking distances are minimized and your experience is as convenient as it is enjoyable.

Rome Town & Country TourItinerary Highlights:

Colosseum Square for an outside view of the Colosseum and Arch of Constantine
Piazza della Rotonda (outside view of the Pantheon)
Piazza Navona
Spanish Steps
Trevi Fountain
The medieval village of Ceri
The medieval town of Bracciano
Orsini-Odescalchi Castle

TOUR ROME AS ROMANS DO

This leisurely tour allows you to explore Rome without the crowds and without needing admission tickets. It’s perfect for those who wish to explore Rome’s cherished landmarks, squares, and beloved sites, typically frequented by locals. This tour maximizes your sightseeing with minimal walking, ensuring you get the most out of your time in the city.

Enjoy the grandeur of Rome’s iconic monuments in comfort, with your private deluxe vehicle and English-speaking driver at your disposal. You’ll experience the essence of Rome, from its lively squares to its quieter corners, with visits to the city's most revered locations.

Tour Rome as Romans Do Itinerary Highlights:

Piazza Colosseo (outside view of the Colosseum and Arch of Constantine)
Circo Massimo
Aventine Hill
Gianicolo Hill
Lunch in Trastevere
St. Peter’s Square (outside view of St. Peter’s Basilica)
Piazza della Rotonda (outside view of the Pantheon)
Piazza Navona
Trevi Fountain
Spanish Steps

ALONG ROME'S EMPIRE ROADS TOUR

If you're interested in exploring ancient Roman roads and some of Rome's most historic locations, this tour offers the perfect opportunity to do so. Travel comfortably in your private deluxe vehicle, guided by your personal English-speaking driver, as you follow two important ancient roads to incredible sites.

This tour allows you to walk in the footsteps of Ancient Romans, visit one of the largest basilicas in Rome, and explore Ostia Antica, the ancient harbor city. You’ll also visit the Ancient Appian Way and the Christian Catacombs, giving you a unique view of Rome’s early Christian history.

Along Rome's Empire Road Tour Itinerary Highlights:

Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls
Ostia Antica
Ancient Appian Way
Christian Catacombs

These tours offer a more leisurely and immersive way to experience Rome and its surroundings while avoiding the crowds typically found at the busiest attractions. Whether you want to explore the quieter medieval villages or follow in the footsteps of Ancient Romans, we have the perfect tour to suit your preferences.

5. Can we book a Rome post-cruise tour from Civitavecchia ending at a Hotel in Rome?

Absolutely! Many cruisers take advantage of a post-cruise tour from Civitavecchia, starting directly from their cruise ship in the morning and ending at their hotel in Rome in the afternoon. This option allows you to make the most of your time in Rome, exploring the city’s iconic landmarks while enjoying a smooth and comfortable transfer to your hotel.

Your luggage will travel securely with you in the vehicle, stored safely in the luggage compartment, so there’s no need to worry about luggage storage during the tour. This convenient service ensures a stress-free experience, allowing you to focus on sightseeing without the hassle of managing your bags.

Post Cruise Tours from Civitavecchia Cruise Port Top 10 Rome Tours and Shore Excursion FAQ Answered RomeCabs

One of the most popular choices is the POST CRUISE PANORAMIC ROME TOUR from Civitavecchia, which takes you on a comprehensive journey through the city's most famous landmarks. After picking you up directly from the pier next to your ship, you’ll be driven through the city's iconic squares and historic monuments, including the Colosseum, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and St Peter's Square, before being dropped off at your hotel in Rome. This tour allows you to enjoy the grandeur of Rome in a single day, making it ideal for those with limited time.

For those seeking a more local experience, the POST-CRUISE TOUR ROME AS ROMANS DO offers a leisurely exploration of Rome’s beloved landmarks and squares, revered by locals rather than the usual tourist crowds. This tour focuses on areas like Trastevere, Piazza Navona, and Aventine Hill, providing an authentic, relaxed perspective of the city.

Alternatively, the POST-CRUISE ROME TOWN AND COUNTRY TOUR offers a perfect blend of both Rome and the countryside. After being picked up from the pier, you’ll first explore the historical landmarks and some of the must-see squares in Rome. Then, you will venture out to the town of Bracciano, overlooking the pristine volcanic Lake Bracciano. The tour also includes a visit to Orsini-Odescalchi Castle and a delightful lunch in the medieval village of Ceri.

Do you have an evening flight departing from Rome, or are you staying overnight at an airport hotel for an early morning flight? No problem! We can adjust your tour to drop you off at Fiumicino Airport instead of your hotel, and there’s no additional cost for this service. Whether you’re heading straight to the airport or to a nearby hotel, we make sure you’re taken care of every step of the way.

These post-cruise tours offer a stress-free, enriching experience, allowing you to explore the beauty of Rome in comfort and style, all while enjoying seamless transfers between Civitavecchia and your hotel or airport.

6. Can we book a short tour of Rome on our way to Civitavecchia?

Most cruisers embark in the early afternoon and leave Civitavecchia by 5:00 PM. This leaves you with a morning free to enjoy more of Italy!

Below are the most popular pre-cruise tour options to choose from:

PRE-CRUISE ROME TOUR

If you're looking to make the most of your time in Rome before embarking on your cruise, our Pre-Cruise Rome Tour is the perfect way to explore the Eternal City’s most iconic landmarks in just 4 hours. This morning tour allows you to experience the best of Rome’s historic center, including the world-renowned Colosseum Square, Piazza della Rotonda where you can admire the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps.

After soaking in the sights, you’ll be taken on a 1.5-hour drive to Civitavecchia, the port where your cruise departs. This convenient pre-cruise tour ensures you can enjoy Rome's most famous attractions before you begin your sea adventure, making the most of your limited time in the city.

Whether you're visiting Rome for the first time or simply want to refresh your memories before setting sail, this Pre-Cruise Rome Tour is an ideal choice. With a combination of world-class sightseeing and a smooth transfer to Civitavecchia Port, it’s the perfect way to start your Italian adventure.

PRE-CRUISE COUNTRYSIDE TOUR

If you’ve already toured Rome and prefer a more relaxing tour, the Pre Cruise Countryside tour is sure to please.

From Rome, you will journey to the Roman Countryside to Bracciano, the medieval town along the shore of the pristine volcanic Lake Bracciano, and visit the fairytale Renaissance Bracciano Castle.

From there, you will be transported back in time a thousand years when you arrive at the medieval clifftop hamlet of Ceri for an unforgettable lunch at one of the local family-owned restaurants that are famous throughout the region for their delicious homemade local Italian cuisine.

After lunch, you will continue to Civitavecchia where your driver will take you directly to your ship.

7. Will the driver drop us off close to the attractions we visit?

Yes, our drivers have access to Traffic Restricted Zones (ZTL) within the historic centers of Rome, which allows them to get as close as possible to the major tourist attractions, significantly minimizing the amount of walking required. ZTL zones are designated areas where access is limited to authorized vehicles, such as our private cars, ensuring a smoother and more efficient sightseeing experience. In contrast, buses and larger minibusses are restricted from entering these zones, making them less convenient for visitors.

However, it’s important to note that local traffic regulations and security measures around popular attractions will determine the precise location where vehicles can stop and wait. This is particularly true near high-traffic tourist sites like the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, or St Peter's Square, where security protocols and pedestrian-friendly policies control vehicle access.

Our experienced drivers will always stop as close as legally possible to your intended destination and will remain with the vehicle while you explore. This allows you to maximize your time sightseeing, enjoy the attractions, and minimize unnecessary walking, ensuring a more comfortable and efficient tour experience.

While the proximity to certain attractions may vary slightly depending on the local restrictions in place on any given day, our drivers are well-versed in navigating the complexities of Rome’s traffic system and will ensure you get as close as possible to each site while complying with regulations. This ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience, allowing you to see more in less time.

Spanish Steps Rome Squares top 10 Rome Tours and Shore Excurison FAQ Answered

8. What happens if an attraction is closed on the Day of our tour?

We offer our tours 365 days a year. However, on certain major holidays and certain days of the week, some attractions are CLOSED.

For example, on Sundays the Vatican Museums are Closed (with the exception of the Last Sunday of the Month when it’s Free Entry)

On Mondays, most museums and archaeological sites in Italy are also Closed.

If your chosen tour falls on a day when one or more attractions are closed and you are not able to switch to a different tour date, you can substitute the closed attractions with other suitable places, or choose a different tour with an itinerary that does not include attractions closed on your date.

Castel SantAngelo Top 10 Rome Tours and Shore Excursion FAQ Questions answered RomeCabs

9. Do we tip the Driver and our Tour Guide?

In Italy, tipping is not mandatory and is not included in the tour rates. However, if you are happy with the service provided by your Driver and Tour Guide, it is customary to leave a gratuity of around 10-15%, or an amount that feels appropriate based on the level of service you received.

Ultimately, the decision is yours, and you may choose to tip at your discretion, reflecting your satisfaction with the experience.

10. Can we choose our own restaurant for lunch during RomeCabs Tours?

Absolutely! We believe that lunch is a personal experience, so we leave the choice of restaurant up to you. While our tour prices don’t include lunch, we encourage you to select a dining option that suits your taste and preferences.

To maximize your sightseeing time, we recommend choosing a restaurant that’s conveniently located near the attractions you’ll be visiting around lunchtime. This will help ensure you spend less time traveling and more time enjoying Rome's iconic sights.

Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely sit-down meal at an upscale restaurant or a casual bite like pizza or a panini, your driver will be happy to offer recommendations tailored to your preferences, the area you’ll be in, and based on what past clients have enjoyed. Whatever you choose, we’ll ensure your lunch break enhances your Rome experience without wasting valuable time.

Italian Restaurants in Rome Top 10 Rome tours and Shore Excursions FAQ Questions Answered RomeCabs

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Thank you for visiting our Travel Blog and for choosing Stefano’s RomeCabs for your Day Tours from Rome and Shore Excursions from Italy’s main cruise ports.

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We invite you to browse through our website and find your ideal Day Tours and Shore Excursions.

We also invite you to visit our sister company Stefano Rome Tours for a wider variety of Italy Tours and Shore Excursions you will be sure to enjoy during your visit in Italy.

See you soon in Italy!

Stefano's RomeCabs Team