Cruise Port Guide · Mediterranean
Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
Cruise ships for Rome dock in Civitavecchia, about 60 to 90 minutes from the city. In one day you can see Vatican City, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and the Colosseum, if you plan it well.
Rome at a glance
Our consultants who’ve been here
Amy & Allison
“All roads lead to Rome! This was the day my boys were most looking forward to, and my first time in Rome too.” – Amy
Our top picks in Rome
Our recommendations on what to see and do, based on our own experience in port.
St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City
Amy and Allison’s families booked a private tour, and their guide Giancarlo hustled them to Vatican City for 9 am. St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world, home to Michelangelo’s Pietà, and it’s free to enter. They waited less than 10 minutes, and when they came out 45 minutes later, the line was massive! They skipped the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, which need tickets and more time.
- Cost
- Free to enter the basilica
- Arrive
- As early as you can
- Amy’s wait
- Less than 10 minutes at 9 am
- Don’t miss
- Michelangelo’s Pietà
The Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is the largest fountain in Rome, with dramatic statues of the sea god Oceanus built right into a building. Recent renovations added viewing tiers, and the bottom level, where you can still toss a coin, now costs €2 per person. Legend says one coin means you’ll return to Rome, two means you’ll find love with a Roman, and three means you’ll marry them!
- Bottom level
- €2 per person
- Coin legend
- 1 coin = you’ll return to Rome
- Good for
- Photos and a wish
- Nearby
- The Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps and lunch
The Spanish Steps are a 135-step Baroque staircase built between 1723 and 1725, connecting Piazza di Spagna to the Trinità dei Monti church, and despite the name they were funded by a French diplomat! Amy’s group started at the top and walked down. For lunch they found a restaurant nearby with a whole gluten-free section of the menu, including a case of gluten-free desserts.
- Steps
- 135, built 1723 to 1725
- Tip
- Start at the top, walk down
- Lunch
- Gluten-free options nearby
- Also nearby
- A great little wine shop
The Colosseum
The photos of the Colosseum speak for themselves! Amy bought tickets for the arena floor, which gives you a view of the whole amphitheatre from where the gladiators once stood. With more time, she’d book the Underground Experience with a private guide, and her boys would have loved seeing even more.
- Amy’s ticket
- Arena floor access
- Next time
- The Underground Experience
- Book
- Timed tickets in advance
- Good for
- History lovers
A local market and deli
Their last stop was a local outdoor market Giancarlo knew, where Benjamin found a leather belt and they sampled limoncello. The real highlight was a little deli and cheese shop, where they bought soppressata. Oh my, it was so good! Amy grew up with her dad making homemade salami every winter, so it felt like home.
- Found by
- Their private guide
- Try
- Limoncello and soppressata
- Shop for
- Leather goods
- Why go
- A taste of local Rome
Read about Amy’s whole 12-day trip: 3 nights in Barcelona, a day in Sitges and a 7-night Harmony of the Seas cruise with Allison, port by port.
More ideas for your day in Rome
Popular things to do that we book for clients.
Castel Sant’AngeloThe fortress on the Tiber River, connected to the Vatican by the Passetto di Borgo, started as an ancient Roman tomb and later became a papal refuge, a prison and now a museum. It’s a quick, impressive photo stop near the Vatican.
Drink from a nasoneRome’s little drinking fountains, called nasoni, run with fresh, cold water all over the city. Giancarlo showed Amy how they work, and let’s just say she cooled off and her feet got soaked! Bring a refillable bottle.
Pizza in RomeOf course you’ll want pizza (and pasta) in Rome! Amy’s group found a restaurant near the Spanish Steps with a whole gluten-free section, so everyone could eat well. A good guide will know the best spots.
Know before you go
- Rome is far from the ship: Civitavecchia is 60 to 90 minutes from the city, so plan your day around the drive.
- Book a private driver: an air-conditioned van and a private guide made the day easy and stress-free. Ask us to set one up.
- You can’t do everything: Amy skipped the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, which need tickets and more time.
- Bring your passport: Passport valid for at least six months past your return date (the safest rule of thumb).
Rome FAQs
Quick answers for your day in port
How far is Rome from the Civitavecchia cruise port?
Rome’s city centre is about 60 to 90 minutes from Civitavecchia by car or train. With only one day, a private driver and guide is the easiest way to see the highlights and get back to the ship on time.
Is St. Peter’s Basilica free?
Yes, it’s free to enter. Go as early as you can: Amy’s group arrived at 9 am and waited less than 10 minutes, but the line was massive when they came out.
How much does it cost to toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain?
The new bottom viewing level, where you can still toss a coin, costs €2 per person.
Can you see Rome in one day from a cruise?
Yes, with a plan. Amy’s private tour covered the Vatican, Castel Sant’Angelo, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, lunch, the Colosseum and a local market.
Do I need a passport for a Mediterranean cruise?
Canadians must travel with a valid passport, and we recommend it be valid for at least six months past your return date. Some destinations only require three months, but six months is the safest rule of thumb.
Does it cost more to book a Mediterranean cruise with a travel agent?
No, there’s no fee to book a cruise with Travitude Travel Group. You get a consultant who has actually sailed these ports and can help with pre-cruise hotels, private tours and transfers.
Start planning
Ready for a Mediterranean cruise?
We’ve been there, and we’d love to help you plan every port, from tours and transfers to pre-cruise nights in Barcelona, including Rome.