Best of Rome and Messina
Classical Rome Tour
The day begins with a journey from Civitavecchia to Rome, where you'll visit Vatican City, the seat of the Catholic Church. Upon arrival in Rome, you'll first see the entrance to Vatican City, which serves as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and is home to the Pope and a wealth of iconic art and architecture. Next, you'll proceed to the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica, allowing you to admire this Renaissance-style church from the outside. Following your visit to St. Peter's Basilica on St. Peter's Square, you'll have some free time to explore the Vatican souvenir shop and browse for gifts.
A view from the bus as it goes past the Tiberin Island, Trastevere, Circus Maximus and Palatin Hill, Caracalla Terme, Piramide, etc. Afterward, pause at the Colosseum. Proceeding from this point on, the walking tour will pass by the outside of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Venice Square, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Navona Square.
Your journey through Rome will take you past the historic Roman Forum, a site that dates back to the city's founding in 753 BCE on the Palatine Hill. Nearby, you'll find the Circus Maximus, an ancient arena where thrilling chariot races once took place. Measuring an impressive 2,037 feet (621 meters) in length, the Colosseum is undeniably a marvel to behold. Your guide will then lead you past the Capitoline Hill and the Victor Emmanuel Monument, also known as the Altare Della Patria. This monument was erected in honor of Victor Emmanuel, the first king of a unified Italy, and features a statue of the king on horseback. Nearby, you'll see the Palazzo di Venezia, which served as the office for Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, who delivered many of his speeches from its balcony, now named after him.
Next on the itinerary is a visit to one of Rome's most iconic symbols: the Colosseum. Constructed between 70 AD and 80 AD, the Colosseum holds the distinction of being one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Originally named the Amphitheatrum Flavium, or Flavian Amphitheater, it hosted gladiatorial contests, simulated naval battles, animal hunts, and even served as a venue for the execution of Christians. You will have opportunity to use your observation point to take breathtaking pictures of this Roman landmark.
Following your visit to the Colosseum, your group will embark on a walking tour led by your guide, passing by this iconic landmark. Continuing along Via dei Fori Imperiali, until you y reach Venice Square, where you'll admire the stunning National Monument Altar of the Fatherland, erected between 1885 and 1935 to honor Victor Emmanuel II. Your walking tour will proceed from here, taking you to Trevi Fountain for a brief lunch break (lunch not included). Afterward, you'll pass by the Pantheon and Navona Square, where you'll encounter masterpieces of art at every turn, offering you multiple perspectives from which to discover and appreciate the beauty of Rome.
After an enlightening visit to Rome, you'll enjoy a scenic drive back to Civitavecchia, rounding off your unforgettable excursion in Italy. Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the wonders of Rome - book your tour today!
Please Note: This tour does not include visits to the interiors of any attractions or landmarks. This tour is intended for guests arriving in Civitavecchia. While guests staying in hotels are always welcome, they are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the meeting location on the day of the tour. This tour is available in Spanish upon request. Please select your preferred language above when placing your booking. The tour may be presented in both English and Spanish. This tour can accommodate guests who are disembarking their cruise ship with luggage. You may bring luggage on this tour and leave it on the bus while touring. If you are disembarking your ship and do not wish to ride back to the cruise pier, the tour will end at the Justice Palace, Piazza dei Tribunali. All guests planning to return to the port should check with the guide for the shuttle's final departure time and location.
Best of Taormina
This luxurious Sicily tour starts with a 40 minute coastal drive in a luxury vehicle before arriing in Taormina. Once there, you have the flexibility to sightsee as you like as you explore this charming town on your own. Taormina, tucked onto a mountainside on the east coast of Sicily, is a chic, tourist-friendly resort town that also features medieval and ancient sites.
While sightseeing, you might want to visit the Teatro Greco, ruins of a theatre built in the 3rd century BC, or you can head to Piazza del Duomo, which features a medieval cathedral with an ornate fountain built in the 17th century.
This small group half day Taormina tour is available year round and departs from the Messina cruise ship terminal upon your ship's arrival.
Check the weather and dress for comfort on this tour. Light layers are suggested, and comfortable walking shoes are a must. Tickets for this tour do not include food, beverages, or entrance fees to museums or attractions. Snacks, however, will be available for purchase. Please note: this tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Please select your language preference for your tour. If a certain language is not available on the date you requested, an alternate language will be suggested.