Cruise Excursions from Civitavecchia
Private shore excursions designed around your ship’s schedule, with a clear return-to-port plan.
We’ve created two “Rome in a Day” versions because they’re the most commonly requested: a Driving programme (includes the Vatican Museums) and a Walking-focused programme (no Vatican Museums).
If you’d like a different mix of sites, interior visits, or pacing, we can tailor a custom itinerary — but these two are the easiest way to book quickly online.
Choose the style that best suits your day…
Rome in a Day – Private Shore Excursion (Driving)
A private driver plus a licensed guide, built for cruise timing. Efficient transfers between areas, with short, easy walks at each stop.
- Private round-trip transfers from Civitavecchia port
- Ancient Rome: timed entry to the Colosseum. Roman Forum + Palatine Hill are usually an overview from outside (inside visit only if time/queues allow).
- Historic Centre highlights by vehicle with photo stops (e.g., Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Pantheon exterior, Spanish Steps area, Piazza Venezia)
- Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapel (always included in this version)
- St Peter’s Basilica included in the Driving version only, when open (may close without notice).
- Day pacing planned around your ship’s all-aboard time
- Pantheon interior (timed entry): optional add-on at checkout (€5 adult; under 18 free).
Full tour description (click to expand)
Your private driver meets you at Civitavecchia port and brings you into Rome. Your licensed guide joins you in the city and stays with you for the guided programme, while your driver remains on standby for efficient movement between areas.
This version is designed for guests who want to include the Vatican Museums in a single day. The day typically combines Ancient Rome, key Historic Centre highlights with short photo stops, and the Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapel.
Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapel are always included in this version. St Peter’s Basilica is included when open (as it is a working church and may close without notice).
Because entry is strictly timed, the order can vary — the goal is always to maximise what you see while keeping a comfortable pace and ensuring you return to port on time.
Roman Forum + Palatine Hill note:
On cruise days we usually cover the Forum and Palatine as an overview from a panoramic viewpoint, which keeps the schedule realistic alongside timed entries. If you’d like a longer inside visit, please request a customised version in advance and we’ll plan it around the day’s reservations.
Pantheon interior (optional):
Timed-entry tickets can be added at checkout (€5 per adult; under 18 free). We’ll reserve a time slot in advance, but please note that on some days entry can still be poorly managed on-site and there may be a wait even with reservations.
If there’s a queue, your group can choose to wait (which may mean dropping another stop) or we can keep the day on track and enjoy the Pantheon from outside.
Rome in a Day – See-It-All (Walking Shore Excursion)
Designed for travellers who want a more walk-focused day, staying concentrated around the historic core with minimal time lost to logistics.
- Transfer from Civitavecchia port to Rome and back
- Ancient Rome: timed entry to the Colosseum area (Colosseum + Roman Forum + Palatine Hill)
- Historic Centre walking route covering major icons (e.g., Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Pantheon exterior, Campo de’ Fiori area, Spanish Steps area)
- No Vatican Museums / no Basilica entry in this version
- Built around cruise timing with a clear return-to-port plan
- Pantheon interior (timed entry): optional add-on at checkout (€5 adult; under 18 free).
Full tour description (click to expand)
Your private driver meets you at Civitavecchia port and brings you into Rome, then collects you again later for the return transfer to the ship.
In Rome, this is a walking-focused day designed for travellers who want to concentrate on Ancient Rome and the Historic Centre with minimal time lost to logistics. Expect a well-paced route with major icons and viewpoints, plus a clear return-to-port plan.
This version does not include the Vatican Museums or St Peter’s Basilica entry. If you’d like Vatican Museums included, please choose the Driving version or contact us for a customised itinerary.
Because entry is strictly timed, the order can vary — the aim is always the same: maximise what you see while keeping the day smooth and getting you back to port on time.
Pantheon interior (optional):
Timed-entry tickets can be added at checkout (€5 per adult; under 18 free). We’ll reserve a time slot in advance, but please note that on some days entry can still be poorly managed on-site and there may be a wait even with reservations.
If there’s a queue, your group can choose to wait (which may mean dropping another stop) or we can keep the day on track and enjoy the Pantheon from outside.
Not sure which shore excursion fits your docking times?
Tell us your ship, date, group size, and priorities — and we’ll recommend the best version (or suggest a custom plan if needed).
Not sure about disembarkation timing? Tell us your docking time and we’ll recommend a realistic pickup time.
No pressure, just friendly planning.
Pricing
All prices in EUR. Private tour. No hidden fees.
Prices shown are for 1–2 people (driver + expert guide + entry tickets where included).
| Rome in a Day – Private Shore Excursion (Driving) | Rome in a Day – See-It-All (Walking Shore Excursion) | |
| Base Fee (2 pax): | €1,775 | €1,450 |
| Additional Adult: | €125 | €75 |
| Additional Child: | €75 | €45 |
| Infants: | Free | Free |
Pantheon interior (optional): timed-entry tickets can be added during booking — €5 per adult (18+). Under 18: free (still requires a timed ticket).
Please note: even with timed tickets, there can occasionally be a wait due to on-site crowd management.
Up to 7 guests can travel together in one van.
For larger groups, two-van logistics, or a customised itinerary, please message us and we’ll confirm the best plan and final total.
Notes on Pricing:
These two options cover the most common requests and are designed for smooth logistics with timed entries.
If you’d like a different mix of sites, interior visits, or a different pacing style, we can customise the itinerary — we’ll confirm what’s feasible and any price difference before you pay.
Why this shore excursion works well
- Private experience built around cruise timing (docking time + return-to-ship deadline)
- Efficient logistics: driver on standby so you minimise wasted time moving between areas
- Licensed guide in Rome so you get proper context at the key sites (not just photo stops)
- Timed, named entry reservations where required — planned to keep the day realistic and smooth
- Clear contingency planning for traffic, security checks, and Basilica closures
What’s possible on request
- A different mix of sites (or swapping the Vatican Museums out entirely)
- A longer inside walk-through of the Roman Forum + Palatine Hill (requested in advance as a customised itinerary).
- Interior visits where feasible (subject to timed availability)
- Two vans for larger groups
- Mobility-friendly pacing where possible (please tell us in advance)
- Earlier/later pacing to match your ship’s schedule
What’s included
- Round-trip private transfers between Civitavecchia cruise port and Rome
- Private driver on standby in Rome for efficient movement between areas (driving version)
- Private guided programme in Rome (planned around your cruise timing)
- Timed entry reservations where included in the chosen version
- Roman Forum + Palatine Hill: usually an overview from outside on cruise days (inside visit only if time/queues allow).
- Pantheon stop (exterior view) included in both versions (interior entry is optional)
- Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapel included in the Driving version only
- St Peter’s Basilica included in the Driving version only, when open (may close without notice).
- St Peter’s Basilica included from outside – in St Peter’s Square – in the walking version.
Optional add-on: Pantheon interior timed-entry ticket (selected at checkout)
Want a different mix of sites, or need to work around specific ship timings? We can tailor a private shore excursion for you — just contact us and we’ll customise the plan.
Not Included
- Lunch, snacks, and personal purchases
- Gratuities (optional)
- Any visits not listed in the selected version
- Pantheon interior entry (optional add-on via timed ticket)
- Extended Roman Forum + Palatine Hill visit (available on request as a customised itinerary).
Important notes
- Port pickup timing: Cruise docking time is not the same as being ready on the pier. To avoid wasted driver time and protect your day in Rome (timed entries sell out), we typically schedule pickup around 90 minutes after docking. If you have an assigned, guaranteed disembarkation time, tell us and we’ll plan around it.
- Entry at major sites is by named, timed reservation tickets. You enter at your assigned time; the only lines are standard security checks.
- All guests must bring ORIGINAL photo ID (passport, driver’s licence, or official national ID). Names on tickets must match the ID shown. Middle names are not required.
- The final order of visits can vary depending on timed entries, traffic, and your ship’s schedule — the goal is always the same: maximise what you see and return to port on time.
- St Peter’s Basilica is a working church and may close without notice for liturgical events or security reasons. If access isn’t possible, we’ll adjust the plan accordingly.
- Pantheon is visited from outside (no interior entry) unless requested as a customised itinerary.
How customisation works
After you request your date, we’ll confirm the plan around your ship’s schedule and the timed entries available.
We will:
- Confirm feasibility for your chosen version (Driving or Walking)
- Confirm your docking time / all-aboard time and any must-see priorities
- Collect first + last names exactly as shown on the ID each person will bring (middle names not required), plus a mobile number for day-of contact
- Finalise the timings and meeting instructions at the cruise port
We’ll confirm the total price before you pay.
FAQs
Where exactly do we meet at the cruise port?
Your driver will meet you directly at the Civitavecchia cruise terminal exit, in the arrivals area for your ship.
Why is port pickup usually 90 minutes after docking?
After a ship docks, disembarkation is staggered and can take time, and the “arrival time” shown on cruise itineraries doesn’t always mean you’re immediately allowed off. We therefore plan pickup around 90 minutes after docking to protect the touring time you’ve paid for and to reduce the risk of missing timed-entry reservations in Rome. If you have a confirmed, guaranteed time you’ll be on the pier, we can schedule pickup accordingly.
What happens if the ship docks late or there are delays?
We build the day around your ship’s schedule and keep a clear return-to-port plan.
If there’s a delay (late docking, slow disembarkation, etc.), we’ll adjust the itinerary on the day to protect the essentials and your return-to-ship deadline.
If you miss a timed entry due to a delay, the venue’s ticket rules apply (timed tickets are generally non-refundable and non-changeable once issued).
Do we go inside the Roman Forum?
On the Walking shore excursion: yes — we typically start with the Roman Forum and then continue to the Colosseum.
On the Driving shore excursion: usually no — it’s generally an overview stop rather than a full walk-through. On cruise days, entry lines can be unpredictable, so we prioritise protecting the timed entries (Colosseum / Pantheon if added / Vatican Museums / Basilica). If time allows and lines are light, we can decide on the day to do a brief entry.
If you’d like a longer Roman Forum walk-through on the Driving tour, please request a customised itinerary so we can plan timings accordingly.
Can we add Pantheon entry?
Yes — you can add Pantheon interior timed-entry tickets at checkout (€5 per adult; under 18 free). We’ll reserve a time slot in advance, but please note that on some days entry can still involve a wait even with reservations. If there’s a queue on the day, your group can either wait (reducing time elsewhere) or keep the schedule on track and enjoy the Pantheon from outside.
Do we “skip the line”?
The term is outdated. In Rome, entry is by named, timed-reservation tickets — you enter at your scheduled time. The only line is a standard security check, similar to an airport scan.
What vehicle do we use?
A comfortable, air-conditioned van (NCC) suitable for your party size. Child seats/boosters are available on request—please tell us ages/weights in advance.
Is the Vatican Museums included?
Only in the Driving version. If you prefer to skip the Vatican Museums, book the Walking option or contact us for a custom itinerary.
Is St Peter’s Basilica included?
In the Driving version, yes, when open. It’s a working church and can close without notice for liturgical events or security reasons. If it’s closed, we’ll adjust the itinerary on the day.
In the Walking version, St Peter’s Basilica is not visited inside — we visit St Peter’s Square for an exterior view.
Is the Pantheon included?
The Pantheon is included as an exterior stop (no interior entry) in both options.
Can we customise the day?
Yes — these two versions cover the most common requests for easy booking, but we can tailor a custom itinerary if you want different sites or pacing.
For driving tours, do we have a dedicated guide inside the sites?
Yes — you have a private driver and an expert guide with you for the entire tour.
What about lunch?
Lunch isn’t included.
We’ll plan a flexible stop based on your timing and preferences (quick sit-down, casual café, or something easy between sites), and we’ll keep it realistic so it doesn’t compromise timed entries or your return to port.
Can we bring luggage?
Driving version: Yes — small luggage and day bags are fine, as long as everything fits comfortably in the vehicle.
Walking version: No — please travel light. There’s no secure place to store luggage during the tour, and large bags aren’t permitted inside major sites. Bring only a small day bag.
What IDs do we need?
When tickets are required, each visitor must bring original photo ID (passport, driver’s licence, or national ID). First and last names on tickets must match the ID presented.
How do we book and pay?
Send a request for your preferred date and tour. We’ll confirm guide/driver availability and secure any required tickets; once confirmed, we’ll send the payment link. Nothing is charged until we confirm the plan and entries.
Are tips expected?
Tipping in Italy is discretionary. If you feel your guide/driver delivered outstanding service, a small, optional thank-you is appreciated—but it’s never required.
