Escape the crowded cruise line tours on this exclusive Best of Rome shore excursion. With an average tour size of only 15 people (and no more than 30) you will enjoy a very personalized experience that differs greatly from the 50 plus person tours offered by the cruise lines.

Your tour begins when you are met at the cruise terminal. Here you will climb aboard your air conditioned vehicle for the 80 minute drive to Rome. As you drive from the coast into the city, you will watch as the flat coastal area disappears and you gradually climb up through farms and orchards to reach the City of Seven Hills. Upon arrival in Rome, you will drive to the city’s highlights. Since you are traveling in a small vehicle you will be able to get much closer to the city’s highlights.

When you arrive in Rome you will first see Capitoline Hill located between the Forum and the Campus Martius. Capitoline Hill is one of the seven famous hills of Rome. It was the citadel of the earliest Romans and contains several ancient ground-level ruins and Medieval and Renaissance palaces and the Victor Emanuel Monument . This significant urban plan was designed by Michelangelo.

Next you will visit the symbol of the Eternal City, the Roman Colosseum where you will tour the outside of this masterpiece of classical architecture. The Colosseum is one of the most recognized monuments of ancient Rome where gladiators, Christians and wild beasts once battled to the death in front of 50,000 spectators. Outside the Colosseum, you will have approximately 40 minutes free time to see some of the ruins of the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient Rome. The imposing triumphal Arch of Titus was erected in AD 81 by the Emperor Domitian in honor of the victories in battle of his brother and father in Judea.

Departing the Colosseum area, you will be driven by Palatine Hill, Circus Maximus, and the Thermal Baths of Caracalla on your way to the old section of Rome. First you will visit the Trevi Fountain. Walking from your transportation, you will walk through the narrow twisting streets to the Trevi Fountain, named after the area of Rome where it is found. The fountain stands 85 feet high, 65 feet wide, and is the largest Baroque fountain in the city. A traditional legend holds that if visitors throw a coin with one's right hand over one's left shoulder into the Trevi Fountain, they are ensured a return to Rome. You will also visit the Pantheon, an excellent example of ancient Roman architecture. It was built in 126 AD as temple to all the gods of Ancient Rome. If time permits, you will also see Navano and Farnese Squares.

Time will be taken for a quick lunch on your own.

Your driver will next take you world famous Vatican City. Along the way you will see the Castel of the Angels and Bernini's Bridge of the Angels. Here you will have free time to visit St Peter's Square, St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world, or browse for souvenirs. Inside the church, you will have the opportunity to see many of the fine pieces of art and mosaics on display such as Michelangelo's "Pieta" and the beautifully carved Bernini Pulpit. Since St. Peter’s is extremely popular please be aware that you may encounter lines to enter the Basilica.

After your visit to St Peters, you will be driven back to your ship pier.

Please Note: Given the traffic in Rome, the itinerary may vary according to local conditions. If less than 9 people are on your tour you will travel in a small vehicle with excellent access to all sights and your tour will be led by a guide who is also your driver. If more than 9 people are on your tour, you will have a driver to Rome where you will meet your guide for the guided portion of the tour.