Exclusive Best of Rome History Tour

Escape the crowded cruise line tours on this exclusive Best of Rome shore excursion. Your Civitavecchia 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.

When you arrive in Rome, you will take a walking tour through the old city to Piazza Navona through the narrow, winding streets: the most stunning baroque square, complete with the stunning Bernini fountain. The Pantheon, a fine example of ancient Roman architecture (outside visit), will be our next stop. Built as a temple in Ancient Rome in the year A.D.126. Your walk will end at Trevi Fountain. It is said that a visitor will return to Rome if they throw a coin with their right hand over their left shoulder into the Fountain. Enjoy free time to eat lunch or enjoy the scenery.

The walking tour continues past Piazza Venezia, where the monument known as Il Vittoriano is dedicated to King Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of Italy. You will pass through the Forum of Trajan, the Forum of Augustus, and the Forum of Nerva on the famous Via dei Fori Imperiali before reaching the Colosseum. Parts of these forums can be seen on both sides of the road.

Next you will visit the Roman Colosseum (entrance to Colosseum included), a landmark of the Eternal City, will be on display. The Colosseum, where Christians, wild animals, and gladiators once fought to the death in front of 50,000 spectators, is one of ancient Rome's most well-known landmarks. The triumphal Arch of Titus was built nearby by Emperor Domitian in A.D. 81 to commemorate his brother and father's victories in battle in Judea.

The next stop is to the world-famous Vatican City after our stop at the Colosseum.The Castel of the Angels and Bernini's Bridge of the Angels can be seen on the way. You will have approximately 45 minutes of free time at St. Peter's Square. Please be aware that there may be lines to enter the Basilica because St. Peter's is very popular. You will be driven back to Civitavecchia after your trip to St. Peter's.

Please note: The itinerary may change depending on local conditions because of Rome's traffic. At all locations, crowds are to be expected, and lines to enter St. Peter's Basilica may last more than an hour. Your tour will be led by a local representative who also serves as your driver if there are fewer than nine people on it. You will travel in a small vehicle.