CIVITAVECCHIA

This place with an unpronounceable name [chivitavekia] is the closest port to the city of Rome.Port of call for some cruise ships, Civitavecchia is known for being used by non european companies like RCCL, Princess, Celebrity Cruises... as starting port of most cruise ships operating in the Eastern Mediterranean (Greek islands and routes of ancient civilizations). Italian companies use Savona, Venezia and Genoa as homeports (for Costa Cruises and MSC, respectively)
 

PORT emblematic image

Civitavecchia itself has almost nothing to visit, so the decision,if you have this port in your route, is clear: stay onboard or go to Rome. My opinion is clear, a city like Rome is worth a visit whenever you have the opportunity

OFFICIAL TOURS: All tours of Rome are expensive (around € 100) because it includes transfer from Civitavecchia to Rome (one hour or more). They have the advantage that groups have preference in admission to museums and tickets are included in the price, so you do not have to worry about anything.A good alternative in the official tour list is "Rome on your own" (around the € 30-40 pp), which includes only the Civitavecchia-Rome transfer. The bus drops you at the Gianicolo terminal, a bus parking next to Piazza St. Pedro.

ALTERNATIVES: Taking a train to Termini has the disadvantage that you have to get to the station of Civitavecchia on your own. You can also take a taxi from Civitavecchia to Rome (negotiating the price), but it will be more expensive than previous options.

If you travel with friends you can contact one of the Italian transfer companies. They have fixed price (I used one for the transfer of Rome to the port and airport and they were very professional).

ROME: In Conciliazione there's a Tourist Bus stop with three different lines: red, blue and green. They have similar routes. Tickets can be purchased next to the Bus stop with prices between 20€ -25€.

If you've chosen to go on your own, the following circuit will allow you to walk, have time for shopping, eating at a pizzeria, take a Gelato and visit most of the wonders of Rome, depending on the time available to get back to the bus.

This route will take you through Conciliazione, Castel St. Angelo, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and ...

1 OPTION: Piazza Venezia, Campo di Fiore, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, Piazza Navona (shopping or eat late) and Conciliazione.

2 OPTION: Tritone, Piazza Spagna, Piazza del Popolo, Corso, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, Piazza Navona (shopping) and Conciliazione.

IF YOU WALK FAST: Try Tritone, Piazza Spagna, Piazza del Popolo, Corso, Piazza Venezia, Campo di Fiore, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, Piazza Navona and Conciliazione.

WHERE TO EAT: Near the Trevi Fountain (Il Chianti or Piccolo Buco) or at Piazza Navona (anywhere). Assuming that any site in Rome is expensive I recommend Piccolo Buco (good quality/price relation). It's a family business with friendly people (Crostini, two pizzas and a bottle of chianti for 50€).

SHOPPING: To purchase Vatican or Paul II souvenirs go to Conciliazione, but not even think about a coffee there. It may be the most expensive cappuccino you have taken in your life ... For other souvenirs you'll find in the way to Trevi many shops.

EMBARKING IN CIVITAVECCHIA: Civitavecchia can be reached from Rome by train or taxi from Termini (negotiating price). If you are on time and with little baggage, take a train. Schedule information is internet. Civitavecchia terminal has two parts. Pier 11 and Pier 25 are on opposite sides of the port (if you go on a cruise with large tonnage it'll be most likely at Pier 25). Ask the port authorities to avoid ending up in the wrong side.