Civitavecchia
Why Civitavecchia is special for cruisersDespite Civitavecchia's lack of tourist appeal, cruise ships flock to it because it's only one hour away by rail or road from Rome.
Rome's Top 5 attractions
Click blue links for my web pages
- Coliseum of Rome
- St. Peter's Basilica
- Vatican Museums includes Sistine Chapel
- Roman Forum
- Pantheon
Major travel attractions near Civitavecchia
Ostia Antiqua
Excavated Roman port city. Click Ostia Antiqua for my web page.
Villa d'Este
Centuries-old estate with elaborate gardens and fountains. Click Villa d'Este
More Civitavecchia tips & insights
Dress
Rome can be uncomfortably hot and humid in the summer. Dress accordingly. However, if you're going to St Peter's Basilica, don't wear clothing that exposes your shoulders, midriff, or above-the-knee legs. You may be turned away.
One-day itinerary limitation
Don't attempt to see too many attractions in a day. The experience would be hectic and superficial. If time is short, I suggest you at least visit the Coliseum and St. Peter's. Alternatively, concentrate on either the ancient Roman ruins (Coliseum and Roman Forum) or the Vatican (museums and St Peter's).
Vatican Museums
The Sistine Chapel is by far the Vatican Museums' brightest star. But also appreciate the world-superlative artistic treasures in the galleries before you reach the Sistine Chapel. Note: The Vatican Museums close on Mondays and various church holidays
Rome advice
Travel by train, not bus from Civitavecchia to Rome
Both methods usually take about one hour. However, the train is better because a bus sometimes gets caught in Rome's infamous traffic congestion.
Long lines in Rome
Ticket lines for the Coliseum of Rome and the Vatican Museums in the tourist season can be one, sometimes two hours long. Your best bet is to be among the first visitors in the morning. Alternatively, skip the line by pre-buying your tickets. You can do this in Rome or at home on the internet.
Italian cuisine
Rome has restaurants from every Italian area. Click Italian cuisine to learn about Italy's regional cuisines in my World Cuisine Guide.