Rome from Civitavecchia: Private Tour with Local Driver

Summary

See Rome’s highlights in one day with a local driver from your cruise

You’ll see Rome’s most famous sights in a single day—Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Square—with a friendly local driver who shares stories along the way. Includes pickup at your cruise ship and comfortable private transport. It’s an easy way to experience Rome’s energy and beauty before heading back to port—one of those days that lingers long after.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to spot the dome of St. Peter’s so early — just this pale blue morning haze and then, there it was, poking above the rooftops as our driver, Marco, pointed it out. He’d picked us up right at the cruise port in Civitavecchia (no stress about finding him; he waved like he’d known us for years). The drive into Rome felt like a slow reveal — first the sea smell, then traffic noise, then suddenly cobblestones under the tires. I kept craning my neck out the window because every corner seemed to have another statue or fountain I’d only seen in books.

Marco had stories for everything — like how Romans toss coins into Trevi Fountain with their right hand over their left shoulder (I tried, missed, laughed anyway). At Circus Maximus he described chariot races so vividly I almost heard horses thundering past. We didn’t go inside the Colosseum but walked around it; you can feel the roughness of those ancient stones if you run your hand along them (I did — they’re colder than you’d think). There were crowds but also these quiet pockets where you could just stand and listen to street musicians echoing off marble walls.

Lunch was on our own but Marco suggested a tiny place near Piazza del Popolo — I still remember the sharp smell of espresso mixing with tomato sauce from someone’s plate nearby. The whole day felt easygoing but full; we saw so much without ever feeling rushed. By late afternoon, back at St. Peter’s Square, sunlight hit the columns just right and everyone got quiet for a minute. That view sticks with me — not sure why exactly, maybe just because it felt like we’d really been there, not just passed through.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rome Highlights Tour

• View of Rome
• Visit Colosseum (external)
• See Circus Maximus
• Visit central square with Vittorio Emanuele II monument
• Visit Trevi Fountain
• Access Trinità dei Monti steps
• Pass by Piazza del Popolo
• Visit St. Peter's Square and St. Peter's Basilica (external)

Top questions

Is pickup included from Civitavecchia cruise port?

Yes, pickup at your cruise ship is included in the tour.

Do we go inside the Colosseum on this tour?

No, it’s an external visit around the Colosseum; no entry ticket required.

Is this Rome tour customizable?

Yes, you can customize stops based on your preferences with your driver.

How long does it take to get from Civitavecchia to Rome?

The drive usually takes about 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic.

Are lunch or entry fees included?

No meals or entry tickets are included; lunch is on your own.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

Will we be back at our ship on time?

Yes, return time is agreed upon so you’re back before departure.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with pickup directly at your cruise ship in Civitavecchia and drop-off back at port after exploring Rome’s top sights with a local English-speaking driver as your guide along the way.