Best of Rome Excursion

[Donna3271]

Hi All,
Has anyone done this excursion? I've been to Rome a few times and have been to these landmarks, but my girls have not. I see it does not guarantee admission to St. Peters, and no internal tour of the colosseum. I want them to see this. I am afraid of booking a private tour due to the proximity of the port, and not getting back in time. Any insight would be appreciated.

TY!

 

[auntlynne]

People have been doing private excursions for years with great success.

Rome (much of Europe) is getting more popular for tourists. You definitely want to start looking at which sites require advance ticketing.

We visited the Forum, years ago, and I recently saw a video showing it as needing pre-planning.

We did a DIY with train, subway, and feet on our DCL cruise. But I am not sure that would be as easy now. We skipped the inside of the Coliseum and did not attempt anything in Vatican City. I was happy with what we accomplished in a day, with many fountains in plazas, the Pantheon, the Forum, seeing the Coliseum as the modern traffic went around it, visited a Disney Store (true), had lunch al fresco and saw a bunch of beautiful carved marble.

If you can find anything that offers front-of the line access, RT transport from Civitavecchia and around Rome at a decent price, go for it.

Definitely prioritize what you want to see. And realize you do what Romans do while there, but you can’t do it all in a day. It took longer than that to build it - and see it.

 

[JAM9842]

We did this tour last year. I honestly don’t know if I would recommend it. Our tour guide was very late when we got into the city so all day we were running behind. Sometimes we would have plenty of time at a stop while other times we were extremely rushed and barely had time to do anything. We did get to see everything but the guide kept telling us we might not so we didn’t know. I was nervous about doing something on our own because of the distance from the port. Our tour did get back to the ship later than the scheduled time because of unexpected traffic so for that I was glad we were on a DCL tour and knew we wouldn’t get left behind.

 

[Donna3271]

People have been doing private excursions for years with great success.

Rome (much of Europe) is getting more popular for tourists. You definitely want to start looking at which sites require advance ticketing.

We visited the Forum, years ago, and I recently saw a video showing it as needing pre-planning.

We did a DIY with train, subway, and feet on our DCL cruise. But I am not sure that would be as easy now. We skipped the inside of the Coliseum and did not attempt anything in Vatican City. I was happy with what we accomplished in a day, with many fountains in plazas, the Pantheon, the Forum, seeing the Coliseum as the modern traffic went around it, visited a Disney Store (true), had lunch al fresco and saw a bunch of beautiful carved marble.

If you can find anything that offers front-of the line access, RT transport from Civitavecchia and around Rome at a decent price, go for it.

Definitely prioritize what you want to see. And realize you do what Romans do while there, but you can’t do it all in a day. It took longer than that to build it - and see it.

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Thank you so much for this! I am starting to think I should change the cruise to the one that leaves from Rome to spend several days either before or after. I want my girls to get a full experience. The pictures are great!!! Thank you again! You are always most helpful to everyone, and I enjoy reading your posts! HUGS! Donna

 

[Donna3271]

We did this tour last year. I honestly don’t know if I would recommend it. Our tour guide was very late when we got into the city so all day we were running behind. Sometimes we would have plenty of time at a stop while other times we were extremely rushed and barely had time to do anything. We did get to see everything but the guide kept telling us we might not so we didn’t know. I was nervous about doing something on our own because of the distance from the port. Our tour did get back to the ship later than the scheduled time because of unexpected traffic so for that I was glad we were on a DCL tour and knew we wouldn’t get left behind.

THANKS FOR THIS!!! Did you get inside St. Peter's? I love the Colosseum and have told my daughters about the cats. So not going inside would be upsetting.

 

[JAM9842]

THANKS FOR THIS!!! Did you get inside St. Peter's? I love the Colosseum and have told my daughters about the cats. So not going inside would be upsetting.

We did get inside as our last thing but all day long the guide kept saying he didn’t think we would make it so we did not know. We arrived almost an hour past our time slot and he had to talk to the people working there and they finally agreed to let us enter.

 

[Donna3271]

We did get inside as our last thing but all day long the guide kept saying he didn’t think we would make it so we did not know. We arrived almost an hour past our time slot and he had to talk to the people working there and they finally agreed to let us enter.

Thank you for this.

 

[msmama]

We did it several years ago. You don't mention the ages of your children, I had a young teenager (I think he was 13 at the time) and it was A LOT (for both of us). Like, I think we were both in tears at the colosseum at one point.

I think St. Peters is always a maybe because you never really know when it'll be in use for something else. That said, we were able to go in, but on our own, without our guide because "unofficial tours" weren't allowed, though he did answer questions when asked.

The colosseum was our last stop and while it should've been the most exciting part for us, we were just so tired, and it was so hot, and so crowded, it wasn't as great as it should've been.

That said...Rome was the day after we'd climbed Mt. Vesuvius and visited Pompeii so we were already pretty tired, and even though it was brutal, I'd do it again in a heart beat. I learned that if I ever go back to Rome, it'd be in the off season. I wouldn't want to deal with heat and crowds again. I'm glad we did it all but it really was checking stuff of a list rather than really experiencing things (and I happen to think both ways are just as valid). We did the cruise from Barcelona so spent several days in Barcelona after so it's a bit of give and take - I saw more of one place than another.

Also, the day after we did a full day in Florence/Pisa and after 3 full days we ended up cancelling our last excursion (it was supposed to be to Monaco, but Disney changed it because of the grand prix so they let us cancel with no penalties).

So, that's all a long winded way of saying I think it's great if you go in knowing the limitations and that it will be hot and crowded.

 

[Donna3271]

We did it several years ago. You don't mention the ages of your children, I had a young teenager (I think he was 13 at the time) and it was A LOT (for both of us). Like, I think we were both in tears at the colosseum at one point.

I think St. Peters is always a maybe because you never really know when it'll be in use for something else. That said, we were able to go in, but on our own, without our guide because "unofficial tours" weren't allowed, though he did answer questions when asked.

The colosseum was our last stop and while it should've been the most exciting part for us, we were just so tired, and it was so hot, and so crowded, it wasn't as great as it should've been.

That said...Rome was the day after we'd climbed Mt. Vesuvius and visited Pompeii so we were already pretty tired, and even though it was brutal, I'd do it again in a heart beat. I learned that if I ever go back to Rome, it'd be in the off season. I wouldn't want to deal with heat and crowds again. I'm glad we did it all but it really was checking stuff of a list rather than really experiencing things (and I happen to think both ways are just as valid). We did the cruise from Barcelona so spent several days in Barcelona after so it's a bit of give and take - I saw more of one place than another.

Also, the day after we did a full day in Florence/Pisa and after 3 full days we ended up cancelling our last excursion (it was supposed to be to Monaco, but Disney changed it because of the grand prix so they let us cancel with no penalties).

So, that's all a long winded way of saying I think it's great if you go in knowing the limitations and that it will be hot and crowded.

Thanks. They are 19 (twins). All the times I've been to Rome have been in the fall, so I did not think of the heat. I think I may switch instead of leaving out if Barcelona to Rome so I can spend several days with them there.

Thank you so so much for your copious reply!

 

[Mommb]

If you use an experienced, well-known company, you should be able to book a private excursion and get back to the ship in time. We have used Rome in Limo and Joe Banana tours in Italy, and our drivers clearly kept in touch with their offices to be aware of any travel delays or issues. We were able to see much more with a private tour than we would have in a large group, constantly waiting for everyone to be present before we could move to another location. We were in an air-conditioned car in between stops. Because drivers in Italy are just that, not guides, we also booked a private guide at the Vatican (on Rome in Limo's recommendation) which improved our experience considerably. On the day we did that tour, we saw the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Coliseum, and a few other places, and had a pizza lunch at a low-key restaurant. We were back on the ship at least an hour before departure, and we were exhausted.

There is a lot to do in Rome. If you are able to adjust your itinerary to start or end in Rome so you can spend a few days there, that would allow you to see the highlights without feeling rushed.

 

[Donna3271]

If you use an experienced, well-known company, you should be able to book a private excursion and get back to the ship in time. We have used Rome in Limo and Joe Banana tours in Italy, and our drivers clearly kept in touch with their offices to be aware of any travel delays or issues. We were able to see much more with a private tour than we would have in a large group, constantly waiting for everyone to be present before we could move to another location. We were in an air-conditioned car in between stops. Because drivers in Italy are just that, not guides, we also booked a private guide at the Vatican (on Rome in Limo's recommendation) which improved our experience considerably. On the day we did that tour, we saw the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Coliseum, and a few other places, and had a pizza lunch at a low-key restaurant. We were back on the ship at least an hour before departure, and we were exhausted.

There is a lot to do in Rome. If you are able to adjust your itinerary to start or end in Rome so you can spend a few days there, that would allow you to see the highlights without feeling rushed.

Thanks Momma,
I heard of Joe Banana. I want them to see the Pantheon and Catecombs. I think I am switching the date. TUSM for your response.

 

[auntlynne]

@Donna3271 - if I could start my trip in Italy, I would probably schedule a day or two in Florence and the same in Rome. Just waking up and being in the city would be a better experience than traveling 1-2 hours and then making sure you are back to the ship in time.

It was not an option for us, as we did B2B with the Transatlantic to Europe. I knew every city would just get an overview or highlight experience. I still would love to see Florence and Venice.

If you’ve got the time and money, it’s wonderful to get more than a single port day in some of these famous places. Where one day in Pisa or Pompeii covered by interest to walk where my Dad or Granddad had been. (Going back to just after WWI for Pompeii).

And so agree to schedule it with cooler weather and lower crowds. Never do Europe in August when the Continent is on holiday. We were late April / early May and it was already getting hot. Our crowds weren’t bad, but this was before everyone prioritized travel in their budgets/ lives.

I’d say any recommendations from @Mommb, @Calantha, or @brentm77 are advice I’d take.

 

[Donna3271]

@Donna3271 - if I could start my trip in Italy, I would probably schedule a day or two in Florence and the same in Rome. Just waking up and being in the city would be a better experience than traveling 1-2 hours and then making sure you are back to the ship in time.

It was not an option for us, as we did B2B with the Transatlantic to Europe. I knew every city would just get an overview or highlight experience. I still would love to see Florence and Venice.

If you’ve got the time and money, it’s wonderful to get more than a single port day in some of these famous places. Where one day in Pisa or Pompeii covered by interest to walk where my Dad or Granddad had been. (Going back to just after WWI for Pompeii).

And so agree to schedule it with cooler weather and lower crowds. Never do Europe in August when the Continent is on holiday. We were late April / early May and it was already getting hot. Our crowds weren’t bad, but this was before everyone prioritized travel in their budgets/ lives.

I’d say any recommendations from @Mommb, @Calantha, or @brentm77 are advice I’d take.

TY Auntynne,
last time I was there we rented a condo near Vatican City and took the train to Florence and Naples. I may do that again for a few days before the ship departs. I appreciate all of your advice!!!

 

[MrMagoo]

I think you would be very wise to switch to leaving from Rome. As you know, there is SOOO much to see there!! A day does not do it justice.

Keep in mind I have read that they are thinking of limiting the crowds at the Trevi Fountain. They already limit the crowds other places also.

As for tours, we used LivTours ( https://livtours.com/) and had admissions included. Had great tours with them. We just wished we would have allowed more time for Rome. We only spent 3 nights in Rome before our cruise and one night after so 4 nights total and it wasn't enough.

We did take the high speed train to Venice for a day and enjoyed that but it did take time away from time we could have spent in Rome.

 

[Donna3271]

I think you would be very wise to switch to leaving from Rome. As you know, there is SOOO much to see there!! A day does not do it justice.

Keep in mind I have read that they are thinking of limiting the crowds at the Trevi Fountain. They already limit the crowds other places also.

As for tours, we used LivTours ( https://livtours.com/) and had admissions included. Had great tours with them. We just wished we would have allowed more time for Rome. We only spent 3 nights in Rome before our cruise and one night after so 4 nights total and it wasn't enough.

We did take the high speed train to Venice for a day and enjoyed that but it did take time away from time we could have spent in Rome.

OK, you convinced me. I am going to switch. I've been all over Europe and to Rome several times, but never made it to Barcelona (hence choosing this cruise). I'll have to do that on another trip. I want my girls to experience Rome.

TY! I'll check the tour out! Great info!!! I've taken the train before, but with my daughters, it may be too much for them (they would be so bored)!

 

[o&smom]

Thank you so much for this! I am starting to think I should change the cruise to the one that leaves from Rome to spend several days either before or after. I want my girls to get a full experience. The pictures are great!!! Thank you again! You are always most helpful to everyone, and I enjoy reading your posts! HUGS! Donna

Ooh, yes! We had three days in Rome prior to our cruise in summer 2023. We had done the best of Rome tour on our stop in 2010. We did go inside the Colosseum and St Peter’s. It was an amazing and very busy day. In 2023 we booked small group tours on separate days for the Vatican and colosseum. We were able to climb the stairs to the dome of St Peter’s, but it limited time spent in St. Peter’s. We were able to get a tour that included the floor of the colosseum. Lot’s of people who booked that tour ended up not being able to go on the floor. Not sure how we lucked out. After our very busy days in Rome, my husband and I discussed how amazing our original tour had been to see so much of the places that we visited on separate days. Hope your daughters enjoy their time in Rome!

 

[Donna3271]

Ooh, yes! We had three days in Rome prior to our cruise in summer 2023. We had done the best of Rome tour on our stop in 2010. We did go inside the Colosseum and St Peter’s. It was an amazing and very busy day. In 2023 we booked small group tours on separate days for the Vatican and colosseum. We were able to climb the stairs to the dome of St Peter’s, but it limited time spent in St. Peter’s. We were able to get a tour that included the floor of the colosseum. Lot’s of people who booked that tour ended up not being able to go on the floor. Not sure how we lucked out. After our very busy days in Rome, my husband and I discussed how amazing our original tour had been to see so much of the places that we visited on separate days. Hope your daughters enjoy their time in Rome!

Thank you for your response and the great info!!

 

[o&smom]

Thank you for your response and the great info!!

After our first visit, my husband has talked about spending a month in Rome after we retire. I was like...maybe a couple of weeks. After our last visit, I am totally in agreement, but it won’t be in summer. Having time to just roam the streets was amazing. So many historical monuments that you are aware of, but just so much more that you would find while exploring. Can’t wait to stay a month! Enjoy your trip with your girls!

 

[Donna3271]

After our first visit, my husband has talked about spending a month in Rome after we retire. I was like...maybe a couple of weeks. After our last visit, I am totally in agreement, but it won’t be in summer. Having time to just roam the streets was amazing. So many historical monuments that you are aware of, but just so much more that you would find while exploring. Can’t wait to stay a month! Enjoy your trip with your girls!

We rented a condo near Vatican City. It was awesome. TY!

 

[o&smom]

We rented an apartment across the street from the Piazza Navona. We were able to walk to most places. We did take taxis to our tour meet up spots to make sure we were not late.