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Top 5 things to do in Rome before your cruise

Rome is a popular embarkation port of call on many Mediterranean cruise itineraries, and thus lends itself beautifully for a few days stay before your cruise, allowing plenty of time to explore this historical city. Cruise ships dock at the port of Civittavechia, and it’s a swift 60 minute transfer into the heart of Rome. Rome is known as Italy’s ‘Eternal City’, and is one of the world’s most spectacular city destinations. The city’s unique artistic heritage is showcased in world-class museums, and just by wandering the streets you can discover countless medieval piazzas and historic statues. Rome is a destination full of heritage and ancient sights, and with so many classic landmarks to check off your list, make the most of your pre-cruise stay with our Top Five things to do in Rome. Trevi Fountain Fully restored in 2015, the shining white marble of the Trevi Fountain gleams brighter than it has for some time. The creation of the fountain was the result of a competition held in 1730, which was a popular way for fountains and building to be commissioned during the Baroque period. The Trevi Fountain is formed of strange sculptures of mythical creatures and horses, and stands in front of the 17th century Palazzo Poli. Visitors toss a coin over their shoulder into the fountain, to ensure that one day they will return to Rome. Colosseum The Colosseum is probably Rome’s most iconic landmark, and is the largest amphitheatre ever built. This historic gladiatorial arena tells the tale of the epic fights that took place almost 2,000 years ago. Tiered seating overlooks the arena, which covers an underground complex where animals were once caged in preparation for the gladiator games. As you stroll the ancient corridors, you’ll learn about the thrilling history of the 50,000-seat amphitheatre and the lives of the gladiators. Forum The Roman Forum is a sprawling collection of ancient ruins, where once it was the social and political centre of the Roman Empire. Admire the grand arches and pillars as you wander through the temples and imagine what it was like to live here when it was a bustling marketplace.  As you navigate the cobblestone alleyways and streets, watch out for highlights as the Arco di Settimio Severo, the Senate House, and the Casa delle Vestali – a historic temple residence.The Forum is one of the most impressive ancient sites in Rome and a long-standing reminder of the magnificence of the Roman Empire. Sistine Chapel No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the famous Sistine Chapel. This spectacular building is best known for its decorative ceiling, hand- painted by Michelangelo, and is the location of the Papal Conclave. The frescoes depict the life of Christ and Moses, and on the altar wall is the famous painting of The Last Judgement. Take a tour to really appreciate the talent that went into creating these masterpieces some 400 years ago.  St Peter’s Basilica The renowned dome of St Peter’s Basilica can be seen from across the city, and is a prevailing feature on Rome’s skyline. The famous church is the burial site of St Peter, the first pope, and is an important religious destination for Catholics the world over. Thousands of pilgrims gather here each year to see this glorious building and the shrine of St. Peter. Climb the 551 steps, and enjoy stunning rooftop views over the city and St. Peter’s Square from the summit of the dome. Scott Anderson is General Manager at The Luxury Cruise Company. The Luxury Cruise Company is your port of call for incredible cruise holidays. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Scott Anderson

Scott is one of the most well-travelled people, having visited more than 70 countries and counting. He has worked in the cruise industry since he was 19 years old, beginning as a cruise ship photographer and duty free shop manager, and knows more than most how enjoyable cruising can be.

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4 Comments

  1. Yes, it is well worth doing some planning before you get to Rome. Without doubt it is one of the wofld’s great cities but that means crowds and queues. It is a good idea to pre-book organised tours to both the Coliseum and the Vatican. As well as cutting down on queueing time, the guides can be fascinating. If I had just walked around on my own I would never have learnt that they sometimes flooded the Coliseum to re-enact great naval battles. And if you’ve got an evening to spare go to the opera. When in Rome ..

    1. Hi Liz – thanks for you comments and top tips. Yes Rome crowds can be challenging – we try to book private tours for our clients with ‘skip-the-line’ access wherever possible! I never knew that about the Colosseum..

  2. We did tour these places when we went on a cruise with Royal Caribbean about 4 years ago. The lines for the Sistine Chapel though were horrible! We didn’t do enough research to get the fast track tickets, and instead bought the regular ones. Lesson learned. The hard way.

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