The Colosseum
Overview:
Rome,
the eternal city. Rome just begs to be explored and
while you can see a lot in one day, you could easily
spend many here. If Rome is your point of embarkation or
debarkation, you should plan on arriving or departing at
least two days after your cruise either starts or
terminates. Every turn in Rome presents more monuments,
artwork, museums and ancient treasures. Rome can be very
hot in the summertime, so be sure to take light clothing
to explore the city. The official currency for Italy is
the euro.
Cruise
Port Location and Information:
Docked in Civitavecchia
Ships
dock in the port city of Civitavecchia, which is located
some 50+ miles from Rome and while it is connected by
highway, traffic in and around Rome is legendary. Just
about everyone that visits Civitavecchia elects to trek
into Rome for the day. If you are ported in Rome, then
making the trek to the port from or to Rome is a major
concern. For this reason, I have written a special
report on exactly how to do it by train to save a
bundle. You can read the report
HERE.
The best way to visit Rome is to spend a considerable
amount of time researching Rome's activities, sights and
ruins to determine which ones you want to visit. Then
draw a map of you day in Rome. No matte what you decide
to do, I guarantee you that you will not be
disappointed.
Civitavecchia in itself is a wonderful port to spend the
day at, but only if you have not saturated your
curiosity of Rome first.
Exploring on Your Own:
Trevi Fountain
Rome was
designed to visit on your own. Virtually all of the
sights exist on pedestrian streets and are best accessed
by walking. The best way to do this is by taking the
train from Civitavecchia to the St. Peters station.
After visiting the Vatican, take a taxi to Spanish Steps
and start walking downhill enjoying the varous sights
that unfold before you. If you want a more formal
walking tour just Google "Rome Walking Tour" for dozens
of itineraries that might meet you expectations. No
matter what you do, Rome will exceed your expectations.
The
best way to go about exploring Rome is to have a firm
plan. In my opinion, you should take the train to St.
Peters stop, visit the Vatican museum and St. Peters and
then take a taxi to Spanish Steps to continue your
exploration. Terminate your visit at the Colosseum
and then grab a taxi to
the Termini Train Station for the ride back to
Civitavecchia.
Shopping Tips:
A Religious Boutique
Selling Everything Necessary to be an Icon
The
above picture is only intended to display the diversity
of Rome's shopping opportunities. Shopping in Rome is a
way of life and shoppers can get their fill in hours
along Rome's finest shopping streets like Via Condotti,
which is lined with designer's boutiques. The best way
to conduct your shopping activities is to plan well in
advance on the web to target which shops, boutiques and
department stores you will visit.
Port
Highlights:
St Peters Basilica and
the Vatican
Probably the most important sight in Rome is Vatican
City and St. Peter's Basilica. This houses the Vatican
Museum, Sistine Chapel, At. Peter's Basilica and
numerous other attractions. This is also the place where
the reigning Pope will give their Tuesday address to the
Catholic attendees. The museum, chapel and Basilica are
overwhelming and are a "must do" in Rome even if you are
not Catholic.
Spanish Steps
Once
you have satisfied yourself with the Vatican, grab a
taxi and head for the Spanish Steps. Spanish steps is
surrounded by designer chopping, excellent restaurants
and small boutiques.
Spanish Steps
Pedestrian Street
If you
want to schedule a lunch, this is the place to do it as
there are numerous sidewalk cafes surrounded by flower
shops, boutiques and pedestrian streets.
Piazza Venezia
Right
at the very heart f Rome you will find the Piazza
Venezia square. This huge square houses a good number of
important buildings and palaces Virtually all of
the sights in Old Rome are a short walk from this
square.
The Victor Emanuel
Monument in Piazza Venezia
Built
in the late 1800s, the monument and buildings that
surround it are well worth a visit.
Another Piazza in Rome
Rome is
laid out with a grid of streets (some pedestrian) and
squares. You can be walking down a narrow pedestrian
street and enter a huge square with several more streets
leading from it. Each square has its own fountains and
monuments and are very enjoyable.
The Pantheon
It is
difficult to believe that the Pantheon was built over 18
centuries ago. Construction started in 118 AD and still
stands today. It is considered one of the most important
buildings in Rome.
The Forum Romanum
The
Forum dates back to 509 BC long before the Roman empire
was established. It encompasses ruins from that period
and is extensive.
Forum Ruins
Arches,
cathedrals and temples populated the area, which is
surprisingly extensive. While one cannot walk inside the
Forum, looking at is size and scope is impressive.
More Forum Ruins
Overall, the Forum brings the reality of the scope of
power Rome had for centuries.
The Colosseum
The
Colosseum is an amazing structure to see. Construction
of it started in 72AD and its was the largest building
in Europe. It was capable of seating 55,000 people who
enjoyed the Colosseum's gladiator battles against one
another and also against wild animals. During the
100-day inauguration games over 7,000 wild animals
(lions, tigers etc.) were slain.
The Arch of Constantine
and Colosseum
The
Arch of Constantine, which stands guard next to the
Colosseum, was constructed in 315AD as a dedication to
the victory of Constantine's army bringing peace to
Rome.
Off the
Beaten Path:
Rome is
such an important city that I would not suggest anything
but exploring Rome. Even if you have been here several
times before, there is so much to see and do, it would
not make sense to leave it for another destination.
Dining
and Drinking Suggestions:
Just One Restaurant in
the Spanish Steps Vicinity
Every
Piazza has sidewalk cafes and the shopping district
around Spanish Steps offers some of the best restaurants
in all of Rome.
Must Do
List:
Yes, if you port in
Ciitavecchia, you must get on the train and visit
Rome, even if you have been there before. Have a
GREAT day!
