PANORAMIC ROME TOUR FOR CRUISERS
PANORAMIC ROME TOUR FOR CRUISERS is one of Stefano’s RomeCabs’ most popular Shore Excursion from Civitavecchia:
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On this relaxing and fun shore excursion to Rome from Civitavecchia, you have the opportunity to see Rome’s most famous squares, fountains and monuments without commitments to Museums and Monuments that require pricey advance tickets that can’t be cancelled or refunded.
Suggested itinerary for this Panoramic Rome Tour for Cruisers includes the following:
1. Pantheon and Piazza della Rotonda
Enjoy a free visit to the ancient Roman pagan temple built by Marcus Agrippa and later rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian in 126 AD… which later on in 6th century became the Christian Church of Santa Maria ad Martyres (St Mary and the Martyrs)
The square in front of the Pantheon, Piazza della Rotonda takes its name from the Pantheon’s nickname – it’s “rotund” shape.
A fountain surmounted by an obelisk is the centerpiece of the square. The fountain, Fontana del Pantheon was built in 1575. The 20 foot red marble Egyptian obelisk was originally constructed by ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses II for Temple of Ra in Heliopolis.
10 UNIQUE FACTS ABOUT THE PANTHEON THAT YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW
2. The Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain
The iconic Trevi Fountain is the evokes images of La Dolce Vita and classic Romantic movies of coins thrown into the fountain (3 Coins in a Fountain).
Don’t forget to continue the tradition and toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure a return visit to Rome!
3. The Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps
The elegant Spanish Steps rests on a slope and connects Piazza di Spagna below with its famous Fountain of the Old Boat, with the Church of Trinità dei Monti on top dominated by an obelisk. The spacious unfurling stairway invites many visitors and locals to sit on its steps and enjoy the scenery.
4. Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona
The lively Piazza Navona takes it shape from the oblong Stadium of Emperor Domitian who built the stadium in this spot (and remains are still excavated below the square) in 1st century AD.
Piazza Navona is most famous for Gian Lorenzo Bernini‘s Fountain of the Four Rivers that is in the center of the square. The fountain represents the 4 rivers of the known continents in the 1600’s (Nile River representing Africa, Danube representing Europe, Ganges River representing Asia, and Rio de la Plata representing the Americas).
An Egyptian obelisk with the Pamphili family emblem of a dove with an olive twig tops the fountain.
The Fountain of the 4 Rivers was also featured in Dan Brown‘s novel and movie “Angels and Demons”
Two side fountains: Fountain of the Triton and Fountain of the Moor adds to the splendid charm of the square.
Artists and street performers, as well as the cafes and restaurants that outline the square makes Piazza Navona one of the liveliest squares in Rome!
5. St Peter’s Square
St Peter’s Square – Vatican
The oval shape of St Peter’s Square gives you the impression of a loving embrace by the Mother Church – St Peter’s Basilica.
The centerpiece of the square is an Egyptian obelisk, erected in this place in 1586 (previously it was on the left side of the Basilica inside current Vatican City).
One of the granite fountains was constructed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and the other matching fountain was designed by Carlo Maderno.
Under the direction of Pope Alexancer VII, Gian Lorenzo Bernini was tasked with designing the square, and his most famous contribution are the the two colossal colonnades that embrace the squares. Four columns deep, these colonnades are the most striking features of the square.
6. Capitoline Hill with view of the Roman Forum
Roman Forum View
From top of Capitoline Hill on a special terrace, you have the opportunity to admire the sweeping view of the Roman Forum, the top of Palatine Hill that dominates the Forum, and in the far distance you can see the Colosseum peeking through.
For centuries the Roman Empire was ruled from this very place. The Roman Forum was the political, judicial, religious, and commercial center of Rome.
This is one of the most picturesque views in Rome that graces postcards and picture books everywhere!
So make sure to bring your cameras on this tour!
7. Colosseum Square
Colosseum Square
The Colosseum is one of the most iconic images of Ancient Rome. Featured in movies such as the Gladiator and many more, this ancient Roman amphitheater has inspired artists, architects, historians and well… people in genera…. for centuries.
Due to the security check points installed inside the Colosseum, security lines can get too long for most people’s preference. Besides, the most impressive, filmed, and photographed feature of the Colosseum is it’s imposing exterior!
You will have the opportunity to enjoy a stroll to admire the Colosseum from different sides, as well as see the nearby triumphal Arch of Constantine – the Colosseum’s constant companion.
8. Basilica of San Clemente with Underground Ancient Rome visit
Basilica of San Clemente
The Basilica of San Clemente is a Roman Catholic minor Basilica dedicated to Pope Clement and it’s located not far from the Colosseum.
This current basilica was built at the height of the middle ages, just before 1100 AD.
This is the 2nd basilica.
What makes visiting San Clemente spectacular is what lies beneath it….
The Ancient 4th century basilica underground
Just beneath the present basilica are the excavated remains of a former 4th century AD basilica that was originally converted into a place of worship out of the private residence of a Roman nobleman.
This was the “first basilica” that is knowing to have existed in late 4th century AD when Saint Jerome wrote that the church was dedicated to Saint Clement (Pope Clement I).
The excavated remains of this ancient basilica revealed precious wall frescoes, statue fragments, and mosaics that can be found across various rooms that you pass through.
The ancient Roman pagan temple of Mitrhas
Below the first 4th century basilica are the excavated remains of the once buried foundations of a Republican Era building possibly destroyed during Rome’s Great Fire of 64 AD.
And ancient Roman temple dedicated to Mithras (a mithraeum) was discovered here. The cult of Mithras was quite popular among Ancient Romans. Mithras is usually depicted slaying a bull.
This marks the end of the tour. After an enjoyable day in Rome, you will return back to your ship in Civitavecchia.
This tour is also possible as Day Tour from Rome as this itinerary has appealed to many visitors who either wish to skip crowded sites, have already visited the Colosseum and Vatican, or plan to tour these 2 sites more thoroughly on other days.
For more information on our PANORAMIC ROME TOUR FOR CRUISERS with Stefano’s RomeCabs, follow the link below to our website:
http://www.romecabs.com/tours/panoramic-rome-for-cruisers/
Thank you very much and we look forward to seeing you soon in Italy!
Stefano’s RomeCabs Team
Rome Cabs - Italy Transfers, Day Tours, Shore Excursions 