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Shore Excursions & Tours ITALY |
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To receive a quotation for the
following Excursions we need to know:
Shore
Excursion
Highlights of Rome
For those who wish to spend the
maximum amount of time in Rome, we have chosen what we consider to be
the major sights for exploration. Although a quick pace and substantial
amount of walking are required, your day will be extremely rewarding.
Following an early breakfast, begin with a 1 1/2-hour drive to Rome.
Your orientation of the Eternal City starts at Piazza Venezia, where the
city's principal streets converge. There will be a morning walking tour
of the Vatican - the great spiritual center rich with priceless art. One
of the highlights is a visit to the remarkable Sistine Chapel. Its
magnificent ceiling took Michelangelo over four years to decorate.
Outside, you'll gaze in awe at the magnificence of St. Peter's Square,
one of the world's most beautiful. Your guide will take you for a brief
visit into St. Peter's Basilica, and point out some of its fabulous
treasures. Midway through the day, you'll stop at a local restaurant for
a typical Italian lunch. You will drive past the Roman Forum, once the
center of political and religious life; the Arch of Constantine, one of
the last great triumphal arches; and the famed Colosseum. It could hold
over 50,000 spectators for gladiatorial combats, the slaying of wild
beasts, and the martyrdom of Christians, all of which took place at
various times over 300 years. If time permits, you may explore on your
own before rejoining the motorcoach for the return to Civitavecchia in
time for a late dinner aboard the ship. Note: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. In order to enter St. Peter's Basilica, religious custom requires all visitors to cover bare shoulders and not to wear shorts or dresses above the knee.
Shore Excursion
Rome on Your Own
For travelers who prefer to explore Rome on
their own, we can provide an optional motor coach transfer from
Civitavecchia to the Eternal City. Arriving in Rome, you will pass by
many of the city's famous monuments before you are dropped off at the
city center. You will be able to spend the day at your leisure. The
transfer time between the pier and Rome is 1 1/2 hours. An
English-speaking escort will be on the motor coach during the drive to
and from Rome. Make note of the information about drop off and pick-up
points provided by the Shore Excursion staff, and be sure to reboard
your motorcoach no later than 15 minutes prior to the scheduled
departure time. Note: There will be only one departure from Rome. All activities, including dining, will be at your discretion. Most major shops are closed daily from 1:00 to 4:00pm. Please keep in mind the strict dress code for visitors to St. Peter's Basilica; shorts, short dresses and tank tops are not acceptable. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Shore
Excursion
Tarquinia & the Etruscans If your interest is archaeology, this
morning's outing to Etruscan ruins will be truly rewarding. Not far from
Civitavecchia lies Tarquinia, a sprawling city overlooking the sea. Due
to its huge and efficient fleet, Tarquinia was once one of the most
powerful Etruscan cities. Today, it's known more for its quaint squares
and lovely palaces. A highlight will be a visit to the Palazzo
Vitelleschi, a splendid 15th-century Gothic castle that contains a
wealth of Etruscan treasures. You will marvel at the gold-colored terra
cotta horses transplanted from a frieze that was originally part of an
Etruscan temple. You will also visit the Etruscan Necropolis, located
beneath rolling farmlands just outside Tarquinia and containing numerous
sarcophagi found in the tombs. Your guide will lead you past underground
tombs decorated with lively frescoes of Etruscan life, dating from the
seventh to second centuries BC. Note: Tour participation is limited. There is considerable walking through the museum and uneven ground and steps at the Necropolis. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Shore
Excursion
Monuments of Rome For those who wish to spend the maximum
amount of time in Rome and visit several sights, we have chosen what we
consider t be the major sights for exploration. Although a quick pace
and substantial amount of walking are required, your day will be
extremely rewarding. Following an early departure, your excursion begins
with the 1 1/2 hour drive to Rome. The tour commences with a brief
sightseeing drive of the passing by Lungo Tevere, Trastevere, Isola
Tiberina, Sinagogue, Cirus Maximus, Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, Via
Nazionale upon reaching Via del Traforo. At this point the walking tour
will begin. You will proceed to Trevi Fountain, one of Rome's most
spectacular fountains. The high-baroque Fontana di Trevi was designed by
Nicola Salvi in 1732. Legend has it that you can ensure your return to
Rome by tossing a coin in the fountain. This is followed by a visit to
Pantheon, the biggest temple built by the Emperor Adriano and the
best-preserved ancient Roman building. The Pantheon's extraordinary dome
is considered the most important achievement of ancient Roman
architecture. You will then head to Piazza Navona the most beautiful
Baroque Square in Rome, with the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers -
the Berini masterpiece. Here you will have a bit of free time before
boarding the bus and proceeding to lunch. A typical Italian luncheon
will be served at a local restaurant. Following lunch, you will go by
motorcoach to the Colosseum. The Colosseum once served as a fortress
during the 13th century and then as a quarry from which materials were
filched to build sumptuous Rennaissance churches and palaces. Finally it
was declared sacred by the popes, in memory of the many Christians
believed martyred there. Note: Tour may operate in reverse. Tour involves extensive walking. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. This tour does not include a visit to Vatican City. |
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