Rome Excursions

In addition to the excursion below, most ships offer a bus transfer to Rome so you can explore on your own; the cost is $75 to $100. Some lines offer the option of a half-day on your own and a half-day of group touring for $92 to $139.

Rome City Tour (9-11 hr.; $100-$350): Most ships have a variety of Rome tours. Some try to hit several major sites, including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, the Vatican, Piazza San Pietro, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Vatican Museums. Others do drive-bys of landmarks such as the remains of the Roman Forum, Trajan's Column, the Arch of Constantine, and the Circus Maximus. Some tours focus on just one or two marquee sites (a better idea), such as the Vatican City attractions.

Imperial Rome (10½ hr.; $200): This all-day tour heads into Rome from Civitavecchia and visits what it says it does, and then some. Sites include the Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine, and Vatican City.

Rome, the Eternal City (10½ hr.; $225): This may be the best way to see the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums during your limited time in the city, since the tour gets you in special, without having to wait in the usual long, long lines. The tour also includes time in St. Peter's Basilica and a visit to the Colosseum.