If your cruise ship docks in Civitavecchia and you have only one day to explore Rome, don’t worry, a well-planned Rome in one day tour can make your short visit unforgettable. With the right itinerary, you can walk in the footsteps of emperors, admire world-famous landmarks, and soak up the Eternal City’s atmosphere before heading back to your ship.
Whether you’re wondering what to see in Rome in a day or looking for the best one day tour in Rome, Italy, we’ve selected the top guided experiences designed especially for cruise travelers.
1. Disembark and Discover: Transfer from Civitavecchia to Rome with Hop-On Hop-Off
Perfect for independent travelers, this tour includes a comfortable transfer from the port of Civitavecchia to central Rome and a Hop-On Hop-Off bus ticket to explore the city at your own pace.
After disembarking from your ship, you will have to take one of the shuttle buses heading to Largo della Pace and you’ll be greeted and transferred in comfort directly from Civitavecchia Port to the heart of Rome. From there, you’ll enjoy a 1 day access to the official City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off buses. The iconic red buses are the most convenient way to see the city’s top attractions, especially if you don’t have many days to spend in Rome.
Visit highlights such as the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican City while enjoying panoramic views from the open-top bus.
It’s the easiest way to tour Rome in one day without worrying about transport or logistics.
2. Disembark Tour from Civitavecchia: Guided Tour of Castel Sant’Angelo and Rome Hop-On Hop-Off
If you prefer a blend of structure and freedom, this one day tour in Rome combines a guided visit to the Castel Sant’Angelo, one of the city’s most iconic monuments, with a Hop-On Hop-Off bus pass.
Once you arrive in Rome, your day begins with a guided tour of Castel Sant’Angelo, one of the capital’s most iconic landmarks. The castle, originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, has served several roles over the centuries: from a fortress to a papal residence. Your expert guide will accompany you to discover its fascinating history and lead you to the terrace, from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Rome.
After exploring the castle and its breathtaking views over the Tiber and St. Peter’s Basilica, you can continue discovering other landmarks of Rome at your own rhythm.
After your visit to Castel Sant’Angelo, you will receive your ticket for the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, which will give you the freedom to explore the rest of the city at your own pace. Whether you want to stop at the Colosseum, stroll through the Pantheon, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, or visit other famous sights, the hop-on bus will allow you to create your own itinerary: hop off wherever you want, hop back on when you’re ready to move on.
3. Best of Rome from Civitavecchia: Colosseum + Hop-On Hop-Off + Train from Civitavecchia
This tour is ideal for travelers who don’t want to miss Rome’s must-see attractions.
You’ll take a scenic train ride from Civitavecchia to Rome and join a guided Colosseum tour, where expert guides bring ancient gladiator stories to life.
Afterward, use your Hop-On Hop-Off bus ticket to explore the rest of the Eternal City — from the Pantheon to St. Peter’s Square. This option offers one of the most complete tours of Rome, Italy in one day.
4. Explore Ancient Rome from Civitavecchia: Roman Forum and Rome Hop-On Hop-Off
History lovers will appreciate this immersive one day tour in Rome, Italy focused on the city’s ancient heart.
With our Rome Experience Package, everything is organized for you, from the moment you step off the ship until you return. Relax in comfort with a round-trip transfer from the port of Civitavecchia directly into the heart of the Eternal City.
Once in Rome, your journey begins with a direct transfer from the port to the historic center. First, you’ll take a blast from the past with your Super Pass Forum. Skip the lines and immerse yourself in the history of ancient Rome. Stroll through the majestic Roman Forum, enter the Curia Julia where senators once decided the fate of the Empire, and walk along Palatine Hill, the birthplace of Rome. You’ll also have access to the House of Augustus and the House of Livia, and you’ll be able to admire the stunning frescoes of Santa Maria Antiqua.
Discover the ruins of the Roman Forum, once the political and social center of the empire, with expert commentary that brings its fascinating past to life.
Then, continue your journey across modern and classical Rome with your Hop-On Hop-Off bus, seeing everything from the Spanish Steps to the Vatican Museums.
Why Choose a Guided One Day Tour in Rome
A tour of Rome in one day can seem overwhelming, but with expert guides, skip-the-line tickets, and convenient transfers from Civitavecchia, you can experience the very best of Rome stress-free.
Whether you want to admire ancient ruins, Renaissance art, or baroque fountains, these tours are curated for cruise travelers who want to make every moment count.
Rome may not have been built in a day,but with the right one day tour in Rome, you can certainly capture its magic in one.
