OreosFamily

We just got back from our cruise out of Civitavecchia. We took the train from Rome Termini station to Civitavecchia for 5 Euros. At the train station you can get a port shuttle bus for 2 Euros (buy tickets in the store at the station). This brings you to the port where there are free shuttles to bring you to your cruise ship. The trains from Rome to Civit. run quite frequently. Just remember to validate your ticket in the machines before you get on the train.

We just got back and stayed at the K Boutique hotel. It's a few blocks away from the colosseum (walkable) and walked all around Rome (Trevi fountain, etc.) They were very friendly and a nice breakfast was included.

We also arrived very early and they let us keep our luggage there in a locked room for the 1 hour while they got our room ready (still much before their regular checkin time). Wifi in the room was a little spotty though, but wifi in lobby was consistent. Nice rooftop also.

I highly suggest an audio tour of the Sagrada Familia. We were just there earlier this month. We didn't do the towers (heard from others that they were passable). You should do this online in advance. We took the blue port shuttle bus to the Columbus monument (4 Euro round trip which you pay on the bus) and then took the metro (on La Rambla a short walk from there) to the Sagrada stop (2.80 Euro for Metro or you can get other tickets for more trips). It was an amazing tour!