Alternatives to Rome

[calgal729]

One of the ports on our upcoming cruise is Civitavecchia, and we have already seen Rome quite extensively. So we are looking for alternatives to sightseeing in Rome, any suggestions for alternative day trips from this port? We love seeing historic sites, small towns, some shopping is OK, just no beaches, we'll have that option at other ports. Thanks in advance.

[euro cruiser]

Will you be using public transit, or a private car for this day? (Public transit limits the options somewhat, but if you will rent a car and drive or use a car service, your choices open up significantly.)

[calgal729]

Will you be using public transit, or a private car for this day? (Public transit limits the options somewhat, but if you will rent a car and drive or use a car service, your choices open up significantly.)

 

Private car, either a private or semi-private tour.

[euro cruiser]

The most obvious choice and the one you hear about most in this forum is Orvieto, or Orvieto combined with Civita di Bagnoregio. This trip takes about 90 minutes each way from Civitavecchia.

 

In southern Tuscany an option would be Piligliano, a large town/small city built on top of a cliff. This is also about 90 minutes driving time from Civitavecchia. Nearby is another interesting town called Sovana.

 

Tivoli, which is east of Rome, is also about 90 minutes away.

 

Viterbo is closer, about an hour, and could be combined with Tarquinia.

[calgal729]

Thanks for those suggestions, I'll check them out. Have you heard much about the ancient seaport town of Ostia? Is it worth spending a day there?

[euro cruiser]

Ostia is very interesting and in some ways even better preserved than Pompei. It's a fairly large site but not nearly as visited (or famous) as Pompei.

 

Unless you have a deep interest in antiquities, you'd probably want to pair this with a second location as the ruins are pretty much it.