Hi this Margaret from Ireland, we made our own way to Rome for 9 euros which got us on the train from Cuvuteccia I asked someone how did we get to the Spanish Steps and were told where to get off and then we had to go down to the underground and go a few stops all which again we asked to make sure we got on the ring metro we followed the crowd found the steps walked further down this lane and found the fountain walked further found a bus stop which took us to the Vatican we then got a taxi to the Collicum excuse spelling but only cost us 18 euros for the bus train and metro there and back eary peasy enjoy yourselves

We rather prefer to do excursions on our own too. Unfortunately you cannot rely on public transport schedules in Italy, so make sure that whatever plan you have for your independent excursion you have time enough to be back on board (be ready to book an, 'expensive', taxi, as a plab b, just in case). As I remember every year there is someone left in Italy.

We went on Island Star and decided that it was to risky to travel to Rome independly but took the cheaper trip on offer by the ship, which was transport only with a guide on the coach, this was brilliant and we got to see the Vatican the Coloseum and the trivi fountain and numerious other sites and monuments the trip was called Rome Alone and the guide on the coach gave each person a street map and suggest where to start and which route to take, we had been to Rome before and had taken ship excursions before but had never seen as much as we did by going at our own pace we even ate pizza at the trivi fountain as suggested by the coach guide.

Watch your time to go back to the ship. On our cruise a number of people had a delay on their train, missed the ship and had to take another train to Naples which was fortunately the next stop. They spent the night in a cafe.

Hi we are also going same cruise same date, we have been to this port quite a few times before and it is so easy to get around on your own, received our tickets on wednesday and just out of interest I had a look at excursions and noticed that we are supposed to be going to la spezia and on there it has livorno, not that I mind but, wondered if you have noticed the same. I see you are from Devon I was born and bred there. if you would like to get in touch before we go I will give you my email address. Sally.

Get train from Civitaveccia to Rome which stops at St Peters before central Rome. Costs €9 return (last year) which includes all buses /subway in Rome, so if you dont want to walk (15mins)from the station get on the bus and off at the second stop, go under the underpass and you are in St Peters square. For train times http://www.trenitalia.it/en/index.html

Hello Tucker, I hope I might be of assistance to you.My wife and I were faced with this situation a few years back.We too wanted to see Rome and Vatican City and decided to go it alone rather than take the tour.Now we DO tend to take tours whilst cruising but decided in this case to make our own arrangements.It really could not have been easier there is a fast and regular (if I remember correctly)train service from Civitaveccia to Rome.The train stops at the Vatican and it is but a short walk to the Vatican itself.I think it took about 50 minutes by train and would have been another 10 minutes in to the centre of Rome. I do remember the tour coach takes almost twice as long to do the journey. I was amazed at how cheap the return fares were compared to the tour.We had plenty of time and as it was only a few weeks after the Pope had died we visited his tomb.It was a memorable day which we really enjoyed.It really could not have been easier and I would suggest you look up the timetables on the internet.Our ship berthed within a 10 minute walk of the railway station so it was a comfortable stroll.Oh! and by the way we met other passengers on the platform who had made the same decision! I hope you find this information useful and wish you a very pleasant cruise.

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