Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy

Italy is renowned for its welcoming people, stunning landscapes, gastronomic delights and amazing art and architecture. Barely 50 miles from Rome, Civitavecchia has been the city’s chief seaport for two millennia.

Some of its fortifications and piers date back to the reign of Emperor Trajan, making it one of the world’s oldest harbours: the massive Michelangelo Fort was added in 1535 by Pope Julius II.

The seafront is lined with pizzerias and trattorias. In recent years Civitavecchia has become a pilgrimage centre, with many Christians flocking to St Augustine’s Church to see ‘La Madonnina’ - a tiny statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary that is reputed to have shed tears of blood on several occasions since 1995.

Civitavecchia’s location makes it an ideal base for visiting Rome and the historic Vatican City, and, with so much to see, our excursions are the ideal way to get the most out of your visit.

Please note: Traffic congestion in Rome may cause delays, and coaches are not allowed to stop while travelling through the capital. Many streets are narrow, and tour coaches are restricted to a few main arteries through the centre. Some famous sights like the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Spanish Steps are not accessible by coach and can only be visited on foot.