Tour from your cruise ship. Tours for cruisers. Land excursions. Shore excursions from the port. Narrated tours of Rome by private car with English speaking driver-guide. Tour of Rome from the port of Civitavecchia. Tour of the Vatican from the port. Tours of Rome by car. Tour from the port of Naples. Tour of Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri and Amalfi Coast from the port of Naples. Tour of Florence and Piza from the port of Livorno. Tours of Rome from the port off the beaten path. The highlights of Rome in one day. Private tour based Robert Langdon's novel "Angels & Demons". Excursions in the countryside from the port of Rome: Tivoli, Castelgandolfo, Roman Castles, Ostia Antica, Orvieto, Montefiascone, Tuscania, Caprarola, Bracciano, Ceri, Tarquinia, Cerveteri. Day trips to Florence, Assisi, Naples, Sorrento, Positano and Pompeii. Tours by scooter. Day trips off the beaten path. Narrated tours. Angels and Demons tour from the port.
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Melanie Cole interviews Paolo for

Next Trip Radio in USA

Melanie Cole
Part 1
Part 2
 
A short video shows you what I do when I show tourists around:
Video about touring Rome with a guide
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 We'll show you more than you expect to see!

Shore excursions from major Italian seaports

We'll take you all over the place and back to your ship in time!

Tours from the port of Civitavecchia: Rome, Vatican and surroundings:.
Tivoli, Ostia Antica, Roman Castles, Castelgandolfo, Nemi, Ostia Antica, Orvieto, Montefiascone, Tuscania, Caprarola, Bracciano, Ceri, Tarquinia, Cerveteri

Tours from the port of Civitavecchia, Rome and its surroundings

 

Tours from the port of Livorno: Florence and its surroundings.
Tuscany, Chianti, Pisa, Lucca, San Gimignano, Volterra, Sienna, Cinque Terre, Portofino.

Tours from the port of Livorno

 

Tours from the ports of Naples, Sorrento, Amalfi: the cites and their surroundings.
Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Capri, Mount Vesuvius, Herculaneum.

Tours from the port of Naples

 
 

If you are coming to Italy by cruise ship and plan to go on tours ashore, please read this.

If you decide to hire a driver, driving guide or driver plus guide to take you on your tour, you should know that it doesn't change anything for them where they take you, which sites they show you, how much time you spend at each place and they're generally not too strict about getting back to the port exactly nine hours after the tour started. Easily they go into overtime by half an hour or more without  complaining or charging extra.

They'll take you anywhere you want to go and show you whatever you want to see, but in order to make sure you'll have a pleasant day, please don't plan to bite off more than you can chew. and don't just rush through everything thinking that the more places you see the better the tour will be. A lot of the people I tour around, when they want to tour like that, aren't even able to list what they saw or the pictures they took.

In most cases when a cruise ship docks in port and you get in a car, minivan or minibus and go on a tour ashore, normally lasting 9 hours, the functional time for sightseeing you really have is less than seven hours.

For example: the port of Livorno is one hour way from Florence and  the port of Civitavecchia is one hour way from Rome, disembarking earlier than 8:00 am is almost impossible and generally everybody has to be back aboard their cruise ship before 6:00 pm.

Sightseeing time is also reduced by pit stops, lunch stops, traffic, etcetera and we can say that nearly two hours are used to satisfy such necessities plus the unforeseeable. An easy count: we have a total of nine hours, two hours are used by the round trip transfers, one and a half or two hours are used by necessities how much time do we really have left for sightseeing? Easy: five, or six in the best of cases. What should one do in this time? I would warmly suggest to stay away from museums and familiarize with the area instead. You'll have a much more pleasant day if you just tour around at your own pace and take the time to absorb the culture and the beauty of the places you visit instead of rushing through everything.  

Practically our cities are open air museums, every building, every street corner tells a story. 5/6 hours are enough time to see the major highlights of Rome or Florence, and my opinion is that in such a short time one should just enjoy these cities rather than spending two hours in the Vatican Museums to see the Sistine Chapel when in Rome, or spending the same amount of time to visit the Uffizi in Florence.

 
 
 
 

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▲ Rome ▲ ▲ Florence ▲ ▲ Naples ▲
 
 

Tour of Rome from Civitavecchia

Shore excursion to Rome, 9 hours

The shore excursion to Rome Includes all the major highlights of the city and when you'll return to the port you'll be able to say: "I've seen Rome" It takes 9 hours, counting from when we start at the port until we return there. Depending on traffic conditions and on your own requests, it can include more or less sites, but for sure you'll always return to your

Roman Forum St. Mary above Minerva The Pantheon
ship satisfied with the number of places you saw and the narration.
Short description of the itinerary for the shore excursion to Rome:

We meet in Civitavecchia at 8:00 am (vehicle will be parked on the pier with your name on its windshield) and drive to Rome.

I list here Rome's major highlights, the sights you don't want to miss, and how long we'll be there for:

St. Peter's (1 hour or more), Piazza Navona (20'), Pantheon and St. Mary's above Minerva (20'), Trevi Fountain (20'), Capitol Hill (Roman Forum view) (30'), Colosseum (about 1 hour).

These are the other sites that we'll just be driving by and making short stops for pictures at:

Palazzaccio (Old Court House), St. Andrew's, St. Mary's Above Minerva, Piazza Venezia (Monument to Victor Emmanuel II), Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps), Theatre of Marcellus, Synagogue, Mouth of Truth and Keyhole (Roman Curiosity), Circus Maximus, Palatine Hill.

Several other attractions will be pointed out just while you'll be driving by them, such as:

Castle St. Angelo and its bridge, Italian Senate, The Marble Foot and Cat Street (Roman Curiosity), Trajan's Column, Imperial Fora, Trajan's Market, The Maps of the Empire, Arch of Constantine, Marcus Aurelius's Column, Parliament and Council of Ministers, St. Nicholas in Chains, temples of Apollo, Vesta and Janus, Quirinal Palace.

More sites and curiosities, less known than the places listed above, will be brought to your attention while driving. Remember: you'll always see more than you'll be expecting to see!

More about this tour: Tour's price ▲ back ▲ ▲ Top of page ▲

We start from Civitavecchia around 8:00 or 8:30 am. I'll be waiting right on the pier where the ship docks. I park the car as close as possible to the footbridge and you identify me easily because I post your name on the car's windshield.

The tour takes total 9 hours, from when we start at the port until we return to the ship. The drive to Rome takes about one hour and the trip back to the ship takes just the same amount of time.

We'll do a sort of a loop tour. Depending on the day of the week and traffic conditions, we may start from St. Peter's Basilica and end with the Colosseum or vice versa. Saturdays and Sundays are the best days to sightsee in Rome, most of the locals leave for the week end and consequently traffic is easy and you cover more ground.

A rapid calculation will tell you that just these few places will take about three and a half hours to see, but also you have to consider the time needed to go from one to the other and the stops you'll want to make to look at the sites on your way. There are in fact several very interesting places you get to see as you drive through the city, some of these places aren't easy to find because kind of hidden or not easy to notice. You'd have trouble finding some of these sites, presuming you'd be informed of their existence, but for us it's only a short stop on the way!

These places are:

Palazzaccio (Old Court House), St. Andrew's, St. Mary's Above Minerva, Piazza Venezia (Monument to Victor Emmanuel II), Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps), Theatre of Marcellus, Synagogue, Mouth of Truth and Keyhole (Roman Curiosity), Circus Maximus, Palatine Hill.

Several other attractions will be pointed out just while you'll be driving by them, such as:

Castle St. Angelo and its bridge, Italian Senate, The Marble Foot and Cat Street (Roman Curiosity), Trajan's Column, Imperial Fora, Trajan's Market, The Maps of the Empire, Arch of Constantine, Marcus Aurelius's Column, Parliament and Council of Ministers, St. Nicholas in Chains, temples of Apollo, Vesta and Janus, Quirinal Palace.

This is the usual itinerary, it takes you to the major highlights of the city of Rome and at the end of the day you can sure say you've seen Rome!

You are always free to modify the itinerary at your pleasure.

 

This and all the other tours I'm listing in this website can be done in many ways: if you know where to go and you want to save some money, you can hire a car with chauffeur; if you want some narration, but not a whole lot, you can hire an English speaking driver, if you want more details and better English spoken, you hire a driving guide; if you want to really visit a place thoroughly, or if you are with a large group, you may want to hire an official guide. The best solutions will be suggested for each tour.

     
       

Full day tour of Rome from the port of Civitavecchia - 9hours/200km

   

Service ▼

▼Vehicles and Prices ▼

Car and chauffeur

If you know where you want to go this is the best solution to save money and tour the city comfortably.  Inexpensive and comfortable tour

sedan minivan minibus small bus
400.00 460.00 515.00 830.00

English speaking driver 

You visit all the major highlights of Rome with a little narration.

 Best value for a whirlwind tour .

sedan minivan minibus small bus
490.00 550.00 600.00 920.00

Driving guide providing guided tour of St. Peter's in Vatican

Narrated tour in good English. You get a lot of information and you're guided through St. Peter's.  Good value for money, the best tour

sedan minivan minibus small bus
600.00 640.00 690.00 unavailable

Driver plus full day guide

Not only you are driven to the places, but once there the guide will walk with you and tell you all about them. Best for groups with more than 8 people..

sedan minivan minibus small bus
760.00 800.00 870.00 1,200.00
 
Prices are inclusive of VAT (IVA)10%
 

Description of the vehicles

Sedan

up to 4 + driver

Minivan

up to 6/7 + driver

Minibus

up to 8 + driver

Small bus

up to 13/19 + driver

Mercedes E Class Sedan Mercedes "Viano" minivan Mercedes "Sprinter" minibus Mercedes "Sprinter" based small bus

Seats 4+driver, but ideal for max 3+1 child. The trunk can hold 3 medium size suitcases plus 3 smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver.

The trunk can hold 7 or 8 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver. The trunk can hold 10 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 20+driver. The trunk can hold 14 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

All vehicles are licensed for chauffeured car hire (NCC), can practically drive anywhere: historical city centers, special lanes for public transportation vehicles etcetera, and bring the passengers right up to the site they want to visit. They can be driven by chauffeurs, English speaking drivers and driving-guides. The buses are subject to restrictions They can only drive in certain areas an have to pay a (costly) passage fee in many cities. They are driven by chauffeurs or English speaking drivers, not driving guides.

 

▲ Top of page ▲

▲ Rome ▲ ▲ Florence ▲ ▲ Naples ▲
 
 

Tour of Rome and the Vatican (Sistine Chapel) from Civitavecchia

Shore excursion: Rome and Vatican including guided tour of the Sistine Chapel. 9hours/200km.
The tour takes between about 10 hours, counting from when we start at the port at:8:00 am, until we return there, around 6.00 pm. This tour focuses on the Vatican, I recommend to make a Vatican entry reservation to make sure you don't waste your time standing in line to get in the Vatican. Depending on traffic conditions and on your own requests, it can include more or less sites, but for sure you'll always return to your ship satisfied of the number of places you saw and the narration. St. Peter's Colosseum Gallery of Candelabra
Vatican, St. Peter's Rome, the Colosseum Vatican Museums, Gallery of Candelabra
Short description of the itinerary for the shore excursion to Rome and the Vatican, 10 hours:

We meet in Civitavecchia at 8:00 am (vehicle will be parked on the pier with your name on its windshield) and we drive to Rome. We should be arriving in there around 9/9.30 am and, if you want me to make a Vatican entry reservation, the Vatican will be our first stop, otherwise we'll reverse the itinerary and go there in the afternoon. Being the tour centered on the Vatican and since you'll end up using most of your limited time ashore to visit just this one place, realistically, I can only guarantee that we'll the following: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's (3 hours or more), Colosseum (about 1 hour). Trevi Fountain (20'), Piazza Venezia (drive).

It will depend on other factors, traffic and you personal interest mainly, if we'll be able to include in the tour these other sites: Capitol Hill (Roman Forum view) (30'),  Piazza Navona (20'), Pantheon St. Mary above Minerva (20/30'),

More sites and curiosities, less known than the places listed above, will be brought to your attention while driving. Remember: you'll always see more than you'll be expecting to see!

More about this tour: Tour's price ▲ back ▲ ▲ Top of page ▲

We start from Civitavecchia at  8:00 am. I'll be waiting right on the pier where the ship docks. I park the car as close as possible to the footbridge and you identify me easily because I post your name on the car's windshield.

Here below you can read how the day evolves if we don't make a Vatican entry reservation, but in case we do make a reservation, the itinerary will be reversed and we'll tour the Vatican first thing in the morning.

We should be arriving in Rome around 9/9.30 am and, if you want me to make a reservation, the Vatican will be our first stop, otherwise we'll reverse the itinerary and go there in the afternoon. This tour is obviously centered on the Vatican and, be prepared, that's a tough one. The tour, which includes obviously St. Peter's Basilica, takes about three hours. During this time you'll not have the chance to take a brake and sit down. There's no air-conditioning, except when you're in the Sistine and in the Gallery of Tapestries and so it's hot. And it's crowded, which makes it even more hot. Do I sound like I don't want to take you there? Wrong! I do, but I would love you not to go it within a tour of Rome if this is your first time here. I'm used to all this, but I know you'll be exhausted. Anyway, if you decide to pay the 30 Euros to book your entrance, we can go first thing in the morning and that's a little better. It's better because it's cooler, but also because at the end we can go and sit down and have some lunch, so you rest before you start touring again. I said the tour of the Vatican takes about three hours, but between getting there, getting in and getting out, almost four hours easily pass. Then you go for lunch which takes at least another hour. At this point there will not be much time left to see other sites. I said from the beginning that including the Vatican in a shore tour of Rome forces you to leave out of the tour other sites, but I can guarantee we can include at least the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. For the rest, it depends mostly on how you move around and how traffic moves around the day we'll do this tour.

These places are: Palazzaccio (Old Court House), St. Andrew's, St. Mary's Above Minerva, Piazza Venezia (Monument to Victor Emmanuel II), Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps), Theatre of Marcellus, Synagogue, Mouth of Truth and Keyhole (Roman Curiosity), Circus Maximus, Palatine Hill.

Several other attractions will be pointed out just while you'll be driving by them, such as: Castle St. Angelo and its bridge, Italian Senate, The Marble Foot and Cat Street (Roman Curiosity), Trajan's Column, Imperial Fora, Trajan's Market, The Maps of the Empire, Arch of Constantine, Marcus Aurelius's Column, Parliament and Council of Ministers, St. Nicholas in Chains, temples of Apollo, Vesta and Janus, Quirinal Palace.

This is the usual itinerary, it takes you to the major highlights of the city of Rome and at the end of the day you can sure say you've seen Rome!

You are always free to modify the itinerary at your pleasure.

 

This and all the other tours I'm listing in this website can be done in many ways: if you know where to go and you want to save some money, you can hire a car with chauffeur; if you want some narration, but not a whole lot, you can hire an English speaking driver, if you want more details and better English spoken, you hire a driving guide; if you want to really visit a place thoroughly, or if you are with a large group, you may want to hire an official guide. The best solutions will be suggested for each tour.

 

Full day day tour of Rome and Vatican from the port of Civitavecchia - 9hours/200km

   

This tour includes the guided tour of the Vatican. If you don't need that, the price of the tour of Rome and Vatican is the same as the price for the tour Rome. See the price ►

   

Service ▼

▼Vehicles and Prices ▼

Car, chauffeur and Vatican guided tour

Same tour by car and chauffeur, but this includes the guided tour of the Vatican

sedan minivan minibus small bus
560.00 620.00 670.00 990.00

English speaking driver and Vatican guided tour

You visit all the major highlights of Rome and you're told a little about them. Vatican tour on your own.  Good value for a whirlwind tour .

sedan minivan minibus small bus
700.00 750.00 800.00 1,100.00

Driving guide and Vatican guided tour

Narrated tour in good English.

 Good value for money, includes guided tour of the Vatican .

sedan minivan minibus small bus
650.00 700.00 750.00 unavailable

Driver plus full day guide

Not only you are driven to the places, but once there the guide will walk with you and tell you all about them. Best for groups with more than 8 people..

sedan minivan minibus small bus
760.00 800.00 870.00 1,200.00
 
Prices are inclusive of VAT (IVA)10%
 

Description of the vehicles

Sedan

up to 4 + driver

Minivan

up to 6/7 + driver

Minibus

up to 8 + driver

Small bus

up to 13/19 + driver

Mercedes E Class Sedan Mercedes "Viano" minivan Mercedes "Sprinter" minibus Mercedes "Sprinter" based small bus

Seats 4+driver, but ideal for max 3+1 child. The trunk can hold 3 medium size suitcases plus 3 smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver.

The trunk can hold 7 or 8 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver. The trunk can hold 10 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 20+driver. The trunk can hold 14 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

All vehicles are licensed for chauffeured car hire (NCC), can practically drive anywhere: historical city centers, special lanes for public transportation vehicles etcetera, and bring the passengers right up to the site they want to visit. They can be driven by chauffeurs, English speaking drivers and driving-guides. The buses are subject to restrictions They can only drive in certain areas an have to pay a (costly) passage fee in many cities. They are driven by chauffeurs or English speaking drivers, not driving guides.

 

Lately I've been going to the Vatican in the afternoon and there's never been any line, but if you want to be sure you waste no time,

reservations for the Vatican Museums are available at 30 Euros per person.

 

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▲ Rome ▲ ▲ Florence ▲ ▲ Naples ▲
 
 

Tour of Etruscan sites

Shore excursion to Etruscan sites: Tarquinia, Ceri and Cerveteri. 9 hours
This tour takes you around the area that was colonized by the Etruscans, who were a very advanced, culturally and technologically, populace, before Rome was founded. Since they were later absorbed by the Romans, we only know about them from their tombs and that's what we'll go see. Don't worry though, I'm not taking you to some sort of funeral! You will enjoy visiting the excavations, the towns of Tarquinia and Cerveteri and the scenery while we drive. But most of all, I'm sure love Ceri and the food and wine you'll be served there! Cerveteri Etruscan fighters Ceri

Short description of the itinerary for the shore excursion to Roman Tuscia, 9 hours:

We meet in Civitavecchia at 8:00 am (vehicle will be parked on the pier with your name on its windshield) and we drive to Tarquinia, just a few miles away. Then we go to Ceri, where we'll have lunch. In the afternoon we drive to Cerveteri to visit the little town itself and the Etruscan necropolis in the locality called “Banditaccia”. We return to the ship around 5:00 pm.

More about this tour: Tour's price ▲ back ▲ ▲ Top of page ▲
We will leave Civitavecchia at 8:00 a.m. and drive to Tarquinia a lovely medieval town just north of Civitavecchia. In Tarquinia we stroll around its attractive narrow streets and visit the Etruscan Museum (optional) Later we will drive to the location were some of the most interesting Etruscan tombs have been found. Those tombs are famous for the quality of their fresco paintings. After visiting the tombs we drive to Ceri. Ceri is a little medieval town still conserving its original aspect, nothing was ever built outside the city walls! Practically a castle with the palace of the nobles, the Torlonia's, dominating the main square and a little church were a Pope who lived in the 5th Century is buried, Saint Felice II, who was martyred in a grotto nearby. This would be the ideal place for a lunch break there are two restaurants there and they both serve very good food and wine for a very moderate price. In the afternoon we drive to Cerveteri to visit the little town itself and the Etruscan necropolis in the locality called “Banditaccia”. A place one must see. A unique atmosphere. The Banditaccia necropolis brings you back to the days of the Etruscans. Visiting it is very emotional experience. The place is like a city for the dead just carved out of the “tufah” stone. Each one of the cylindrical tombs has been sculpted like a house of stone. The diameter of the tombs is between 30 and 90 feet. Inside you find a hall and bedrooms for the master, his descendants and even for the slaves. The domed roofs are built using tufah (tufo) blocks up to 3 feet of length, result of the carving of the cylinder.

The room inside was decorated like a rich home, with paintings and bas-reliefs.

Find out more about the Etruscans here.

When these tombs where found they contained the items that we can now see in the museums: arms, jewels, pottery, statues, mirrors etc.The Etruscans were mysterious people who populated central Italy long before the days of Rome's greatness, People far advanced in civilization the Etruscans (apparently they called themselves Tyrrhenians) rose to prosperity and power, then almost disappeared from history, leaving behind themselves unsolved questions about their origin and culture. A common theory is that they came from Asia Minor and they would be the Lydian's described by the Greek historian Herodotus who left Asia because of famine and colonized northern and central Italy. They commenced with the Greeks, the Phoenicians and the Egyptians and they were obviously influenced by those cultures. They tried to overrule the Romans by merging with them rather than trying to conquer them; the last three of the “seven kings of Rome” were in fact Etruscan. It seems that the Romans changed from kingdom to democracy just to get rid of the Etruscan kings. The Etruscans were than expelled by the Romans who later conquered and absorbed them, finally adopting many of their advanced arts, customs and institutions. Little remains of the Etruscan literature and their language has been only partially deciphered. The knowledge we have of the Etruscans only comes from studying the remains of their city walls, houses, monuments, and especially their tombs. The tombs in fact contained weapons, exquisite jewellery, coins; statues of stone, bronze and terra-cotta. Plus their famous black pottery (bucchero). Grecian and Oriental influences are seen in the style of their pottery.

You are always free to modify the itinerary at your pleasure.

 

This and all the other tours I'm listing in this website can be done in many ways: if you know where to go and you want to save some money, you can hire a car with chauffeur; if you want some narration, but not a whole lot, you can hire an English speaking driver, if you want more details and better English spoken, you hire a driving guide; if you want to really visit a place thoroughly, or if you are with a large group, you may want to hire an official guide. The best solutions will be suggested for each tour.

       

Full day tour to Etruscan sites: Tarquinia, Ceri and Cerveteri from the port of Civitavecchia - 9hours/200km

   

Service ▼

▼Vehicles and Prices ▼

Car and chauffeur

If you know where you want to go this is the best solution to save money and tour the city comfortably.  Inexpensive and comfortable tour

sedan minivan minibus small bus
400.00 460.00 515.00 830.00

English speaking driver 

You visit all the major highlights of Rome with a little narration.

 Best value for a whirlwind tour .

sedan minivan minibus small bus
490.00 550.00 600.00 920.00

Driving guide providing guided tour of St. Peter's in Vatican

Narrated tour in good English. You get a lot of information and you're guided through St. Peter's.  Good value for money, the best tour

sedan minivan minibus small bus
600.00 640.00 690.00 unavailable

Driver plus full day guide

Not only you are driven to the places, but once there the guide will walk with you and tell you all about them. Best for groups with more than 8 people..

sedan minivan minibus small bus
760.00 800.00 870.00 1,200.00
 
Prices are inclusive of VAT (IVA)10%
 

Description of the vehicles

Sedan

up to 4 + driver

Minivan

up to 6/7 + driver

Minibus

up to 8 + driver

Small bus

up to 13/19 + driver

Mercedes E Class Sedan Mercedes "Viano" minivan Mercedes "Sprinter" minibus Mercedes "Sprinter" based small bus

Seats 4+driver, but ideal for max 3+1 child. The trunk can hold 3 medium size suitcases plus 3 smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver.

The trunk can hold 7 or 8 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver. The trunk can hold 10 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 20+driver. The trunk can hold 14 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

All vehicles are licensed for chauffeured car hire (NCC), can practically drive anywhere: historical city centers, special lanes for public transportation vehicles etcetera, and bring the passengers right up to the site they want to visit. They can be driven by chauffeurs, English speaking drivers and driving-guides. The buses are subject to restrictions They can only drive in certain areas an have to pay a (costly) passage fee in many cities. They are driven by chauffeurs or English speaking drivers, not driving guides.

 

▲ Top of page ▲

▲ Rome ▲ ▲ Florence ▲ ▲ Naples ▲
 

 

Tour to Tuscia and Umbria

Shore excursion to Tuscania, Montefiascone and Orvieto. 9 hours
An excursion off the beaten path. If you have already visited Rome and you want to see something different. Or if you simply want to have some relaxing time in the country, away from the crowded touristy areas. We will drive through the countryside north of Rome, mainly the area called Tuscia (name deriving from Etruscan) and some of Umbria (name deriving from umbra=shade), called the shady heart of Italy because of the woods and because it's right in center of the country . View fm Montefiascone Tuscania, St. Peter's Orvieto, Cathedral
Short description of the itinerary for the shore excursion to Rome:

We meet in Civitavecchia at 8:00 am (vehicle will be parked on the pier with your name on its windshield) and we drive to Tuscania. Then we stop in Montefiascone and finally arrive to Orvieto for lunch. After visiting Orvieto we head back and, if your not too tired and if time allows, we stop in Civita di Bagnoregio, Vulci, or Tarquinia on the way back. We return to the ship around 5:00 pm.

More sites and curiosities, less known than the places listed above, will be brought to your attention while driving. Remember: you'll always see more than you'll be expecting to see!

More about this tour: Tour's price ▲ back ▲ ▲ Top of page ▲
The tour I suggest includes Orvieto (1 hour from Civitavecchia) and other charming little towns we can visit on the way to Orvieto or on the way back: Tuscania, Montefiascone, Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio. I have done this tour several times and the people I took always enjoyed it very much. Leaving Civitavecchia at about 8:00 a.m. ours first stop is Tuscania. Founded by the Etruscans, it became a Roman colony in the 3rd Century b.c. and it appears today as a charming little medieval town. Unfortunately it was badly damaged by an earthquake in 1971 and they haven't finished refurbishing the old buildings yet. On a Saturday or Sunday you may run into some Italian or German tourists but any other day of the week you feel like the city is yours! We can use one of the local coffee shop for facilities and buy a drink from them just to return the courtesy. Continuing towards Orvieto we stop briefly at the town of Montefiascone, also a town founded by the Etruscans, a quaint little medieval town. Sitting right on top of a hill overlooking the lake Bolsena about 1800 ft a.s.l. Montefiascone offers a great panorama. We will stop there shortly just to admire the view and eventually a walk though the narrow streets. Montefiascone is known also for its production of white wine which they call "Est! Est!! Est!!!" (meaning it is! it is!! it is!!!) named that after the German traveler Defuk who, not speaking Italian but only a few words in Latin used that exclamation to show his appreciation for the local wine. He ended up dying in Montefiascone from drinking too much of that wine, they say, and he's buried in the local church of St. Flaviano. We'll finally reach Orvieto, the largest of the towns in our itinerary, around 12:00 noon. We'll be coming from the West and we'll stop to admire the view of the city sitting on its plateau formed by the volcanic "tufah" stone. Time for lunch! In Italy people have their main meal in the middle of the day after which they like to nap. Shops in fact close at 1:00 pm and don't re-open any earlier than 3/4:00 pm. Famous Italian "siesta". You can choose between a light lunch at the wine shop (enoteca) on the main square (weather permitting you can eat outside) or local cuisine in a typical restaurant. You'll have the time to visit the magnificent Cathedral, one on the most beautiful in Italy, and stroll down Orvieto's quaint narrow streets crammed with colorful shops selling beautiful ceramics. On the way back, if you're not too tired and it isn't too late we can stop and visit Civita di Bagnoregio. This charming little town was also founded by the Etruscans around 2500 years ago on top of a hill formed by "tufah" stone.

You are always free to modify the itinerary at your pleasure.

 

This and all the other tours I'm listing in this website can be done in many ways: if you know where to go and you want to save some money, you can hire a car with chauffeur; if you want some narration, but not a whole lot, you can hire an English speaking driver, if you want more details and better English spoken, you hire a driving guide; if you want to really visit a place thoroughly, or if you are with a large group, you may want to hire an official guide. The best solutions will be suggested for each tour.

       

Shore excursion to Tuscania, Montefiascone and Orvieto. 9 hours/200km

   

Service ▼

▼Vehicles and Prices ▼

Car and chauffeur

If you know where you want to go this is the best solution to save money and tour the city comfortably.  Inexpensive and comfortable tour

sedan minivan minibus small bus
400.00 460.00 515.00 830.00

English speaking driver 

You visit all the major highlights of Rome with a little narration.

 Best value for a whirlwind tour .

sedan minivan minibus small bus
490.00 550.00 600.00 920.00

Driving guide providing guided tour of St. Peter's in Vatican

Narrated tour in good English. You get a lot of information and you're guided through St. Peter's.  Good value for money, the best tour

sedan minivan minibus small bus
600.00 640.00 690.00 unavailable

Driver plus full day guide

Not only you are driven to the places, but once there the guide will walk with you and tell you all about them. Best for groups with more than 8 people..

sedan minivan minibus small bus
760.00 800.00 870.00 1,200.00
 
Prices are inclusive of VAT (IVA)10%
 

Description of the vehicles

Sedan

up to 4 + driver

Minivan

up to 6/7 + driver

Minibus

up to 8 + driver

Small bus

up to 13/19 + driver

Mercedes E Class Sedan Mercedes "Viano" minivan Mercedes "Sprinter" minibus Mercedes "Sprinter" based small bus

Seats 4+driver, but ideal for max 3+1 child. The trunk can hold 3 medium size suitcases plus 3 smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver.

The trunk can hold 7 or 8 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver. The trunk can hold 10 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 20+driver. The trunk can hold 14 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

All vehicles are licensed for chauffeured car hire (NCC), can practically drive anywhere: historical city centers, special lanes for public transportation vehicles etcetera, and bring the passengers right up to the site they want to visit. They can be driven by chauffeurs, English speaking drivers and driving-guides. The buses are subject to restrictions They can only drive in certain areas an have to pay a (costly) passage fee in many cities. They are driven by chauffeurs or English speaking drivers, not driving guides.

 

▲ Top of page ▲

▲ Rome ▲ ▲ Florence ▲ ▲ Naples ▲
 
 

Tour to the Roman Tuscia

Shore tour to Caprarola, Cerveteri, Bracciano and Ceri. 9 hours
An other excursion off the beaten path for those who have already seen Rome and do not feel the need to go back. Or if you simply want to have some relaxing time in the country, away from the crowded touristy areas. We will drive through the countryside north of Rome, mainly the area called Tuscia (name deriving from Etruscan) and some of Umbria (name deriving from umbra=shade), called the shady heart of Italy because of the woods and because it's right in center of the country. Caprarola spiral stairs Bracciano Cerveteri, clock
Caprarola, the stairway in Palazzo Farnese Bracciano, the castle and the borrough Cerveteri, the clock in the main square.

Short description of the itinerary for the shore excursion to Roman Tuscia, 9 hours:

We meet in Civitavecchia at 8:00 am (vehicle will be parked on the pier with your name on its windshield) and we drive to Caprarola. After visiting Caprarola we start heading back in the direction of the port Ceri where we can have lunch. On the way to Ceri though, If time allows it, we can stop to visit the castle of Bracciano. After lunch we stop to visit the town of Cerveteri and the Etruscan necropolis “La Banditaccia”. We return to the ship around 5:00 pm.

More sites and curiosities, less known than the places listed above, will be brought to your attention while driving. Remember: you'll always see more than you'll be expecting to see!

More about this tour: Tour's price  ▲ back ▲ ▲ Top of page ▲
Leaving from Civitavecchia around 8.00 am we’ll head for Caprarola. Driving through the woods the Romans called “Silva Cimina”, along the lake of Vico we’ll arrive to Caprarola; a beautiful little medieval town founded in the 10th Century. The place is famous for the beautiful palace erected there by the Farnese family. The Farnese Palace, started around 1530 as a castle by the famous architect Antonio da Sangallo for Pope Paul III, was completed by the architect Jacopo Barozzi, better known as “Il Vignola”, for the Pope’s nephew Alessandro Farnese in 1575. Il Vignola was able to transform Sangallo’s austere, sturdy castle into an elegant residential palace. The pentagonal structure of the Farnese Palace dominates the town of Caprarola which was redesigned to provide a triumphal access to the Palazzo. The finding of Etruscan tombs in the area testifies the existence of settlements in the area before the Roman Era, but the town of Bracciano is only officially mentioned since the 13th century The city was built around the impressive Orsini castle which dominates the town itself and the vast lake. The lakes originated from the crater of a volcano and its circumference is 20mls. Willingly you can experience the emotion of visiting a perfectly preserved medieval castle before we get back in car to drive to Ceri. Most of the cities castles in Italy originated from castles. The nobles were assigned a fief and they built their castle were they lived themselves but also accommodated their army and their peasants. It didn’t take long before the population grew to the point that they had expand and build houses outside the castle itself. That didn’t happen in Ceri and the town and castle are still one unit. The castle is isolated in the woods and not many people know of its existence except for some contemporary Romans who love to have their Saturday night dinner or Sunday lunch in one of the two great restaurants that are in it. We will arrive to Ceri around 12.30 or 1.00 pm and we’ll have the opportunity to try one of those restaurants ourselves. Leaving Ceri we’ll head for the town of Cerveteri where we visit the little town itself and the Etruscan necropolis in the locality called “Banditaccia”.  A place one must see. A unique atmosphere. The Banditaccia necropolis brings you back to the days of the Etruscans. Visiting it is very emotional experience. The place is like a city for the dead just carved out of the “tufah” stone. Each one of the cylindrical tombs has been sculpted like a house of stone. The diameter of the tombs is between 30 and 90 feet. Inside you find a hall and bedrooms for the master, his descendants and even for the slaves. The domed roofs are built using tufah blocks up to 3 feet of length, result of the carving of the cylinder. The room inside was decorated like a rich home, with paintings and bas-reliefs. When these tombs where found they contained the items that we can now see in the museums: arms, jewels, pottery, statues, mirrors etc..

You are always free to modify the itinerary at your pleasure.

 

This and all the other tours I'm listing in this website can be done in many ways: if you know where to go and you want to save some money, you can hire a car with chauffeur; if you want some narration, but not a whole lot, you can hire an English speaking driver, if you want more details and better English spoken, you hire a driving guide; if you want to really visit a place thoroughly, or if you are with a large group, you may want to hire an official guide. The best solutions will be suggested for each tour.

       

Full day tour to Caprarola, Cerveteri, Bracciano and Ceri from the port of Civitavecchia - 9hours/200km

   

Service ▼

▼Vehicles and Prices ▼

Car and chauffeur

If you know where you want to go this is the best solution to save money and tour the city comfortably.  Inexpensive and comfortable tour

sedan minivan minibus small bus
400.00 460.00 515.00 830.00

English speaking driver 

You visit all the major highlights of Rome with a little narration.

 Best value for a whirlwind tour .

sedan minivan minibus small bus
490.00 550.00 600.00 920.00

Driving guide providing guided tour of St. Peter's in Vatican

Narrated tour in good English. You get a lot of information and you're guided through St. Peter's.  Good value for money, the best tour

sedan minivan minibus small bus
600.00 640.00 690.00 unavailable

Driver plus full day guide

Not only you are driven to the places, but once there the guide will walk with you and tell you all about them. Best for groups with more than 8 people..

sedan minivan minibus small bus
760.00 800.00 870.00 1,200.00
 
Prices are inclusive of VAT (IVA)10%
 

Description of the vehicles

Sedan

up to 4 + driver

Minivan

up to 6/7 + driver

Minibus

up to 8 + driver

Small bus

up to 13/19 + driver

Mercedes E Class Sedan Mercedes "Viano" minivan Mercedes "Sprinter" minibus Mercedes "Sprinter" based small bus

Seats 4+driver, but ideal for max 3+1 child. The trunk can hold 3 medium size suitcases plus 3 smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver.

The trunk can hold 7 or 8 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver. The trunk can hold 10 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 20+driver. The trunk can hold 14 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

All vehicles are licensed for chauffeured car hire (NCC), can practically drive anywhere: historical city centers, special lanes for public transportation vehicles etcetera, and bring the passengers right up to the site they want to visit. They can be driven by chauffeurs, English speaking drivers and driving-guides. The buses are subject to restrictions They can only drive in certain areas an have to pay a (costly) passage fee in many cities. They are driven by chauffeurs or English speaking drivers, not driving guides.

 

▲ Top of page ▲

▲ Rome ▲ ▲ Florence ▲ ▲ Naples ▲
 
 

Tour of the Roman Castles

Shore excursion to Castelgandolfo and Nemi. Wine tasting tour. 9 hours
This excursion takes you to a beautiful area south east of Rome known for the wine, the food and the good air. Everything's sp good there that one of the towns, Castelgandolfo, has been the Pope's Summer Residence since the sixteen hundreds. You go to visit charming little medieval hilltop town and enjoy them as well as you'll enjoy the scenery driving from one to another, You can also stop for lunch at some nice restaurant with outstanding view, food and wine. Castelgandolfo Nemi Salute!

Short description of the itinerary for the shore excursion to Roman Tuscia, 9 hours:

We meet in Civitavecchia at 8:00 am (vehicle will be parked on the pier with your name on its windshield) and we drive to to the hilltop towns south east of Rome. We will visit the towns of: Grottaferrata, Frascati, Marino, Castelgandolfo and Nemi and the return to the port by 5:00 pm.

More about this tour: Tour's price ▲ back ▲ ▲ Top of page ▲
They call this area the Roman Castles since these towns originated from the castles the Roman nobles built on the most suitable hill in their property. Over the years the people built their homes outside the castles so to be protected by it and finally they built walls around the city for more protection. When better times came, in the Renaissance, those castles were made into villas and the nobles spent their summers there in better climate than Rome. The location and the climate were ideal for cultivating grape vines and the area has always been known for producing wonderful white wines. The wines are usually named after the town where they are produced and, to my advice, the most famous is the wine produced in the town of Frascati. The area has beautiful hills and lakes and the little towns have a special quaint atmosphere. The first one of the towns we reach is Grottaferrata, there we can visit the Abbey founded in the 10th Century by St. Nilo. Later we proceed driving on the beautiful "Via dei Laghi" (the road of the lakes) to Nemi. The road climbs the hills between the woods of the Alban Hills and offers breath taking panoramas of the towns and the lakes. Nemi is a lovely little town overlooking the homonymous lake and known for producing special strawberries. Finally we'll reach Castelgandolfo which is the most charming of the small towns in the area. It will be possible to make a stop at local restaurant for a typical lunch. Castelgandolfo was chosen in the 17th Century by Pope Urban VIII Barberini to be the Summer Residence of the Popes, so that's where still today the Pope spends the month of August and some time in the winter when he needs to relax. The Papal Residence cannot be visited, but the Palace can be seen from the outside. In Castelgandolfo are also shops that represent the local wineries and so it will also be possible to do some wine tasting. The area is also well known for its food and willingly you could have a nice lunch in one of the restaurants in the area.

You are always free to modify the itinerary at your pleasure.

This and all the other tours I'm listing in this website can be done in many ways: if you know where to go and you want to save some money, you can hire a car with chauffeur; if you want some narration, but not a whole lot, you can hire an English speaking driver, if you want more details and better English spoken, you hire a driving guide; if you want to really visit a place thoroughly, or if you are with a large group, you may want to hire an official guide. The best solutions will be suggested for each tour.

       

Full day tour to Castelgandolfo and Nemi. Wine tasting tour from the port of Civitavecchia - 9hours/200km

   

Service ▼

▼Vehicles and Prices ▼

Car and chauffeur

If you know where you want to go this is the best solution to save money and tour the city comfortably.  Inexpensive and comfortable tour

sedan minivan minibus small bus
400.00 460.00 515.00 830.00

English speaking driver 

You visit all the major highlights of Rome with a little narration.

 Best value for a whirlwind tour .

sedan minivan minibus small bus
490.00 550.00 600.00 920.00

Driving guide providing guided tour of St. Peter's in Vatican

Narrated tour in good English. You get a lot of information and you're guided through St. Peter's.  Good value for money, the best tour

sedan minivan minibus small bus
600.00 640.00 690.00 unavailable

Driver plus full day guide

Not only you are driven to the places, but once there the guide will walk with you and tell you all about them. Best for groups with more than 8 people..

sedan minivan minibus small bus
760.00 800.00 870.00 1,200.00
 
Prices are inclusive of VAT (IVA)10%
 

Description of the vehicles

Sedan

up to 4 + driver

Minivan

up to 6/7 + driver

Minibus

up to 8 + driver

Small bus

up to 13/19 + driver

Mercedes E Class Sedan Mercedes "Viano" minivan Mercedes "Sprinter" minibus Mercedes "Sprinter" based small bus

Seats 4+driver, but ideal for max 3+1 child. The trunk can hold 3 medium size suitcases plus 3 smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver.

The trunk can hold 7 or 8 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver. The trunk can hold 10 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 20+driver. The trunk can hold 14 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

All vehicles are licensed for chauffeured car hire (NCC), can practically drive anywhere: historical city centers, special lanes for public transportation vehicles etcetera, and bring the passengers right up to the site they want to visit. They can be driven by chauffeurs, English speaking drivers and driving-guides. The buses are subject to restrictions They can only drive in certain areas an have to pay a (costly) passage fee in many cities. They are driven by chauffeurs or English speaking drivers, not driving guides.

 

▲ Top of page ▲

▲ Rome ▲ ▲ Florence ▲ ▲ Naples ▲
 
 

Tour of  the Roman Castles and Ostia Antica

Excursion to Ostia Antica, Castelgandolfo and Nemi.

Wine tasting tour. 9 hours

Not on Mondays !

This is a tour that will take you to some of the most interesting places outside of Rome: the excavations of Ostia and the pleasant area of the lakes on the hills south east of Rome. You'll go back in history to the days of the splendor of the Roman Empire in Ostia and to the best days of Papal Rome in Castelgandolfo. You'll see the hills full of grape vines and also go wine tasting if you want. Today's Romans go to the lakes for to enjoy the food in the restaurants, being area  known for the wine production as well as for the genuine food. Ostia Castelgandolfo Nemi
Ruins of Ostia Antica

Short description of the itinerary for the shore excursion to Roman Castles and Ostia, 9 hours:

After meeting at the port at 8.00 a.m. (vehicle will be parked on the pier with your name on its windshield) we  drive to Ostia via the motorway and, after the visit, we go to Castelgandolfo and Nemi and we'll stop in one of these two places for lunch or we can have a light lunch by the lake. We'll return to the port by 5:00 pm.

More about this tour: Tour's price  ▲ back ▲ ▲ Top of page ▲
We will be driving on the motorway towards Rome and, before actually getting to the city, we'll turn off of it to reach Ostia, just a few miles South of Rome's airport.  Once in Ostia we will visit the famous ruins of Rome's ancient port city. Located at the mouth of the Tiber river, The ancient Roman writer Ennius says king Ancus Marcius founded Ostia in the seventh century B.C., in the fourth century was a military fort, called Castrum, that guarded the river mouth against sea borne invasions. Ostia later gained prominence as the domestic landing for cargo boats. According to ancient sources it was the oldest Roman colony. Ostia is easily comparable to Pompeii: you walk through the ruins of a city that was abandoned in the fifth century A.D.. It is in fact a magical alternative to the crowded, and far from Rome, Pompeii as well as it is complementary to it. Ostia was for one thousand and five hundred years a ghost town, covered by marshy swamp and infested with malaria. In the early nineteen hundreds, the Italian Government ordered the first systematic archaeological excavations, and to this day, with every unearthed stone, they add to our knowledge and understanding of a city that once stood next to Rome in grandeur. At the end of our visit of Ostia we get back to the car drive to Castelgandolfo. If there will be  time, we will stop to look at the the castle built for the Pope Julius II just outside the excavations. Castelgandolfo is lovely little town sitting right on the edge of what, millions of years ago, was the crater of a volcano and is now a beautiful lake. The town owes its name to the fact that it developed around the castle of the Gandolfo family. Pope Urban VIII Barberini, in the 17th Century, made of it the Summer Residence of the Popes. Still today the Pope spends there the hottest months of the year. The general area is also known for its outstanding foods and there's a lovely little restaurant, right in the old part of town where, weather permitting, one can have lunch on a beautiful terrace overlooking the lake. The tour also includes the lovely little town called Nemi, just a few minutes away from Castelgandolfo, but on a different lake.

You are always free to modify the itinerary at your pleasure.

This and all the other tours I'm listing in this website can be done in many ways: if you know where to go and you want to save some money, you can hire a car with chauffeur; if you want some narration, but not a whole lot, you can hire an English speaking driver, if you want more details and better English spoken, you hire a driving guide; if you want to really visit a place thoroughly, or if you are with a large group, you may want to hire an official guide. The best solutions will be suggested for each tour.

       

Full day tour to Ostia Antica, Castelgandolfo and Nemi.from the port of Civitavecchia - 9hours/200km

   

Service ▼

▼Vehicles and Prices ▼

Car and chauffeur

If you know where you want to go this is the best solution to save money and tour the city comfortably.  Inexpensive and comfortable tour

sedan minivan minibus small bus
400.00 460.00 515.00 830.00

English speaking driver 

You visit all the major highlights of Rome with a little narration.

 Best value for a whirlwind tour .

sedan minivan minibus small bus
490.00 550.00 600.00 920.00

Driving guide providing guided tour of St. Peter's in Vatican

Narrated tour in good English. You get a lot of information and you're guided through St. Peter's.  Good value for money, the best tour

sedan minivan minibus small bus
600.00 640.00 690.00 unavailable

Driver plus full day guide

Not only you are driven to the places, but once there the guide will walk with you and tell you all about them. Best for groups with more than 8 people..

sedan minivan minibus small bus
760.00 800.00 870.00 1,200.00
 
Prices are inclusive of VAT (IVA)10%
 

Description of the vehicles

Sedan

up to 4 + driver

Minivan

up to 6/7 + driver

Minibus

up to 8 + driver

Small bus

up to 13/19 + driver

Mercedes E Class Sedan Mercedes "Viano" minivan Mercedes "Sprinter" minibus Mercedes "Sprinter" based small bus

Seats 4+driver, but ideal for max 3+1 child. The trunk can hold 3 medium size suitcases plus 3 smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver.

The trunk can hold 7 or 8 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver. The trunk can hold 10 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 20+driver. The trunk can hold 14 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

All vehicles are licensed for chauffeured car hire (NCC), can practically drive anywhere: historical city centers, special lanes for public transportation vehicles etcetera, and bring the passengers right up to the site they want to visit. They can be driven by chauffeurs, English speaking drivers and driving-guides. The buses are subject to restrictions They can only drive in certain areas an have to pay a (costly) passage fee in many cities. They are driven by chauffeurs or English speaking drivers, not driving guides.

 

▲ Top of page ▲

▲ Rome ▲ ▲ Florence ▲ ▲ Naples ▲
 
 

Tour of Tivoli & Roman Castles

Shore excursion to Tivoli, Castelgandolfo and Nemi.

Wine tasting tour.  9 hours

Not on Mondays !

This is another tour from the port of Rome that's ideal for those for those who've already visited the city and want to see some famous places outside of Rome, without going off the beaten path. Mainly you see the world famous Villa D'Este and the Pope's Summer Residence in Castelgandolfo, but also you'll enjoy driving in the country though the vineyards and the olive groves. This is also a great opportunity if you like Italian food and wine, the area of Tivoli is known for the olive oil, and the area of Castelgandolfo for the wine! Villa D'Este Papal Palace Nemi
Tivoli, one of the fountains in Villa D'Este Papal Palace in Castelgandolfo Nemi

Short description of the itinerary for the shore excursion to Tivoli & Roman Castles, 9 hours:

We meet in Civitavecchia at 8:00 am (vehicle will be parked on the pier with your name on its windshield) and we drive Tivoli (vehicle will be parked on the pier with your name on its windshield) we  drive to Tivoli. After visiting Villa D'Este we drive through the olive groves and vineyards to Castelgandolfo and Nemi and we'll stop in one of these two places for lunch or we can have a light lunch by the lake. We'll return to the port by 5:00 pm.

More about this tour: Tour's price  ▲ back ▲ ▲ Top of page ▲
We will be driving on the motorway towards Rome and then skirt the city driving on the freeway (G.R.A.) that encircles it and finally turn on to the A24 by which we will reach the town of Tivoli. Once in Tivoli we will visit Villa D'Este, built in the 16th Century for the Cardinal Ippolito D'Este (son of the famous Lucrezia Borgia) who had it built for himself when he became the governor of Tivoli. The beautiful building is world known for its astounding garden which is decorated by hundreds of artistic water fountains. After visiting Villa D'Este re-descend the hill and drive to Castelgandolfo. If there will be  time, before getting back on the main road to go to Castelgandolfo, we will stop to look at the marble quarries at the foot of the hill. Tivoli is in fact the place where the ancient Romans quarried the Travertine marble which was used in the construction of the famous buildings like the Colosseum. Castelgandolfo is lovely little town sitting right on the edge of what, millions of years ago, was the crater of a volcano and is now a beautiful lake. The town owes its name to the fact that it developed around the castle of the Gandolfo family. In the 17th Century the Pope Urban VIII Barberini made of it the Summer Residence of the Popes and still today the Pope spends there the hottest months of the year. The general area is also known for its outstanding foods and there's a lovely little restaurant, right in the old part of town where, weather permitting, one can have lunch on a beautiful terrace overlooking the lake. It is a family run restaurant and all the people that work there are really dedicated and will serve you an unforgettable lunch! Plus Castelgandolfo is in the area that's famous for its wines, you probably heard of Frascati, Marino, Velletri...

You are always free to modify the itinerary at your pleasure.

 

This and all the other tours I'm listing in this website can be done in many ways: if you know where to go and you want to save some money, you can hire a car with chauffeur; if you want some narration, but not a whole lot, you can hire an English speaking driver, if you want more details and better English spoken, you hire a driving guide; if you want to really visit a place thoroughly, or if you are with a large group, you may want to hire an official guide. The best solutions will be suggested for each tour.

       

Full day tour to Tivoli, Castelgandolfo and Nemi from the port of Civitavecchia - 9hours/200km

   

Service ▼

▼Vehicles and Prices ▼

Car and chauffeur

If you know where you want to go this is the best solution to save money and tour the city comfortably.  Inexpensive and comfortable tour

sedan minivan minibus small bus
400.00 460.00 515.00 830.00

English speaking driver 

You visit all the major highlights of Rome with a little narration.

 Best value for a whirlwind tour .

sedan minivan minibus small bus
490.00 550.00 600.00 920.00

Driving guide providing guided tour of St. Peter's in Vatican

Narrated tour in good English. You get a lot of information and you're guided through St. Peter's.  Good value for money, the best tour

sedan minivan minibus small bus
600.00 640.00 690.00 unavailable

Driver plus full day guide

Not only you are driven to the places, but once there the guide will walk with you and tell you all about them. Best for groups with more than 8 people..

sedan minivan minibus small bus
760.00 800.00 870.00 1,200.00
 
Prices are inclusive of VAT (IVA)10%
 

Description of the vehicles

Sedan

up to 4 + driver

Minivan

up to 6/7 + driver

Minibus

up to 8 + driver

Small bus

up to 13/19 + driver

Mercedes E Class Sedan Mercedes "Viano" minivan Mercedes "Sprinter" minibus Mercedes "Sprinter" based small bus

Seats 4+driver, but ideal for max 3+1 child. The trunk can hold 3 medium size suitcases plus 3 smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver.

The trunk can hold 7 or 8 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver. The trunk can hold 10 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 20+driver. The trunk can hold 14 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

All vehicles are licensed for chauffeured car hire (NCC), can practically drive anywhere: historical city centers, special lanes for public transportation vehicles etcetera, and bring the passengers right up to the site they want to visit. They can be driven by chauffeurs, English speaking drivers and driving-guides. The buses are subject to restrictions They can only drive in certain areas an have to pay a (costly) passage fee in many cities. They are driven by chauffeurs or English speaking drivers, not driving guides.

 

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▲ Rome ▲ ▲ Florence ▲ ▲ Naples ▲
 
 

Tour of Tivoli

Shore excursion to Villa D'Este and Hadrian's Villa. 9 hours

Not on Mondays !

A full day spent in Tivoli, between Hadrian's Villa and Villa D'Este. You'll get to see the sumptuous residence of the Cardinal Ippolito II D'Este and the ruins of Hadrian's. Walk around the street of medieval Tivoli and take pictures of the castle. See the quarries where the Roman's got the Travertine marble to build the Colosseum and eventually stop to taste some olive oil. Tivoli Hadrian's Villa Villa D'Este
The castle of Tivoli Hadrian's Villa Villa D'Este

Short description of the itinerary for the shore excursion to Roman Tuscia, 9 hours:

We meet in Civitavecchia at 8:00 am (vehicle will be parked on the pier with your name on its windshield) and drive to Tivoli. In Tivoli we'll visit Hadrian's Villa first and then, after stopping for lunch at an authentic Italian restaurant we drive up the town and visit Villa D'Este. We'll return to the port by 5:00 pm.

More about this tour: Tour's price ▲ back ▲ ▲ Top of page ▲
We will be driving on the motorway towards Rome and then skirt the city driving on the freeway (G.R.A.) that encircles it and finally turn on to the A24 by which we will reach the town of Tivoli.  Before driving up to the city, we'll visit the ruins of the famous residence of the Emperor Hadrian: Hadrian's Vila. The villa was the Emperor's "ideal city", a retreat from the chaos of Rome and the classical buildings in it reproduced the best elements of the material cultures of Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Tivoli is in fact the place where the ancient Romans quarried the Travertine marble which was used in the construction of the famous buildings like the Colosseum. Between the visits to the two Villas it will be possible to make a stop at local restaurant for a typical lunch. After visiting Villa D'Este we will visit Villa D'Este, built in the 16th Century for the Cardinal Ippolito D'Este (son of the famous Lucrezia Borgia) who had it built for himself when he became the governor of Tivoli. became the governor of Tivoli. The beautiful building is world known for its astounding garden which is decorated by hundreds of artistic water fountains. Before returning to Civitavecchia, we will stop to look at the marble quarries at the foot of the hill.

You are always free to modify the itinerary at your pleasure.

 

This and all the other tours I'm listing in this website can be done in many ways: if you know where to go and you want to save some money, you can hire a car with chauffeur; if you want some narration, but not a whole lot, you can hire an English speaking driver, if you want more details and better English spoken, you hire a driving guide; if you want to really visit a place thoroughly, or if you are with a large group, you may want to hire an official guide. The best solutions will be suggested for each tour.

       

Full day tour to Villa D'Este and Hadrian's Villa from the port of Civitavecchia - 9hours/200km

   

Service ▼

▼Vehicles and Prices ▼

Car and chauffeur

If you know where you want to go this is the best solution to save money and tour the city comfortably.  Inexpensive and comfortable tour

sedan minivan minibus small bus
400.00 460.00 515.00 830.00

English speaking driver 

You visit all the major highlights of Rome with a little narration.

 Best value for a whirlwind tour .

sedan minivan minibus small bus
490.00 550.00 600.00 920.00

Driving guide providing guided tour of St. Peter's in Vatican

Narrated tour in good English. You get a lot of information and you're guided through St. Peter's.  Good value for money, the best tour

sedan minivan minibus small bus
600.00 640.00 690.00 unavailable

Driver plus full day guide

Not only you are driven to the places, but once there the guide will walk with you and tell you all about them. Best for groups with more than 8 people..

sedan minivan minibus small bus
760.00 800.00 870.00 1,200.00
 
Prices are inclusive of VAT (IVA)10%
 

Description of the vehicles

Sedan

up to 4 + driver

Minivan

up to 6/7 + driver

Minibus

up to 8 + driver

Small bus

up to 13/19 + driver

Mercedes E Class Sedan Mercedes "Viano" minivan Mercedes "Sprinter" minibus Mercedes "Sprinter" based small bus

Seats 4+driver, but ideal for max 3+1 child. The trunk can hold 3 medium size suitcases plus 3 smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver.

The trunk can hold 7 or 8 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver. The trunk can hold 10 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 20+driver. The trunk can hold 14 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

All vehicles are licensed for chauffeured car hire (NCC), can practically drive anywhere: historical city centers, special lanes for public transportation vehicles etcetera, and bring the passengers right up to the site they want to visit. They can be driven by chauffeurs, English speaking drivers and driving-guides. The buses are subject to restrictions They can only drive in certain areas an have to pay a (costly) passage fee in many cities. They are driven by chauffeurs or English speaking drivers, not driving guides.

 

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▲ Rome ▲ ▲ Florence ▲ ▲ Naples ▲
 
 
 

▲ Top of page ▲

▲ Rome ▲ ▲ Florence ▲ ▲ Naples ▲
 
 

Tour to Florence and Pisa

Shore excursion to Florence and Pisa. 9 hours
This tour will take you to one of Italy's most attractive cities: Florence, also known as the cradle of the Italian Renaissance. On the way there, from the port of Livorno, it would be a shame not to stop to take a look at one of Italy's most representative monuments, which is really close by: the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Arriving in Florence you'll first of all get a bird-eye view of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo and then drive down to visit the place. We can make a reservation for the David for you. David Florence Duomo Pisa
Michelangelo's David :) The Cathedral of Florence Pisa, the Leaning Tower

Short description of the itinerary for the shore excursion to Florence and Pisa, 9 hours:

We meet in Livorno at 8:00 am (vehicle will be parked on the pier with your name on its windshield) and drive to Pisa for some short sightseeing and then continue to Florence (duration of the trip about 1 hour). We tour the highlights of Florence until about 4:00 pm, and return to the ship at about 5:00 p.m.

More about this tour: Tour's price ▲ back ▲ ▲ Top of page ▲

On the way to Florence a stop will be made to admire the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Once in the city you will be taken to see all the major highlights, such as: Piazzale Michelangelo (panorama of the city), Piazza della Signoria (Main Square), The Duomo (Cathedral), Santa Croce (the church where Michelangelo, Galileo, Dante and other famous Florentines are buried and the famous leather school of Florence was started by the Franciscan Monks), Accademia Museum (Michelangelo's David), Ponte Vecchio and more...

Please note that your driving-guide, though very knowledgeable and speaking perfect English is not authorized to tour you inside museums. In case you like to include in your visit of Florence a guided tour of the Uffizi, the Accademia or the Medici Chapel, I would recommend to hire a local walking guide for the cost of 150 € for 3 hours.
Return to the ship at about 5:30 p.m.

 

You are always free to modify the itinerary at your pleasure.

 

This and all the other tours I'm listing in this website can be done in many ways: if you know where to go and you want to save some money, you can hire a car with chauffeur; if you want some narration, but not a whole lot, you can hire an English speaking driver, if you want more details and better English spoken, you hire a driving guide; if you want to really visit a place thoroughly, or if you are with a large group, you may want to hire an official guide. The best solutions will be suggested for each tour.

       

Full day tour of Florence from the port of Livorno - 9hours/200km

   

Service ▼

▼Vehicles and Prices ▼

Car and chauffeur

If you know where you want to go this is the best solution to save money and tour the city comfortably.  Inexpensive and comfortable tour

sedan minivan minibus small bus
450.00 480.00 520.00 830.00

English speaking driver 

You visit all the major highlights of Florence with a little narration.

 Best value for a whirlwind tour .

sedan minivan minibus small bus
500.00 550.00 600.00 920.00

Driving guide providing detailed explanations, but not inside churches or museums

Narrated tour in good English. You get a lot of information

 Good value for money, the best tour

sedan minivan minibus small bus
600.00 650.00 690.00 unavailable

Driver plus 4-hour walking tour with local guide

Not only you are driven to the places, but once there the guide will walk with you and tell you all about them. Best for groups with more than 8 people..

sedan minivan minibus small bus
800.00 850.00 900.00 1,200.00
 
Prices are inclusive of VAT (IVA)10%
 

Description of the vehicles

Sedan

up to 4 + driver

Minivan

up to 6/7 + driver

Minibus

up to 8 + driver

Small bus

up to 13/19 + driver

Mercedes E Class Sedan Mercedes "Viano" minivan Mercedes "Sprinter" minibus Mercedes "Sprinter" based small bus

Seats 4+driver, but ideal for max 3+1 child. The trunk can hold 3 medium size suitcases plus 3 smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver.

The trunk can hold 7 or 8 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver. The trunk can hold 10 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 20+driver. The trunk can hold 14 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

All vehicles are licensed for chauffeured car hire (NCC), can practically drive anywhere: historical city centers, special lanes for public transportation vehicles etcetera, and bring the passengers right up to the site they want to visit. They can be driven by chauffeurs, English speaking drivers and driving-guides. The buses are subject to restrictions They can only drive in certain areas an have to pay a (costly) fee passage in many cities. They are driven by chauffeurs or English speaking drivers, not driving guides.

 

▲ Top of page ▲

▲ Rome ▲ ▲ Florence ▲ ▲ Naples ▲
 
 
 

Tour to Siena and San Gimignano from the port of Livorno

Shore excursion to Siena and San Gimignano, 9 hours
This very pleasant shore trip through Tuscany will bring you to discover some of the best known jewels: Siena and San Gimignano. Siena rivaled with Florence until the black plague epidemic stopped its growth in the year 1348, therefore Siena, more than other towns in Italy, can make you step back in history into the medieval period and see what life in a fairly large city of the time was like. On the other end, San Gimignano will show you what life was like in a small province that started out to protect on of the main communication roads in Europe then. Siena, the Cathedral Siena, Piazza il Campo San Gimignano
Siena, the Cathedral Siena, Piazza il Campo San Gimignano

Short description of the itinerary for the shore excursion to Siena and San Gimignano, 9 hours:

We meet in Livorno at 8:00 am (vehicle will be parked on the pier with your name on its windshield) and drive to Siena. We tour the highlights of Siena and then we continue to San Gimignano. On the way from Siena to San Gimignano we van stop for lunch in the walled city of Monteriggioni. We return to the ship at about 5:00 p.m.
More about this tour: Tour's price ▲ back ▲ ▲ Top of page ▲
After meeting right on the pier where your ship will dock in the port of Livorno, we will immediately head towards Siena. Walking through its XIII century streets, admiring its palaces, churches and squares you will feel the warmth expressed by Siena's old Latin motto "Cor magis tibi Sena pandit" - Siena opens her big heart to you -, which you will feel in its incredibly magical atmosphere. Having been during the middle-ages was one of the most powerful banking city in the world, it features some of the most important works of art in Italy such as the Duomo (Cathedral). San Gimignano, the famous town of the "fine towers", is a mediaeval jewel and therefore one of the main tourist attractions in the region. It rises on a one-thousand feet high hill and its towers dominate the Elsa River Valley (Val D'Elsa). Like many other towns in the area, also San Gimignano originates from a small Etruscan village (300-200 BC). It developed then into a town in the 10th century and was named after the Holy Bishop of Modena, St. Gimignano, who saved the village from the barbarians. The town owes its wealth and importance to the fact that it was on the "Via Francigena" which was the medieval route that linked France with Rome, and was traveled by pilgrims and merchants. On the way from Siena to San Gimignano we can stop for lunch at Castle of Monteriggioni built in the 13th Century to protect Siena from the attacks of the Florentines.

You are always free to modify the itinerary at your pleasure.

 

This and all the other tours I'm listing in this website can be done in many ways: if you know where to go and you want to save some money, you can hire a car with chauffeur; if you want some narration, but not a whole lot, you can hire an English speaking driver, if you want more details and better English spoken, you hire a driving guide; if you want to really visit a place thoroughly, or if you are with a large group, you may want to hire an official guide. The best solutions will be suggested for each tour.

       

Full day tour to Siena and San Gimignano from the port of Livorno - 9hours/200km

   

Service ▼

▼Vehicles and Prices ▼

Car and chauffeur

If you know where you want to go this is the best solution to save money and tour around comfortably.  Inexpensive and comfortable tour

sedan minivan minibus small bus
450.00 500.00 550.00 830.00

English speaking driver 

You visit all the major highlights of Rome with a little narration.

 Best value for a whirlwind tour .

sedan minivan minibus small bus
500.00 550.00 600.00 920.00

Driving guide providing detailed explanations, but not inside churches or museums

Narrated tour in good English. You get a lot of information and you're guided through St. Peter's.  Good value for money, the best tour

sedan minivan minibus small bus
600.00 640.00 690.00 unavailable

Driver plus 3-hour walking tour with local guide in Sienna

Not only you are driven to the places, but once there the guide will walk with you and tell you all about them. Best for groups with more than 8 people..

sedan minivan minibus small bus
760.00 800.00 870.00 1,200.00
 
Prices are inclusive of VAT (IVA)10%
 

Description of the vehicles

Sedan

up to 4 + driver

Minivan

up to 6/7 + driver

Minibus

up to 8 + driver

Small bus

up to 13/19 + driver

Mercedes E Class Sedan Mercedes "Viano" minivan Mercedes "Sprinter" minibus Mercedes "Sprinter" based small bus

Seats 4+driver, but ideal for max 3+1 child. The trunk can hold 3 medium size suitcases plus 3 smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver.

The trunk can hold 7 or 8 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver. The trunk can hold 10 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 20+driver. The trunk can hold 14 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

All vehicles are licensed for chauffeured car hire (NCC), can practically drive anywhere: historical city centers, special lanes for public transportation vehicles etcetera, and bring the passengers right up to the site they want to visit. They can be driven by chauffeurs, English speaking drivers and driving-guides. The buses are subject to restrictions They can only drive in certain areas an have to pay a (costly) passage fee in many cities. They are driven by chauffeurs or English speaking drivers, not driving guides.

 

▲ Top of page ▲

▲ Rome ▲ ▲ Florence ▲ ▲ Naples ▲
 
 

Tour to Volterra and San Gimignano

Shore excursion to Volterra and San Gimignano. 9 hours
This a very pleasant shore trip to two very interesting towns in Tuscany, Volterra and San Gimignano. While San Gimignano has become rather well known in the recent past and is visited by many, Volterra is instead a little less known and less touristy. Yet it is a very interesting medieval town with fairly well preserved Roman Ruins and alabaster quarries. The alabaster is what made Volterra famous in the world and walking through its streets you'll be able to admire some very interesting works of art, done in this incredibly translucent marble, exhibited in the shops. Volterra Volterra San Gimignano
Streets of Volterra Streets of Volterra San Gimignano

Short description of the itinerary for the shore excursion to Volterra and San Gimignano, 9 hours:

We meet in Livorno at 8:00 am (vehicle will be parked on the pier with your name on its windshield) and drive to San Gimignano. You can have lunch in San Gimignano before heading towards Volterra. Return to the ship around 5:00 pm.
More about this tour: Tour's price ▲ back ▲ ▲ Top of page ▲
 

After meeting at the port at 8:30 a.m. (your vehicle will be parked on the pier with your name on it's wind shield) drive to San Gimignano the famous town of the "fine towers". This mediaeval jewel is one of the main tourist attractions in the region. It rises on a one-thousand feet high hill and its towers dominate the Elsa River Valley (Val D'Elsa). Like many other towns in the area, also San Gimignano originates from a small Etruscan village (300-200 BC). It developed then into a town in the 10th century and was named after the Holy Bishop of Modena, St. Gimignano, who saved the village from the barbarians.

The town owes its wealth and importance to the fact that it was on the "Via Francigena" which was the medieval route that linked France with Rome, and was traveled by pilgrims and merchants. If time allows it, on the way to San Gimignano a stop can be made to admire the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Once in San Gimignano you will be given time to see all the major highlights. Please remember that your driving-guide, though very knowledgeable and speaking perfect English is not authorized to give tours inside churches and museums.

Willingly you can take your lunch in San Gimignano before heading towards Volterra.

Volterra is another town the Etruscans founded and later they had to surrender to the Romans.

Today it appears as a quaint and lovely medieval towns rich in art, Roman ruins and shops selling artistic goods manufactured in the most famous local product: the transparent Alabaster Marble. After spending time in Volterra to visit the city you'll be taken back to Livorno to board your ship.

Return to the ship around 5:00 pm.

After meeting at the port at 8:30 a.m. (your vehicle will be parked on the pier with your name on it's wind shield) drive to San Gimignano the famous town of the "fine towers". This mediaeval jewel is one of the main tourist attractions in the region. It rises on a one-thousand feet high hill and its towers dominate the Elsa River Valley (Val D'Elsa). Like many other towns in the area, also San Gimignano originates from a small Etruscan village (300-200 BC). It developed then into a town in the 10th century and was named after the Holy Bishop of Modena, St. Gimignano, who saved the village from the barbarians.

The town owes its wealth and importance to the fact that it was on the "Via Francigena" which was the medieval route that linked France with Rome, and was traveled by pilgrims and merchants. If time allows it, on the way to San Gimignano a stop can be made to admire the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Once in San Gimignano you will be given time to see all the major highlights. Please remember that your driving-guide, though very knowledgeable and speaking perfect English is not authorized to give tours inside churches and museums.

Willingly you can take your lunch in San Gimignano before heading towards Volterra.

Volterra is another town the Etruscans founded and later they had to surrender to the Romans.

Today it appears as a quaint and lovely medieval towns rich in art, Roman ruins and shops selling artistic goods manufactured in the most famous local product: the transparent Alabaster Marble. After spending time in Volterra to visit the city you'll be taken back to Livorno to board your ship.

Return to the ship around 5:00 pm.

You are always free to modify the itinerary at your pleasure.

 

This and all the other tours I'm listing in this website can be done in many ways: if you know where to go and you want to save some money, you can hire a car with chauffeur; if you want some narration, but not a whole lot, you can hire an English speaking driver, if you want more details and better English spoken, you hire a driving guide; if you want to really visit a place thoroughly, or if you are with a large group, you may want to hire an official guide. The best solutions will be suggested for each tour.

       

Full day tour to Volterra and San Gimignano from the port of Livorno - 9hours/200km

   

Service ▼

▼Vehicles and Prices ▼

Car and chauffeur

If you know where you want to go this is the best solution to save money and tour the city comfortably.  Inexpensive and comfortable tour

sedan minivan minibus small bus
400.00 460.00 515.00 830.00

English speaking driver 

You visit all the major highlights with a little narration.

 Best value for a whirlwind tour .

sedan minivan minibus small bus
490.00 550.00 600.00 920.00

Driving guide providing detailed explanations, but not inside churches or museums

Narrated tour in good English. You get a lot of information.

 Good value for money, the best tour

sedan minivan minibus small bus
600.00 640.00 690.00 unavailable

Driver plus full day narrator on board

Not only you are driven to the places, but once there the narrator will walk with you and tell you all about them. Best for groups with more than 8 people..

sedan minivan minibus small bus
760.00 800.00 870.00 1,200.00
 
Prices are inclusive of VAT (IVA)10%
 

Description of the vehicles

Sedan

up to 4 + driver

Minivan

up to 6/7 + driver

Minibus

up to 8 + driver

Small bus

up to 13/19 + driver

Mercedes E Class Sedan Mercedes "Viano" minivan Mercedes "Sprinter" minibus Mercedes "Sprinter" based small bus

Seats 4+driver, but ideal for max 3+1 child. The trunk can hold 3 medium size suitcases plus 3 smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver.

The trunk can hold 7 or 8 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver. The trunk can hold 10 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 20+driver. The trunk can hold 14 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

All vehicles are licensed for chauffeured car hire (NCC), can practically drive anywhere: historical city centers, special lanes for public transportation vehicles etcetera, and bring the passengers right up to the site they want to visit. They can be driven by chauffeurs, English speaking drivers and driving-guides. The buses are subject to restrictions They can only drive in certain areas an have to pay a (costly) passage fee in many cities. They are driven by chauffeurs or English speaking drivers, not driving guides.

 

▲ Top of page ▲

▲ Rome ▲ ▲ Florence ▲ ▲ Naples ▲
 
 
 

Tour to Pisa, Lucca and Calci

Shore excursion to Pisa, Lucca and Carthusia of Calci, 9 hours
We your ship should dock in Livorno and you should be amongst those who already took several trips through the central part of Tuscany, you'll surely enjoy the Carthusia of Calci. A site off the beaten path with outstanding frescoes from the 18th century.  Yeah, you may have seen the famous Tower of Pisa before and in case you don't wan to sop to take another look at it, your driving guide will surely have another site to suggest instead. Surely though You'll enjoy Lucca. Lucca Lucca Carthusia of Calci
Lucca Lucca Carthusia of Calci

Short description of the itinerary for the shore trip to Pisa, Lucca and Calci, 9 hours:

We meet in Livorno at 8:00 am (vehicle will be parked on the pier with your name on its windshield) and drive to the Carthusia of Calci. We continue then to Pisa and finally to Lucca. Return to the ship at about 5:00 p.m.
More about this tour: Tour's price ▲ back ▲ ▲ Top of page ▲

After meeting at the port at 8:30 am, the first stop will be at the Carthusia of Calci (10 miles before Pisa). This 1500 rooms monastery is entirely frescoed and has an incredibly rich decoration thanks to the wealth of the Carthusia monks who used it from 1366 to 1987. Religiously isolated at the foot of the Monte Pisano (2700ft a.s.l.) the place fascinates with its frescoes and tromp-l'oeil which date back to the last renovation operated between 1764 –1797. The Carthusia today houses the Museum of Natural Science and Territory of the University of Pisa. After visiting the Carthusia, we will head for Pisa. The famous Leaning Tower needs no presentation, but maybe not everybody knows that it was built to be the bell tower of the "Duomo" (Cathedral) of Pisa and therefore it is only one of the masterpieces of the Romanesque architecture in the they call "Miracle Square". Having time and desire one can also visit the nearby cemetery which is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy. Many of the funeral monuments there were sculpted by famous artist of the Renaissance. There is also a legend that says that in the cemetery they have the earth the Crusaders brought back from the Mount Calvary in 1203.

Finally we'll reach Lucca. One of the loveliest cities in Italy. Like most of the other cities in Italy it was originally a Roman settlement and its topography still reveals its Roman roots. Especially in the main square which was built over the ruins of an amphitheatre, practically a smaller version of the famous Colosseum. Lucca also has its belt of walls perfectly preserved and as you approach it you feel like you're stepping back to the middle ages and someone even asked me if we needed to do something special to get the permission to get in!

In other words Lucca is a place nobody should miss, and in particular shouldn't miss its restaurants!

Return to the ship at about 5:30 p.m.

You are always free to modify the itinerary at your pleasure.

 

This and all the other tours I'm listing in this website can be done in many ways: if you know where to go and you want to save some money, you can hire a car with chauffeur; if you want some narration, but not a whole lot, you can hire an English speaking driver, if you want more details and better English spoken, you hire a driving guide; if you want to really visit a place thoroughly, or if you are with a large group, you may want to hire an official guide. The best solutions will be suggested for each tour.

       

Full day tour to Pisa, Lucca and Carthusia of Calci from the port of Livorno - 9hours/200km

   

Service ▼

▼Vehicles and Prices ▼

Car and chauffeur

If you know where you want to go this is the best solution to save money and tour the city comfortably.  Inexpensive and comfortable tour

sedan minivan minibus small bus
400.00 460.00 515.00 830.00

English speaking driver 

You visit all the major highlights with a little narration.

 Best value for a whirlwind tour .

sedan minivan minibus small bus
490.00 550.00 600.00 920.00
Driving guide providing detailed explanations, but not inside churches or museums

Narrated tour in good English. You get a lot of information.

 Good value for money, the best tour

sedan minivan minibus small bus
600.00 640.00 690.00 unavailable

Driver plus full day narrator on board

Not only you are driven to the places, but once there the narrator will walk with you and tell you all about them. Best for groups with more than 8 people..

sedan minivan minibus small bus
760.00 800.00 870.00 1,200.00
 
Prices are inclusive of VAT (IVA)10%
 

Description of the vehicles

Sedan

up to 4 + driver

Minivan

up to 6/7 + driver

Minibus

up to 8 + driver

Small bus

up to 13/19 + driver

Mercedes E Class Sedan Mercedes "Viano" minivan Mercedes "Sprinter" minibus Mercedes "Sprinter" based small bus

Seats 4+driver, but ideal for max 3+1 child. The trunk can hold 3 medium size suitcases plus 3 smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver.

The trunk can hold 7 or 8 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver. The trunk can hold 10 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 20+driver. The trunk can hold 14 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

All vehicles are licensed for chauffeured car hire (NCC), can practically drive anywhere: historical city centers, special lanes for public transportation vehicles etcetera, and bring the passengers right up to the site they want to visit. They can be driven by chauffeurs, English speaking drivers and driving-guides. The buses are subject to restrictions They can only drive in certain areas an have to pay a (costly) passage fee in many cities. They are driven by chauffeurs or English speaking drivers, not driving guides.

 

▲ Top of page ▲

▲ Rome ▲ ▲ Florence ▲ ▲ Naples ▲
 
 

Tour to the Cinque Terre (& Portofino)

Shore excursion to Cinque Terre (& Portofino). 9 hours
Cinque Terre, Five Lands. Five lovely fishing villages perched right on the rocky coast north of Livorno. You cannot drive directly from one town to the next, the only ways to get from one town to the next his train, boat or... hike! The hike called "Via dell'Amore" is very easy, but I wouldn't try to hike the rest of the way, not with the time constraints of a shore excursion at least! If time allows it, the tour can be extended to include one of the most exclusive resort towns in Italy: Portofino. Cinque Terre Cinque Terre Portofino
Cinque Terre Cinque Terre Portofino

Short description of the itinerary for the Shore excursion to Cinque Terre (& Portofino). 9 hours:

We meet in Livorno at 8:00 am (vehicle will be parked on the pier with your name on its windshield) and drive to the Cinque Terre. From Riomaggiore you can walk to Manarola on the famous "Via dell'Amore". From Manarola you can reach the next town, Vernazza by boat or train and by the same means reach Corniglia and finally Monterosso. If time allows it, Portofino can also be include in the tour. Return to the ship at about 5:00 pm.
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You'll meet your driving guide at the port at 8:00 am and head for the Cinque Terre -The Five Lands-, these are five mediaeval fisherman ports, all disposed along a 5-7 miles gulf, which developed isolated through the ages as they could only be reached by sea. They feature an intact architecture and unbelievable landscapes.

You'll reach Riomaggiore, the first of the five towns and walk through it to get on the "Via dell'Amore" -Walkway of Love- a famous and romantic easy walkway carved along the cliffs which will take you to the second town, Manarola, in about 15/20 minutes. From Manarola you can take the train or the boat, unless you want to hike the mountain path, to Vernazza, the 4th of the Five Lands. This is considered the most picturesque of the towns and you should be getting there in time to have your lunch in one of its typical restaurants. This itinerary has to be very flexible, not everyone wants to do the same thing; some people want their driving guide to stay with them and as they go by boat or train to the next towns, others instead prefer to go on their own and be met at the last one of the Five Lands, Monterosso al Mare. This way they can save time and include a visit of Portofino or the Marble Quarries of Carrara in the day's trip. After you get back to the car, either returning to where you had parked it if your driving guide goes with you or meeting him in Monterosso, in the afternoon you will drive to the world famous Marble Quarries of Carrara. You'll see mountains that are entirely made of this snow-white pure material, driving on roads carved into the

Marble itself, you will enter the Quarries, where the views you will have are absolutely breath-taking. These are the quarries where Michelangelo used to spend a lot of time at looking for the special block of marble that already had the statue in it!

Since Portofino is the furthest of the all the places, those who want to visit it should drive there first and then go to to the Cinque Terre. It would be instead rather easy to stop at the Quarries on the way back to the ship when leaving the Cinque Terre area early enough for it. Normally you don't have the time to go to both places: Portofino and the quarries.

Return to the ship at about 5:00 pm.

 

You are always free to modify the itinerary at your pleasure.

 

This and all the other tours I'm listing in this website can be done in many ways: if you know where to go and you want to save some money, you can hire a car with chauffeur; if you want some narration, but not a whole lot, you can hire an English speaking driver, if you want more details and better English spoken, you hire a driving guide; if you want to really visit a place thoroughly, or if you are with a large group, you may want to hire an official guide. The best solutions will be suggested for each tour.

       

Full day tour to Cinque Terre (& Portofino). 9 hours from the port of Livorno - 9hours/200km

   

Service ▼

▼Vehicles and Prices ▼

Car and chauffeur

If you know where you want to go this is the best solution to save money and tour the city comfortably.  Inexpensive and comfortable tour

sedan minivan minibus small bus
400.00 460.00 515.00 830.00

English speaking driver 

You visit all the major highlights with a little narration.

 Best value for a whirlwind tour .

sedan minivan minibus small bus
490.00 550.00 600.00 920.00

Driving guide providing detailed explanations, but not inside churches or museums

Narrated tour in good English. You get a lot of information.

 Good value for money, the best tour

sedan minivan minibus small bus
600.00 640.00 690.00 unavailable

Driver plus full day narrator on board

Not only you are driven to the places, but once there the narrator will walk with you and tell you all about them. Best for groups with more than 8 people..

sedan minivan minibus small bus
760.00 800.00 870.00 1,200.00
 
Prices are inclusive of VAT (IVA)10%
 

Description of the vehicles

Sedan

up to 4 + driver

Minivan

up to 6/7 + driver

Minibus

up to 8 + driver

Small bus

up to 13/19 + driver

Mercedes E Class Sedan Mercedes "Viano" minivan Mercedes "Sprinter" minibus Mercedes "Sprinter" based small bus

Seats 4+driver, but ideal for max 3+1 child. The trunk can hold 3 medium size suitcases plus 3 smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver.

The trunk can hold 7 or 8 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver. The trunk can hold 10 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 20+driver. The trunk can hold 14 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

All vehicles are licensed for chauffeured car hire (NCC), can practically drive anywhere: historical city centers, special lanes for public transportation vehicles etcetera, and bring the passengers right up to the site they want to visit. They can be driven by chauffeurs, English speaking drivers and driving-guides. The buses are subject to restrictions They can only drive in certain areas an have to pay a (costly) passage fee in many cities. They are driven by chauffeurs or English speaking drivers, not driving guides.

 

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▲ Rome ▲ ▲ Florence ▲ ▲ Naples ▲
 
 

Tour Tuscany in the Chianti. Wine tasting tour

Shore excursion to Tuscany in the Chianti. Wine tasting tour. 9 hours
This is a shore trip for those who want to see some places in the Chianti area. The Tuscan countryside is renowned for its beauty and the Chianti Hills, the area between Florence and Siena, is incomparable. Famous for producing some of the best wine in the world, and certainly Italy's most famous wine, the Chianti also offers to the traveler wonderful landscapes along with the opportunity to taste the wines and to stroll through typical medieval towns... but most of all, you'll enjoy the wine! Chianti Wine Barrels Verrazzano Castle Chianti Wine
Chianti Wine Barrels Verrazzano Castle Chianti wine glass

Short description of the itinerary for the shore excursion of Tuscany in the Chianti , 9 hours:

We meet in Livorno at 8:00 am (vehicle will be parked on the pier with your name on its windshield) and drive to the Chianti region. We will visit Passignano, Montefioralle, Greve and any other of the quaint little towns in the area that  time will allow to include. We can also arrange for you to go wine tasting in one of the many wineries in the area and/or a visit to one of the famous outlets in the area. Return to the ship at about 5:00 pm.
More about this tour: Tour's price ▲ back ▲ ▲ Top of page ▲
After meeting at the port at 8:30 a.m., the day will be entirely dedicated to the Chianti Countryside, reputed by many foreigners as "the most beautiful countryside in the world". Famous for its wine, it also enchants every visitor with the beauty of the architecture of its mediaeval small towns, castles, stone farmhouses, and with its breathtaking landscapes. We will visit Passignano, Montefioralle, Greve, if you would like to visit a winery and taste their wines we should know in advance in order to make proper arrangements. If you are not interested in wineries, we will then proceed in visiting other charming hill towns and Castles.
 
 Return to the ship at about 5:00 pm.

You are always free to modify the itinerary at your pleasure.

 

This and all the other tours I'm listing in this website can be done in many ways: if you know where to go and you want to save some money, you can hire a car with chauffeur; if you want some narration, but not a whole lot, you can hire an English speaking driver, if you want more details and better English spoken, you hire a driving guide; if you want to really visit a place thoroughly, or if you are with a large group, you may want to hire an official guide. The best solutions will be suggested for each tour.

       

Full day tour to Tuscany in the Chianti. Wine tasting tour from the port of Livorno - 9hours/200km

   

Service ▼

▼Vehicles and Prices ▼

Car and chauffeur

If you know where you want to go this is the best solution to save money and tour the city comfortably.  Inexpensive and comfortable tour

sedan minivan minibus small bus
400.00 460.00 515.00 830.00

English speaking driver 

You visit all the major highlights with a little narration.

 Best value for a whirlwind tour .

sedan minivan minibus small bus
490.00 550.00 600.00 920.00

Driving guide providing detailed explanations, but not inside churches or museums

Narrated tour in good English. You get a lot of information.
 Good value for money, the best tour 

sedan minivan minibus small bus
600.00 640.00 690.00 unavailable

Driver plus full day narrator on board

Not only you are driven to the places, but once there the narrator will walk with you and tell you all about them. Best for groups with more than 8 people..

sedan minivan minibus small bus
760.00 800.00 870.00 1,200.00
 
Prices are inclusive of VAT (IVA)10%
 

Description of the vehicles

Sedan

up to 4 + driver

Minivan

up to 6/7 + driver

Minibus

up to 8 + driver

Small bus

up to 13/19 + driver

Mercedes E Class Sedan Mercedes "Viano" minivan Mercedes "Sprinter" minibus Mercedes "Sprinter" based small bus

Seats 4+driver, but ideal for max 3+1 child. The trunk can hold 3 medium size suitcases plus 3 smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver.

The trunk can hold 7 or 8 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 8+driver. The trunk can hold 10 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

Seats up to 20+driver. The trunk can hold 14 medium size suitcases plus several smaller bags.

All vehicles are licensed for chauffeured car hire (NCC), can practically drive anywhere: historical city centers, special lanes for public transportation vehicles etcetera, and bring the passengers right up to the site they want to visit. They can be driven by chauffeurs, English speaking drivers and driving-guides. The buses are subject to restrictions They can only drive in certain areas an have to pay a (costly) passage fee in many cities. They are driven by chauffeurs or English speaking drivers, not driving guides.

 

▲ Top of page ▲

▲ Rome ▲ ▲ Florence ▲ ▲ Naples ▲
 
 
 
 

Half day tour of Naples

Half day tour of Naples, 4 hours
Naples is one of the most famous cities in the world and surely deserves a half day tour. Most of the people who visit the area are attracted by the nearby spectacular sites like Capri, Pompeii or Positano, but those who don't feel like traveling far, walk a lot or simply don't want to be gone for the day, will surely find Naples very interesting. Wanting a cheap tour, they can get a guide book and hire just car and driver, otherwise spending a little more to hire a guide they will tour the city more properly. Naples, Castel Dell'Ovo Naples, Maschio Castle Naples, the Royal Palace
Naples, view of Castel Dell'Ovo Naples, Maschio Angioino Castle Naples, the Royal Palace

Short description of the itinerary for the shore excursion to Sorrento Positano and Pompeii, 9 hours:

We meet in Naples anytime you like, morning or afternoon, (vehicle will be parked on the pier with your name on its windshield) and drive through the city of Naples covering its major highlights in 4 hours.
More about this tour: Tour's price ▲ back ▲ ▲ Top of page ▲

We meet at the port at your convenience and go on a 4-hour tour of Naples which will cover its major highlights, such as Posillipo, Castel Dell'Ovo the National Archeological Museum, Royal Palace, Mergellina, Maschio Angioino Castle or any other attraction of your preference. A lot of people say Naples is not a safe city, and I cannot disagree in full, but surely it's a beautiful city and it's worth a look around. Hiring a local driver is surely the best and safest way to see the place, he'll know where to go and where it would be unsafe to go and suggest the best itinerary. Even better it would be to hire a guide as well, not only it would be safer with driver and guide, but wanting to get the history of the places you visit, especially if you want to visit the National Archeological Museum where they keep all the findings from Pompeii, that's the best way to tour Naples.

You return to the ship after 4 hours of touring.

You are always free to modify the itinerary at your pleasure.

 

This and all the other tours I'm listing in this website can be done in many ways: if you know where to go and you want to save some money, you can hire a car with chauffeur; if you want some narration, but not a whole lot, you can hire an English speaking driver, if you want more details and better English spoken, you hire a driving guide; if you want to really visit a place thoroughly, or if you are with a large group, you may want to hire an official guide. The best solutions will be suggested for each tour.

 

Half day tour of Naples, 4 hours

   

Service ▼

▼Vehicles and Prices ▼

Car and chauffeur

You visit all the major highlights of Naples with a little narration.

 Best value for an overview or self conducted tour.

sedan minivan minibus small bus
140.00 180.00 200.00 220.00

English speaking driver 

You visit all the major highlights of Naples with a little narration.

 Best value for an overview or self conducted tour.

sedan minivan minibus small bus
170.00 220.00 250.00 300.00

Professional Eng