Civitavecchia

Civitavecchia's claim to fame is to be the cruise port for the Italian Capital of Rome which is many miles inland.

Most trips visit either the surrounding Tuscan countryside or Rome itself.

Rome attractions:

In Vatican City, St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, are all together just across the Tiber River from central Rome. Visitors to St Peter's need to clear a security line, which can be found to the right of the main entrance. Note: The Dress Code is strictly enforced at St Peter's Basilica, no shorts, bare shoulders or miniskirts. This applies to both men and women.

The Colosseum is a shell of an ancient stadium. The Pantheon dates back to 27 B.C. and is considered the ancient world's most complete monument.

Near the Colosseum is the Vittorio Emanuele Monument, an extravagant white marble monument with giant horse sculptures.

The Trevi Fountain is a great photo opportunity, legend has it if you want to come back to Rome, you must throw in a coin.

Galleria Borghese has Rome's premier collection of masterpieces, including works by Titian, Caravaggio and Raphael.

Many of Rome's shops can be found on streets branching off from Piazza d'Spagna (the Spanish Steps).

Ostia Antica is Rome's version of Pompeii, about 45 minutes outside the city. It was founded in the 4th century B.C. and was a bustling port city until outbreaks of malaria and the river's changing course led to its abandonment. It was covered in silt, and the site has gradually been excavated over the past century.

The neighbourhood of Trastevere, just across the Tiber, offers tons of charming sidewalk cafes, unique boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. It is also home to the Orto Botanico, comprising of 19 different gardens, and the piazza of Santa Maria, one of the city's prettiest piazzas.

Piazza Navona features important sculptural and architectural creations. In the centre is the famous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi or Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini, topped by the Obelisk of Domitian. Two other fountains, one at the southern end (Fontana del Moro) has a basin and four Tritons and at the northern end is the Fountain of Neptune.

Religious icons from Vatican City, haute couture, leather handbags and shoes are all popular buys.

Pasta is important here and popular local dishes include Fettuccine Alfredo, Spaghetti alla Carbonara and Rigatoni con la Pajata.

Ships dock in the commerical port and it is not possible to walk into Civitavecchia.

Tours buses pull up on the quayside next to the ship.