Civitavecchia is a suburban commune that lies about 40 miles northwest of the Italian capital of Rome.
With just slightly more than 50,000 residents, it’s not as big a tourist attraction as many other Italian cities, but it’s well-known for its port, harbor, and historic lighthouse.
Visitors who decide to spend time in town generally find it scenic and laidback. For those who get antsy in small-town settings, there are a variety of day trip options to Rome, and other attractions in the vicinity.
Below are 15 of the best tours in and around Civitavecchia that rank highly on many traveler’s itineraries.
1. Full-Day Wine of Tuscany Tour
Source: Zoom Team / shutterstockThe Tuscan countryside is full of old-world charm, historic sites, and family-owned wineries that have been producing some of the country’s most celebrated wines for generations.
This full-day wine tour includes elements of all three and is offered multiple times daily to accommodate those with varying schedules.
Stops include a quaint winery, an archaeological park, and an Etruscan village of fewer than ten residents that harkens back to eras long past.
Tours begin and end in the Port of Civitavecchia and include a guided winery tour, followed by time to relax and imbibe before heading back into town.
2. Palazzo Farnese Renaissance Residence Tour with Lunch
Source: marcociannarel / shutterstockThe Farnese Palace—or Palazzo Farnese—is one of the area’s most significant historical attractions, and is a popular side excursion for those interested in exploring Civitavecchia’s outlying areas.
It’s considered one of the region’s most well-preserved examples of Renaissance architecture. On this tour, guests will see it up-close-and-personally as their guide gives an interesting historical perspective about its past.
Renowned for its frescoes and all-around opulence, the palace also features elements of Christian history and is a popular spot for amateur photographers.
Tours may include other options, like an authentic lunch in Caprarola or a visit to nearby Monster Park.
3. Odescalchi Castle and Aircraft Museum Combo Tour
Source: leoks / shutterstockAncient castles and 20th-century aircraft museums aren’t generally included in the same tour, but this unique combo allows participants to experience both.
Tours begin with a visit to the Aircraft Historical Museum, which features a variety of civil and military aircraft that served a number of roles in the 20th century.
Next, guests will visit Odescalchi Castle, which was built nearly 1,500 years ago.
It’s steeped in history and sports impressive architecture, but these days, it may be more famous as the site of Tom Cruise’s marriage to Katie Holmes.
Before heading back to town, guests will enjoy a traditional lunch.
4. Full-Day Rome Tour from Civitavecchia Port
Source: f11photo / shutterstockFor those who find themselves in Civitavecchia with an entire day to spare, there are a variety of tours to Rome that generally last between seven and nine hours.
Whereas some day-trippers prefer tours with fixed itineraries, others would rather see things on their own terms without having to worry about anyone else.
This full-day option is perfect for those who count themselves in the latter group, because it features a customizable schedule and is limited to only eight guests.
Highlights include attractions like the Colosseum, Piazza di Spagna, and Circus Maximus. Each guest receives a free guidebook to help them make the most of their time.
5. Dying City and Monster Park Tour from Civitavecchia
Source: Raksanstudio / shutterstockThough their names tend to conjure macabre and eerie images, Dying City and Monster Park really aren’t all that spooky.
The Dying City is so named because it’s slowly disappearing as bits and pieces continually fall into Valley dei Clanachi far below.
It’s definitely worth seeing before it’s gone for good, and after a brief tour, guests will head to Monster Park.
The park was built in the 15th century and features an impressive array of wood and stone figures representing everything from dragons and mythical beings to exotic animals and monsters from fairy tales.
Tours last between six and eight hours.
6. Rocca dei Papi Papal Fortress and Museum
Source: Miti74 / shutterstockApparently, during the 13th and 14th centuries, the world was such a dangerous place that even churches needed their own fortresses to protect them from outside invaders.
Thankfully, those days are long gone, but many historic remnants of those tumultuous years remain, and they’re fascinating places to visit for fans of Italian history.
In addition to impressive fortifications and other significant historical and cultural attractions, this tour includes remarkable views of Lake Bolsena, visits to the Museum of Sangallo the Younger, and a tour and tasting at an award-winning winery tucked in a particularly scenic portion of the Italian countryside.
7. Full-Day MUVIS Wine Experience from Civitavecchia
Source: muvis.itIn Italy, there are whole museums dedicated to the wonders of wine, and MUVIS is one of the largest and most visited in the country.
The facility consists of multiple floors and traces the history of wine – from its origins thousands of years ago to its present state.
These days, the country’s wine scene still includes small, family-owned wineries, as well as ultra-modern production facilities that churn out millions of bottles per year.
Far from just a culinary staple, wine has always held a central role in Italian culture. For those who fancy themselves aficionados of the grape-based elixir, there’s no better way to get an overview than by this full-day tour.
8. Private Day-Trip to Rome from Civitavecchia
Source: Gerald H / shutterstockSpending a leisurely day in Rome seeing the sites is usually an experience that most visitors never forget.
Featuring more significant historic attractions per square mile than just about anywhere else in the world, there’s a reason it’s one of the continent’s top destinations.
On this nine-hour tour, guests will meet their guide at Civitavecchia Harbor before setting out for an exciting day in Italy’s capital.
Sights include St. Paul’s Cathedral, Palatine Hill, and Circus Maximus, to name just a few. Along the way, everyone will benefit from their host’s historical and cultural insights.
Food, tips, and entry fees aren’t included, so bring a few extra bucks.
9. Tarquinia and UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour from Civitavecchia
Source: Takashi Images / shutterstockAccording to historians and archaeologists, the Etruscan Necropolis in the city of Tarquinia is more than 3,000 years old.
That’s pretty impressive even by Italian standards, but what’s more amazing is that many of its intricately adorned tombs are still in relatively good shape.
The city and tombs are favorites of lovers of history and ancient cultures. They’re easy to experience in all their splendor by signing up for this 6 ½ to 7 ½-hour tour from Civitavecchia.
Tours include fascinating glimpses into Etruscan life and art, and end with a relaxing lunch at a traditional, family-style eatery in town.
10. 8-Hour Outlet Village Shopping Tour from Civitavecchia
Source: Claire Lucia / shutterstockThough some diehard travelers may scoff at squandering valuable Italian vacation time in an outlet mall, retail therapy demands a top spot on many visitor’s itineraries.
This eight-hour outlet village excursion begins and ends in the Port of Civitavecchia, making it an excellent choice for those who’ve just docked and find themselves in need of new bling.
The village’s shops include a variety of international brands, like Guess, Adidas, and Diesel, as well as more high-end boutique stores offering everything from jewelry and electronics to kids’ wear and household items.
A number of restaurants are conveniently located in the village as well.
11. Roman Forum and Colosseum Full-Day Tour
Source: Catarina Belova / shutterstockRoman-era sites are among Rome’s most popular attractions. Those who choose to join this full-day tour will enjoy the services of a local guide, as well as skip-the-line tickets to places that often get overwhelmed with visitors during peak times.
Tours begin with pick-up from Civitavecchia’s port and include transportation via air-conditioned bus to and from Rome.
Participants will experience the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the original mausoleum where Julius Caeser was laid to rest.
Tours are limited in size, which means a more personal and intimate experience than you’re likely to find in larger groups.
12. Half-Day Odescalchi Castle and Town Tour with Lunch
Source: lucarista / shutterstockFor many travelers with DIY attitudes, structured full-day tours can be a bit much.
Thankfully, there are plenty of half-day options if you know where to look. This Odescalchi Castle and Bracciano town tour is one of the most popular.
The Orsini-Odescalchi Castle was a center of power and prosperity for hundreds of years after it was built in the 5th century.
Characterized by impressive stone walls and towering turrets, it succeeded in protecting its royal occupants and offers fantastic views of Lake Bracciano and the surrounding countryside.
Tours include round-trip transportation to and from Civitavecchia’s port, and castle entrance fees.
13. Capalbio and Tarot Garden Tour from Civitavecchia
Source: Paolo Borella / shutterstockFrom the harbor in Civitavecchia, the drive to the Tuscan town of Capalbio takes about an hour.
Tuscany’s countryside is awash with awe-inspiring scenery. Along the way, guests will learn about the things they’re seeing from their English-speaking guide’s narration.
Once in town, everyone will embark on a tour of the city’s center that includes the famous Tarot Garden, which was created by a French artist and features colorful sculptures depicting characters from tarot cards.
Several other attractions, like the town’s ancient fortified wall and Piazza Magenta, are included, though tours aren’t suitable for wheelchair users.
14. Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Transfer from Civitavecchia Port
Source: serato / shutterstockSimply put, hop-on-hop-off tours offer travelers more flexibility than traditional tours do.
They’re also typically less expensive, and allow participants to focus on the things that interest them while ignoring those that don’t.
These Rome tours get underway at the Civitavecchia Port, depart multiple times daily, and offer audio guide commentary in nearly ten languages.
Tours make frequent stops at iconic Rome attractions. Since guests can spend as much or as little time as they’d like at each, they need not worry about getting left behind because a fleet of buses run by each spot every 15 or 20 minutes.
15. Golf Cart Tour of Rome from Civitavecchia
Source: S.Borisov / shutterstockThough it may sound a bit mundane and anticlimactic in a country known for Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Maseratis, golf carts are unique and reliable means by which to explore an amazing city like Rome.
After departing from Civitavecchia’s cruise terminal in a comfortable, executive-class van, guests will make the drive to nearby Rome.
Tour highlights include renowned attractions like Villa Borghese, the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum, and Venezia Square, as well as some lesser-known ones.
Other options may include visiting Vatican City or heading to Renaissance Square to take in the scenery and dine before heading back to Civitavecchia.