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This blog post is for travelers planning a Western Mediterranean cruise, specifically those visiting Rome via Civitavecchia. It offers a personal account of a day trip to Rome, highlighting the sights and the author’s experiences, including both positive and negative aspects of the guided tour.
Overview
This entry details the 8th day of a 9-night, 11-day Western Mediterranean cruise, focusing on the visit to Rome from Civitavecchia. The author expresses dissatisfaction with the local guide’s style, leading to a narrative heavily reliant on personal photos rather than detailed information. The day’s itinerary included exploring Civitavecchia, Vatican City (St. Peter's Square), the Colosseum, Arch of Constantine, Capitoline Hill, Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and a scenic viewpoint. The post also includes a description of lunch at a Korean restaurant and the evening’s dinner on the cruise ship, Costa Smeralda.
Travel tips
Travel Tips
- Be prepared for long queues, especially at popular attractions like St. Peter’s Square, and bring sun protection.
- Consider the transportation methods provided by the tour; the author found the van transfers to be uncomfortable due to heat and space constraints.
- If you are particular about guided tour styles, research your tour operator thoroughly or consider independent exploration.
- Be aware that some guided tours prioritize quick photo opportunities over in-depth exploration, which can impact the overall travel experience.
- When visiting the Trevi Fountain, remember the coin-throwing traditions: one coin for a return to Rome, two for new love, and three for a breakup.
Places Mentioned
- Civitavecchia Port
- Rome, Italy
- Vatican City
- St. Peter’s Square
- Colosseum
- Arch of Constantine
- Capitoline Hill
- Piazza Venezia
- Trevi Fountain
- Pantheon
- Tiber River
- Terrazza Belvedere
Places & areas
Practical information
The Western Mediterranean cruise, 9 nights and 11 days, Day 8.
Address Travel Dates: 2023.09.08 - 2023.09.18
FAQ
There is a mention that traveling by van in Rome was inconvenient. Were there no other means of transportation?
Were there instances where you felt rushed during photo shoots or while moving between major attractions in Rome?
What kind of meals were provided during the visit to Rome?
The full story
The Western Mediterranean cruise, 9 nights and 11 days, Day 8.
Travel Dates: 2023.09.08 - 2023.09.18
Destinations: Rome, an unknown Korean restaurant, Colosseum, Arch of Constantine, Capitoline Hill, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon
Before reading this part of the cruise trip, please note the following...
Personally, the local guide's style was quite disappointing, so this post will focus on photos of the tourist spots. (Meaning, there are more of my photos than information lol)
If the local guide is not fixed, I believe changing them would significantly impact the overall satisfaction of the tourists.
Costa Smeralda
Flat peaches bought at the Palermo market the day before.
I think they were 1.75 euros for 4? They were sold by weight, and it was a small amount that made me hesitant to receive change in coins.
Civitavecchia
Civitavecchia
After disembarking at Civitavecchia port, we were on our way to Rome.
On the cruise, we initially traveled by tour bus, but after lunch, we decided to split into smaller groups and travel by van. Little did we know, this was the beginning of hellish tourism...
Civitavecchia
Civitavecchia
Was this the wall of Rome? It's a famous tourist spot, and many people take photos. I didn't think it was worth taking a photo of myself, so I just took a picture of the wall.
Civitavecchia
These are the Swiss Guards, the military police of Rome. They are all Swiss. The reason lies in history. Although I'm lazy to write it, in medieval wars, the guards who defended the Pope to the end and died were Swiss... 🤔
Piazza San Pietro
Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Rome
A photo with the obelisk in St. Peter's Square, Rome. My head looks really big in this photo... And for some reason, it reminded me of the Dark Tower from Digimon Kaiser 😎. Anyway, we split into groups to enter Rome and groups to tour the surroundings. The line was incredibly long, and the sun was so hot that I couldn't wait... In my memory, it seems like only our group didn't go in. Of course, I slightly regretted not going in later, but at that moment, I really couldn't wait...
Civitavecchia
Civitavecchia
After leaving the square, we first had some cool drinks. We didn't have time to go to a cafe, so we bought them from street vendors nearby!
Civitavecchia
Civitavecchia
As it's a Catholic country, we saw nuns and soldiers. I got a little scared and quickly went into a souvenir shop.
Civitavecchia
Civitavecchia
While walking around, it was time for our meeting, and on the way back, I saw a very soft and cute bunny doll and couldn't resist buying it... I don't usually buy things like this... There were so many colors, it was hard to choose 😭. It was about hand-sized and cost 12 or 20 euros, I don't remember clearly...
Bernini Fountain
Bernini Fountain
Bernini Fountain
We came back to the square and took some aesthetic photos of the Bernini Fountain.
I took a selfie with the long line of people in the background...
I took a picture of a cute dog out for a walk and a photo of myself among the grand columns that looked like a temple.
Civitavecchia
Civitavecchia
This is a landscape photo taken on the way to lunch.
Tiber River
Tiber River, Rome
Tiber River
The Tiber River, explained during the tour. Historically, it's said to be the root that allowed the Roman Empire to exist.
Korean Restaurant in Rome
Korean Restaurant in Rome
Korean Restaurant in Rome
And we arrived at the Korean restaurant... I can't find the name of the restaurant no matter how hard I search ㅠㅠㅠ (It's likely called "Seoul Restaurant," but I'm not sure...). In general, Korean restaurants abroad tend to be heavily seasoned. The stir-fried potato noodles, which weren't in a red sauce, were incredibly delicious. However, I don't remember if the side dishes were free refills. I recall not refilling them because they probably weren't.
Korean Restaurant in Rome
Korean Restaurant in Rome
Korean Restaurant in Rome
The menu included Kimchi Jjigae (kimchi stew), Ojingeo Bokkeum (stir-fried squid), and Bulgogi. As before, the Kimchi Jjigae here was simmered for a long time and had a very rich flavor. Of course, it was also oily and very stimulating. I enjoyed it, but older people might not like it.
Civitavecchia
Civitavecchia
After eating, we were on our way to the Colosseum. From this point on, we switched to vans, and it was incredibly hot and cramped, making it very difficult... 🥺
Colosseum
Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Rome RM, Rome
Colosseum
Colosseum
Wow, I can't believe I'm seeing this with my own eyes...? Honestly, this was the most overwhelming moment of the trip.
Colosseum
Colosseum
Haha, the guide boasted about taking good photos, but I deleted them all and asked my mom to take them... I understand not being good at taking photos, but then he said, "Let's move quickly! Take photos quickly! Move to the next spot!!" That's when my mood started to sour... I came to travel and enjoy, but it felt like I was working to take photos, and it was very unpleasant. Still, it was bearable at that point.
Arch of Constantine
Via di S. Gregorio, 00184 Rome RM, Rome
Arch of Constantine
Arch of Constantine
Arch of Constantine
As expected, Rome is a top tourist destination... It's incredibly crowded. Since it's right next to the Colosseum, we could take a two-shot with both in the frame. I gave up on getting photos without other people and just snapped away!!
Civitavecchia
Civitavecchia
After taking photos at the Arch of Constantine, we immediately got back in the van to head to the next location. Haha. There's no time for leisure!!! They say it's a place with a fantastic view.
Civitavecchia
Civitavecchia
Too close...
Civitavecchia
It really is a place with a great view. I don't know exactly where this is, but...
Capitoline Hill
Piazza del Campidoglio, 1, 00186 Rome RM, Rome
Capitoline Hill
Capitoline Hill
Capitoline Hill
Capitoline Hill
Capitoline Hill... I don't know what this place is... I didn't go inside; I just took a lot of photos and moved on. Although I'm smiling in the photos, my face falls as soon as I put the camera down.
Piazza Venezia
Piazza Venezia, Rome RM, Rome
Piazza Venezia
Piazza Venezia
Piazza Venezia
We took another van to Piazza Venezia and took a photo with the palace ^^. It took less than 2 minutes to get there, so why did we even take the van;; It was so hot, and getting on and off was annoying. Anyway, I took a photo...
Trevi Fountain
Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Rome RM, Rome
Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain
The fountain where throwing a coin grants a wish... or rather, throwing one coin means you'll return to Rome. Two coins mean a new love will be found, and three coins mean a breakup. So, I only threw one coin~! I thought I'd have to come back for a free and easy trip without a guide later.
Bar Trevi Fountain
Piazza di Trevi, 90, 00187 Rome RM, Rome
Bar Trevi
Bar Trevi
A gelato shop right in front of the Trevi Fountain. I bought a tiramisu-flavored one. It was so crowded that I ate it standing on the street, but the gelato melted so quickly that I had to gulp it down...
Civitavecchia
Civitavecchia
On the way to the Pantheon, near a souvenir shop, I found the same bunny dolls I bought. I was relieved that the price was the same.
Pantheon
Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Rome RM, Rome
Pantheon
Pantheon
I just took a photo outside the Pantheon... and because it was so hot, I went to have an iced coffee.
Tazza d'Oro Coffee
Via degli Orfani, 84, 00186 Rome RM, Rome
Tazza d'Oro Coffee
A place in Rome where you can get iced Americano... Honestly, the taste was not good. It seemed like they made it in advance, stored it in the refrigerator, and then poured it into a cup with ice. There was coffee sediment at the bottom, and the taste was... well. For iced Americano, Korea wins. They probably made it carelessly for tourists.
Civitavecchia
Another van ride. Mom's eyes are glazed over.
Terrazza Belvedere
Via Cristoforo Colombo, 74, 19031 Ameglia SP, Rome
Terrazza Belvedere
Terrazza Belvedere
I don't really know what this place is either, but it seems to be an observation deck. They brought us here again because the view is pretty... By this point, I just wanted to ditch the tour and take a taxi or find a boat back on my own... haha.
Terrazza Belvedere
Terrazza Belvedere
Terrazza Belvedere
Terrazza Belvedere
It is pretty... I did get a good profile picture. Fortunately, this was the last stop. However, it was so exhausting that my image of the Rome tour has become negative.
Costa Smeralda
Appetizer: Mozzarella cheese salad and cod with bean cream.
Costa Smeralda
Main Course 1: Ragu pasta, tomato cream soup.
Costa Smeralda
Main Course 2: Beef neck steak, seafood sea bass dish.
Costa Smeralda
Additional Main: Bolognese pasta.
I ate a lot that day because I was so exhausted.
Costa Smeralda
Dessert: Orange mocha and tiramisu.
It was the last dinner on the cruise, and it was the most delicious dinner I had during the trip. I had just gotten used to it, and it was a shame it was the last night.
Costa Smeralda
Despite the regret of having to disembark tomorrow due to the packed schedule, I couldn't do anything and just rested in my room. When I returned after dinner, the staff member assigned to our room had left a note ㅠ. I would come on a cruise again... but next time... I'll do a little less local sightseeing...
