We are planning on spending two nights in Rome after a cruise that ends in Civitavecchia and could really use help with a couple of things. First just how far is it from the cruise pier in Civitavecchia to the center of Rome? How expensive would it be to take a taxi? We would like to stay in a very central location where we could hopefully walk to everything and would like to be in a nice, clean hotel but the one that best fits our needs through the cruise line is $799 a night (this does include all transfers--ship to hotel and hotel to airport). This just seems exorbitant to us and we would welcome any suggestions or advice. This will be our first time in Rome so we want everything to go smoothly. Thank you in advance.

Forget it!!!!! First of all, I cannot tell you the exact mileage but by rail the trip from Civitavecchia to Rome takes about an hour. I would NOT take a cab; you can get a cab for the short distance (but long enough to need a cab) to the RR station and take a train from there for a few Euros (train fare) each OR take the cruise-line offered transfer depending on the cost. But I would NOT pay $799 per night for a hotel.

Unless they are putting you up at the Hotel Hassler (at the top of the Spanish Steps), you are being ripped. Book your own hotel.

If we aren't able to take advantage of the cruise line transfers,has anyone booked a private transfer company to go from the port to Rome? Any recommendations? Not sure how difficult it would be to go by train with all of the luggage. Are the trains usually crowded or is there space to store the luggage? Thanks again.

See this

http://www.limoservicerome.com/Servi...nd%20rates.htm

Transfer by car from Civitavecchia 130 Euro

Or this

http://www.airportshuttle.it/rates.htm

Transfer for one or two persons 125 Euro

Both these companies have been used by many people who post here, and they have proven reliable.

Thanks so much Eloise. We will check into these! Have you personally ever used either of them?

I've used www.airportshuttle.it at least four or five times from Rome to Fiumicino airport. They always arrived exactly on time (or a few minutes early) and had me at the airport exactly on time (or a few minutes early).

Good to know. Thank you again.

BarbK, I have used limoservicerome and would highly recommend them. Definitely you should be able to find very central lodging at much less than $799 a night! You can search here for Rome hotels or check out venere.com
It's a wonderful city, and I hope you thoroughly enjoy yourselves!

Buon Viaggio,
BC

I traveled to Romelast year with great advice from this site. I used the internet to locate a van with a private driver for transfers to and from the airport and for one day of siteseeing on the outskirts of Rome. Tne company was called Bob's Limosine Service in Rome, he was a native of Ohio, US, spoke english, and provided us with a great Italian driver/tour guide. Rated were very good, and they were very prompt with pick-ups. I'd definitely recommend them...if he is still in business. Phone 011-39-339-651-6936

We also stayed in lovely hotel, Hotel DucaD'Alba, Via Leonina 14, near the Coliseum, small but clean, good breakfast, great concierge Angela who provided good meal and travel ideas, within walking distance of ancient ruins. Cost 120 to 150 Euros per night at the time.

Thank you all for your very helpful advice. We will most definitely look into all of your suggestions.

Barb...seems I'm forever pitching my favorite, the Modigliani on Via Purificacion near the Spanish Steps, via Veneto, Piazza Barberini and a nice walk to Piazza Navona and Campo di Fiori...easy two or three stop ride on the subway to the Coliseum..lovely boutique hotel, excellent included breakfast. See the web pages at www.hotelmodigliani.com (about 180E's)
By the way, the port at Civitivecchia is a long way from central Rome...like 60 miles...don't get talked into a cab ride for heaven's sake...

Stu T.

We stayed at the Trevi Hotel near the Trevi fountain and just loved it. The room was great!