It is said that all roads lead to Rome, but if you only have a short amount of time in the Eternal City then you need to plan your journey carefully. Take this private full-day shore excursion from Civitavecchia cruise ship terminal and travel by comfortable Mercedes or Volkswagen minibuses to the center of Rome with a private driver/guide. Once in Rome, your first stop will be the Colosseum, where after a commentary by your driver, you will have the chance to visit inside avoiding the long lines to enter. Drive to Aventine Hill and stop for panoramic views across to Palatine Hill, with the Circus Maximus below. Continue to another of the 7 hills of Rome, called Capitoline, for breathtaking views of the Roman Forum and the old city center. Then, drive to Piazza Venezia, passing the Victor Emanuel Monument – known locally as the "wedding cake" - and the Pantheon. Enjoy some free time exploring the amazing 1st-century BC temple, now a church, where Victor Emanuel II and Raphael are buried. Continue to the Baroque Trevi Fountain and throw in a coin to guarantee you will one day return to Rome. Next, drive by the Spanish Steps and stop for lunch in a typical restaurant, suggested by your driver, or enjoy some free time on your own. Continue to the Vatican Museums, where you can skip the long lines to see the Sistine Chapel, either on your own or by hiring a licensed English-speaking guide. They will take you on a private 2-hour tour that includes St. Peter's Basilica. End your visit to the Vatican at approximately 16:00 for the 1-hour drive back to Civitavecchia, and a drop off directly by your cruise ship.