Post-Cruise Italy Heritage Tour from Civitavecchia: Bracciano & Ostia Antica

highlights

• Transform your disembarkation day into an enriching journey through Italy’s history and cultural heritage
• Immerse yourself in centuries of Italian heritage, from Ancient Rome to Renaissance, all in one day
• Visit Bracciano Castle, a medieval fortress turned Renaissance castle with breathtaking views of Lake Bracciano
• Savor authentic Italian cuisine during lunch in Ceri, a charming medieval hilltop village
• Explore Ostia Antica, an ancient Roman city offering insight into life during the Roman Empire
• Travel in a private deluxe vehicle with a professional English-speaking driver at your service throughout the tour
• Your luggage travels safely inside the vehicle’s luggage compartment during the tour
• Convenient pierside pick-up at Civitavecchia Port and convenient drop-off at your Rome hotel
• This is a self-guided tour, allowing guests to explore each destination independently. Tour guides are not included
• Please read all tour details before booking. Availability is confirmed upon request.
• This tour is NOT OFFERED ON MONDAYS as Ostia Antica is closed on Mondays

itinerary

• Bracciano Castle (up to 1.5 hours)
• Medieval village of Ceri for lunch
• Ostia Antica (up to 2 hours)

description

The Post-Cruise Italy Heritage Tour offers an incredible opportunity to turn your disembarkation day into a journey of exploration and discovery. This private debarkation tour takes you through Italy’s remarkable heritage, discovering the wonders of the Ancient Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance eras—all in a single unforgettable day.

Travel in the comfort of a private deluxe vehicle with your personal Stefano Rome Tours English-speaking driver, as you journey through Italy’s rich history and cultural heritage. With your luggage safely stowed in your vehicle’s luggage compartment, you can fully focus on exploring the captivating landmarks and historic sites that make this post-cruise tour truly memorable.

To suit the unique itinerary of a post-cruise tour, this journey begins with a visit to the majestic Bracciano Castle, a medieval fortress transformed into a Renaissance residential castle. From there, enjoy a leisurely lunch in the charming clifftop village of Ceri, a quiet medieval gem brimming with history and rustic charm.

The day’s grand finale is a visit to Ostia Antica, the Ancient Roman port city that once served as a vital gateway to the empire. Explore its remarkably preserved ruins, offering a vivid glimpse into the daily life and ingenuity of ancient Rome.

Your Post-Cruise Tour concludes with a convenient drop-off at your Rome hotel at approximately 5 PM.

• This tour is NOT OFFERED ON MONDAYS as Ostia Antica is closed on Mondays

POST-CRUISE ITALY HERITAGE TOUR Price List:

 
For up to 4 Persons from Civitavecchia Port:  600 EUROS
For up to 6 Persons from Civitavecchia Port:  650 EUROS
For up to 8 Persons from Civitavecchia Port:  790 EUROS

* Dates on the Booking Form Calendar that are NOT Selectable, are NOT AVAILABLE.

 ** Please include your DROP-OFF HOTEL NAME and ADDRESS IN ROME in the MESSAGE BOX of your booking form.

NOTE: If using AOL, NETSCAPE, YAHOO, or HOTMAIL - check your Spam Folder regularly as these email providers have issues with email delivery and WHITE LIST our email address.

* Use the Price Check & Booking widget for a PRICE QUOTE.  Once you receive the PRICE QUOTE based on the information you input, you may proceed to SUBMIT your Tour Reservation Request. The Booking Form is NOT to be used for inquiries. For inquiries, please send us an email.

* Rome Tour Requests are confirmed based on availability

Bracciano Castle: Majestic Fortress Overlooking Lake Bracciano

The first stop on your Post-Cruise Italy Heritage Tour from Civitavecchia is the awe-inspiring Bracciano Castle (Castello Odescalchi), one of Italy’s finest examples of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Overlooking the serene Lake Bracciano, an ancient volcanic crater lake, this historic fortress blends military might with aristocratic elegance, making it a captivating introduction to your Italy Heritage tour.

Constructed in the 15th century by the powerful Orsini family, the castle originally evolved from an earlier medieval structure, the Rocca di Vico, into a fortified Renaissance residential castle. Its imposing defensive walls are complemented by exquisitely refined interiors that reflect the grandeur of Italian Renaissance aristocracy. The castle has been carefully preserved by the Odescalchi family over the centuries, who acquired the castle from the Orsini family in the late 1600s.  

Inside, you’ll step into a world of noble sophistication. The castle’s grand halls are adorned with intricate frescoes that depict mythological and historical themes, richly carved coffered ceilings, and a collection of antique furnishings that transport you back to the splendor of the Renaissance. 

From the top of the castle’s battlements, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Lake Bracciano and the surrounding countryside. The serenity of the lake and rolling hills blend natural beauty with the castle's historical intrigue.

Ceri: A Medieval Gem and Culinary Delight

Your next stop on the Post-Cruise Italy Heritage Tour is Ceri, a charming medieval village perched atop a steep cliff. Originally settled by the ancient Etruscans for its natural clifftop defenses, Ceri evolved through the Roman era into the Middle Ages, eventually becoming a thriving medieval settlement. Despite the passage of time, the village has preserved much of its historical charm and architectural character.

Dominating the village square is the Santuario della Madonna di Ceri, a quiet church steeped in history and religious significance. Inside, you’ll find beautifully preserved medieval frescoes depicting biblical scenes, offering a glimpse into the artistic and spiritual life of past generations.

In addition to its rich history, Ceri is renowned for its delightful local cuisine, offering a chance to savor traditional dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This charming village is the perfect stop for a delicious lunch, all while being surrounded by centuries of history.

Ostia Antica: Ancient Rome’s Gateway to the World

A key highlight of the Post-Cruise Italy Heritage Tour is a visit to Ostia Antica, one of Italy’s most captivating archaeological sites and a must-visit destination. Once a thriving port city at the mouth of the Tiber River, the ancient city of Ostia was a bustling hub of commerce, culture, and everyday life in ancient times.

Often called “Rome’s Pompeii”, this expansive archaeological park offers a quieter, more immersive experience compared to other ancient sites. As you explore Ostia Antica, you’ll encounter the remarkably preserved remains of Roman bathhouses, their intricate floor mosaics offering a glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship of the era.

Discover the ruins of large warehouses that once stored goods imported from across the Roman Empire, and Roman apartment buildings that local citizens called home. You’ll also find ancient "Thermopolia" — street-side eateries that served quick meals to the local populace. The Roman theater is an impressive structure that once hosted lively performances and continues to echo the cultural vibrancy of ancient Rome. 

Ostia Antica’s impressive urban planning, featuring well-organized streets, advanced water systems, and public latrines, highlights the brilliance of Roman engineering. As you explore the site, you’ll feel as though you’re walking in the footsteps of ancient Romans, experiencing firsthand what life was like in a thriving Roman city almost 2,000 years ago.

After immersing yourself in the rich history of Ostia Antica, your driver will take you directly to your hotel in Rome, with an estimated arrival time at around 5 PM. As you journey towards the heart of the city, you'll carry with you unforgettable memories of a post-cruise experience that beautifully complements the excitement and wonder of your cruise.

Important Information

Please READ the important information below as well as Read & Accept our TERMS OF SERVICE  and Privacy Policy prior to placing your reservation request(s).

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

Payment for this tour can be made in Euro funds at the end of your journey directly to your driver, or you may prepay in advance via PayPal or Credit Card online when you Confirm your Tour.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

We kindly ask that cancellations be made at least 7 days in advance so we can rebook your service and your reserved driver does not lose work for that day. We thank you for your cooperation and consideration. 

 ** PREPAID SERVICES can only be Refunded the Net Rate we receive from your prepayment.  Net Rate is the actual service price minus the fees retained by PayPal/Credit Card that are not reimbursed to us in case of refunds. We can only refund the portion we receive from the PayPal/CC company.

EMAIL INQUIRIES / BOOKING REQUESTS

Please allow up to 24-48 hours for email correspondence in response to email inquiries and tour reservation requests.

We reply to ALL emails and booking requests we receive. If you don't receive correspondence from us within 24-48 hours please CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER, or send us an email from a different E-mail account. 

ADMISSION TICKETS :

* OSTIA ANTICA tickets are currently 18 Euros per person. Tickets can be purchased at the site before entering. Ticket prices go up when there are exhibitions inside the site.

* BRACCIANO CASTLE ADMISSION TICKETS are approximately 10 Euros per person to be purchased on-site upon arrival (ticket prices are subject to change without notice).

* Please NOTE that Bracciano Castle can CLOSE WITHOUT NOTICE for private events or other internal reasons. In the rare event Bracciano Castle is closed when you arrive, following your visit through the village of Bracciano your driver can take you to visit another lakeside village such as Trevignano or Anguillara.

Please inform us upon booking this tour if you wish to have a private guide so we can book a guide on your behalf. Otherwise, you will SELF TOUR the castle on your own.

MEETING POINT at Civitavecchia:

Our driver will meet you on the Pier next to your Cruise Ship at your Tour pick up time holding a sign with the NAME in your reservation.

Please do NOT leave the ship area, and do NOT take a shuttle bus outside the Cruise port.

Look for the driver in the same area as ALL the private drivers who will be waiting for their clients to be disembarked. 

LUGGAGE

Please inform us in your reservation (message box) of the total luggage you anticipate bringing (large check-in suitcases and small carry-on cases) so we can provide you with a suitable vehicle to safely accommodate all passengers and their luggage.

A minivan for up to 8 passengers can accommodate up to 6 suitcases and up to 6 carry-on cases in TOTAL.

Please do not leave any personal items and valuables inside the vehicle while away from the vehicle.

YOUR TOUR DRIVER

* This Post Cruise Italy Heritage Tour from Civitavecchia provides an English-speaking Driver who is NOT a licensed tour guide. Your driver will be happy to provide general touristic information while at the vehicle, but will not be able to accompany you to sightsee away from the vehicle.

Italy laws permit only licensed tour guides to accompany guests to sightsee on foot away from the vehicle. To be compliant with Italy laws, your driver cannot lawfully guide you into the sites, and will be obliged to remain with the vehicle while you SELF-TOUR away from the vehicle.
 

LUNCH IN CERI

Lunch is available only in the town of Ceri, all restaurants are priced at approximately 20 Euros per person depending on what you order from the menu.

There are no panini or pizza places available in the region of this tour, only local restaurants that are famous for their excellent cuisine. Restaurant choices in this region are limited, and we have no control over the menu options or service provided inside any establishment you lunch at. 

FAQs for Post-Cruise Italy Heritage Tour from Civitavecchia:

Q1: Why book a post-cruise tour from Civitavecchia?

A post-cruise tour from Civitavecchia is an excellent way to make the most of your disembarkation day. Instead of a simple transfer from Civitavecchia to Rome, this tour turns your day into an enriching experience by combining history, culture, and convenience. With pick-up directly at the Civitavecchia cruise port and drop-off at your Rome hotel, the Post-Cruise Italy Heritage Tour offers seamless travel while exploring some of Italy’s most captivating destinations.

On this tour, you’ll visit the majestic Bracciano Castle, enjoy a traditional Italian lunch in the medieval village of Ceri, and explore the ancient Roman port city of Ostia Antica. Each destination provides a unique glimpse into Italy’s extraordinary past, creating a memorable and hassle-free way to transition from your cruise to your next adventure.

Q2: How much time will we spend at each destination on this Post-Cruise Tour?

The itinerary is carefully timed to ensure a rich and enjoyable experience at every stop:

• Bracciano Castle: Approximately 1.5 hours to explore the interiors and admire views of Lake Bracciano.
• Ceri: Around 1 hour to enjoy lunch and wander through the medieval village.
• Ostia Antica: About 2 hours to explore the archaeological site.

Q3: Is this post-cruise tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

While the tour is manageable for most travelers, it involves considerable walking on uneven surfaces at Ostia Antica and includes stairways at Bracciano Castle. Unfortunately, neither site is wheelchair accessible, which may present challenges for those with significant mobility limitations. If you have concerns, feel free to contact us for more details.

Q4: What are must-see highlights at Ostia Antica on a post-cruise tour?

 
Ostia Antica offers an unparalleled window into ancient Roman life, blending impressive ruins with fascinating insights into the empire’s urban and social structure. Key highlights include:

• The Decumanus Maximus: The city’s main road with ancient stones still visible, is lined with ruins of shops, houses, and various public buildings. Walking along it, you’ll feel transported to the heart of ancient Roman daily life as you imagine ancient Romans walking along the same road.
• The Forum and Capitolium: The civic and religious center of Ostia, this area features the ruins of administrative buildings, temples, and public spaces that once buzzed with political and cultural activity.
• The Baths of Neptune: These Roman bathhouses are adorned with intricate floor mosaics depicting Neptune and sea creatures that is typical of ancient Roman baths.
• The Roman Theater: This well-preserved theater with its semi-circular seating arrangement, could accommodate thousands of spectators and remains a striking symbol of Roman entertainment.
• The Piazzale delle Corporazioni: A commercial hub for ancient merchants and traders, this square is famous for its floor mosaics representing various trade guilds.
• The Thermopolium: An ancient Roman tavern, this site still retains its marble countertops and a frescoed "menu" on the wall depicting their offerings.
• The Insulae: These multi-story apartment buildings give insight into the living conditions of ordinary citizens.
• The Horrea (Warehouses): Massive storage facilities that housed goods from across the empire, these structures supported Ostia’s vital role in trade and commerce.

Q5:  What should you not miss when visiting Bracciano Castle?

Bracciano Castle is not just a relic of the past—it remains a privately owned castle, carefully maintained by the Odescalchi family for over four centuries. The castle has also played host to significant events in modern times, including celebrity weddings, further cementing its reputation as a place where history and modernity converge.

Visiting Bracciano Castle is like stepping into the pages of history, where every corner reveals a story of power, artistry, and life in Renaissance Italy. With its commanding presence, preserved legacy, and spectacular location, the castle is a highlight of the Post-Cruise Italy Heritage Tour that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.

Here are some unique highlights of Bracciano Castle you should not miss:

• The Ancient Castle Kitchen: Situated away from the main living quarters to minimize fire risk, this fascinating space showcases Renaissance-era culinary tools and techniques.
• The Hall of Gentil Virginio: Once belonging to Gentil Virginio Orsini, this expansive hall now displays a collection of the Odescalchi family’s armor. A large painting commissioned by the Orsini family adorns the left wall, offering a captivating look at the world of Renaissance "condottieri" and the weaponry of the time.
• The Hall of the Orsini Frieze: A beautifully decorated bedroom featuring heraldic designs and intricate ceiling artwork celebrating the Orsini family’s legacy.
• The Hall of Women: Dedicated to the influential noblewomen of the Orsini and Odescalchi families, this room houses portraits, frescoes, and artifacts that reflect their cultural and political impact.
• The Hall of Felice della Rovere: This hall honors one of the most prominent Orsini women: Felice della Rovere, featuring personal artifacts and Renaissance-era treasures.
• The Panoramic Tower (Belvedere): From the highest point of the castle, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Bracciano and the rolling countryside.

Q6: What time will this Post-Cruise Tour end?

The tour concludes with drop-off at your Rome hotel in the late afternoon, around 5 PM. However, the exact timing may vary depending on factors like traffic and the time spent at each destination. 

Q7: What should I wear for this post-cruise Italy Heritage tour?

Comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes are essential for this tour, as you’ll be walking on uneven ancient roads at Ostia Antica and negotiating stairs at Bracciano Castle. Seasonal considerations are also important—bring a hat and sunscreen during warmer months or a light jacket during cooler seasons. Checking the weather forecast in advance will help you prepare for any additional items, such as an umbrella.