10 May 2024
Sometimes you get lucky. We certainly did with Riccardo. I did a lot of research, as I always do, and decided on the 'Rome Small-Group Escorted Tour from Civitavecchia: 8 People Max tour'. This was a 9 hour full day shared tour by DriverinRome.
We had arranged to meet our driver as soon as the ship docked but as P&O only allow their own cruise line tour passengers off first, before independent passengers, we had to sneak on the end of the first group leaving the ship and mingle in. It is a 9 hour tour so we were determined not to mess up our itinerary.
Riccardo picked us up literally from the gang plank (holding my name up) and after a few steps we (my wife, brother and his wife) climbed into an extremely comfortable Mercedes.
It is about an hours drive to Rome from Civitaveccia, then Riccardo drove us to some truly amazing places. His knowledge was outstanding. If we wanted to see something in particular or spend a bit longer at one of several stops, absolutely no problem. He was so helpful and, thankfully, a very good driver. The driving and scooters there is crazy. Luckily Riccardo was allowed to use the bus / taxi lanes and also knew the backstreets, so we were whisked from one location to another in no time. Hence we saw so many sites.
One surprise was, when we arrived at St Peter's Square the Pope was there conducting a ceremony. So we were able to actually see him.
Right at the end of the tour we had enough time, if we wanted, to visit a 'surprise' before heading back out of Rome. We all agreed, and were taken on a mystery tour around and up a hill to the most amazing church: The Basilica of Saint Sabina. Built between 422 and 432. One of the earliest Christian churches ever. Riccardo knew we liked history and architecture and nailed the tour with this stop.
Throughout, communications with this company have been spot on. Every query answered quickly. We have been on many shore excursions over the years and this was one of the very best. So without hesitation, I thoroughly recommend this tour.
In 30 years they have never missed a ship.
Ask to have Riccardo to drive you, you will not regret it.