Shore excursion from Civitavecchia to Rome with Drive Guide

We had a cruise stop in Rome and because it was my first time there, and I have been fascinated by ancient civilizations since I was a girl, I wanted to see everything I could in the very limited time I had. Luckily, Mauricio and his Mercedes made it happen. No one can believe the amount of things we packed into a 7-hour visit. And, these weren’t just drive-bys. We went into 2 churches, walked around the Coliseum and inside the walls of the Vatican, climbed the Spanish steps, threw a coin (sweet Mauricio gave us each one since we had only bills!) into Trevi Fountain, had a cappuccino at a sidewalk cafe, and stopped for pictures at almost every place we saw. We didn’t do anything that required reservations or extra cost, we just went for a ride with Mauricio and with his expert guidance, we covered enough of Rome to feel like we spent two days there! What an amazing city!! Mauricio is very professional, knowledgeable (born in Rome so he knows the history and the shortcuts!), and he offers an incredible value because he covers so much ground, yet you never feel rushed. Also, like the best guides, he takes you to a local restaurant where someone speaks English and gets you seated and taken care of. 100% will call him again when I’m next in Rome, because believe me, I will return!

Two words to describe Mr. Mauricio from Carratoni Tours - EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE !! :) We went on a 7- Day Western Mediterranean Cruise with NCL to celebrate our dad's 70th birthday at the end of October and there were 14 of us (10 adults, 4 kids). Since there are so many of us, we were contemplating whether we should book the Excursion from the ship (to make sure that we won't be late and left behind) or if we should use some other companies where they offer excursions in private/ smaller group. A family friend told use about Carratoni Tours and they were very happy with the service, so we decided to give it a try... We booked 2 vans (7 people for each car). Booking was super easy (you can do through email or whatsapp) and Mrs Yamamoto was very helpful and always replied to any questions that we have quickly. They also could provide us with booster seats for the smaller kids! We booked our shore excursions from Port Livorno, Civitavecchia and Naples. Sadly the day before we arrived at Naples we had a very bad weather that has caused the ship to skip that port completely. I was able to reach Mrs Yamamoto online and cancel the tour for that port at the last minute with no problem! And since we arrived at the next port (Civitavecchia) a day early, I was also able to book an extra day tour with them! Whether you know where you want to go or even if you don't, Mr Mauricio will arrange everything for you! There is no special Tour Guide (if you need one in some places, let them know and they can help!) but he is the best driver guide you could ask for with lots of knowledge and information! He will give you recommendations to places to go, great restaurants to eat and will make sure you have the best day every single time! You were picked up right at the Port ( he always arrives on time/ early!) and we didn't have to wait in a long line up with the rest of the excursion people from the cruise. Definitely felt like a VIP! The Mercedes Van was new, clean and very comfortable. But most of all, the customer service Mr Mauricio provided to us was above and beyond. On our last day he even surprised the kids with some loot bags which made them very happy! Thank you Mr Mauricio Carratoni for the exceptional service you provided, we couldn't have asked for a better person! If you are thinking about using Carratoni Tours, think no more and BOOK NOW! I highly recommend them and you won't be disappointed! :)

Driver picked us up promptly on the shore next to our Cruise Ship. Timed entry to the Vatican Museum (9:30 am) and Colesso (2:30 pm) we prebooked by the tour company. Upon arrival in Rome discovered that St. Peter’s is closed every Wednesday morning for the Papal audience. Meant we did not get to enter St, Peter’s. Would have thought an experienced tour company would have known this and arranged the tour to the Vatican/St. Peter’s area in the afternoon to avoid this disappointment. Some confusion with driver about meeting point, but were able to get into the Colesso late anyway. Do your own homework before you book, don’t rely on the tour company. Private tour is the way to go! More flexibility, see more (don’t have to wait while 40 others disembark from and reboard the tour bus. If there are four of you, it will be far less per person than the excursions offered by the cruise line.