7 Night Best Of Italy & French Riviera Cruise from Rome (Civitavecchia)

Cruise Overview

Sip cappuccinos by the sea, relax under the warm Mediterranean sun, and enjoy stunning sunsets in this iconic region. From its sunny shores to vibrant coastal towns, the Mediterranean is the dream destination you’ve always imagined. Explore charming landscapes, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and immerse yourself in rich history and culture. With Celebrity Cruises, you’ll uncover hidden gems and unforgettable experiences that make your journey truly special. Discover why nothing comes close to the Mediterranean.

A cruising experience with us provides access to a range of destinations. Specific ports of call are subject to change due to weather, safety or operational considerations.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Rome, Italy: Civitavecchia was settled in 108 A.D. by the Emperor Trajan and has since served faithfully as a gateway to Rome, the capital of Italy. Once the center of the Ancient World from which emperors ruled over nearly all of western civilization, Rome is still a cultural mecca. Only a few cities in the world can boast such a well-preserved level of architecture, art, and religious iconography. There’s an enormous wealth of culture and history to discover on a cruise to Rome. Visit the ancient halls of the 50,000-seat Colosseum, gaze upon the ceilings of Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, and stroll the Capitoline Museum. Roman culinary prowess is well respected and beloved the world over. Experience authentic pizza, hearty bowls of fresh pasta, excellent cheeses, wines, seafood, and delightful desserts like tiramisu and gelato at family-run trattorias that have been preparing these traditional dishes for centuries. Walk the cobblestoned piazzas making your way to narrow side streets where you’re sure to find craftsman shops and beautiful boutiques filled with gorgeous handmade accessories and homewares for keepsakes and souvenirs.

Travel Tips

1

You have plenty of options. Rome’s metro system is reliable and easy to use since it only has three lines that intersect at Rome’s main rail terminal: Termini. You can get single journey tickets or day passes. More than 300 bus routes will get you close to most of the attractions, but you may still have to walk, particularly near the historic center as buses don’t travel down its narrow streets. Official taxis in Rome are yellow and have a taxi sign atop the roof. Note that taxis often charge extra for baggage and rates may increase on holidays, Sundays, and late at night. If you call for a taxi, the fare may begin from the telephone request, not from the point of origin, so double check before reserving. Rome has two international airports: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, also referred to as Fiumicino, located 18 miles southwest of Rome; and Ciampino International Airport, located nine miles southeast of Rome.

2

If you find yourself back in Civitavecchia after your time in Rome and need some more souvenirs, you’re in luck. There is plenty of shopping located near the cruise port. Just cross Via Garibaldi, which runs parallel to the sea promenade, and you’ll find several shops to browse. Head a little bit further into town and you’ll come to Corso Centocelle, which has even more stores and is a pleasant area to shop since it is a pedestrian-only zone. If you have even more time to spare and don’t mind a longer walk or short taxi drive, you can find over two dozen specialty shops at La Scaglia, a shopping center located about a 25-minute walk from the port.

3

Italy’s currency is the Euro. For cruises from Rome, travelers should have a supply of cash. Most places in Rome take credit cards, though cash may be preferred in markets or small, mom-and-pop style restaurants. It’s especially important to double-check if a card is accepted if you’re not planning on paying with cash. To exchange cash for Euros, look for cash exchange offices or simply use the many ATMs around the city, although you may incur bank charges for exchanging cash in these. An ATM is called a bancomat in Rome. Tipping in Italy often isn’t necessary. A service charge is usually already included in the bill, so double-check if that’s the case; feel free to tip more for stellar service, though know it’s not expected. It’s also recommended to tip in cash as opposed to on a credit card if you want to make sure it’s the server who gets the tip.

Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Italy

La Spezia, which lies between Genoa and Pisa, and is just minutes to the east of Cinque Terre-the five fishing ports that enjoy National Park status-is home to the Palio del Golfo, an annual boat race that sees the Gulf of Poets; 13 historic villages face off against one another in celebration of the annual Festa del Mare. The town also offers fantastic shopping opportunities, as well as plenty of trattorias to enjoy local, Ligurian cuisine

Travel Tips

1

There are three main methods of transportation from La Spezia to other nearby destinations. Taxi Find taxis readily available outside the terminal. Train The train system in Italy is well-equipped to get you to many locations throughout the country. The train station is located near the city center, where you can catch a train to Rome, Florence, and other parts of Italy. There is also a commuter line available if you’re trying to get to the five villages of Cinque Terre. Ferry The ferry service from La Spezia to the Cinque Terre is generally active during spring and summer. Note the ferries can have longer lines during peak times.

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In La Spezia itself, you’ll find shops in Centro Storico, or the city center, which is walking distance from the La Spezia port. In Centro Storico you’ll find handbag stores selling handbags, leather goods,and boutiques, but more plentiful shopping opportunities await in Florence for designer and luxury items, or the villages of Cinque Terre for quaint, local goods. Note that most shops in La Spezia are closed on Sundays.

3

Italy uses the euro as its primary form of currency. ATMs are widespread, and major cards such as Visa and MasterCard are largely accepted. American Express is recognized less commonly. Some smaller shops, trattorias, and hotels prefer cash, and it’s recommended not to rely on credit cards at museums or galleries in Italy. Tipping isn’t a common practice in Italy. Tips are already included in your bill in most trattorias. Providing a tip in taxis or hotels is optional, but you can round up to the nearest euro in a taxi if you are pleased with the service. At high end hotels, tip porters about €5 for helping with your bags.

Santa Margherita, Italy

Located in the middle of the Italian Riviera, Santa Margherita is less than 4 miles from Portofino, and it is just as beautiful. The town of Santa Margherita is large enough to offer something for everyone while still maintaining a small-town feeling. Walk along the palm lined harbor, explore the marina, or unwind at the beach. This picturesque seaside town features cafés, restaurants, gelaterias (you have to try the gelato here), bars, and shops, that line the harbor and face the sea. When you visit Santa Margherita with Celebrity, you’ll have an incredible selection of shore excursions to choose from, including our Three Pearls of the Paradise Coast tour. We’ll transport you to the three most luxurious holiday resorts in three incredible places— Santa Margherita, Portofino, and Rapallo where you’ll soak in the Italian Riviera sun, the lush landscapes, and the breathtaking architecture. Or, join us on a tour to Cinque Terre where seaside cliffs and terraced vineyards are the norm and the cozy villages of Cinque Terre are nestled comfortably among them. Whatever you decide to do with us here, you’re sure to have an in-depth, authentic experience.

Travel Tips

1

Getting around in Santa Margherita is pretty straightforward, and the town is walking distance from the pier. Getting to other towns in Italy, like Genoa or on to Cinque Terre, is a good option if you have more time, and there are train routes readily available. Car rentals are an option if you want to see the Italian coast at your own pace.

2

Unlike the slightly more upscale shopping experiences in Portofino, Santa Margherita offers a little more for the everyday person. Strolling the main piazza of town, you’ll come upon quaint shops and boutiques, some practical, some oriented towards tourists. If you’re not in a rush, you’ll find some Ligurian treasures.

3

You’ll use the Euro when you travel to Italy. Upon arrival at the Santa Margherita cruise port, you’ll likely come upon a couple of ATMs and currency exchanges on the way into the town. In Italy, most restaurants include a service charge in the bill, so you don’t have to worry about tipping. If there isn’t a service charge, you can leave behind a few euros for good measure. Leave a couple of euros as a tip for a taxi driver as well. Cash is recommended in the smaller towns in Italy, but many places take credit cards like Mastercard and Visa.

Ajaccio, Corsica

On the West coast of Corsica—southwest of Italy and southeast of France—lies Ajaccio, the island’s largest town. Replete with all the charm and sophistication one would expect of a French Mediterranean resort—palm trees, sandy beaches, bountiful shopping, beautiful marina and colorful cafes, bars and bistros—you would not be amiss to liken Ajaccio to the more well-known South-of-France hotspots, such as the Cote d'Azur, Cap d'Antibes or Marseille.

A great place to start your investigation of Ajaccio on your Corsica cruise is to stroll down to the Maison Napoleon, the eponymous birthplace of the iconic French military leader, and the nearby cathedral where he was christened. Famed for being Napoleon Bonaparte's birthplace, Ajaccio tips its hat to its most famous and storied resident throughout town, from his childhood home to seafront statues, museums, and street names. Take a scenic tour to the Austerlitz Square, Iles Sanguinaires viewpoint and the narrow, picturesque streets of old Ajaccio.

Sample some of the local fresh market’s delights for in-season delicacies, pastries and the fresh fish, vegetables, cheeses, and Corsican wines. Dining in town is essentially a French experience with a bit of Italian tossed in. Be sure to try the island’s popular pork charcuterie and fritelli, the doughnut made with chestnut flowers.

Travel Tips

1

Corsica has a local bus system that runs several routes from Ajaccio. You can take a bus to popular destinations like l’Alta Rocca, Calvi, and Porto-Vecchio. Just be sure to check bus schedules for returning to Ajaccio as bus service can be sporadic. A train station is located 500 meters north of the Ajaccio’s ferry terminal and takes visitors to on a scenic ride around the island between Ajaccio and Bastia, which is located on the northeast coast of the island. There is also a taxi rank located outside the cruise terminal, though they aren’t always right there so you may have to wait for one. Be sure you agree on the amount beforehand as the meters aren’t always turned on. The tourist information center in Ajaccio can also help arrange taxi service if needed, but again, there may be a wait. Corsica is also known for its heavy traffic so make sure you give yourself plenty of time if using taxi service to get back to your cruise ship at the end of your day in Ajaccio. Water taxis are also available in Ajaccio that transport visitors to nearby beaches.

2

Shopping opportunities abound during your Ajaccio cruise since many of the top places to shop can be found in the city and right around the port. You’ll find a good concentration of shops on the streets of Cours Napoleon and Rue Cardinal Fesch. The local market is a also a good place to head to try some local produce and find craftsmen selling their wares. For lots of culinary goodies, visit La Maison de Mina, which has an array of local delicacies of the bread, jam, honey, cheese, tapenade, and wine variety. A popular souvenir to get is anything made from one of the fragrant plants grown all over the island, such as lavender, honeysuckle, myrtle, and rosemary. These plants are used in soaps, lotions, and perfumes that you can find sold in souvenir shops and boutiques in Ajaccio. Take a sniff to see which smell is your favorite and feel like Napoleon who famously said his nose would tell him if he was nearing his homeland while at sea even if he was blindfolded due to its distinct earthy aroma. Other popular souvenirs include honey and Corsican craft ware like art galtique, which are pictures created from pebbles and small pieces of wood.

3

Corsica is a French island and as France is a member of the European Union, the currency accepted in Ajaccio and the rest of the island is the euro. You’ll be able to find ATMs all over town dispensing euros. In addition, credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants though some establishments – particularly smaller restaurants and shops or family-run accommodation – take only cash. Tipping is not expected, but is appreciated. Most people who live in the area just round up to the nearest euro note.

Nice (Villefranche), France

This jewel of the French Riviera is home to some of the world's most luxurious hotels and terraced cafes. Stroll the ultra-famous Promenade des Anglais or see masterpieces by Matisse, Renoir, Monet and Chagall in one of Nice's many museums.

Travel Tips

1

From Villefranche, you can take buses to Monaco and Nice for a reasonable price. For a bit more, you can walk to the train station, where trains will whisk you away to Nice, Cannes, or Monte Carlo. Taxis are also available outside the cruise terminal building to take you where you’d like within the French Riviera. Before taking these modes of transportation, be sure you understand the bus time tables and plan accordingly so you get back to your cruise ship on time.

2

You’ll have no trouble finding shops, boutiques, and luxury brands during your port of call in Villefranche. Aside from the shops lining the promenade, you can find upscale and designer brands at Rue Massena, Rue de la Liberte, Rue Alphonse Karr, and Avenue de Suede. For more traditional souvenirs, visit the little shops near the Villefranche cruise terminal before getting back on the ship.

3

Nice and the rest of France (and Monaco) use the Euro. You can find ATM machines and money exchange bureaus throughout Nice and other cities and main towns along the French Riviera. Credit cards are also widely accepted by businesses, though it’s always wise to double check, particularly if dining or shopping at a small, family-owned restaurant or store. When it comes to tipping in Nice and surrounding areas, plan on rounding up. For example, if you order a cappuccino, leave the change or round up to the next whole figure on the bill. If dining in a restaurant, a service charge is often included in the bill, but it’s still common to leave a bit extra by rounding the bill up to the nearest whole figure. Leaving 5% to 10% of the total bill is also a good way to calculate the tip if you’re not sure rounding up is enough.

Day at Sea

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Day at Sea Highlights

Naples, Italy

Naples, Italy- Framed by Mount Vesuvius along a dramatic skyline, the 2,800 year-old port city of Naples is chock full of historical sites, churches, and museums that make it a fascinating place for you to explore. For all of Rome’s notoriety and reputation, Naples, with its historic city center deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has just as many important archeological sites and landmarks. Visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale for a world-class collection of Egyptian and Graeco-Roman artifacts. And, if you’d like to venture a little deeper on your Naples cruise, then exploring Naples from below the ground is a must. Start with a trip into the basement of the San Lorenzo Maggiore church where you’ll find a partially excavated Roman market and a little deeper, just below the Roman ruins, you’ll find remnants from the Greeks to discover. And in the region where pizza was first invented, you know the food is going to be incredible. Whether you’re looking for a thin, wood-fired Margherita pie, spaghetti alle vongole or a zeppole dusted with confectioner’s sugar, Naples and her bountiful edible treasures is sure to please. Only 35 miles down the coast, Salerno offers you a rich history, but also boasts a marvelous collection of parks, natural wonders, and unique vantage points to take in the beauty of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Two cities. One incredible stretch of Italian coastline.

Travel Tips

1

Hilly Naples is a big city and has plenty of transportation options, although you’ll find most of the big sights within walking distance of the cruise terminal. There are plenty of taxis, but beware: Neapolitan traffic is legendary. A fun way to head up into the hills is to ride the four funiculars, which have operated for more than 100 years. If you’re traveling underground, you’ll be mesmerized by the city’s metro stations turned into art galleries. Toledo and Chiaia stations are absolute must-sees. Finally, ferries buzz back and forth to islands like Capri, and there are regular trains to Pompeii.

2

Naples has some excellent shopping close to the cruise terminal, which is a 10-minute stroll from the center. Visit Galleria Umberto I for the sheer spectacle; this magnificent 19th-century neo-Renaissance arcade gives a whole new meaning to the notion of a shopping mall. For fashion brands, Via Toledo is the place to go, while Via Chiaia has more upscale labels. Spaccanapoli is lined with restaurants and smaller artisan boutiques.

3

The currency in Naples is the Euro. ATMs dispensing Euros are located around the city. Credit cards are also accepted in most places, but check beforehand if you’re buying something from a street vendor. Tipping is appreciated in Italy, though not expected. If your restaurant bill says “servizio incluso”, then a tip is included. If it says “coperto”, that’s different; it’s a cover charge for the bread and olive oil at the table. In this instance, you could leave a tip of 10 percent for good service.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Rome, Italy: Civitavecchia was settled in 108 A.D. by the Emperor Trajan and has since served faithfully as a gateway to Rome, the capital of Italy. Once the center of the Ancient World from which emperors ruled over nearly all of western civilization, Rome is still a cultural mecca. Only a few cities in the world can boast such a well-preserved level of architecture, art, and religious iconography. There’s an enormous wealth of culture and history to discover on a cruise to Rome. Visit the ancient halls of the 50,000-seat Colosseum, gaze upon the ceilings of Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, and stroll the Capitoline Museum. Roman culinary prowess is well respected and beloved the world over. Experience authentic pizza, hearty bowls of fresh pasta, excellent cheeses, wines, seafood, and delightful desserts like tiramisu and gelato at family-run trattorias that have been preparing these traditional dishes for centuries. Walk the cobblestoned piazzas making your way to narrow side streets where you’re sure to find craftsman shops and beautiful boutiques filled with gorgeous handmade accessories and homewares for keepsakes and souvenirs.

Travel Tips

1

You have plenty of options. Rome’s metro system is reliable and easy to use since it only has three lines that intersect at Rome’s main rail terminal: Termini. You can get single journey tickets or day passes. More than 300 bus routes will get you close to most of the attractions, but you may still have to walk, particularly near the historic center as buses don’t travel down its narrow streets. Official taxis in Rome are yellow and have a taxi sign atop the roof. Note that taxis often charge extra for baggage and rates may increase on holidays, Sundays, and late at night. If you call for a taxi, the fare may begin from the telephone request, not from the point of origin, so double check before reserving. Rome has two international airports: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, also referred to as Fiumicino, located 18 miles southwest of Rome; and Ciampino International Airport, located nine miles southeast of Rome.

2

If you find yourself back in Civitavecchia after your time in Rome and need some more souvenirs, you’re in luck. There is plenty of shopping located near the cruise port. Just cross Via Garibaldi, which runs parallel to the sea promenade, and you’ll find several shops to browse. Head a little bit further into town and you’ll come to Corso Centocelle, which has even more stores and is a pleasant area to shop since it is a pedestrian-only zone. If you have even more time to spare and don’t mind a longer walk or short taxi drive, you can find over two dozen specialty shops at La Scaglia, a shopping center located about a 25-minute walk from the port.

3

Italy’s currency is the Euro. For cruises from Rome, travelers should have a supply of cash. Most places in Rome take credit cards, though cash may be preferred in markets or small, mom-and-pop style restaurants. It’s especially important to double-check if a card is accepted if you’re not planning on paying with cash. To exchange cash for Euros, look for cash exchange offices or simply use the many ATMs around the city, although you may incur bank charges for exchanging cash in these. An ATM is called a bancomat in Rome. Tipping in Italy often isn’t necessary. A service charge is usually already included in the bill, so double-check if that’s the case; feel free to tip more for stellar service, though know it’s not expected. It’s also recommended to tip in cash as opposed to on a credit card if you want to make sure it’s the server who gets the tip.

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Best Of Italy & French Riviera 7 Nights • Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy • Celebrity Constellation

Itinerary & Excursions

Cruise Overview

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Italy

Santa Margherita, Italy

Ajaccio, Corsica

Nice (Villefranche), France

Day at Sea

Naples, Italy

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Cruise Overview

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Italy

Santa Margherita, Italy

Ajaccio, Corsica

Nice (Villefranche), France

Day at Sea

Day at Sea Highlights

Naples, Italy

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Celebrity Constellation

Ship highlights