euro cruiser

There are a few direct trains, but if a site is giving you quotes in US$ and/or using AM/PM times, you are on a reseller site. Always check the actual Trenitalia site to be sure. There is an IC train that departs Pisa Centrale at 13:42 (1:42 PM) and arrives to Monterosso at 14:53 (2:53 PM). There is a return IC train that departs Monterosso at 17:07 (5:07 PM) and arrives to Livorno Centrale at 18:42 (6:42 PM). That gives you about three and a half hours in Monterosso, maybe enough time to see one other village. Note that the IC trains do not stop in any other CT village, so you'd need to get back to Monterosso to return (or to La Spezia, where you could also pick up this train). The fare will vary based on when purchased, these seat-assigned trains use dynamic pricing. Source material here: EN - Trenitalia

It's very easy to get to Pompei on your own from the port in Naples. You can join a guided tour at the entrance to the ruins for a modest fee, then wander around on your own afterwards. When you are ready to push on to Sorrento there is a local train. Finally, you can take a ferry back from Sorrento to Naples, landing adjacent to the cruise port. What day of the week will you be in Naples, and what are your hours in port? This is important if you will be using public transportation. Perhaps your grandson would enjoy putting this day together, we can provide you with the links for all of the transportation options and timing and help craft the day. I know most of our kids (there was one holdout) enjoyed doing things like this in preparation for a trip, it ramped up the excitement for them and helped fill the time waiting until it was time to go.

Don't forget that the Lazio regional tracks at Termini are three city blocks away from the main track head, so leave yourself enough time to get there.

Okay. For Vatican tours use this link to buy directly from the Vatican Museums: Pilgrims (museivaticani.va) For the Colosseum, use this link to purchase directly: Contact us – Parco Archeologico del Colosseo For that second one a few extra steps may be required, but it is direct.

The fixed fare in Naples cover four passengers, there are extra fees for more than that.

If you purchase the ticket with "Civitavecchia Porto" as the starting point, it will include the 6 euro fee for the bus from the ship to the train station. Be sure to purchase directly from Trenitalia, not from a third party. EN - Trenitalia

Everyone should do what makes them comfortable, understanding the costs and tradeoffs. Successful DIYing requires some up front work and on the ground adaptive skills. Knowing yourself and what's right for you is one the best steps toward a happy trip. When I get back to my computer I'll provide the links and support info, if someone hasn't already done it.

Sorry, I don't mean to be a wet blanket, but better you know what to expect so you don't over-commit yourself. Tourism has roared back after covid, spurred on by generally healthy economies in various parts of the world. The Chinese are not traveling yet at the rate they did pre-covid, once they do ...

The consistent feedback this spring from regular visitors to the Amalfi coast is that the crowds this year are already making it uncomfortable, and it's not even swimming weather yet.

Yes, you can do it on your own and it's probably a better use of your time vs. a tour that may go places you're not as interested in. You've got a nice, long port day, which is good news. If you're up and out as soon as they let you off the ship you should be able to make either the 7:44 or the 7:58 regional train to Rome. They will be crowded and somewhat uncomfortable, so you're forewarned. At the other end of the day there are returns at 17:27 or 17:58 that would have you back in Civitavecchia an hour or slightly more before your departure time. That makes for a nice long day, plenty of time to see both sites. I have a bus to catch so I can't give you all the links right now, but I'll bet that before I get back another member will have provided them. For train info here: EN - Trenitalia

I was about to say it depends on the type of train but, on second thought, I would go to Termini in any case because you have a better shot of getting a seat there on a regional train, and you have to go there for a Frecce or IC.

A close option is Tarquinia, which you would reach by bus from Civitavecchia. Since you don't have to race back to the ship, one option we often discourage is open to you, Tivoli. The 7:44 train from Civitavecchia gets you to Tivoli at 9:50 (following one change of train at Rome Termini).

I think your children may be too young for the scavi tour. One of ours was about 11 when we went and she was under age, but we got away with it.

The link above is for the Vatican museums, which include the Sistine Chapel. There is nothing to book for the basilica (St. Peter's). The scavi where St. Peter's remains are believed to be is done by reservation through this office: Reservations (scavi.va) If you get the scavi tour, it ends in the necropolis under the basilica. From there you can go upstairs into the basilica itself.

Thank you for sharing that.