Ksqrd Posted July 22 #1 Share Posted July 22 We are planning on doing a cruise from Venice to Rome and was wondering if anyone has done the 3 day "Best of Rome" excursion that is offered as a post excursion. It sounds wonderful but it is very expensive! Would love to hear from anyone who has done it. Thanks! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aajusa Posted July 22 #2 Share Posted July 22 Following! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Peregrina651 Posted July 22 #3 Share Posted July 22 Rome in general is expensive. When you look at any cruise extension (Viking or on your own), you have to consider that Day One will be spent getting to the hotel and checking in and Day Last will be spent getting to the airport or the ship. Usually, very little sightseeing gets done on those two days. A three day extension, therefore, gives you one day for full out touring. You need to ask yourself, "Are you okay with this?" Because that is the reality of a three day extension -- any three day extension. The Viking extensions, of any length, are good for those who are not comfortable making their own arrangements for whatever reason. If it gives you what you want at a price you are willing to pay, then go for it. My only warning is that you read the description carefully and understand exactly what the package does and does not include. In truth, after years of following these boards, I find that most of the complaints here come from the folks who did not read the descriptions and the materials. For those who are comfortable making their own arrangements, keep reading. In general, you can do more days for the same amount that you would pay Viking. However, you have to make all of the arrangements. You have to book all of the museum entrances in advance (or you will never get in), you have to pay for cabs from place to place, or you have to hire a guide who will take care of these details. There are pros and cons to every choice you make. For those, who want to use Viking Air, you can still do a an extension on your own. It will cost you extra in fees for the "deviation" and you will not be eligible for transfers unless you are landing at the embarkation port airport on Day 1 or heading to the airport to fly out on the last day. (Example, using VikingAir, we are arriving in Rome two nights early. No Viking transfers because we are not doing a Viking extension; we will have to get ourselves from the airport into Rome and then from Rome to the port on embarkation day. On the other end, we disembark the ship heading directly to the airport for flights departing that afternoon using Viking transfers, which are included in our fare.) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kctwinmommy Posted July 22 #4 Share Posted July 22 Wow! Not at $2500/person! You could do a lot, and more, on your own, IMO. We didn't do this, but we spent the day in Rome. Yes, I left wanting to see so much more!! We spent $600 (or close to that) for a private driver to take us to all the sites we wanted to see. We independently bought Vatican museum tickets for like 10:30 a.m. We were there for over 2 hours and truly couldn't even see a fraction of it (you can read about it in my review posted on this page). And it got beyond busy as we went along, so going in the afternoon will be really busy. I'm sure others will chime in, but getting around in Rome I have read is pretty easy and there are a lot of small group type tours you can book. I would honestly look at staying 3-4 nights on your own and booking those kinds of tours. Get tickets to go inside of things too, we just didn't have the time in 1 day to do that. But we still saw Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Vatican Museum, St. Peter's Square, and like 3-4 other stops. For comparison, we spent $1000/person for 4 nights in Athens this past spring. And that included 2 full day tours outside of Athens, one full day on our own, plus the Acropolis in the morning before we were transferred to the ship. Everyone on that extension said it was totally worth every penny. If your cruise isn't for awhile yet, I would get Rick Steves book, look at his suggestions, plot out what you want to see, and find tours or get tickets for those things. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kctwinmommy Posted July 22 #5 Share Posted July 22 @Peregrina651 - totally agree! Although reading that extension, it's not giving them much of admission to anything. The Vatican Museum, some gardens, and then it sounds like a lot of "drive by" places, with maybe a short stop to see them, but it seems it's all from the outside. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Peregrina651 Posted July 22 #6 Share Posted July 22 3 minutes ago, kctwinmommy said: @Peregrina651 - totally agree! Although reading that extension, it's not giving them much of admission to anything. The Vatican Museum, some gardens, and then it sounds like a lot of "drive by" places, with maybe a short stop to see them, but it seems it's all from the outside. @kctwinmommy what you describe of the extension day in Rome does not surprise me. I haven't read the description but with SO much to see in Rome, drive by is the only way to see more than a few sites -- unless, as you described, you hire a private car and guide. And by the way, your "Mediterranean & Adriatic Sojourn" review (that you mentioned in post #4) is a must-read for anyone traveling to the area. It is amazingly helpful. I'm half way through it, cutting and pasting text into a document so I can print it out and make notes. Your description of the tours you took are so detailed -- to the point that I am sorry that you didn't get to go on all of the tours offered. (The photo of the hawk is a work of art.) I wish everybody would take the time to describe and comment on the tours they take. Also, agreed that for $5000 (and the willingness to do the planning and take the risks (I'm I really going to like this hotel?)) you can easily stay 4-5 nights in Rome. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kctwinmommy Posted July 22 #7 Share Posted July 22 @Peregrina651 - awww.... thanks!! I'm said we couldn't take more excursions too! LOL! I'll finish our last days in Barcelona when I get more time (too much to do at work right now. LOL!). It was a letdown though as I was sick! =( But glad it was only the last day. And yeah I went and found the description of the extension online, it's not super specific, which leads me to think that they won't go into a lot of the places listed. And yes! Very hard to see a lot in Rome without getting transportation around. I also recommend, based on our limited experience, that anything you want to do in Rome, do it in the morning when it's not as crowded. If we ever make it back for a few days, I'll plan on hitting 1, maybe 2, major sites in the morning, then more relaxed, sightseeing in the afternoon. I truly hope we make it back! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lackcreativity Posted July 22 #8 Share Posted July 22 19 minutes ago, Peregrina651 said: Also, agreed that for $5000 (and the willingness to do the planning and take the risks (I'm I really going to like this hotel?)) you can easily stay 4-5 nights in Rome. I obviously agree that the Best of Rome extension at $2500 is quite expensive. However, this is a fully guided package, with three full days and departure on the fourth day. It even includes a culinary workshop dinner! The "drive by" portion is by small motorized vehicle and on foot. While there is no way I would spend that amount of money for a Rome extension, there is more to it than the average Viking extension. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare RLK33853 Posted July 22 #9 Share Posted July 22 I totally agree with what the others have said - Rome is quite easy to do on your own, or at the very least with some pre-arranged private tours which are easily obtained. On a side note, we have been to Rome numerous times and have always just did things ourselves. We just did the Tuscany Viking extension and while it was good, I now know we could have done WAY more on our own for less money. Viking is amazing in many ways, and if you are someone who likes everything arranged for you, you will probably be happy. For us, the Tuscany extension was a disappointment in that you really never got to experience anything up close. The villa we stayed at was amazing, yet we only had time to sleep there. The wineries we stopped at were just quick stops and a meal. Cities like Florence consisted of a walking tour and an hour or so of free time. Hopefully you get the picture - you see lots but never get to experience much. That said, probably half of our group were very happy with the extension, while the other half were disappointed. Extensions are like food, wine, entertainment, etc. - everyone's expectations are different and thus so are their impressions. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kctwinmommy Posted July 22 #10 Share Posted July 22 For those who are curious, this is the write up for it... Day 1 - Rome Disembark your ship in Civitavecchia and head to one of Rome’s exquisite Renaissance gardens. The Italian Renaissance style began during the 15th century and its trademark look expressed symmetry through orderly and manicured landscaping. Learn more about this style during a guided walk around the grounds of one of Rome’s best-kept examples. Afterward, transfer to your hotel and check in. This evening, enjoy a traditional evening meal. (D) Museum Interior, Vatican Day 2 - Rome This morning, enjoy time at your leisure to explore your surroundings on your own, or join an optional excursion. After lunch, set off to Vatican City for a guided tour of the world-renowned Vatican Museums. Stroll through the galleries to admire pieces from Raphael and Caravaggio, and view Michelangelo’s spectacular ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. After, walk to the expansive St. Peter’s Square and view the world’s most iconic basilica before returning to your hotel. (B) Circus Maximus, Rome Day 3 - Rome After breakfast, set out to discover Rome during a morning excursion. This historic city is home to many of the great sights of ancient Rome. By small motorized vehicle and on foot, view the mighty Colosseum—the most important amphitheater in the Roman world—and the Circus Maximus; you will also see Venice Square and Capitoline Hill. Enjoy an afternoon at your leisure or you may join an optional excursion. This evening for dinner, attend a culinary workshop and learn to make pasta. (B, D) Day 4 - Rome This morning, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B) All this is included: 3 hotel nights in Rome (as shown or similar) 5 meals: 3 breakfasts (B) & 2 dinners (D) 5 guided tours: Vatican City & St. Peters Square; Traditional Dinner; Highlights of Rome; Pasta Making Culinary Workshop; Renaissance Garden Fully escorted by your Viking Tour Director All transfers 3 hotel nights in Rome (as shown or similar) 5 meals: 3 breakfasts (B) & 2 dinners (D) 5 guided tours: Vatican City & St. Peters Square; Traditional Dinner; Highlights of Rome; Pasta Making Culinary Workshop; Renaissance Garden Fully escorted by your Viking Tour Director All transfers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kctwinmommy Posted July 22 #11 Share Posted July 22 As I said, I can only compare it to ours in Athens, and for the $2000 it cost for the 2 of us, it was almost a wash when compared to doing it on our own. We had 4 nights in the hotel, so right there, that's at least $1,200 (as prices for hotels we looked at were around $300/night). We had breakfast everyday at the hotel. Then our first 2 days were both a full day tour to places far outside of Athens. So, places we wouldn't have easily been able to get to on our own either. Both days had lunch included at a sit down restaurant. Our 3rd full day we had completely on our own. So we went to the Archaeological museum, and various other sites in the city. On our last day, embarkation day, we had the bus tour around the city a bit, on top of the Acropolis, and the Acropolis museum. All of the tours were with an amazing guide. We, as well as many others on our extension, agreed that we may have saved like $100 for all that we got if we did it on our own. Oh, and we had the transfers from the airport to the hotel and then the hotel (well after the Acropolis) to the ship. Like we've said, you'll need to decided if this is all worth it to you, for what you'll get. Or if you're pretty capable of doing it on your own. Good luck either way! And enjoy it, I loved Rome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ksqrd Posted July 23 Author #12 Share Posted July 23 (edited) This has been very helpful! I think we have decided to do Rome on our own as the price of the excursion is so high. I appreciate all your input! Thank you. Edited July 23 by Ksqrd mispelled a word 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Avery Posted July 23 #13 Share Posted July 23 37 minutes ago, Ksqrd said: This has been very helpful! I think we have decided to do Rome on our own as the price of the excursion is so high. I appreciate all your input! Thank you. Give RomeCab a look. Best ever tours and transit to the ship too. Took us everywhere we wanted to go with guide services. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JayRich65 Posted July 23 #14 Share Posted July 23 I don't think the $2500 per person Rome extension is that out of line. Not sure the quality of the hotel but it's a pretty good distance between both port and Rome and Rome to Airport, being on the post extension and having Viking Air, you'll get the transfer and with the meals include along with guided tour of Vatican museum included doesn't sound unreasonable. I've transferred before using train and cruise transportation and not having to worry about that is getting preferred more each day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Other Tom Posted July 24 #15 Share Posted July 24 Easy to do on your own. Rome in Limo, Joe Banana (yes, that's the real name), Tours by Locals, or Viator offer tours (probably others as well). Highly recommend getting the Rick Steves book on Rome. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kctwinmommy Posted July 24 #16 Share Posted July 24 I agree with @The Other Tom Viator will have a bunch of options. And the Rick Steves book is great. We used LimosIn Rome for our private driver for the day, she was awesome. And also Get Your Guide is where we bought our tickets for the Vatican Museum, skip the line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Murt22 Posted July 24 #17 Share Posted July 24 We are doing a 4 day trip to Rome then flying to Athens for 3 days before embarking on the same cruise Cindy is mentioning. We are staying at a hotel in walking distance of basically all of the sites in Rome. Our hotel cost for all 7 nights plus our flight to Athens is under $2500. We are taking an expensive early Vatican museum tour and a tour of Colosseum, and have purchased Borghese Gallery tickets. We plan on going to many other sites there and will have transportation costs (plus food and Aperol Spritzes, of course) but I am sure the total cost of the extra week will be under the $5000 Roman extension trip. If you are planning Rome on your own - I suggest checking out Romewise, a website, facebook page, youtube page, etc. that has some great information about planning a trip. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare OneSixtyToOne Posted July 24 #18 Share Posted July 24 1 hour ago, Murt22 said: and have purchased Borghese Gallery tickets One of my favorite places in Rome. The sculpture is amazing, especially Bernini's Apollo and Daphne. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Peregrina651 Posted July 24 #19 Share Posted July 24 1 hour ago, OneSixtyToOne said: One of my favorite places in Rome. The sculpture is amazing, especially Bernini's Apollo and Daphne. and his David and his Persephone. We like to arrive early (especially when traveling in January). Given the choice of staying in Rome or Civitavecchia, I chose Rome and then only to see the Berninis in the Borghese. Other than wondering around the neighbor where we are staying, it is the only sightseeing on our agenda. Our hotel is a short walk to the Galleria and a short cab ride to the train station. I can't wait! One of our better travel stories has to do with our first visit to Galleria Borghese (01/2022) and words we chanced to overhear a young America student saying to her companion. "Next to Bernini, Michelangelo is an amateur." 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taiwan_girl Posted July 27 #20 Share Posted July 27 We were on a Viking cruise that ended in Rome this past January. Spent an additional 4 days/3 nights on our own. Had a VRBO near St. Peters as our base, and either walked or did public transport to get around the city. As others have said, if you are comfortable setting up things on your own, you can save some money that way. But,there are advantages to having everything planned out - nice to have someone else deal with the hassles of unexpected occurances. If it is feasible, Our highlight was a guided full day (and it was a full day!!) walking tour of Rome. Started at the Colosseum and ended up back at St. Peters, hitting a number of sites in between. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sock it tommy Posted July 27 #21 Share Posted July 27 I didn't read when you are going, but just in case, make sure you factor in the heat of summer! We did three days post cruise in Rome in summer and it was unbearable. By the third day, we called an audible and side-tripped to Naples, then Capri. (It was a tour company that picked us up in Rome, but I'm drawing a blank on the name.) It was still hot, but not as hot, and the boat ride to and from Capri was comparatively pleasant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sock it tommy Posted July 27 #22 Share Posted July 27 What means Cool Cruiser? Did I complain too much about the heat? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Peregrina651 Posted July 27 #23 Share Posted July 27 47 minutes ago, sock it tommy said: What means Cool Cruiser? Did I complain too much about the heat? Welcome to Cruise Critic. You are a "Cool Cruiser" because you are a NEWBIE😉. The title was slapped on you before you even said a word. It is purely a post counting thing. Keep posting and you will eventually make it to the next level. I can't remember what they call it and I can't remember where I saw the list of the levels. Good advice about the summer heat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CKspring Posted August 4 #24 Share Posted August 4 Slightly off-topic We are booked for the February '25 Journey to Antiquities cruise. We are booking pre and post extensions through our TA. Our TA is offering a Pompeii and Amalfi coast excursion that looks reasonable. Does anyone have experience with Viking excursions in Naples? . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reaniel Posted August 4 #25 Share Posted August 4 On 7/22/2024 at 10:38 AM, Ksqrd said: We are planning on doing a cruise from Venice to Rome and was wondering if anyone has done the 3 day "Best of Rome" excursion that is offered as a post excursion. It sounds wonderful but it is very expensive! Would love to hear from anyone who has done it. Thanks! Sounds nice! We were on the Cities of Antiquity & the Holy Land last year (minus Israel because of the ongoing war), from Athens to Rome. We did our own extension after disembarkment with 3 additional days in Rome and 3 days in Venice. I can tell you with 100% certainty: There won't be enough time to see everything you want with the 3 days Viking extension. We couldn't even do everything we want with our own 3 extra days, which was without the 1 day for airport. If you want to visit ALL of the point of interest in Rome, it's best if you do a flight deviation for 5 or 6 days on your own as opposed to doing the Viking extension. Yes, you'll need to get from the Port to Rome on your own upon disembarkment, but it's actually really easy, and pretty affordable. Public transportation is fairly easy to use in Rome as well as long as you be careful with the usual pickpocket. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now