The most iconic landmarks in Rome, Italy

Many guests experience Rome during Mediterranean and Greek Island or European cruises, arriving at the port of Civitavecchia, about 50 miles from the city's historic center. While it's possible to explore independently, a guided shore excursion makes it easier to experience more of Rome in a single day without worrying about transportation or timing.

Princess shore excursions from Civitavecchia are designed to maximize your time ashore with curated itineraries that visit several of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Select excursions also include priority entry at popular attractions like the Colosseum and Vatican Museums, so that you don’t spend precious time waiting in line.

Before setting out, wear comfortable walking shoes for Rome's uneven cobblestone streets and remember that locales like St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel both require clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Cruises to Rome are popular for a reason — an early start can make visits to especially popular places like the Trevi Fountain and Pantheon feel more relaxed before the busiest crowds arrive.

Every landmark in Rome tells a different chapter of the city's story. Some reveal the engineering ambition of the Roman Empire, while others showcase the artistic vision of the Renaissance or the grandeur of the Baroque period. Together, they offer a deeper understanding of how Rome evolved over more than two millennia and why it continues to captivate travelers today. Here are some of those landmarks as you consider things to do in Rome.

While the Colosseum showcased Rome's grand spectacles, the Roman Forum served as the center of daily life for nearly 1,000 years. Emperors celebrated victories here, senators debated laws and merchants conducted business among temples, basilicas and public squares. Walking through the Forum today reveals some of ancient Rome's most important ruins, including the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Titus, the House of the Vestal Virgins and the Rostra, where public speeches once shaped the future of the empire.

Rising above the Forum, Palatine Hill offers views across the archaeological site and is traditionally recognized as the birthplace of Rome. According to legend, this is where Romulus founded the city in 753 BC. The hill later became home to lavish imperial palaces, including the residence of Emperor Augustus, giving visitors a glimpse into both Rome's legendary origins and its imperial power.

The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are typically explored alongside the Colosseum, making them highlights of Princess' Rome's Top 8 Sights Walking Tour, which also includes stops at the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and St. Peter's Basilica.

Standing for nearly 1,900 years, the Pantheon is the best-preserved monument of ancient Rome. Built around AD 125 during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, it was originally dedicated to the gods of ancient Rome before being consecrated as a Christian church in the seventh century. That transformation helped protect the building through the centuries, which means Princess guests and other visitors can experience much of its original design today.

The Pantheon's soaring concrete dome remains one of the greatest engineering achievements of the ancient world. At its center, a 27-foot oculus floods the interior with natural light and serves as the building's only direct opening to the sky. Inside, visitors can also pay their respects at the tombs of Renaissance artist Raphael and Italian kings Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I.

Timed-entry tickets are now required, so reserving in advance is recommended, especially during the busy travel season. An early morning visit also offers a quieter atmosphere before the surrounding piazzas fill with visitors.

Although surrounded by Rome, Vatican City is an independent city-state and the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church. At its heart stands St. Peter's Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world, built over the traditional burial site of the apostle Peter. Its soaring dome, designed by Michelangelo, defines Rome's skyline, while visitors who climb to the top are rewarded with panoramic views of St. Peter's Square and the surrounding city.

Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, St. Peter's Square welcomes visitors with proud, uniform colonnades that embrace the basilica and create one of the world's most recognizable public spaces. Nearby, the Vatican Museums house one of the finest art collections ever assembled, featuring ancient sculptures, the Gallery of Maps and Raphael's Rooms.

The visit reaches its unforgettable finale in the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes continue to inspire millions of visitors each year. Because the Vatican is an active place of worship, all guests should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Princess guests can experience these remarkable sites on the Debark Tour — Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's with City Center Transfer.

Crowds gather throughout the day at the Trevi Fountain, but an early morning visit reveals why it has drawn travelers for centuries. Standing nearly 86 feet tall, it is the largest baroque fountain in Rome and one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Designed by Nicola Salvi and completed in 1762, the fountain depicts Neptune riding a shell-shaped chariot, surrounded by allegorical figures that celebrate the power of the sea.

The fountain also marks the end of the Aqua Virgo, an ancient Roman aqueduct first completed in 19 BC, connecting its dramatic baroque design to the engineering achievements of imperial Rome. Many visitors continue the tradition of tossing a coin into the water in hopes of one day returning to the Eternal City.

Princess guests can visit the Trevi Fountain on the St. Peter's, Roman Catacombs, Trevi Fountain and Colosseum shore excursion, which pairs one of Rome's most beloved landmarks with several of its most significant historic sites.

Piazza Navona exhibits the elegance of Baroque Rome like no other. Built on the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, its elongated shape still follows the footprint of the first-century arena where athletic competitions once took place. Today, the square is best known for Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers, whose dramatic sculptures represent the Nile, Ganges, Danube and Río de la Plata beneath an ancient Egyptian obelisk.

Just a short walk from the Pantheon, Piazza Navona is an easy addition to a day of sightseeing. Street artists, outdoor cafés and historic architecture create a lively atmosphere that invites visitors to slow down and enjoy one of Rome's most beautiful gathering places.

Home to one of the world's most extraordinary art collections, the Vatican Museums preserve centuries of history across galleries filled with ancient sculptures, Renaissance masterpieces and priceless religious treasures. The museum complex includes more than 70,000 works, with highlights such as the Gallery of Maps, the Raphael Rooms and stunning collections of Roman and Egyptian antiquities.

For many visitors, the journey through the museums leads to the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo's celebrated ceiling serves as the culmination of the experience. Together, these collections offer a deeper appreciation for the artistic and cultural legacy of Vatican City beyond St. Peter's Basilica.

Because admission is limited by timed entry and demand remains high throughout much of the year, advance reservations are strongly recommended. Princess guests can experience the Vatican Museums on the Ultimate Rome shore excursion, which also includes the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Trevi Fountain.

If you have extra time in Rome, these attractions are the perfect options for filling your itinerary between landmarks. They all capture something unique about the city's art, history and architecture.

• Galleria Borghese: Housed in a 17th-century villa surrounded by the gardens of Villa Borghese, this celebrated museum showcases masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, Raphael and Titian. Timed-entry tickets are required, and visitor numbers are limited, so be sure to plan ahead for this stop.
• Castel Sant'Angelo: Originally built as Emperor Hadrian's mausoleum in the second century, this imposing fortress has served as a papal residence, military stronghold and prison. Today, you can explore its historic chambers and enjoy panoramic views of Rome from the rooftop terrace.
• The Spanish Steps: Connecting Piazza di Spagna with the Trinità dei Monti church, the Spanish Steps have long been one of Rome's most popular gathering places. Climb the 135 steps for views across the surrounding streets, then browse the nearby boutiques or relax in the piazza below.
• Santa Maria del Popolo: Just beyond Piazza del Popolo, this Renaissance church is home to two masterpieces by Caravaggio — it’s the perfect stop for visitors interested in art beyond the Vatican Museums.

Rome's most popular attractions are concentrated in two main areas. The ancient center includes the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, while the historic center is home to the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and Vatican City. Each area can comfortably fill a half-day, so Princess guests will enjoy a more fulfilling experience by focusing on two or three major sites.

Excursions are the best way to plan ahead, and we would also recommend:

• Reserving tickets for the Colosseum, Vatican Museums and Galleria Borghese well in advance, especially between April and October when availability is limited.
• Wearing comfortable walking shoes since Rome's cobblestone streets and archaeological sites can involve several miles of walking.

Princess’ Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy excursions coordinate transportation, admission tickets and knowledgeable guides, and this means you get to experience several of Rome's most celebrated landmarks during a single day ashore.

Rome is just one highlight of a Mediterranean voyage with Princess®. Spend a day exploring world-famous landmarks before continuing your journey to destinations filled with celebrated museums and centuries of history. Each port offers its own story, with opportunities to experience local culture through thoughtfully curated shore excursions.

And remember: from Civitavecchia, Princess excursions make it easy to explore Rome with convenient transportation and itineraries designed to help you see more during your time ashore. Book a Mediterranean cruise and start planning your next European adventure.