A family-friendly shore excursion that combined ancient history with modern marvels
If you’ve been following along on our Italy cruise adventure, you know that Rome has always been at the top of my travel bucket list. But what I didn’t expect was to witness history being made — literally. Just two days ago, on December 16th, Rome inaugurated its brand-new Metro C station right at the Colosseum, and my family and I were among the first tourists to experience it during our day trip from the Civitavecchia cruise port.
Let me tell you, it was absolutely magical.
A Day Trip Made Easy with the Right Transfer Service
When you’re traveling with kids on a cruise, the last thing you want is transportation stress. We docked at Civitavecchia port early in the morning with Costa Cruises, and I had arranged a private transfer through a Civitavecchia Transfers service that came highly recommended by fellow cruise passengers.
The moment we stepped off the ship, Silvio was there waiting for us with a big smile and a sign with our name. His wife Catia joined us for the ride to Rome, and honestly, they made us feel like family right from the start. The comfortable Mercedes van was perfect for our group — air-conditioned, spacious, and stocked with bottled water for the kids.
The drive from Civitavecchia to Rome takes about an hour, and Silvio used that time to share fascinating stories about the Italian countryside we were passing through. The kids were glued to the windows, pointing at medieval villages perched on hilltops and asking a million questions that Silvio patiently answered in perfect English.
Arriving at the Colosseum — And a Happy Surprise
When Silvio dropped us off right in front of the Colosseum, we noticed something unusual: there was an excited buzz in the air. People were gathering around the metro entrance, taking photos, and talking animatedly. That’s when we learned that the new Colosseo-Fori Imperiali metro station had just opened to the public the day before!
Talk about perfect timing!
The New Metro Station Is Basically an Underground Museum
Here’s what makes Rome’s new metro station so special: it’s not just a transportation hub — it’s a museum. After more than 13 years of excavation work, the station has been designed to showcase the incredible archaeological treasures discovered during construction.
The station goes down 32 meters — that’s about 10 stories underground — and features five exhibition areas curated by the Colosseum Archaeological Park. As you descend to the platform level, you walk through centuries of Roman history. We saw ancient domus (Roman houses) from the Republican era, complete with preserved private baths that once belonged to wealthy Roman families.
The kids were absolutely fascinated by the dioramas showing what ancient Rome looked like, and there are multimedia installations that bring the history to life in a way that even my 6-year-old could appreciate.
But the most breathtaking moment? There’s an “oculus” — a special window — in the corridor connecting the new Line C to the existing Line B that gives you a direct view of the Colosseum from underground. My daughter literally gasped. It’s like looking through a portal between modern Rome and ancient Rome.
Our Colosseum Tour: A Perfect Family Experience
After exploring the metro station (for free — it’s included with your regular metro ticket!), we headed up to the Colosseum itself for our guided tour.
Standing inside the amphitheater where gladiators once fought, where crowds of 50,000 Romans once cheered, is an experience that no amount of photos can capture. Our guide explained how the underground tunnels worked, how wild animals were lifted into the arena, and how the Romans engineered a retractable canvas roof. The kids were hanging on every word.
What I loved most was how our guide made history accessible for children. She told stories about gladiators as if they were superheroes, and suddenly ancient Rome wasn’t just something from a dusty textbook — it was real and exciting.
The Return Journey: Relaxed and Happy
By late afternoon, we were all happily exhausted. Silvio picked us up exactly where he had dropped us off, and the ride back to Civitavecchia felt like a gentle decompression from our adventure.
Catia had brought some local treats for the kids — biscotti and fresh fruit — which kept them busy while my husband and I gazed out at the golden Tuscan light washing over the countryside. We arrived at the port with plenty of time to spare before the ship’s departure, relaxed and full of memories.
Why I Recommend This Shore Excursion
If you’re planning a Mediterranean cruise that stops at Civitavecchia, I cannot recommend this day trip highly enough. Here’s why:
For families: The private transfer means no waiting for big tour buses, no strict schedules, and flexibility to take breaks when little ones need them. Silvio and Catia were incredibly accommodating — they even stopped at a rest area when my son needed a bathroom break.
For history lovers: The timing couldn’t be better. With the new metro station just opened, you get to see something that most tourists haven’t experienced yet. It’s like being part of Rome’s ongoing story.
For cruise passengers: The fixed pricing means no surprises, and the door-to-door service from the port eliminates all the stress of navigating public transportation in a foreign country with kids in tow.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Book your transfer in advance — especially during peak cruise season. Silvio and Catia’s service fills up quickly because word of mouth has made them incredibly popular.
- Wear comfortable shoes — between the metro station and the Colosseum, you’ll be doing plenty of walking on ancient stone.
- Bring snacks and water for the kids — while there are vendors around the Colosseum, you’ll save time (and money) by packing your own.
- Don’t skip the metro station museum — it’s free and genuinely impressive. Allow at least 30 minutes to explore it properly.
- Book a guided Colosseum tour — with kids, having someone to make history come alive makes all the difference.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes travel surprises you in the best possible ways. We went to Rome expecting to see the Colosseum — which was already a dream come true — but we ended up witnessing the opening of a new chapter in Rome’s 2,000-year story. The new metro station is a testament to how Italy manages to honor its past while building for the future.
And getting there? Thanks to Silvio, Catia, and their impeccable service, it was the most stress-free shore excursion we’ve ever had on a cruise. The kids are already asking when we can go back.
Have you visited Rome with kids? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
How accessible and stroller-friendly is the new Colosseum Metro C station for families with young children, especially during peak tourist hours?