A Due Passi Dal Ghetto Pizzeria, Civitavecchia – Restaurant Review

Where to eat in the Rome Cruise Port town of Civitavecchia?

On the second evening of our stay in Civitavecchia (read about it here), we decided to have some Pizza. Our choice was a pizzeria called A Due Passi Dal Ghetto Pizzeria which translates to Two Steps from the Ghetto. Following is my review of the restaurant.

Pizza Up Close - A Due Passi Dal Ghetto Pizzeria, Civitavecchia — Pizza Up Close

We specifically chose this place due to the fact that part of the reason Italian Pizza is so great is because it is made in wood fire oven, known as Forno al Legno and this pizzeria advertised having one. So we set out for 15 minute walk from our B&B Fuori dal Porto (read about our experience) to the pizzeria A Due Passi Dal Ghetto.

Wood Oven - A Due Passi Dal Ghetto Pizzeria - Civitavecchia, Italy — Wood Fire Oven

The atmosphere was nothing special, diner style with basic tables and red chairs and no table service. It took us a few minutes to read the short menu behind the counter and figure out how it works. You decide what kind of pizza you want and then you order it by weight. If it is a special order pizza, you must take an entire pizza, which we did.

Inside the A Due Passi Dal Ghetto Pizzeria in Civitavecchia, Italy — Inside – Diner Style

So, we ordered:
– Wine (1 bottle): Larentu – Cannonau di Sardegna (red)
– 1 Beer, 1 small water
– Fiori di Zucca (deep fried battered zucchini) ? yum
– Pizza – 1/2 margherita, 1/2 funghi (Pizza is paid by weight)

Fiori di Zucca - A Due Passi Dal Ghetto Pizzeria, Civitavecchia — Fiori di Zucca

Our bill came to €40.00 – in my opinion, far too expensive for mediocre pizza and cheap wine – you can buy it for €2 – €5 at an Italian grocer. However, the young couple running it seemed like very nice people and I hope they may be able to reflect on their price structure and perhaps they will find greater success. The Fiori di Zucca was good and was stuffed with cheese, the bottle of Larentu was house wine quality – forgettable but drinkable.

Pizza by the Kilo - A Due Passi Dal Ghetto Pizzeria, Civitavecchia — Pizza by the Kilo

The pizza was American style, thick crust, which means you are paying for dough. At €15 per kg, you are looking at an average cost of minimum €13 for an average size pizza. We are true Italian fans – we really like everything about Italy from North to South – especially South! – including their fabulous thin crust pizza. Possibly all you thick crust, deep dish pizza fans would really enjoy this place; unfortunately, it is not what I am looking for in Italy, for that, I can go to Chicago.

The Menu:
French fries €2.50
Deep fried zucca €2
Chicken Nuggets (4 pieces) €3.50
Pizza (including sweet): €15 per kg.

Prices / Menu - A Due Passi Dal Ghetto Pizzeria, Civitavecchia — Prices / Menu

Would I recommend this place? Probably not
Would I go back? No

But, to each their own. Let me know in the comments below what kind of pizza you like!

A Due Passi Dal Ghetto Pizzeria
Viale Guido Baccelli, 33,
00053 Civitavecchia RM, Italy
Phone: +39 0766 34761

A Due Passi Dal Ghetto Pizzeria - Wood Oven - Civitavecchia — Wood Oven

Links of Interest:
Civitavecchia Town – Out and about, what to see and do
Civitavecchia Photo Blog
Restaurant Il Boccone d’Oro, Civitavecchia – Review
B & B Fuori dal Porto, Civitavecchia – Review
Transportation – Getting out of Civitavecchia

Civitavecchia Photo Blog – Italy – Rome Port of Call

A photo blog of our stay in Civitavecchia, Italy. Grab ideas of what you might want to see and do while in this charming port of call. Why rush to Rome if you have already seen it? Read about our stay in Civitavecchia for costs, tips and more. Click to enlarge pictures.

Fort Michelangelo - Port of Civitavecchia, Rome — Fort Michelangelo and Cruise Ships

Chiesa View - Civitavecchia, Port of Rome — Chiesa View

Bucotini Amictriana at the Restaurant Il Boccone d'Oro - Civitavecchia — Bucotini Amictriana

Alley with Stairs - Leads to Pizza - Civtavecchia, Rome Port, Italy — Alley with Stairs

Architecture of Civitavecchia - Port of Rome — Gorgeous Architecture

Seaside View - Civitavecchia, Port of Rome — Seaside View

Cathedral of Civitavecchia - St Francis ofAssisi - Rome Port, Italy — Cathedral St Francis ofAssisi

Aida Cruise Ship - Civitavecchia, Port of Rome — Aida Cruise Ship

Chiesa dei Santi Martiri Giapponesi - Church of Saints - Civitavecchia — Chiesa dei Santi Martiri Giapponesi

Civitavecchia Port Walk - Rome — Port Walk

Communist Hammer and Sickle - Civitavecchia Port of Rome - Political — Political

Corso Centocelle Walking Street - Civitavecchia, Rome Port, Italy — Corso Centocelle Walking Street

Cruise Ship Peak - Side Street, Civitavecchia — Cruise Ship Peak

Delicatessen Vergati Enzo - Specialita Alimentari - Civitavecchia — Delicatessen Vergati Enzo

Outdoor Market Stands, Fruits & Vegetables - Civitavecchia, Rome Port — Market Fruits & Vegetables

Dome of Santa Maria dell Orazione - Civitavecchia, Port of Rome — Dome of Santa Maria dell Orazione

Fish and Meat Market - Civitavecchia, Rome Port, Italy — Fish and Meat Market

Fort Michelangelo - Civitavecchia, Italy — Fort Michelangelo

Largo Plebiscito - Civitavecchia, Italy — Largo Plebiscito

Luxury Cruise Ship Ponant in Civitavecchia - Port of Rome — Luxury Cruise Ship Ponant

Market Stands - Market in Civitavecchia, Port of Rome — Market Stands

Mexican Sail Ship - Civitavecchia, Port of Rome — Mexican Sail Ship

Never Ending Waterfront Walkway - Civitavecchia — Never Ending Waterfront Walkway

Norewegian Epic - Civitavecchia, Port of Rome — Norewegian Epic

Pirgo Beach - Civitavecchia Port of Rome — Wharf and Beaches

Porta Livorno - Civitavecchia Port of Rome — Porta Livorno

Rome Port View From Bed and Breakfast Fuori dal Puerto - Civitavecchia — Port View From Bed & Breakfast Fuori dal Puerto

San Francesco d'Assisi - Civitavecchia — San Francesco d’Assisi

Seaside Cafes - Civitavecchia, Port of Rome — Seaside Cafes

Stone Beach - Civitavecchia, Port of Rome — Stone Beach

Street Life at the Market - Civitavecchia, Rome Port — Street Life

Street View of Civitavecchia, Italy — Street View

Theatre - Teatro Comunale Traiano di Civitavecchia — Theatre – Teatro Comunale Traiano di Civitavecchia

Waterfront Walk with Fort in the Distance - Civitavecchia, Port of Rome — Waterfront Walk with Fort in the Distance

Yellow Wall of Windows with Green Shutters - Civitavecchia, Italy — Yellow Wall of Windows with Green Shutters

Links of Interest:
Civitavecchia Town – Out and about, what to see and do
Restaurant Il Boccone d’Oro, Civitavecchia – Review
Pizzeria A Due Passi Dal Ghetto, Civitavecchia – Review
B & B Fuori dal Porto, Civitavecchia – Review
Transportation – Getting out of Civitavecchia

Transportation How to Civitavecchia Port

Civitavecchia Cruise Port, Italy Rome Guide for Transportation – How to Get Out!

First and foremost, we all know disembarkation day is seldom pleasant. Stay calm, think, compare, question. Each cruise ship will operate slightly different, so be sure to check carefully regarding ship offerings. The Port of Civitavecchia does not allow pedestrians, so do not think you will walk out off the ship and out of the port.

Road View - Exit Port Shuttle - 0396 — Road View – Exit Port Shuttle

Basically, we figured out 4 possibilities to getting out of Civitavecchia. Whether you want to get to the airport, to Rome or simply leave the town, I have compiled a how to list. If you decide to stay in this charming port town for a few days, check out my blog Civitavecchia – Cruise Port to Rome, Italy.

The list of transportation means include:
1. Cruise Ship: shuttle airport transfer / excursion
2. Local Bus / Van transfers airport or Rome
3. Train
4. Rental Car

Road Signage at Exit of Port Shuttle - Civitavecchia - 0397 — Road Signage at Exit of Port Shuttle

#1 Cruise Ship Offers
Most of the ships offer a few possibilities. The Cruise ship we were on offered a shuttle to the airport for USD $75 per person on the ship. The pre-booked bus is waiting directly outside the ship. This is the most comfortable mode, but also the most expensive.
Alternatively, you could choose from 2 excursions with airport or hotel / city center drop off.

One of the tours, which started at 7:30 am offered the St. Peter’s Basilica and the Colosseum for USD $159.75 per person. It suggests it is only for people whose flights depart after 5 pm from Leonardo DaVinci airport (FCO). No wheelchairs allowed; must be able to climb stairs and walk uneven paths and approx. 3 km. The tour is listed as being 6.5 hours, which means it ends at approx. 2 pm.

The other tour included the Vatican Museum, St. Peter’s Basilica and a choice of Hotel or City Center transfer and is listed as having a 6.5 hour duration, starting at 8:45 am, costing USD $169.75 per person. The city center drop off point is the Ostiense Train Station. Hotel drop off is limited to Crowne Plaza Rome, St. Peters Hotel, Empire Palace Hotel, NH Leonardo Da Vinci Hotel and Hilton Rome Airport Hotel. Again, not wheelchair appropriate and has a exertion rating of moderate.

#2 Local Bus or Van
First, take the free port shuttle to exit the inner port area – be prepared for the chaos which will ensue. You leave the ship, go straight to the port shuttle bus, load your luggage in, grab a seat and wait for it to fill. It will shuttle you the 5 minutes to the port shuttle terminal Largo della Pace just outside the gates.
Note: this is a working port and you can NOT walk.

Once outside the port you have the following options available. Hawkers are everywhere, so no worries about finding immediate transportation.
They offered:
– €20 per person for a comfortable Coach bus to the airport
Or
– A shared Van for €20 per person (airport)
Or:
Bus to Rome City Center (not airport) for €10 pp

Hawkers - Civitavecchia Cruise Port - 3425 — Hawkers

#3. The Train
Ticket pre-booking can be done either on the Trenitalia website or GoEuro.com for English – a one way ticket to the airport currently costs €11 pp. You can also buy your ticket at the station if you have not pre purchased one. The train to Rome – €5 takes about 45 to 60 minutes whereas the train to FCO airport takes around 105 minutes+. If you are staying in Rome, Frecciabianca is the fast train.

Train - Civitavecchia Station -0001 — Train

The Regionale (regional train) is the train you need if you are going to the airport (it also goes to Rome); we took this train and it was very comfortable. If you are going to the airport, exit at Roma Trastevere, (after approximately 1 hour), go under through the tunnel to platform 5 where it shows an airplane (airport). Take the next train to the airport and it arrives in approximately 26 minutes. It stops right in the airport – so easy – find your terminal & safe flight!

Roma Trastevere Train Platform sign to Airport — Roma Trastevere Train Platform

Tips:
* Kids under 12 free
* Book online and ticket with scan code is emailed
* Train has a plugin (computer or phone charge) at seats
* Washroom
* Big comfy seats – we piled our suitcases and carry-ons into 2 seats and sat in front of them on 2 other seats

How to get to the train station?
i) Taxi €6 to €10
or
ii) Walk to the station – approx. 30 minutes – Walk out of the free cruise shuttle port terminal (Largo della Pace), turn left and walk straight. It will be on your left hand side.
or
iii) Argo Bus / red bus €2 pp – supposedly there is a ticket booth in the Largo della Pace next to the information point. Go here, buy your ticket and they will tell you where to go. I never saw this booth, but I did see the bus at the train station!

Train Tickets to Rome - Civitavecchia - 0536 — Train Tickets to Rome

#4 Rent a Car
A great option for those staying a little longer who want to venture out and see some things! Also great for people traveling in a group of 4 people.
There are several rental places across from the port shuttle station
Note: make sure the car size can accommodate you and your luggage!
The rental car drop off is conveniently located in the airport – be sure to tell the rental agency which airport. Drive carefully! Note: It may be easier to pre-book your rental car online, due to the language barrier. It will also save you a lot of time.

Direction Signs - Civitavecchia Cruise Port - 0395 — Direction Signs

A word of advice: Remember you are in Italy! They speak Italian and things move at a different pace. Stay calm and smile – you are creating great memories!

Civitavecchia Train Station - 0539 — Train Station

Argo Bus - Civitavecchia Cruise Port - 0537 — Argo Bus

Tickets and Waiting Area - Train Station, Civitavecchia to Rome -0002 — Tickets and Waiting Area

Cruise Port of Call Katakolo Greece, Home to Olympia

Land Ahoy – Cruise Port Katakolo Greece – Highlight Olympia – Home to the Classical Olympics

Our cruise ship, the Celebrity Constellation pulled into the port of Katakolo, also known as Katakolon, at 9:50 am. (Photo Album) We had big plans including Olympia to see the archaeological ruins, visiting a beach and seeing some of the beautiful greek countryside. Wine tasting was also an option we discussed, however we had done a tour and greek wine tasting in Santorini so we skipped it this time in favour of other stops.

Cruise Ship in Town - Katakolo, Greece - 0254 — Cruise Ship in Town

The docks are literally in the town! Our small group of 4 walked off the ship and did a quick jaunt down the main street of Katakolo. Like most port towns, it was lined with little tourist shops and cafes. After around 15 minutes, we turned back and headed to the car rental place we had spotted earlier.

Downtown Katakolo, Greece - Cruise - 0249 — Katakolo

Gisela from Dias Rent a Car (main street left) rented us a little car for €40 and we tanked €10 of gas. Although she was very friendly at the beginning, when we dropped the car off, she was extremely surly – I guess she had a bad day! It is worth noting here, if you prefer to take a tour bus to Olympia, the cost is anywhere from €3 to €5 p/p (one way) – there will be people selling it everywhere, so no worries!

Alternatively, the public bus is €1.70 to Pyrgos Town plus €2.20 from Pyrgos to Olympia – €7.80 p/p round trip, approximately 1.5 hours, the train €10 p/p – roundtrip, 45 minutes. A taxi will cost around €80 roundtrip for 4 seats (approximately 4 hours). Because we wanted to see more than Olympia, the above possibilities were not an option. Schedules can be found at www.katakolon.org. I have embedded a map of the area below.

It was a 40 km, 45 minute relaxed drive to Olympia on very good roads, but there were LOTS of beggars at every stop and corner. I think it was around 1/2 way there when we took the time to drive off the highway onto a rugged dirt path heading uphill. Although we second guessed ourselves a few times, it eventually opened up to some amazing mountain views. (please note: we do not recommend doing this).

Katakolo Mountains - Greece, Cruise - 0263 — Katakolo Mountains

Olympia town is a cute tourist town with shops, cafes and restaurants. There is ample parking everywhere, just remember exactly where you parked in case you exit at a different point than you enter.

Entrance cost for Ancient Olympia was €12 p/p which includes the Ancient Olympia grounds, the Botanical Gardens and the Museum. It took us around 2.5 hours at a fairly fast pace, but reading everything to see all of the ruins. A Security lady at the Temple of Zeus was extremely rude to the tourists (not to us). She was telling people they could take pictures, but no smiling, no silliness, no, no, no… Maybe she was having a bad day too.

The Thermes of Kladeus Baths - Olympia, Greece - 0349 — Thermes of Kladeus Baths

After our enthralling self guided tour of the archaeological ruins, we headed past the Botanical Gardens – although they looked beautiful, we did not stop as we still had so much to do – and arrived at the Museum. It was packed full of people, but if you like artifacts, I strongly recommend going in. You will need minimum 1 hour, much more if you want to read the plaques explaining statues and excavations.

After leaving the museum, we found a little cafe where we sat and all had €1 beers before hitting the road again. Our next stop was Spiaza Beach where the crazy one in our group went for a very cold swim. The beach was empty and houses were still closed, leaving the entire stretch completely to us! It was interesting and sad to see anti German spray painted walls – it seems some locals do not like Germans. After swimming and snacks, we made our way back towards the ship.