Noush & Britt Hit the Mediterranean · 2026

Girls Trip · August 2026

Noush & Britt
Hit the Med

Mediterranean Cruise · 2026

First of our Every-7-Years Girls Trip ✦ Celebrity Ascent

Aug 26–28 in Rome 10 nights at sea Italy · Greece · Croatia

Final payment due May 29, 2026 · Matthew Spencer, Cruise Specialists · 800-544-2469

Trip at a glance

Noush & Britt Hit the Mediterranean

Fly into Rome
Wednesday, Aug 26
Fiumicino (FCO) · Morning arrival
Hotel in Rome
2 nights
Aug 26–27 · Historic center
Train to Port
Friday, Aug 28
Roma Termini → Civitavecchia · ~1hr
Celebrity Ascent
Aug 28 – Sep 7
Roundtrip Rome · Cabin 12237 Deck 12
Cruise Ports
Italy · Greece · Croatia
10 nights · $400 shipboard credit
Travel Agent
Matthew Spencer
Cruise Specialists · 800-544-2469

Day by Day

Wed Aug 26
Arrival · Ancient Rome · Evening Trastevere
Colosseum · Pantheon · Piazza Navona · Trevi Fountain · Freni e Frizioni
Thu Aug 27
Vatican · Local Neighborhoods · Rooftop Sunset
Vatican Museums · St. Peter's · Jewish Ghetto · Monti · Spanish Steps · Galleria Borghese
Fri Aug 28
Easy Morning · Train to Port · Board the Ascent
Hotel breakfast · Campo de' Fiori market · Trenitalia to Civitavecchia · 🚢
Important reminder: Final cruise payment is due May 29, 2026. Also book travel insurance within 14 days of your cruise deposit to ensure pre-existing condition coverage.
01
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Arrival & Ancient Rome
Land in the morning · freshen up · big sights · magical evening in Trastevere
Tourist must-see
Local favorite
Food & coffee
Bar & nightlife
Transit
~8:00 AMLand at Fiumicino (FCO) & transfer to hotel
Leonardo Express train or taxi to Roma Termini (~30 min), then cab to hotel. Check in or drop bags — freshen up.
No booking needed
9:30 AMFirst Italian coffee — standing at the bar
Espresso + cornetto at the nearest café, ordered standing at the counter like a Roman. This is mandatory. Do not order a latte.
Local ritual~€2
10:00 AMColosseum & Roman Forum
One of the most jaw-dropping things you'll ever stand inside. Go first thing before the August heat peaks. Roman Forum ticket is usually included — don't skip it. The scale in person will stop you mid-step.
Must-seeBook ahead · colosseo.it
12:30 PMLunch — Felice a Testaccio
One of Rome's most legendary trattorias, a 5-minute cab from the Colosseum. Order the cacio e pepe — it's made tableside. Locals have eaten here for decades. Open daily 12:30–3:30 PM & 7–11:30 PM.
Roman legendReserve ahead · feliceatestaccio.com
2:30 PMPantheon
A 2,000-year-old temple in near-perfect condition. The dome's oculus is one of the most extraordinary things in Rome. Buy tickets online — the audio guide is excellent. Open 9 AM–7 PM daily.
Must-seeBook online · ~€5
3:30 PMPiazza Navona & wander the historic center
Five-minute walk from the Pantheon. Gorgeous baroque square — sit at a café, watch street artists, feel the pulse of Rome. Wander toward Campo de' Fiori. Let yourself get lost in the streets.
FreeVery walkable
5:30 PMJaniculum Hill at golden hour
The best panoramic view of Rome that most tourists never find. Walk up from Trastevere. The whole city spreads out below you at sunset. Grab a bottle of wine from a shop on the way up — this is the moment.
Local secret viewpointFree
8:00 PMTrevi Fountain at dusk
Go after dark — lit up beautifully and far less crowded than midday. Toss a coin. Legend says you'll return to Rome. (You will.) ~€2 to access the lower viewing section.
Iconic~€2 lower level
9:00 PMAperitivo & dinner — Freni e Frizioni, Trastevere
Trastevere's most beloved aperitivo bar. One drink = access to their legendary free buffet. Wild, inventive cocktails — people come back every single night. Then wander the cobblestone streets for a late dinner at whichever trattoria looks lively.
Best aperitivo in RomeNo reservation needed
02
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Vatican, Local Neighborhoods & Rooftops
The world's greatest museum · hidden baroque · Monti · rooftop sunset · final dinner
Tourist must-see
Local favorite
Food & coffee
Bar & nightlife
7:30 AMBreakfast — Testaccio Market & URBE cucina romana
Rome's real food market — zero tourists, all locals. URBE cucina romana inside has a perfect 5.0 rating and the best carbonara in the city. Or just grab a coffee and a porchetta sandwich and wander the stalls.
Where Romans eatMarket open 7 AM–3:30 PM
8:00 AMVatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
The most important art collection in the world. Go right at opening — crowds build fast. Allow 2–3 hours minimum. The Sistine Chapel is the crown jewel but the journey through the museums is equally stunning. Closed Sundays (you're going Thursday — perfect).
Non-negotiableBook ahead · museivaticani.va
11:00 AMSt. Peter's Basilica
Right next door — free entry. The scale inside will genuinely stop you in your tracks. Climb the dome for panoramic views over Rome and the Vatican gardens if you have the energy (and the legs).
Must-seeFree entry
1:00 PMLunch in the Jewish Ghetto
One of Rome's oldest, most atmospheric neighborhoods — almost entirely overlooked by tourists. Order carciofi alla giudea (Jewish-style fried artichokes), the neighborhood's extraordinary signature dish. Ancient ruins of Teatro di Marcello loom nearby.
Hidden gem neighborhoodTry the artichokes
2:30 PMMonti neighborhood — Via del Boschetto
Rome's hippest local neighborhood. Wander Via del Boschetto for vintage boutiques — Blue Goose (4.9 stars, designer vintage) and Pulp Vintage (4.8 stars, curated pieces). Independent coffee bars, zero chain stores. Brooklyn-meets-ancient-Rome.
Best local shopping
4:00 PMSpanish Steps
135 steps up to the Trinità dei Monti church — iconic. Sit at the top with gelato and look out over the city. Spectacular at golden hour. Luxury shopping strip Via Condotti at the base if you want to window-shop (or more than that).
IconicFree
5:30 PMGalleria Borghese
The insider's pick. Only 360 visitors at a time — intimate, calm, utterly extraordinary. Bernini's sculptures will genuinely make your jaw drop. The most beautiful gallery in Rome. Closed Mondays. Timed entry only — sells out weeks ahead.
Book weeks aheadgalleriaborghese.it — timed entry only
7:30 PMRooftop aperitivo — Hotel Artemide or Milea art & food
Hotel Artemide's rooftop bar has sweeping city views — worth visiting even as a non-guest. Or head to Milea in Trastevere for stunning cocktails, art on the walls, and an extraordinary whisky selection. The kind of place you stay for three drinks.
Rooftop viewsBoth excellent
9:00 PMFinal dinner — Osteria degli Amici, Testaccio
Your last meal before the cruise. A true neighborhood osteria — Roman artichokes, hand-rolled pasta, excellent wine. One guest called it the best meal of their entire month-long Italy trip. Make it count. Closed Tuesdays.
True Roman osteriaReserve ahead
03
Friday, August 28, 2026
Embarkation Day
Easy morning · train to port · board the Celebrity Ascent · the Mediterranean awaits
8:00 AMHotel breakfast & slow check-out
Slow morning. Good coffee. No rushing. Pack your bags and take in your last moments in Rome. Check out of your hotel and arrange luggage storage if needed.
At hotel
OptionalMorning Campo de' Fiori market
If time allows — Campo de' Fiori in the morning is a real flower and produce market with beautiful energy. Completely different from the tourist bar scene at night. Worth a 30-minute stroll and a final coffee.
Morning onlyFree to wander
10:00 AMTrain: Roma Termini → Civitavecchia port
Regional trains depart roughly every hour from Roma Termini. Journey is ~1 hour. Buy tickets at the station or on Trenitalia app (~€5–8 per person). Take a short cab from Civitavecchia station to the cruise terminal.
trenitalia.com · ~€5–8 per person~1 hour journey
12:00 PM+Board the Celebrity Ascent 🚢
Check in at the terminal. Reservation #1131030. Head to your Concierge Class Veranda cabin — Deck 12, Cabin 12237 (midship, one of the best positions on the ship). Get to the pool bar. You have $400 in shipboard credit. Use it wisely. Italy, Greece, and Croatia await.
The main eventRes #1131030 · Cabin 12237 Deck 12
Celebrity app reminder: Once on board, set up excursions, specialty dining reservations, and spa bookings through the Celebrity Cruises app. Your $300 shipboard credit (visible on Celebrity invoice) can be used toward shore excursions booked online before sailing.

Before you leave home

Things to Book

Tap each item to mark it done. Book these in order — the Galleria Borghese sells out fastest.

Rome Attractions
Galleria Borghese — timed entry
Only 360 visitors at a time. Book weeks in advance. Closed Mondays.
galleriaborghese.it
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Go right at 8 AM opening. Sells out in peak season. Closed Sundays.
museivaticani.va
Colosseum & Roman Forum
Lines are brutal without advance tickets. Book early morning slot.
colosseo.it
Pantheon
Timed entry required. Buy online to skip the queue.
direzionemuseiroma.cultura.gov.it · ~€5
Restaurants
Felice a Testaccio — lunch Day 1
Legendary Roman trattoria. Reserve ahead. Open 12:30–3:30 PM & 7–11:30 PM daily.
feliceatestaccio.com
Osteria degli Amici — dinner Day 2
True neighborhood osteria in Testaccio. Reserve ahead. Closed Tuesdays.
osteriadegliamiciroma.it
Transport
Train tickets: Roma Termini → Civitavecchia
Aug 28 · Regional train · ~1 hour · ~€5–8 per person. Buy in advance or at station.
trenitalia.com
Cruise
Celebrity Cruises app — set up account
Reservation #1131030. Book shore excursions, specialty dining, and spa from the app. Use $300 shipboard credit toward excursions.
celebritycruises.com/myaccount/signin
Travel insurance — shop & purchase
Matthew Spencer recommends Travel Insured International, Allianz, or Travel Guard. Avoid Trip Mate. Also check your credit card benefits first.
Must purchase within 14 days of cruise deposit for pre-existing coverage
Final cruise payment — due May 29, 2026
Balance: $6,321.60 total. Contact Matthew Spencer at Cruise Specialists.
Matthew Spencer · 800-544-2469 · mspencer@cruisespecialists.com

Rome · Mediterranean Cruise · Aug 26 – Sep 7

Packing Lists

Click the circle to check off packed items. Click any item to edit it. Press Enter to add a new item. Items auto-save as you type.

Unpacked
Packed
· Click item text to edit · Press Enter to add · Hover to delete
Brittanya
Your personal packing list — edit anything, add items freely
Clothing
Toiletries & Beauty
Documents & Money
Tech & Extras
Stephanie
Your personal packing list — edit anything, add items freely
Clothing
Toiletries & Beauty
Documents & Money
Tech & Extras
Cruise dress code reminder: Celebrity Ascent has Smart Casual nights most evenings and 2 formal/"Evening Chic" nights. No shorts or flip-flops in main dining rooms after 6pm. Concierge Class guests are welcome in Luminae restaurant — slightly more elevated dress expected.

Celebrity Ascent · Reservation #1131030

Cruise Itinerary

Aug 28 – Sep 7, 2026 · 10 nights · Roundtrip from Rome · Concierge Class Veranda · Cabin 12237 Deck 12

Fri · Aug 28
🇮🇹
Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
Embarkation
tap to add excursions ↓
Set sail at 5:00 PM. Find your cabin (Deck 12 · #12237), explore the ship, and get to the pool bar. First dinner on the Celebrity Ascent tonight!
Depart5:00 PM
Our Plan for This Day
Nothing planned yet — tap "+ Add activity" to log what you're doing!
Sat · Aug 29
🇮🇹
Sicily (Messina), Italy
Port Day · 11 hrs
tap to add excursions ↓
Ideas: Taormina (hillside town, stunning Mt. Etna views), Mt. Etna volcano tour, Savoca village (Godfather filming location!), fresh arancini at the port market.
Arrive10:00 AM
Depart9:00 PM
Our Plan for Sicily
Activity / Excursion Name
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Notes / Details
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Sun · Aug 30
🌊
Day at Sea
Rest & Relax
tap to plan your day ↓
First full sea day! Book spa, lounge at the pool, explore the ship. Try a specialty restaurant tonight — use some of that $300 shipboard credit!
All DayAt Sea
Our Sea Day Plan
Nothing planned yet — spa? specialty dining? pool day?
Mon · Aug 31
🇬🇷
Olympia (Katakolon), Greece
Port Day · 11 hrs
tap to add excursions ↓
Birthplace of the Olympic Games! Ancient Olympia archaeological site is a must — walk where athletes competed 2,700 years ago. Easy walk or short taxi from port.
Arrive8:00 AM
Depart7:00 PM
Our Plan for Olympia
Activity / Excursion Name
Duration
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Confirmation #
Notes / Details
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Tue · Sep 1
🇬🇷
Corfu, Greece
Port Day · 10 hrs
tap to add excursions ↓
UNESCO Old Town — stunning Venetian architecture, charming alleys, great shopping. Paleokastritsa beach is extraordinary. Great day for a boat tour of sea caves!
Arrive8:00 AM
Depart6:00 PM
Our Plan for Corfu
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Wed · Sep 2
🇲🇪
Bar, Montenegro
Port Day · 12 hrs
tap to add excursions ↓
Hidden gem! Most guests take the scenic drive to Kotor — a stunningly preserved medieval walled city on a bay, often called the most beautiful town in the Adriatic.
Arrive7:00 AM
Depart7:00 PM
Our Plan for Montenegro
Activity / Excursion Name
Duration
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Confirmation #
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Thu · Sep 3
🇭🇷
Split, Croatia
Port Day · 12 hrs
tap to add excursions ↓
Diocletian's Palace — an entire city built inside a Roman emperor's retirement home. Day trip to Hvar (party island with gorgeous beaches) or Trogir (UNESCO medieval town).
Arrive8:00 AM
Depart8:00 PM
Our Plan for Split
Activity / Excursion Name
Duration
Cost per person
Confirmation #
Notes / Details
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Fri · Sep 4
🇭🇷
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Port Day · 12 hrs
tap to add excursions ↓
The crown jewel of the Adriatic! City walls walk (views are surreal), cable car up Mt. Srdj, Old Town exploration. Game of Thrones filming location (King's Landing). Book wall walk tickets early — they sell out fast!
Arrive8:00 AM
Depart8:00 PM
Our Plan for Dubrovnik
Activity / Excursion Name
Duration
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Confirmation #
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Sat · Sep 5
🌊
Day at Sea
Rest & Relax
tap to plan your day ↓
Second sea day — you've earned it after back-to-back Croatia days! Spa, long lunch, formal dinner tonight. Only two nights left on the ship.
All DayAt Sea
Our Sea Day Plan
Nothing planned yet — spa? specialty dining? pool day?
Sun · Sep 6
🇮🇹
Naples, Italy
Port Day · 11 hrs
tap to add excursions ↓
Pompeii & Herculaneum, Amalfi Coast drive (Positano!), Capri island, OR eat the best pizza of your life in Naples — birthplace of pizza. Try L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele!
Arrive7:00 AM
Depart6:00 PM
Our Plan for Naples
Activity / Excursion Name
Duration
Cost per person
Confirmation #
Notes / Details
Status
Idea
Mon · Sep 7
🇮🇹
Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
Disembarkation
tap for notes ↓
Arrive 5:00 AM. Disembark in the morning — bags outside cabin the night before. Transfer to FCO airport for your flight home. Don't forget to exchange any leftover Euros!
Arrive5:00 AM
Disembarkation Notes
Add flight details, transfer info, or any final reminders here.
✦ How to use: Tap any port card to open the excursion planner. Click the notes area to edit ideas. Use "+ Add activity" to log booked excursions with name, time, confirmation number, and cost.

Rome · Aug 26–28 · 2 nights

Hotel Options

All in the historic center — walkable to everything. Prices reflect Aug 26–27, 2026 peak season rates from KAYAK, Expedia & Booking.com. Exact rates vary by room type — always verify when booking. Tap a card to mark your favorite.

Points = Marriott Bonvoy redeemable Top Pick = our recommendation
Hotel Albergo del Senato
★★★★★ · 4.8 · 1,489 reviews
~$350–470/night
Top Pick
Right on the Pantheon — literally. Rooftop terrace with panoramic views accessible to all guests. Beautiful rooms, excellent breakfast. One reviewer: "Nothing can compare to opening a window with a view of the Pantheon." The most magical location of the group.
Historic Center Rooftop terrace Pantheon views Breakfast included
★ Favorited
Hotel Maalot
★★★★★ · 4.9 · 234 reviews — highest rated
~$480–600/night
Top Pick
The highest-rated hotel in all our research. Steps from Trevi Fountain. Complimentary champagne on arrival, fully stocked minibar included. Guests say staff greet them by name every time they pass through the lobby. Intimate, exceptional.
Near Trevi Fountain Champagne on arrival Complimentary minibar
★ Favorited
Palazzo Scanderbeg
★★★★★ · 4.8 · 111 reviews
~$350–500/night
One-minute walk to Trevi Fountain. Stunningly decorated rooms, breakfast in bed available, spacious by Rome standards. Feels like your own private palazzo. Honeymoon-level romantic atmosphere. One guest: "True perfection in every sense."
Near Trevi Fountain Palazzo feel Breakfast in room
★ Favorited
The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel
★★★★★ · 4.5 · Autograph Collection (Marriott)
~$448–600/night
Points
Marriott Bonvoy redeemable. A restored 17th-century palazzo steps from the Pantheon. Rooftop bar, beautiful historic rooms. The best points redemption option if you want to use Marriott points for this stay. Autograph Collection properties have real character.
Historic Center Marriott Points Rooftop bar 17th-century palazzo
★ Favorited
W Rome
★★★★★ · 4.6 · Marriott Bonvoy
~$450–700/night
Points
Marriott Bonvoy redeemable. Bold, stylish, modern luxury near Spanish Steps. Incredible rooftop bar and restaurant with sweeping city views. Multiple guests say the service here is the best they've experienced anywhere. The chic / fashion-forward option.
Near Spanish Steps Marriott Points Rooftop views Modern luxury
★ Favorited
The St. Regis Rome
★★★★★ · 4.7 · Marriott Bonvoy
~$800–1,200+/night
Points
Marriott's most luxurious Rome property. Personal butler service, iconic bar, massive rooms. Multiple guests say it's the finest hotel they've ever stayed at. The splurge — if you have the points, this is a once-in-a-lifetime stay. Near Piazza della Repubblica.
Near Repubblica Marriott Points Butler service The splurge
★ Favorited
Hotel Artemide
★★★★ · 4.8 · 1,928 reviews — best value
~$280–400/night
Best Value
Best under-$250 option by a mile. Rooftop bar with city views, on-site spa, complimentary minibar, and one of the highest ratings in all of Rome. Near Termini — easy for airport arrival. A 4.8-star experience at a fraction of the 5-star price.
Near Termini Rooftop bar Spa Complimentary minibar
★ Favorited
Hotel Barocco
★★★★ · 4.8 · 540 reviews
~$200–320/night
Small, intimate, beautifully decorated near Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. Exceptional service — guests rave about the staff more than any other hotel. Rooms are small but the experience is outsized. Great breakfast. Fruit on arrival, sweets at checkout.
Near Trevi / Spanish Steps Outstanding service Intimate boutique
★ Favorited
Tip: Tap any hotel card to mark it as a favorite — useful for comparing notes with Stephanie. Prices are estimates for late August 2026 peak season and may vary. Always book directly with the hotel or through Marriott.com for best rates and points earning.

Per person estimate

Trip Budget

Adjust the sliders to customize estimates for your trip. All figures are per person unless noted.

Estimated Total
$0
per person
Cruise (confirmed)
$3,161
your share of $6,321.60
Shipboard Credit
−$200
$400 total · split 2 ways
Flights
Roundtrip flight (Charleston → Rome)
Sample quote: Delta via JFK · Aug 25 → Sep 7 · Economy non-refundable
$1,510
Rome Hotel (2 nights)
Hotel room (your share of 2 nights)
Budget: Hotel Artemide ~$280–400/night · Mid: Albergo del Senato ~$350–470 · Luxury: W Rome ~$450–700
$400
Rome Activities & Attractions
Colosseum & Roman Forum
~€18–24 per person with timed entry
$25
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
~€20–35 per person · guided tours available for more
$30
Galleria Borghese
~€15–25 per person · guided tour recommended
$25
Pantheon + misc entry fees
Pantheon ~€5 · Trevi lower level ~€2 · other small fees
$15
Rome Food & Drink
Dinners & lunches (2 days)
Felice a Testaccio ~€40–60pp · Osteria degli Amici ~€40–55pp · casual meals ~€15–25pp
$220
Coffee, gelato & snacks
Espresso ~€1.50 · gelato ~€3–5 · market snacks etc.
$40
Rooftop bars & aperitivo
Freni e Frizioni ~€12–15/drink · Milea ~€15–18 · hotel rooftops ~€18–25
$60
Rome Transport
Airport transfer + cabs in Rome
Leonardo Express ~€14 · taxis around Rome ~€10–20 each
$70
Train Roma Termini → Civitavecchia
Regional train Aug 28 · ~€5–8 per person
$8
Cruise Add-ons
Shore excursions (10 nights)
Celebrity excursions typically $60–200 per person per port · $300 credit applies here
$500
Spa & specialty dining on ship
Spa day pass ~$150–250 · specialty restaurants ~$40–80 per person per meal
$200
Gratuities (prepaid)
$190 per person prepaid as noted on your booking
$190
Other
Travel insurance (per person)
Travel Insured Worldwide Trip Protector Deluxe quoted at $179/person
$179
Shopping & souvenirs
Monti vintage boutiques, port shopping, gifts etc.
$200
Estimated total per person
$0
Includes cruise fare ($3,161) + all estimates above. Minus $200 shipboard credit already deducted from cruise line total. Adjust sliders to reflect your actual spending plans.