What to Do in Rome Before or After Your Cruise

Rome is a city where you can stand in the Colosseum where gladiators once fought, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, and savor authentic cacio e pepe in a centuries-old trattoria, all in a single unforgettable day.

Few cities can match Rome's ability to transport you through time. Every cobblestone street reveals layers of history—Roman temples buried beneath Renaissance palaces, Baroque fountains adorning ancient piazzas, and medieval churches hiding priceless artworks. The Eternal City earned its nickname not just for its endurance but for its timeless ability to captivate visitors, whether they're first-timers or seasoned travelers returning for the hundredth time.

If you're embarking on a Mediterranean cruise from Civitavecchia or ending your voyage along Italy's stunning coast, Rome offers the perfect bookend to your journey. With efficient trains connecting the port to the city center in about an hour, you can easily dive into Rome's treasures before your ship sets sail or after you've returned to shore. This guide will help you make the most of every precious moment in one of the world's most extraordinary cities.

Explore Ancient Rome

Rome's ancient ruins are portals to a civilization that shaped Western culture. Walking through these archaeological wonders brings history textbooks to life in ways no classroom ever could.

The Colosseum

The Colosseum stands as Rome's most iconic monument, and for good reason. This massive amphitheater, completed in 80 AD, once hosted gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and mock naval battles before crowds of up to 50,000 spectators. The engineering genius behind its construction still impresses architects today.

Walking through the arena floor (available with certain ticket types), you can almost hear the roar of the crowds and imagine gladiators preparing for battle in the chambers below. The upper levels offer sweeping views of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, putting the ancient city's layout into perspective.

• Tip: Book "skip-the-line" tickets online at least a week in advance—lines can stretch for hours during peak season. Combination tickets include the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, valid for two consecutive days. The best light for photos comes in early morning or late afternoon when golden sunlight illuminates the travertine stone.
• Nearby: The Arch of Constantine stands just outside, built in 315 AD to commemorate the emperor's victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge.

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

The Roman Forum served as the beating heart of ancient Rome—the center of political, commercial, and religious life for over a millennium. Today's sprawling ruins were once temples, basilicas, and government buildings where senators debated, merchants traded, and citizens gathered. Key highlights include the Temple of Saturn (one of Rome's oldest sacred sites), the Arch of Septimius Severus, and the House of the Vestal Virgins, where Rome's sacred flame burned continuously for over 1,000 years.

Palatine Hill rises above the Forum, offering both archaeological treasures and the best panoramic views in ancient Rome. According to legend, this is where Romulus founded Rome in 753 BC. Emperors built lavish palaces here—you can still explore the ruins of the House of Augustus and the sprawling Domus Augustana. The Farnese Gardens on the hill's summit provide shaded respite and stunning vistas across the Forum below.

• Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes—the Forum covers extensive ground with uneven ancient paving stones. Audio guides (available for rent or via smartphone apps) dramatically enhance the experience by helping you visualize what these ruins once were. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat and cruise ship tour groups.
• Nearby: The Capitoline Museums sit atop Capitoline Hill, housing an extraordinary collection of classical sculpture and Renaissance art in buildings designed by Michelangelo.

Pantheon

The Pantheon ranks among the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings, and stepping inside reveals why it's captivated visitors for nearly 2,000 years. The massive dome—still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome—features an oculus (circular opening) that serves as the building's only light source. Sunlight streams through this opening, creating a moving spotlight that illuminates different parts of the interior throughout the day. Rain falls directly through the oculus onto the marble floor, which has subtle drainage holes to handle the water.

Originally built as a temple to all Roman gods in 126 AD, the Pantheon was converted to a Christian church in the 7th century—a transformation that saved it from the destruction and looting that befell many pagan temples. Today it serves as a church and houses the tombs of several Italian kings and the Renaissance master Raphael.

• Tip: Admission is free but requires online reservation to manage crowds. Visit around noon when the sun streams directly through the oculus, or during a rainstorm for an unforgettable experience. The Pantheon sits in one of Rome's most charming piazzas, surrounded by cafes perfect for lingering over espresso.
• Nearby: Piazza Navona, Rome's most beautiful Baroque square, is just a five-minute walk away, featuring Bernini's spectacular Fountain of the Four Rivers.

Discover Vatican City

Vatican City, the world's smallest independent state, packs more artistic and spiritual treasures per square foot than perhaps anywhere else on Earth. Even non-religious visitors find themselves awestruck by the masterpieces housed within these walls.

St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter's Basilica represents the pinnacle of Renaissance architecture and art. The massive church, built over the supposed burial site of Saint Peter, took over 120 years to complete and involved nearly every major artist of the Renaissance, including Bramante, Michelangelo, and Bernini. The sheer scale overwhelms; the basilica can hold 60,000 people, and the dome soars 448 feet above the floor.

Michelangelo's Pietà, completed when the artist was just 24 years old, sits in the first chapel on the right. The sculpture's emotional power and technical perfection makes it one of the world's most moving artworks. Bernini's massive bronze baldachin rises above the papal altar, its twisted columns towering 95 feet high.

Climbing to the top of the dome (551 steps if you take the elevator partway, 320 more if you walk the entire way) rewards you with unparalleled views across Rome. The final ascent follows the curve of the inner dome in a claustrophobic spiral, but the panorama from the top—St. Peter's Square below, Rome spreading in every direction—makes every step worthwhile.

• Tip: Dress code is strictly enforced, shoulders and knees must be covered, or you'll be turned away at the entrance. Arrive before 8 a.m. for shorter lines and cooler temperatures. Dome tickets aren't included in general admission and must be purchased separately. The basilica itself is free to enter.
• Nearby: St. Peter's Square, Bernini's elliptical masterpiece, frames the basilica perfectly. The 284 columns and 140 statues of saints create one of the world's most impressive public spaces.

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

The Vatican Museums house one of the world's greatest art collections, accumulated by popes over centuries. The complex includes 54 galleries covering classical sculpture, Renaissance paintings, Egyptian artifacts, and modern religious art. 

The Raphael Rooms showcase the artist's magnificent frescoes, including "The School of Athens," which depicts history's greatest philosophers gathered in an idealized architectural setting. The Gallery of Maps features topographical maps of Italian regions, painted on the walls with remarkable accuracy for the 16th century. The Museo Pio-Clementino displays classical sculpture including the Laocoön Group and Apollo Belvedere, works that inspired Renaissance masters.

Everything builds toward the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo's supreme achievement. The ceiling frescoes depict scenes from Genesis with unprecedented anatomical precision and emotional depth. "The Creation of Adam," with God's finger reaching toward Adam's, has become one of art history's most iconic images. The altar wall's "Last Judgment," completed 25 years after the ceiling, shows a more somber Michelangelo confronting mortality and divine justice.

• Tip: The museums are enormous so wear comfortable shoes and plan at least 3-4 hours minimum, ideally half a day. Book skip-the-line tickets online weeks in advance. Wednesday mornings feature papal audiences, making museums less crowded then. Photography is allowed throughout the museums except in the Sistine Chapel, where guards strictly enforce the no-photo rule. Audio guides provide invaluable context.
• Nearby: The Castel Sant'Angelo, originally Emperor Hadrian's mausoleum, later became a papal fortress connected to the Vatican by a secret passage. The rooftop terrace offers wonderful city views.

Explore Rome's Historic Neighborhoods

Rome's neighborhoods each have distinct personalities shaped by centuries of history. Wandering these areas reveals the city's true character beyond the major monuments.

Trastevere

Trastevere (literally "across the Tiber") maintains a village atmosphere despite sitting in central Rome. Narrow cobblestone streets wind between ochre and terracotta buildings draped with ivy and laundry lines. By day, the neighborhood feels sleepy and authentic, with old men playing cards in quiet piazzas and local markets selling fresh produce. After sunset, Trastevere transforms into Rome's liveliest nightlife district, with trattorias spilling onto sidewalks and bars buzzing until late.

The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of Rome's oldest churches, features stunning 12th-century mosaics that glow gold in the afternoon light. Piazza di Santa Maria serves as the neighborhood's heart. Locals gather on the fountain's steps while street musicians perform and artists sell watercolors.

• Tip: Visit on Sunday morning when the Porta Portese flea market sprawls along the riverbank. For authentic Roman-Jewish cuisine, explore the adjacent Jewish Ghetto neighborhood.
• Nearby: Gianicolo Hill, a short walk uphill from Trastevere, offers Rome's best sunset views and a daily noon cannon firing that's been a tradition since 1847.

Monti

Monti, Rome's first residential neighborhood (established in ancient times), has evolved into the city's hippest district while maintaining its historic charm. The area radiates from Via dei Serpenti and Via del Boschetto, streets lined with vintage boutiques, artisan workshops, independent bookstores, and wine bars occupying medieval buildings.

The neighborhood's labyrinth of alleyways opens onto quiet squares like Piazza della Madonna dei Monti, where Romans gather on warm evenings. Street art adorns doorways alongside ancient Roman fragments embedded in walls—a perfect metaphor for Monti's blend of old and new.

• Tip: Monti is perfect for a late afternoon passeggiata (leisurely stroll). The neighborhood comes alive in the evening when aperitivo hour begins around 6 p.m. Saturday mornings feature a vintage market in Via Leonina. Many shops close for afternoon riposo (rest) from roughly 1-4 p.m.
• Nearby: The Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli houses Michelangelo's Moses sculpture, the artist's personal favorite among his works and the chains that supposedly bound Saint Peter in Jerusalem.

Campo de' Fiori and Jewish Ghetto

Campo de' Fiori ("Field of Flowers") hosts Rome's most vibrant morning market, where vendors have sold fresh produce, flowers, and local specialties since 1869. The market operates Monday through Saturday until early afternoon, transforming the piazza into a colorful, aromatic celebration of Italian ingredients. By evening, the square morphs into a popular aperitivo destination with outdoor bars and restaurants.

The nearby Jewish Ghetto represents one of Rome's most historically significant neighborhoods. Jews have lived in Rome for over 2,000 years—longer than anywhere else outside Israel. The area's narrow streets conceal architectural gems like the Great Synagogue and the Portico d'Ottavia, ancient Roman ruins where medieval buildings grew up between the columns. The neighborhood is renowned for Roman-Jewish cuisine, particularly carciofi alla giudia (Jewish-style fried artichokes) and baccalà (salt cod).

• Tip: Visit Campo de' Fiori's market between 8-11 a.m. for the best selection and most energetic atmosphere. For authentic Jewish-Roman cuisine, try Nonna Betta or Ba'Ghetto. The Ghetto's streets are particularly atmospheric in early evening as restaurants begin lighting their outdoor tables.
• Nearby: The Tiber Island, connected by Rome's oldest surviving bridge (Ponte Fabricio from 62 BC), offers a peaceful respite and riverside walking paths.

Indulge in Roman Cuisine

Roman food is comfort food elevated to an art form—simple ingredients prepared with precision and tradition. The city's culinary scene ranges from no-frills trattorias to Michelin-starred restaurants, but the best meals often come from the humblest establishments.

Must-Try Roman Dishes

Rome's traditional cuisine centers on a handful of iconic pasta dishes that every visitor should experience:

• Cacio e Pepe: The simplest and perhaps most perfect Roman pasta. It's just pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and pasta water emulsified into a creamy sauce. When done right, it's transcendent.
• Carbonara: Guanciale (cured pork jowl), egg yolks, pecorino Romano, and black pepper create a rich, silky sauce. Never made with cream despite what many restaurants outside Italy claim.
• Amatriciana: Tomato sauce with guanciale, pecorino, and a touch of chili heat, traditionally served with bucatini (thick hollow spaghetti).
• Gricia: Essentially carbonara without eggs—guanciale, pecorino, and pasta water. This "white Amatriciana" predates its more famous cousins.
• Carciofi alla Romana: Artichokes braised with garlic, mint, and olive oil until meltingly tender.
• Carciofi alla Giudia: Whole artichokes fried twice until crispy and golden.
• Supplì: Fried rice croquettes with a molten mozzarella center, Rome's version of arancini.
• Saltimbocca alla Romana: Veal scallops topped with prosciutto and sage, literally "jumps in the mouth."

Where to Eat Like a Local

The best Roman dining experiences happen in neighborhood trattorias where locals fill the tables and menus change with the seasons:

• Flavio al Velavevodetto in Testaccio: This working-class neighborhood remains Rome's culinary heart. Flavio serves impeccable traditional Roman cuisine in a trattoria built into Monte Testaccio, an ancient hill made entirely of discarded Roman amphora shards.
• Armando al Pantheon: Family-run since 1961, serving classic Roman dishes just steps from the Pantheon. Their cacio e pepe is legendary, and they take traditional recipes seriously.
• Da Enzo al 29 in Trastevere: Tiny, always packed, no reservations—arrive when they open at 7:30 p.m. or prepare to wait. The carbonara and amatriciana justify the crowds.
• Roscioli: Part restaurant, part salumeria (delicatessen), part wine bar. Their carbonara rivals anyone's, and the wine list is exceptional.
• Pizzarium near the Vatican: Gabriele Bonci's pizza al taglio (by the slice) has achieved cult status. The toppings change daily based on seasonal ingredients, and every combination is delicious.

Dining Tips and Traditions

• Meal timing: Lunch typically runs 1-3 p.m., dinner starts around 8 p.m. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service. Attempting to eat dinner at 6 p.m. will mark you as a tourist.
• Coperto: Most restaurants charge a cover charge (€1-3 per person) for bread and table service. This is standard, not a scam.
• Tipping: Service is usually included in the bill. Leaving €5-10 or rounding up for exceptional service is appreciated but not expected like in the U.S.
• Water: Order "acqua naturale" for still water or "acqua frizzante" for sparkling. Tap water is safe but rarely served in restaurants.
• Coffee culture: Italians drink cappuccino only at breakfast. After meals, order espresso or nothing. Standing at the bar is cheaper than table service.

Gelato and Dolci

No Roman day is complete without gelato. Authentic gelaterias display gelato in covered metal tins rather than piled high in colorful mounds—the flashy displays indicate low quality and artificial ingredients. Look for seasonal flavors, natural colors, and small production batches. Top choices include Giolitti (since 1900, near the Pantheon), Gelateria dei Gracchi (near the Vatican), and Fatamorgana (creative flavors like basil-lemon and rosemary-honey).

For traditional Roman desserts, try maritozzo, a sweet bun filled with whipped cream, perfect with morning espresso. During Easter, bakeries sell colomba pasquale (dove-shaped cake) and pastiera (ricotta and wheat tart).

Iconic Fountains and Piazzas

Rome's public squares and fountains served as gathering places for centuries, and they remain the city's living rooms where Romans socialize and tourists marvel.

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain explodes from a narrow piazza in a cascade of Baroque drama. Nicola Salvi's 18th-century masterpiece depicts Neptune's chariot pulled by sea horses, emerging from sculpted rocks where 2,850 cubic meters of water flow daily. The fountain's power comes partly from its unexpected setting—turning a corner from a tight medieval street, you suddenly face this monumental work filling an entire palazzo wall.

The coin-tossing tradition ensures return to Rome: toss one coin over your left shoulder with your right hand to guarantee coming back, two coins to find love, three coins to get married. The city collects roughly €3,000 daily from the fountain, money that funds food programs for Rome's needy.

• Tip: The fountain is packed during daylight so visit before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m. for a more intimate experience. The early morning light is magical, and nighttime illumination creates drama.
• Nearby: Wander the surrounding streets for artisan shops and traditional restaurants away from the tourist traps immediately surrounding the fountain.

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona follows the exact outline of the Stadium of Domitian, a 1st-century athletics arena that could seat 30,000 spectators. Today's elegant Baroque square features three fountains, the most spectacular being Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers, where marble figures representing the Nile, Ganges, Danube, and Rio de la Plata rivers support an Egyptian obelisk. The square's cafes and street performers create a festive atmosphere, though prices reflect the prime location.

Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps cascade down from Trinità dei Monti church to Piazza di Spagna in 135 travertine steps. Built in the 1720s, the staircase creates one of Rome's most recognizable scenes, especially in spring when azaleas bloom along the steps. The area below, centered on Via Condotti, is Rome's luxury shopping district where designer boutiques occupy Renaissance palazzos.

• Tip: Sitting on the Spanish Steps was recently banned with fines up to €400. The area gets overwhelming during peak hours so early morning visits offer the best experience and photos.

Day Trips from Rome

If you have extra time before or after your cruise, several spectacular destinations lie within easy reach of Rome.

Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica, Rome's ancient seaport, rivals Pompeii for well-preserved ruins but sees far fewer crowds. This remarkably intact archaeological site features ancient apartment buildings, public baths, theaters, temples, and taverns where you can walk through actual Roman daily life. The floor mosaics, particularly in the Baths of Neptune, display extraordinary craftsmanship.

Unlike Pompeii (which requires a full day trip), Ostia sits just 30 minutes from Rome by train, making it perfect for a half-day excursion.

The Castelli Romani

The Castelli Romani (Roman Castles) are hilltop towns southeast of Rome where Romans have escaped summer heat since ancient times. These volcanic hills produce excellent white wines, particularly from Frascati. The towns of Castel Gandolfo (home to the Pope's summer residence), Nemi (famous for wild strawberries), and Ariccia (renowned for porchetta) offer authentic Italian small-town atmosphere, cooler temperatures, and spectacular views across the Roman countryside.

Tivoli

Tivoli, perched in the hills 30 kilometers east of Rome, offers two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Villa d'Este features some of Italy's most spectacular Renaissance gardens with hundreds of fountains powered entirely by gravity. The water features, including the Fountain of the Organ, which plays music using water pressure,create a symphony of sound and movement. Hadrian's Villa (Villa Adriana), the sprawling estate of Emperor Hadrian, spreads across 250 acres with ruins of palaces, theaters, temples, and pools demonstrating the height of Imperial Roman architecture.

Cruise-Ready Tips for Travelers

Rome serves as the gateway for cruises departing from or arriving at Civitavecchia, Italy's major cruise port. Planning your transfer efficiently ensures a smooth start or end to your voyage.

Getting to and fro Civitavecchia

Civitavecchia sits about 80 kilometers (50 miles) northwest of Rome. Several transportation options connect the port to the city:

• Train: The most economical and often fastest option. Direct trains from Roma Termini to Civitavecchia run frequently, taking 45-60 minutes. From Civitavecchia station, the cruise port is a 10-minute walk or short taxi ride. Book tickets online or at the station.
• Private Transfer: Door-to-door service from your Rome hotel directly to your ship. This eliminates luggage hassles and timing stress but is the most expensive option. Book through your cruise line, hotel, or reputable transfer companies.
• Shuttle Services: Several companies operate shared shuttles between Rome and Civitavecchia. Less expensive than private transfers but with fixed schedules and potential stops at multiple hotels.
• Cruise Line Transfers: Most cruise lines offer official transfers. These guarantee you won't miss the ship, but they're more expensive than trains and offer less flexibility for sightseeing.
• Driving: Rental cars provide maximum flexibility for exploring the region but aren't necessary if you're staying in Rome.

Planning Your Time

Before Your Cruise:

• If arriving in Rome before your cruise, plan at least two full days (three nights) to experience the city's highlights without rushing. This allows time for the major ancient sites, Vatican City, and leisurely meals while accounting for jet lag.
• Consider arriving three days early if you want to include day trips or explore more neighborhoods.
• Most cruise ships require check-in by 1-2 p.m. on departure day. Departures typically occur around 4-5 p.m. Plan to leave Rome by 10 a.m. to allow ample time for transportation, unexpected delays, and port procedures.

After Your Cruise:

• If extending your stay post-cruise, your ship typically docks in Civitavecchia by 7-8 a.m. Disembarkation can take 1-3 hours depending on your assigned time and luggage collection. You can reach Rome by 11 a.m.-noon, giving you a full afternoon and evening to explore before any evening flights.
• For same-day flights after disembarkation, only book flights departing after 3 p.m. from Rome's airports, and later is safer. Early morning flights require staying in Civitavecchia or near the airport the night before.

What to Do Before Boarding

If you have a morning before your cruise departure:

• Grab an early breakfast: Head to a neighborhood café for cornetto (Italian croissant) and cappuccino, the perfect light breakfast before traveling.
• Quick morning visit: If staying near the Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica opens at 7 a.m. (free admission) and is relatively empty before 9 a.m. Alternatively, take a sunrise walk to the Trevi Fountain or through Villa Borghese gardens.
• Last-minute shopping: Stock up on Italian coffee, pasta, or artisan goods at local markets. Campo de' Fiori market operates until early afternoon.

Always allow 3-4 hours minimum from central Rome to board your ship in Civitavecchia. Ships don't wait for late arrivals except on official cruise line transfers.

Luggage Storage Options

If you need to store bags between hotel checkout and train departure:

• Train Station Storage: Roma Termini has left luggage facilities (deposito bagagli) charging €6-8 per bag for the first five hours.
• Third-Party Services: Companies like LuggageHero and Stasher partner with shops and hotels to offer secure storage for €5-8 per bag per day. Book online and drop off bags at convenient locations throughout the city.
• Hotel Services: Many hotels offer luggage storage for guests even after checkout, often for free or a small fee. Even if you're not staying there, some hotels provide paid storage; just call ahead.

Hidden Gems Beyond the Tourist Trail

Rome reveals its greatest treasures to those willing to venture beyond the well-worn paths.

Villa Borghese and Galleria Borghese

Villa Borghese park offers 80 hectares of landscaped gardens, tree-lined paths, and quiet lakes in the heart of Rome. Romans come here to jog, picnic, or escape the summer heat. Within the park, the Galleria Borghese houses one of the world's finest private art collections in a jewel-box palazzo. Bernini's sculptures, particularly "Apollo and Daphne," where marble becomes flesh, bark, and flowing hair mid-transformation, rank among the Baroque's supreme achievements. Caravaggio paintings, Titian's "Sacred and Profane Love," and works by Raphael round out the collection.

• Tip: Galleria Borghese admission requires advance booking (often weeks ahead in high season) and operates on timed two-hour entry slots. Book online at the official website. The park itself is free and wonderful for a leisurely stroll.

Aventine Hill and the Keyhole

The Aventine Hill, one of Rome's original seven hills, offers a quieter alternative to central Rome's crowds. Orange trees perfume the air in the Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden), where sunset views stretch across the Tiber to St. Peter's dome. The real gem is the Knights of Malta keyhole at Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta—peeking through the ornate door reveals a perfectly framed view of St. Peter's dome through a tunnel of manicured hedges, one of Rome's most Instagram-worthy secret spots.

Centrale Montemartini

This former power plant turned museum might be Rome's most unusual cultural space. Classical Greek and Roman statues are displayed among massive diesel engines and industrial machinery, creating striking juxtapositions of ancient art and 20th-century technology. The contrast shouldn't work but somehow creates a memorable experience, and you'll likely have the galleries almost to yourself.

Protestant Cemetery

Despite the somber name, this cemetery near Testaccio is one of Rome's most peaceful and beautiful spaces. Cypress trees and wildflowers create an atmosphere more garden than graveyard. Poets Keats and Shelley rest here alongside countless other non-Catholics who died in Rome over the centuries. The cemetery's serenity and romanticism make it a moving place for contemplation, far removed from Rome's intensity.

Why Rome Deserves Your Time

Rome is a destination that rewards every moment you spend within its ancient walls. From the Colosseum's towering arches to Trastevere's intimate trattorias, from Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel to a simple plate of cacio e pepe perfected over generations, Rome offers layers of experience that few cities can match. The Eternal City earns its name not through changelessness but through its remarkable ability to layer millennia of history into a living, breathing metropolis where ancient aqueducts frame modern apartment buildings and Baroque fountains anchor neighborhood piazzas. 

Three days, three weeks, or three months in Rome wouldn't exhaust its treasures—but even a carefully planned day or two can create memories that last a lifetime.

So before you set sail across the Mediterranean or after you've returned from adventures along Italy's stunning coastline, give yourself the gift of time in one of humanity's greatest cities. Let Rome work its magic, slow down to its rhythm, and discover why this city has captivated travelers for over two thousand years!