The opportunity to float down the rivers of Rome in style will once again be available starting this week as the Roman Holiday returns to local waters for private events and special public expeditions.

Officials say they expect to put the city of Rome’s public riverboat into the Coosa River at the landing at Heritage Park sometime this week in preparation for the 2013 season.

“We’re thrilled to be able to say that we’ve picked up a significant amount of repeat business and several groups have said how satisfied they have been with the Roman Holiday tours,” said Luke Chaffin, special projects coordinator with the Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Owned by the City of Rome, the 45-passenger cruise boat is available for rental by private individuals, parties and groups.

In 2012, the Roman Holiday serviced 53 groups and a total of 2,450 people following the Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau taking over management and marketing of the boat.

“I think it’s a great fit and wonderful addition to our office to be able to help promote the city,” Chaffin said. “We’ve definitely seen an increase in the interest of the Roman Holiday since we became involved. We’re excited to be able to really spotlight it and make it a better platform from a tourism perspective.”

There are three public tours scheduled this year for anyone wishing to participate.

May 5 will see The Spirits of the Civil War: Rome’s Riverways cruise return and allow guests to experience Civil War history from the perspective of Rome’s mighty rivers and understand their importance on Civil War history in Rome.

The second annual Rolling on the River Sunday Cruises will be June 2, July 7, and August 4 and provide two-hour tours of the Oostanaula and Coosa rivers.

Fall Foliage tours will be offered in October during peak leaf season and dates are expected to be announced closer to the tours.

Tickets for all public tours are on sale and will cost $8 for adults and $5 for children younger than 12. The tickets must be pre-purchased at the Rome-Floyd Visitor Center on Jackson Hill.

Of course, the Roman Holiday is also available for bookings throughout the season and Chaffin said they have the first private charter scheduled for later this month and have 20 more already lined up before really publicizing it.

For more information about booking the Roman Holiday or any of the public tours, contact the Rome-Floyd Visitor Center at 706-295-5576.