Rome
Why go: A Cultural buffet with so many ancient landmarks all in close proximity, it is difficult to turn a corner without coming face to face with another historical gem. Step back in time where the birth of an Empire began and experience three thousand years of history chronicled like no other. Today it is the capital of Italy and the seat of the Roman Catholic Church. A centre of power, culture and religion it's no wonder Rome is also known as the Eternal City.
How to get there: Direct flights are available from most UK regional Airports. Average flying time of 2hrs 30mins.
Where to stay: The river Tiber divides the city into two halves, on the east side you find many of the Roman Empires ancient attractions like the Forum and the Colosseum, this is also where the 18th century Trevi Fountain is located. On the West side you will find the bohemian area of Trastevere and the Vatican City which includes St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Choosing where to stay can be overwhelming, especially if it is you are visiting for the first time. If you want to walk as much as possible then look to stay around the areas of Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona or the Pantheon which are very central and if your feet are needing a rest the red metro line A is always close by.
Out and about: A city of extraordinary beauty, with a heady mix of vibrant street life, memorable iconic ruins and jaw dropping art has resulted in a monumental history of nearly 3000 years. Ancient Rome feeds your imagination of an Empire past. With so many top sights it is almost impossible to choose where to visit in a short stay so here are a few suggestions you may want to consider. The Colosseum and Forum are two must see sights and being adjacent can be done back-to-back with ease. As is a visit to Vatican City where you can visit the museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel. In our opinion a visit to Rome is not complete unless you can sit and enjoy an evening at a restaurant facing the Pantheon. The evening atmosphere is magical with the air-filled aromas of Italian cuisine and live music against a backdrop of one of the most famous and intact monuments of ancient Rome. We recommend the Di Renzo Restaurant for its location and great classical food.
