Packed with Roman and Renaissance art treasures, the Eternal City is the government’s seat of power. Visitors wander Ancient Rome, home to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, a fallen-down complex of soaring arches and pagan temples. Across the River Tiber, the Vatican City is unique as a papal state within a country and attracts pilgrims from around the world. Traffic surges around ancient monuments, shoppers wander along luxurious Via Condotti and cutting-edge restaurants do as well as traditional whitewashed trattorias. With thousands of weekly events covering music, art, theatre and more, let us know what you’re interested in and we’ll put together bespoke suggestions we know you'll enjoy.
'What I love about Rome is those unexpected or lesser-known places beyond the likes of the much-visited Pantheon and Sistine Chapel. Although it takes a lifetime to see all the treasures of the city, Aventine hill with its orange garden remains one of my favourites. Climb up the hill after taking in the Circus Maximus - the small, undulating streets lead to a cluster of monasteries and a garden with pine and orange trees. Pause to take in great views of the city and the cupola of St Peter's church. Further up the street lies a square with the gate to the Order of Malta Knights. What you are looking for here is the famous keyhole - peer through it to see a tiny version of St Peter's church.'
Enrica Armenant - our resident Rome expert
What we have done for members in Rome
- Arranged a special dinner on a roof of a hotel so that a member could propose to his fiancée.
- Sourced a Russian-speaking guide with a car for a two-day tour of Rome.
- Found a selection of rugby-related bars the night before a member was attending the England vs. Italy game.
- Pre-booked tickets to the Vatican Chapels and Museum.
- Tracked down a homeopathic vet for a Kerry Blue Terrier.
What we can’t do
- Stop you from deciding to drive here - although we would advise against it.
Set your sights
The trick is to not try to see everything at once but to pace yourself, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain and return another time to carry on the good work. The best part about central Rome is that it is easily covered on foot. Start off with the obvious big draws such as the Colossuem, Pantheon, Roman Forum and Sistine Chapel. Now on a historic high, move on to less obvious places such as the Baths of Caracalla and the Basilica of San Clemente, renowned for its impressive frescoes and 12th-century mosaic of the Cross as the Tree of Life. If there is a particular era or theme you are interested in, contact your lifestyle manager for tailor-made suggestions.
Seize the day
Take control and see Rome the way you want to.
Morning: A good start is the Piazza del Popolo, with its impressive obelisk and four lion fountains. Before rail and air travel, this was tourists and pilgrims' first port of call as they entered through the Porta Flaminia gate. Look out for the Medici chest. Following the Spanish steps nearby and throwing that coin in the Trevi Fountain, head to the Palazzo del Quirinale. This is the official residence of the President of the Italian Republic and once that of the Pope and the king of Italy.
Lunch: There are numerous restaurants in the area, especially near the Trevi Fountain, depending on whether you want a light bite or a last lunch. Ask your lifestyle manager for a particular recommendation.
Afternoon: The spacious Piazza Venezia contains an imposing monument of Victor Emmanuel II. If you haven't already been head to the nearby Forum and the Colosseum, although this is an afternoon in itself. Or head for the Pantheon, built by Marcus Agrippa as a temple to the Gods. Piazza Navona is a huge and impressive square where races and games were once held. There are a number of excellent cafés here. After Campo de Fiori, where executions once took place, cross Ponte Sisto Bridge to admire the Basilica of Santa Maria and its 12th-century mosaic of the Virgin Mary in charming and boho Trastevere district.
Dinner: Try Antica Pesa at Via Garibaldi 18 in Trastevere, once an old inn and now rustling up classic and well-presented Italian cooking in a sophisticated setting.
Show: The Trevi Fountain by night is magnificent, with horses and gushing water theatrically lit up.
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