GENERAL

Italy's capital, the Eternal City, is unsurpassed in historical splendour and one of the world's truly special cities. Visiting beautiful Rome is not so much a city break but a pilgrimage. Everyone should set their eyes upon the Colosseum and enjoy fresh gelato in Piazza Navona at least once.

For weekends away, romantic escapes or once-in-a-lifetime family holidays, few cities can match the allure of Rome. As well as being a living, breathing open-air museum, holidays to Rome offer world-class Italian dining, fashionable shopping and plenty of La Dolce Vita.

Explore Rome...

No city on earth offers such a spectacular window into the past as the Eternal City. On a city break in Rome it is near impossible to take in every ancient wonder, so don't rush - start with what you want to see the most and spend plenty of time dining and sipping wine at the alfresco restaurants that line the piazzas. Seven-day passes that incorporate entry into many of the Rome's top attractions can be purchased in the city.

Wonders of Ancient Rome...

Of the remnants of the Roman Empire, the immense Colosseum is probably the most iconic. Nearly two thousand years old, you can explore the arena where gladiators once fought as upwards of 50,000 Roman citizens looked on.

Architecture in Madrid...

The ruins of the Roman Forum, the former hub of Roman life, are essential viewing. Nearby is the Palatine, where some of the most famous names in Roman history such as Caligula, Tiberius and Nero once lived.

The best-preserved of all the city's Roman monuments is the magnificent Pantheon, one of the architectural wonders of the world, with its vast domed-roof and Corinthian columns.

The Vatican...

Moving onwards in history the attractions of Rome lose none of their splendour. Visiting Vatican City is a must for a city break in Rome. Awe-inspiring St Peter's Basilica is unmissable, built in High Renaissance and Baroque styles it dates back to the 15th century in its current form. It is said to mark the burial ground of the Saint to which it honours.

The Vatican Museums house one of the world's finest art collections and lead to the real jewel of the Vatican - the Sistine Chapel. The frescoes that adorn the interior that include Michelangelo's The Last Judgement are the most beautiful and celebrated in the world.

Art in Rome...

It will come as no surprise to find that Rome is home to some of the most respected art collections in the world, including The Capitoline Museums, the Galleria Doria Pamphilj and the Galleria Borghese.

In between sightseeing...

After spending some time taking in the sights, throw some change into the Trevi Fountain for luck and head to the high-fashion boutiques that line the historic Spanish Steps in search of a bargain. Elsewise, explore the city's cobbled side streets and dramatic piazzas such as Piazza Navona with its exquisite restaurants, pavement cafés and traditional gelaterias. Hit the wine bars of Via della Pace Camo de'Fiori or sample the rustic dishes of the trattorias that spill out onto the streets.

Hit the clubs...

If you plan to party like the last days of Rome; the highest concentration of nightclubs can be found in the fashionable districts of Testaccio and Ostiense.

Find more top deals to the world's leading city break destinations...

...for inspiration, take a look at city breaks in Athens, city breaks in dazzling Barcelona and holidays to Florence - the cradle of the Renaissance.