The Eternal City - A weekend break in Rome

As my Antipodean friends keep reminding me, we’re so lucky to have so many fantastic destinations on our doorstep. Europe is the perfect place for the weekend break and where better than the Eternal City, Rome. Just 2 ½ hours away, this is the perfect cultural and gastronomic getaway and if you throw a coin from your right hand over your left shoulder into the Trevi Fountain, you are sure to be back for a 2nd visit.

Rome was my first visit to Italy and started an addiction which has bought me back many times to incredible destinations all over Italy. This place is a real gem and should be high on your list of places to see and experience.

There’s so much to see and do, that a weekend would not be long enough anyway, so you’ll need that 2nd trip, but what you will see will amaze you. There are several visitor cards available, but for a first time visitor, we recommend the OMNIA Vatican & Rome card. This will give you 72 hours on public transport (but walk where you can), entry to the Vatican landmarks, including the Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican museums. Free hop on - hop off bus for 3 days, fast track entry to the top attractions and you can pick 2 from 6 Rome attractions for free entry including the Colosseum. Have a browse of their website for more information: www.romeandvaticanpass.com

In the busy Summer months the fast track entry is probably worth the purchase on it’s own.

History is incredible here. You’ll stand in the Sistine Chapel and stare in awe at the ceiling. Everyone remembers their first view of the Pantheon as you turn into the Piazza della Rotonda; built by Hadrian, this 2,000 year old temple is now a church. The city is full of classical ruins which stand next to Renaissance Palazzos and yet there is a buzzing nightlife, local trattorias and shopping from high end boutiques to quirky shops. Some say Rome is the greatest open air museum and yet these monuments are all part of the fabric of Rome; not so much destinations in their own right, but part of the backdrop of Rome.

As you arrive at the Colosseum, you’ll begin imagining gladiators, lions and the poor folk who were put to death here, but on your tour, you’ll learn so much more about the incredible history of this structure. About 50,000 people could watch the contests, which is similar to today’s football clubs, but although it was the most fearsome it wasn’t the biggest. The Circo Massimo could hold up to 250,000 people!

To enjoy your city break, we’ve selected the Hotel Majestic, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. Located on the Via Veneto, and just steps from the Villa Borghese and Trevi Fountain. Also nearby are the famous Spanish Steps. However, we have a large selection of properties, so if you prefer an alternative, or want to work with a different budget, just AsktheTraveller.

British Airways return flights & Hotel Majestic for 3 nights in Rome, flying from London in May from £855 per person based on 2 travelling.