Lazio suggested itineraries

A tour of the Eternal City might easily begin with a visit to one of symbols of Italy's capital city, the Colosseum. Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, this impressive structure was built in the 1st century A.D, by the emperors of the Flavia dynasty. A few meters away, on the Colle Oppio, lies the Domus Aurea, residence of the Emperor Nero and, next to the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine, gateway which leads to the Imperial Forum, heart of ancient Rome. From here we proceed to Piazza Venezia, an impressive square lying at the feet of the Vittoriano, this latter a late 19th century monument built in honour of Victor Emmanuel II, first king of Italy. Those who decide to climb up to the top of this enormous white marble monument are rewarded by a magnificent view of both the Forum and the historic centre of Rome from its summit.

From Piazza Venezia, Via del Corso commences, the road which skirts the historic centre of Rome. The next part of our visit starts in Piazza Navona, square dominated by Bernini's fountain of the Four Rivers. From here, just a few steps and we reach the Pantheon: a spectacular Roman temple which, since the 7th century, has been used as Catholic Church. Crossing Piazza Colonna, centre of Italian political life, we found ourselves once more on Via del Corso, this time in front of the Galleria Alberto Sordi. Recently re-opened to the public, this arcade named after the great Roman actor, offers a first taste of shopping in the capital. We make a final detour to see the Trevi Fountain, artwork so unique that it merits two visits, the first by day and the second by night.

Piazza di Spagna is home to the Spanish Steps - an immense flight of steps leading up to the Trinità dei Monti Church. From Piazza di Spagna we enter Via Condotti, arguably Rome's most glamorous shopping street, lined with exclusive boutiques show-casing the latest designer fashions and accessories. Once again on Via del Corso, or, should you prefer, on the elegant Via Babuino, which runs parallel to it, we come to the Piazza del Popolo with its twin churches and the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo. The piazza is dominated by the Pincio, terrace from where a stunning view extending as far as the great dome of St Peter's can be admired.

An entire day is needed to visit the Vatican City. Via the colonnade designed by the architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the faithful and tourists alike gain access to the "the greatest of all churches of Christendom". Once inside St Peter's Basilica, visitors observe in respectful silence the hundreds of art works which adorn the interiors. Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo, Bernini: only the greatest renaissance artists were called upon to decorate this, the world's largest ever house of Christian worship. Our visit of the Holy See proceeds with a tour of the Vatican Museums, an immense collection of works which span the centuries. From here visitors access the Sistine Chapel, home to a series of awe inspiring frescoes, including Michelangelo's "Last Judgement".

Exiting the Vatican and proceeding along the Via della Conciliazione we soon come to the banks of the Tiber River. This is the most romantic part of our visit, especially so when made in the evening. Passing by Castel Sant'Angelo which, with its ornate bridge laden with statues, provides an exceptional backdrop for a photo, we continue in the direction of Trastevere. Once in Piazza Trilussa, it's the moment to delve in to Rome's most colourful district. A proliferation of bars and restaurants entice visitors with their gastronomic delights, although prior to weakening to temptation, its well worth making a visit to the Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere with its Paleochristian church filled with splendid mosaics.