After the Rush in Rome

Description:

Tradition has it that throwing a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain guarantees a swift return to the world's most beautiful city. Anita Ekberg's dip in it was immortalized in Fellini's 'La Dolce Vita', and Italian actor Toto even sold it to an American, passing himself off as its owner. Earlier it was the setting for the award-winning "Three Coins in the Fountain" motion picture, ensuring its popularity worldwide. Designed by Nicola Salvi for Pope Clemente XII, it was completed in the second half of the 1700s. The statues in the centre represent Neptune supported by Tritons on either side while rococo-style Poli Palace provides the perfect backdrop.

Description:

No visit to Rome is complete without having seen its magnificent Colosseum, a vast amphitheatre with seating for 55,000 that was designed as a horse racing circuit and arena for animal fighting and gladiatorial battles. Upon its completion, spectacular 100-day celebrations were organized as part of the opening ceremony in 72 AD. Its name is believed to come from Nero's enormous statue of Colossus that stood close by.

Our Local Expert Says:

Now a mainly large and empty lot save for the joggers and bike riders, this is the perfect sight for the many concerts in Rome throughout the year.

Description:

In the 4th century B.C., the Circus Maximus was one of the largest stadia in Rome, with a capacity of 250,000 seated spectators. It was the venue for horse racing, athletics tournaments and animal fighting. The last races held there were in 549 A.D. Another very popular sport was marine battling: the arena was filled with water and fights between light boats took place. The tower is from medieval times.

Description:

The Vatican is among the most important historical sites in the world. The seat of the Holy Roman Catholic Church, The Vatican is also the home of the Pope. As the smallest state in the world, the Vatican has figured in key events throughout history. Occupying about one half kilometer of Rome, The Vatican is further significant because of its fabulous architecture, religious, and artistic treasures. It was Pope Julius II della Rovere in the 16th century who commissioned Michelangelo to paint the history of creation on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Among countless other notable events in the history of this important city are the convening of the College of Cardinals, at the death of a reigning Pontiff, for the purposes of electing a new Pope. No visit to Rome is complete without an excursion to The Vatican, a place so steeped in history and tradition that you will never forget it.

Description:

This tour gives visitors an exclusive viewing of the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums. Michelangelo's masterpiece will leave you captivated as you enjoy it minus the huge crowds. A once in a lifetime opportunity so secure a place on this magical tour in Rome.

Please note: This is a private two-hour small group tour of the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums, for selected nights only.

Seeing the Vatican's galleries when they are closed to the general public is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Tickets are limited and each group will consist of 20 people maximum with your own guide - and are only available through Viator.

The Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums are notorious for the crowds of people passing through during the day. With this exclusive two-hour tour you will have a unique chance to escape the crowds and, once the Vatican Museums close to the public, explore the artistic and architectural treasures.

All entrance fees are included in the tour price. Book your spot on this exclusive tour (instant confirmation!) and see the official residence of the Pope, in Vatican City. The evening is hosted by an English-speaking guide/art historian specializing in the Italian Renaissance....

Our Local Expert Says:

Ask about the Notte di Gladiator-- an ancient Roman orgy of fighting and food

Description:

Master the basics of hand-to-hand combat at a genuine gladiator school on the ancient Appian Way. You'll discover the secrets of Imperial Rome's gladiator games, get hands-on with ancient Roman history and have the best fun you can imagine!

During your two-hour lesson, your gladiator instructor will teach you how to fight with authentic weapons used by the gladiators of ancient Rome. Lessons are organized and led by members of the Historic Group of Rome who specialize in the re-enactment of Roman life and gladiatorial combat.

Don't miss this opportunity to re-create Roman history and life as a gladiator. Dressed in a traditional gladiator tunic, belt, leather protective glove and rudis (training sword), you can let your imagination run wild as you play like Spartacus for a day, fighting off ferocious lions and sword-wielding warriors!

Next, learn the basic techniques of gladiatorial sword fighting and take part in an optional gladiatorial tournament, with the winner receiving a victory prize. All participants receive a certificate of accomplishment.

Are you up to the challenge of this truly Roman experience combining culture, sport and ancient legends?!

Description:

Trajan's Column stands between two seemingly twin churches - Santa Maria di Loreto and SS. Nome di Maria. It's 40 metres high overlooking the remaining columns of the ancient Ulpia basilica in Trajan's Forum. It is thought that the column was originally erected between two large libraries that were, with the terrace of Trajan's Temple and the terrace of the Ulpia basilica, places where Romans could admire the historical reliefs on the column. The column has resisted degradation superbly over the years - the spiral frieze illustrates the most important episodes in Trajan's successful expedition against the Dacians as well as showing the everyday lives of soldiers. On the top of the column (reached via a stairway inside) there is a bronze statue of St Peter sculpted by Tommaso della Porta which, it is thought, must have replaced one of the emperor himself.

Description:

The splendid fortress of Castel Sant'Angelo was originally built as a mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian in 139 AD. In the 10th century AD it was transformed into a castle, then, 500 years later, into the elegant residence of Pope Alexander VI Borgia. Michelangelo designed the marvellous main court for Pope Leon X and many of the rooms inside are decorated with frescoes of great beauty. It's also been used to house prisoners, including the sculptor Benvenuto Cellini. The terrace offers a fine view of the river Tiber and opera lovers will know that this was where the final act of Puccini's opera "Tosca" took place. The building is now a museum with a fine collection of suits of armour.

Description:

Explore the art history of Baroque Rome in style on a private walking tour of Barberini Palace with an art expert. Accompanied by your own private guide who specializes in art history, you'll enjoy personalized attention on your special private tour of Baroque Rome's Barberini Palace.

Your private walking tour starts with a visit to the National Gallery of Ancient Art in Palazzo Barberini, a wonderful collection of masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian and Guido Reni. The impressive collection is housed in the imposing palace built by Bernini for Pope Urban VIII in 1632, with frescoes by Pietro da Cortona.

Next, you will visit two very famous Baroque churches, San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, built by Borromini in 1638, and Sant'Andrea al Quirinale, built by Bernini in 1658. During this special visit you will be able to compare the two most important masters of Baroque architecture.

The tour continues to the Quirinale Square in front of the residence of the President of the Italian Republic. From here, you will descend to the Trevi Fountain, whose Baroque design is one of Rome's most unforgettable images, immortalized in Fellini's film La Dolce Vita.

This in-depth private tour...

Our Local Expert Says:

The Spanish Steps area is the cobblestone equivalent to Fifth Avenue in New York City or Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, with upscale shops and expensive cafes. Every spring, the steps are covered with bright flowers.

Description:

An incredible, almost theatrical square with the lovely Spanish steps leading up to the Chiesa di Trinità dei Monti. One of the most important fashion shows is held here, the steps being used as a catwalk. It is now an international meeting point. The fountain known as the 'Barcaccia' (boat) was commissioned by Urbano Barberini to commemorate the alliance made with the King of France, whose coat of arms can be seen on Trinità dei Monti. The square leads into several famous streets, Via Dei Condotti, Via Frattina and Via Borgognona with their luxurious boutiques, and Via Del Babuino with its antique shops.

Description:

This family-run restaurant has the father preparing the food in the kitchen and the rest of the family dealing with the guests in a tranquil atmosphere. The recently restored building is more than 300 years old and is very attractive. On Tuesdays and Fridays fish dishes are available, while roast meat dishes are served during the rest of the week. The wine list, including house wine, is not very long, but is in line with the food on offer. You can eat late if you book.