Head to the romantic capital of Rome on your next self-drive holiday and experience a world-class metropolis. This is the city where even a trip to the café can feel like a sightseeing experience in itself, so just pack up the car and go.
The Italian capital Rome is an incredibly beautiful city with a lot to offer. From delicious homemade gelatos to jaw-dropping, world-class historical buildings. One of the must-see sights in Rome is the Colosseum, which dates back to ancient Rome. The arena was used in ancient times for bloody gladiator fights, among other things, and now stands as a ruin that many tourists visit every year. You can easily sense the great architectural ideas behind it and it is definitely worth a visit.
St Peter's Basilica, located in the Vatican, is an overwhelming experience if you are interested in architecture and old historical buildings. It's the world's largest cathedral and a huge draw for the city. Treat yourself to a visit to the dome, a great masterpiece created by the famous Italian artist Michelangelo. From up here you can see the beautiful masterpiece in the ceiling up close, but you can also look down into the church and sense just how big it really is. An amazing experience, so don't miss this opportunity.
Once in the church, it's a good idea to go straight to the Sistine Chapel, which is an extension of the church. Here you can see Michelangelo's famous fresco masterpieces of Christian themes painted in the ceilings and on the walls.
St Peter's Square outside the church is also packed with tourists and locals who, as well as shopping and having a good time, want to catch a glimpse of the beautiful cathedral from outside, and perhaps a glimpse of the popular Pope, who holds many of his services in the church itself or outside.
If you've spent the day shopping in Via Condotti, take a much-needed break on the Spanish Steps to recharge your batteries. Enjoy a homemade gelato while your impressions are slowly processed. Another place to rest in beautiful surroundings is at the Trevi Fountain, also centrally located. Remember to drop a coin in the water, as it means you'll return to Rome one day.
If you want to see a quieter part of Rome, head to Trastevere, a beautiful, small and cosy district of Rome with idyllic cobbled streets, beautiful flowers and lots of small restaurants and cafés to enjoy the peace and quiet. You can also do a little shopping in the local boutiques. So if you're looking for a quieter area, this is the place to be. Another option is to go about 30 km outside Rome, to the town of Tivoli, which is known for its stunning scenery that invites you to enjoy yourself, romance and pure relaxation. It's teeming with thermal spas and beautiful surroundings, so take advantage of the car and get away from the fast pace of Rome.
Rome
