INTRODUCTION
Rome is Italy's beloved capital, considered by many to to be a great center of antiquity. Located in Italy's heart, Rome is the meeting point of the unique southern and northern Italian traditions. Surrounding the Vatican City, a separate sovereign state, Rome is full of ancient culture rich in religion, politics and architecture. Rome has survived political unrest, a fascist regime and several large wars but even with its vast history the city maintains a metropolitan and modern feel.

Rome
HISTORY
Legends surround Rome’s formation, the most well-known being the story of Romulus and Remus, twins raised by a she-wolf, who founded the city in 753 B.C. Romulus marked the parameters of the city on the hill of the Palatine and called it Roma, he then went on to kill his brother and become the first king of the newly founded city.
Rome grew powerful under the Roman government and went on to rule most of Europe and parts of the Middle East. Eventually power began to fade, and the city began to fall. Rome experienced a rebirth when the Papacy established itself in Rome.
In the 19th century Rome became essential to the unification of Italy. After WWI, fascism took over, and during WWII, Nazi occupation and Allied forces' bombs damaged the city. In 1946 a referendum abolished the monarchy and established the Italian Republic.
During the 1950s and 1960s Rome was considered a fashionable city. Today it is dependent upon tourism, but still has much to offer in both history and high fashion shopping.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Expect to wait in lines in Rome. It is impossible to see and do everything in a couple days so plan on picking and choosing. During the summer, Rome is full of tourists; hotels and events fill up quickly. There are many sites in Rome where you may wait for several hours - call ahead or contact a travel agent to make sure you have time to see everything. For high-end fashion there is a strip near the Spanish Steps that has designer stores. It is huge city full of different attractions.
ATTRACTIONS
Trajan's Markets
Capitoline Museums
Etruscan Museum at Villa Giulia
St Peter's Church
Catacombs
Spanish Steps
Trevi Fountain
Pantheon
Vatican City
Roman Forum
Villa Borghese
Boca della Verita
The Colosseum
San Pietro in Vincoli
Lake Bracciano
Villa d'Este Tivoli
Arch of Constantine
RESTAURANTS
Cul de Sac - Located in the Piazza Navone, this restaurant is Rome's oldest wine bar. With 30 years of experience, it offers literally thousands of wines, from Italy and around the world. The food is just as tasty as the wines and is an unforgettable dining experience that won't create a hole in your wallet.
La Pergola - A little away from downtown, in the hills of the Vatican, La Pergola is considered Rome's finest restaurant. Dine on a wonderfully panoramic roof terrace and enjoy the excellent food and wine.
LODGING
Eurostars International Palace- This beautiful hotel is located in the heart of Rome and is within easy walking distance of everything. The hotel also has an in-house bar and restaurant.
Hotel Lloyd - This three-star hotel is located in the historical centre of Rome and within easy access to the cultural centre. The Hotel has its own bar and is within easy reach of the city's main dining areas.
Waldorf B&H Hotels- This gorgeous three-star hotel is located in the central hub of Rome, not far from the Colosseum, and the hotel has an in-house bar and restaurant.
Hotel Daniel - A stay at this four-star hotel will not only provide all the services a traveler needs, but isn't far from the shops, restaurants around the Spanish steps and Trevi Fountain. To add a real sense of luxury, there are jacuzzis in each room, and to start the day, what better than eating breakfast on Hotel Daniel's rooftop, enjoying a bird's-eye view of Rome?
La Griffe - This is a four-star hotel located in the centre of Rome. It has an in-house bar and restaurant and is in close walking distance to all of the city's major attractions.
PERSONAL STORIES