With a long and illustrious history stretching back to ancient times, Italian capital Rome is without doubt one of Europe’s most evocative city break destinations. Former capital of the Roman Empire, the city contains a wealth of historic and iconic sights and is one of the most visited in the European Union, easily accessible via cheap direct flights from UK airports. An ideal destination for many types of trip, including those marking special occasions or landmarks in life, and with a wide range of unique attractions, a city break in Rome is an excellent option for a short break abroad.
Romantic Rome is a popular place for an anniversary, birthday or Valentine’s Day break. Visitors may choose a leisurely cruise along the River Tiber or a meal of delicious Italian cuisine at one of the city’s many charming restaurants among other options. St Valentine, Catholic clergyman after whom the day is named, is said to have lived in Rome and to have been buried nearby, making the city possibly the most appropriate place on Earth to mark the occasion.
The old city, Rome’s historic centre, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its cultural significance, home to awe-inspiring monuments of antiquity such as the Pantheon, Mausoleum of Hadrian, Mausoleum of Augustus, the Forums, Trajan’s Column and the Column of Marcus Aurelius. The Collosseum, once a Roman gladiatorial arena and perhaps the city’s most famous attraction, is among Europe’s most acclaimed tourist sites and should not be missed on sightseeing city breaks in Rome.
A walled enclave within the city of Rome that has the status of not only a city but also a state in its own right, Vatican City draws many visitors to explore its tradition and history. Many make pilgrimages to the Pope’s city of residence during Christmas, Easter and other occasions to visit the likes of majestic St Peter’s Basilica – on of Catholicism’s most important sites –St Peter’s Piazza, and the Palace of Justice.
As befitting the capital of a nation as world-renowned for style as Italy, Rome city breaks promise many and varied retail possibilities. Those visiting for a shopping break in the city can find high fashion in Via Borgognona, Via Frattina and Via Condotti, department stores and high street fashion at Via Cola di Rienzo, and many charming traditional street markets such as those at Campo dei Fiori and Porta Portese.
Check out Pompeii tours from Rome.
