Return to Rome and that eternal "La Dolce Vita"

Travel Talk with Ed Finn

Saturday, 18 September 2021 - 13 minutes

Rome has been around for almost three thousand years and yet all that history has never changed that "La dolce vita" sweetness of heart. Rome is a city that combines that lovely small city feeling with epic history and architecture. Ancient and Modern stand beside each other in a happy marriage that is kept eternal by the delicious cuisine and friendliness of the locals.

Here you can really awe in wonder at the amazing Colosseum, the Trevi fountain, the Roman Forum, The Vatican and Sistine Chapel, and my favourite place to visit - The Pantheon plus of course and the seemingly effortless style of the locals. Classical ruins and early Christian places of worship stand next to – or sometimes lie beneath – Renaissance palazzos and Baroque fountains. There are some great neighbourhood trattorias, seriously cool shops and a buzzing "Aperitivo" scene. Rome is not expensive either so bring an empty suitcase if you fancy treating yourself to a whole new wardrobe

A top tip for visitors? Don’t try to do too much. Rome happily for me, moves at a slower pace than many other cities, and to enjoy it fully you should take time out in cosy cafés as well as seeing all the big cultural draws.. Trastevere is a must visit for typical local dishes such as Cacio e Pepé and also try to get to the Villa Borghese if time permits.

Where to Stay - If you fancy a little luxury break try the Aleph Hotel - I absolutely loved it here and the staff are terrific. Davidé and Romina and the team here make your stay a delight... I loved the Onyx bar for cocktails and the rooftop pool was really relaxing - We also had a great meal at Sky Blu, the rooftop restaurant with its lovely Terrazza - Housed in a historic building that was once a bank headquarters, the hotel fuses original marble detailing with modern, high-tech rooms. In the heart of the city, you're a 10-minute walk to the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Villa Borghese. The hotel also has a lovely and spa with a hammam, sauna, and lots of treatments and if you fancy your very own cary Grant moment they also offer bicycle rental.

www.alephrome.com - Italian Tourist Board Web-Site - http://www.italia.it - Rome Pass - www.romapass.it