Short Breaks to Rome | European City Breaks

Rome at a glance

Rome is truly a unique destination; the whole city is a large open air museum with ancient ruins dotting the landscape to create a literal symphony of past meets present architecture. With a history dating back 2,500 years, Rome is one of the oldest cities in Europe, earning it the title the Eternal City.

Playing a large role in the birthplace of Western civilisation, Rome has long held a place of importance, with beginnings as the capital of the Roman Empire to the modern day seat of the Papacy. Its city centre is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a number of its iconic attractions topping the list of tourist destinations. The quintessential city break, there is plenty to do, see and experience in Rome.

Perfect if you’re looking for:

Historical sightseeing
Iconic sights
A romantic getaway

Getting around

It is easy to navigate many parts of the city on foot, with the majority of the ancient sites lying to the east of the Tiber River and the Vatican lying to the west. Narrow streets, chaotic traffic and lack of pedestrian zones in some areas can create a compact feel, especially during peak tourist periods. While the seemingly hectic movement of vehicles and people may strike visitors as unappealing, it does lend a certain unique energy and ethos to the experience that is Rome.

Dining in Rome

Adding to the historical splendour of the city is a dining scene not to be missed. World-renowned restaurants and less formal eateries called trattoria offer exceptional, freshly made, local cuisine. Italy is one of the top wine producing countries of the world, making the choice of wines and wine bars plentiful, while side streets and squares, called piazzas, offer up wonderful cafes, perfect for people watching while you enjoy a rich Italian coffee, cappuccino or decadent gelato.

Must-try local dishes:

Pizza - in Rome the base is thin and crispy
Cacio e pepe: grated Pecorino Romano and cracked black pepper, tossed with spaghetti and olive oil
Gelato

Osprey Holidays top tips

Visit the Trevi Fountain after 6pm when the crowds have dissipated from the surrounding narrow streets and you are able to fully admire this amazing Baroque extravaganza which completely overwhelms the tiny piazza.

On the first Sunday of every month, cultural sites in Rome are free of charge including the Colosseum and Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and many of Rome's galleries and museums (some may require a small reservation fee or a fee for special exhibitions).

Get your tailor-made city break itinerary

Osprey Holidays can create a fabulous short break to Rome designed completely around your needs. We can arrange whatever you need, including:

All travel and transfers on days of your choice
Accommodation from our handpicked range of Rome hotels, to suit your budget and requirements

Our award-winning team can provide expert advice and recommendations, from general questions to tiny details. Contact us now for your tailor-made itinerary.

Important information

Population	2,800,00
Languages	Italian
Currency	Euro
Visa Information	No visa required for EU citizens

Average temperatures

(monthly highs °C)

Interesting facts: The Roma Pass gets you free or reduced entry to many attractions, as well as three days travel on the city's buses and subway.

Featured accommodation

Hotel Canada

3.5 out of 5

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Distance from airports

Rome International	23 km

Railway stations

Rome Termini

Things to do in Rome

Trevi Fountain: Rome’s largest and most famous fountain; a large baroque artwork which was immortalised in the film ‘La Dolce Vita’.
The Colosseum: the symbol of eternal Rome where gladiators fought each other and condemned prisoners fought off hungry lions.
Sistine Chapel: Michelangelo’s masterpiece is the highlight of any tour through the Vatican museums.
St Peter’s Basilica: admire Michelangelo’s beautiful interior and enjoy the stunning views from the top.
Piazza Navona: a vast beautiful piazza, lined with Baroque palaces. The perfect place to enjoy a drink.
The Pantheon: a stunning piece of architecture and a spectacular piece of history.
Villa Borghese: Rome’s most famous park boasts acres of gardens, flowerbeds, shaded walkways and monuments.
Campo de Fiori: by day this square hosts a fruit and vegetable market and by night it is buzzing with locals and visitors enjoying a drink.
The Forum: the commercial, political and religious centre of ancient Rome.

Excursions in Rome

Classical Rome City Tour

This comprehensive morning tour will take you to all the top attractions in Rome's historic centre; throw a coin or two into the iconic Trevi Fountain - or three to marry an Italian! Visit the awe-inspiring Pantheon, Rome's best preserved monument and stroll through the Piazza Navona admiring the Bernini fountains. A knowledgeable local guide will accompany you and pick up from your hotel is included.

Upgrade to a full day tour and visit Imperial Rome in the afternoon. Highlights include the Church of St Peter in Chains, Capitoline Hill and the Colosseum.

Vatican Highlights

This skip-the-line tour features all the highlights of Vatican City in a small group, accompanied by a professional guide. One of the world’s largest private art collections, the Renaissance and Baroque galleries of the Vatican house countless sculptures, frescoes, carvings and paintings. Raphael’s Rooms are dedicated to the Renaissance master and his pupils, while the Sistine Chapel is renowned for Michelangelo’s stunning ceiling fresco, The Creation of Adam. St Peter’s Basilica is Italy’s largest and, arguably, most impressive church. Rub St Peter’s foot for luck and, if you wish, climb the iconic dome.

Alternatively, beat the crowds by choosing Early Access, before the museum officially opens, or take an Evening Tour when everyone has left for the day. There are numerous options for visiting The Vatican, in private or as part of a group, so please speak to one of our City Breaks Specialists for details.

The Colosseum

Rome's most iconic symbol, the Colosseum is the largest amphitheatre ever built. Your expert guide will share details of the, often brutal, history of this arena where emperors, gladiators and slaves once stood.

Take a Skip the Line: Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour and avoid the queues to visit the Colosseum’s arena and upper level before heading to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill for incredible views of Ancient Rome.

An Ancient Rome and Colosseum Tour: Underground Chambers, Arena and Upper Tier will give you access to the network of passages, chambers and cells where Roman gladiators prepared for battle and their animal foes were caged. You will step onto the arena floor and climb to the upper tier to enjoy the same view as the Roman lower classes. This tour also includes a walk to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

During the summer months, The Colosseum can also be visited as part of a Moonlight Tour, giving exclusive after-hours access and the opportunity to see the illuminated ruins along Via Fori Imperiali.

Crypts and Roman Catacombs Walking Tour

Visit underground Rome, including the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione where you will see Caravaggio’s painting, St Francis in Meditation, before heading down to the Capuchin Crypts – made entirely with the bones of former monks. Above ground take a stroll to the Appian Way, one of the world’s longest roads and home to the catacombs, nearly 300km of underground tunnels used as burial chambers by Rome’s early Christians. Skipping any lines, you will descend to the Domitilla Catacombs to view the treasures that lie below the city. The final highlight of the tour is the Basilica of San Clemente, a 12th century church made up of three different buildings built on top of one another. The buildings give a taste of Rome’s history, each grander than the last and featuring beautiful frescoes and mosaics.

We would be happy to arrange an excursion for you. To discuss options with a member of our knowledgeable team or to book, please contact us on 0131 243 8098.