Rome

Designed by Salvi and completed by Pannini in 1762, the striking Fontana di Trevi amazes onlookers with its 26.3-metre (86 ft) height and 49.15-metre (161.3 ft) width, making it the largest Baroque fountain in the city and the most famous one in the world. Several movies, including "Roman Holiday" and Fellini's "La Dolce Vita", have certainly contributed to its fame. In 2016, Fendi chose the fountain as the stage of one of its most memorable shows ever, wherein a clear plexiglass runway stretched across the Trevi Fountain.

Sandwiched between the Palatine and Capitoline hills, the Forum Romanum (Roman Forum) is an open-air forum that was once the commercial, political, social, and religious hub of ancient Rome. Throughout the Imperial period, Emperors like Julius Caesar and Augusts expanded the Forum to include temples, statues, monuments, a senate house, and low courts. Today, the Forum Romanum is one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world and offers fascinating insights into Roman civilisation.

An astonishing 2,000-year-old temple, now a church, the Pantheon is a remarkable building to visit when in Rome. Built as a temple to all gods, the Pantheon is the best-preserved marvel from ancient Rome. Its main and most fascinating feature is the design of the dome and open oculus, the only source of natural light. Tourists from around the world flock here to see what Michelangelo defined as an "angelic and not human design". The Pantheon also houses the tomb of the great painter Raphael. The square in front of the Pantheon is called Piazza della Rotonda. It is located near Piazza Navona and Campo de Fiori, so take the opportunity to stroll around in this area, there is much to see.

Headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and home to the Pope, the Vatican City is an ecclesiastical state and the smallest state in Europe, both in dimension and population. Though teeny tiny, the state holds 11 noteworthy museums, including the Michelangelo-decorated Sistine Chapel (perhaps the greatest gem), St Peter's Basilica, and St Peter's Square. Marvel at Vatican's treasures with your booked-ahead tour and avoid lining in notoriously slow-moving queues.

Italy does not only attract tourists with the beauty of its landscapes and mesmerising ancient sites. Italy's exquisite cuisine and passion for all things culinary is, arguably, an even more powerful draw. And for a truly memorable experience in Rome, consider joining a cooking class. This one, in particular, will teach you how to make your own pasta by hand with the help of an expert Italian chef.

Hop on a vintage Vespa and explore the wonders of Rome, just like Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in the film "Roman Holiday", in this fun and memorable evening tour. It's a 3-hour sightseeing tour with a professional guide, which will take you around the Eternal City's most famous landmarks, including the Colosseum, the Mouth of the Truth, Circus Maximus, Palatine Hill, Saint Peter's Square, and the stunning Trevi Fountain. A quick stop for gelato and coffee is also included.

Explore one of the world's most fascinating archaeological sites on a day trip to Pompeii from Rome. Gain interesting insight from your expert guide into the eruption of Mount Vesuvius that buried the city of Pompeii and the surrounding area. Walk through the cobblestone streets to see the ruins of the forum, bathhouse, individual homes, and even a brothel. Plus, hike up the side of the volcano, walk along its ridge, gaze into the crater, and then enjoy dramatic views over the Bay of Naples.

The Mostra Leonardo da Vinci in Rome is a fascinating exhibition that pays homage to one of history's most brilliant minds, Leonardo da Vinci. Located in the heart of Rome, this extraordinary showcase celebrates the Renaissance master's unparalleled contributions to art, science, and invention. Through a remarkable collection of his drawings, inventions, and artworks, visitors are transported into the world of da Vinci, gaining a profound appreciation for his innovative ideas and visionary concepts.

In the year 64 AD, Emperor Nero built a palace almost one mile long — stretching from Palatine Hill all the way to Oppio Hill. Some parts were covered in gold, precious stones and featured splendid decor. After Nero’s death, it was filled in with earth to obliterate the tyrant’s memory. It was accidentally rediscovered in the 15th century, and today, you can walk through 30 of Nero’s 150 underground rooms.

Teatro dell'Opera di Roma is an Opera House that still preserves its distinctive features of the 19th century. Since opening its doors in 1880, this historic venue has hosted numerous notable productions, including the world premiere of Puccini's iconic opera, Tosca. Its resplendent red-and-gold interiors and rich historical significance make it a captivating destination, appealing even to those not particularly drawn to opera. Note that during summer, the ravishing ruins of the Baths of Caracalla are the venue for the opera company's outdoor performances.

The Museo di Roma, housed in the neoclassical 18th century Palazzo Braschi — the former headquarters of the National Fascist Party — receives critical acclaim for its exclusive collection. The museum holds approximately 40,000 pieces of artwork, all depicting Rome's history from the Middle Ages until the 20th century. After the Second World War, 300 families were evacuated to this location, and many of the frescoes were damaged by the fires that were lit in order to keep them warm.

Away from the bustle of Rome, this park area is marked by what is left of two ancient aqueducts that once carried water. Both aqueducts were built by the Romans and are worth the ride out into Rome's suburbs.

Built in honour of Emperor Augustus after his triumphant return from the wars in Spain and Gaul, the Museum of the Ara Pacis houses the Ara Pacis Augustae, an ancient altar dedicated to Pax, the Roman goddess of peace. Visitors can explore the well-preserved marble reliefs and intricate carvings on the Ara Pacis, offering a glimpse into ancient Roman art and symbolism.

The Aventine Hill is one of the Seven Hills on which ancient Rome was built. The real off-the-beaten-path gem offers magnificent views of the city and leads to fabulous rose gardens and impressive religious structures, including the Basilica of Santa Sabina — the oldest Roman Basilica in Rome. The highlight here is the keyhole of the Knights of Malta, where people line up to enjoy the stunning view over the Dome of Saint Peter's.

If you love video games, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit VIGAMUS. Discover well-known characters, look back on video games' history, and explore the various interactive areas the museum has to offer.

Featuring one of the world's most important archaeological collections, The Museo Nazionale Romano, located across four different sites: Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, Palazzo Altemps, Therm di Diocleziano, and Crypta Balbi, displays exhibits from the pre- and early history of Rome, with a focus on archaeological findings from the period of ancient Rome.

While a wax museum might not be among the Eternal City's top attractions, it will probably interest second and third-time visitors with its curious collection of well-known Italian and international figures — from former Popes and ancient Romans to Pavarotti and Winston Churchill — plus a waxworks laboratory open to guests.

Housed in an 18th-century carriage and stable house, the Scuderie del Quirinale is now an impressive exhibition space of nearly three thousand square metres hosting regular and varied art exhibits. The complex is located right next to the Palazzo del Quirinale, where the Italian president currently resides.

MAXXI, Italy's first national museum devoted to the arts of the XXI century and designed by Zaha Hadid, is a platform open to all forms of contemporary creativity, from art to architecture, from photography to design, from fashion to cinema. A place for meetings, exchange, and collaboration.

A few hours of challenging entertainment for Rome's youngest visitors await at Explora: Il Museo dei Bambini di Roma (The Children's Museum of Rome). Here, kids will learn all about the workings of the adult world, including jobs, wages, and personal budgets. The interactive experience is both engaging and educational.

Villa Farnesina, considered one of the most magnificent creations of the Italian Renaissance, was built by Baldassare Peruzzi for the rich Sienese banker Agostino Chigi, called the "magnifico". He lived the splendid life of a Renaissance merchant in a setting of pomp and splendour, entertaining artists, poets, and noblemen with sumptuous banquets. The interior is richly decorated with frescoes by great masters such as Raphael, Sebastiano del Piombo, Giovanni Antonio Bazzi, known as Sodoma, and Peruzzi himself.

The Palazzo delle Esposizioni is an art and cultural event venue that frequently hosts various events, ranging from film screenings to book readings and exhibitions of modern art, along with musical and theatrical performances. There is also a pleasant Italian restaurant on the rooftop.