Rome

All roads lead to Rome, Italy's historic and modern capital. Rome has been a center of Western civilization for more than two thousand years, and continues to attract visitors for both its historic sites and its dynamic contemporary culture. Relics of ancient Rome fill the city (and should fill any itinerary). From the massive Colosseum to the ruins of the Forum, the perfectly preserved Pantheon, and archaeology museums, visitors will walk in awe of the glory of the Roman Empire. Climb Palatine Hill for a view of the famed seven hills of Rome and the remnants of Circus Maximus. St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican are pilgrimage ...

All roads lead to Rome, Italy's historic and modern capital. Rome has been a center of Western civilization for more than two thousand years, and continues to attract visitors for both its historic sites and its dynamic contemporary culture. Relics of ancient Rome fill the city (and should fill any itinerary). From the massive Colosseum to the ruins of the Forum, the perfectly preserved Pantheon, and archaeology museums, visitors will walk in awe of the glory of the Roman Empire. Climb Palatine Hill for a view of the famed seven hills of Rome and the remnants of Circus Maximus. St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican are pilgrimage destinations for both the religious and for those interested purely in art and architecture. Michelangelo's masterworks of the Sistine Chapel and the Pieta are must-sees, along with many other treasures in the Vatican Museums. More modern Rome begins with the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, popular meeting points and people watching destinations since the 1700s. And from sitting in cafés to multi-course dinners, and drinking the night away, epicurean Rome offers some of the finest food, shopping and entertainment in Europe.

About the Expert

Bill Fink is coauthor of Pauline Frommer's Italy, contributing the introduction, sections on Tuscany and Umbria, and chapters on Italian food, arts, and history.