Andiamo! Citalia Magazine Autumn 2023

THE ULTIMATE WINTER CITY BREAK
Rome
For the last leg of your ultimate Italian city adventure, it’s time to hop
over to the Eternal City of Rome, which takes just one hour by rail, so
you can easily be there by lunchtime.
After you’ve settled into your hotel, you can start exploring! Get your
bearings with a visit to the beautiful baroque church of Santa Maria
della Vittoria, which made an appearance in the 2009 Dan Brown
film, Angels & Demons.
Then take the short walk over to Villa Borghese, a pretty park and
gardens that houses a world-renowned collection of art by famous
Italian painters such as Caravaggio, Bernini, and Raphael. (We
recommend you book Borghese Gallery in advance as there’s limited
access and availability).
Stop in one of the nearby restaurants to try a tipica Roma meal such
as spaghetti alla carbonara or tonnarelli cacio e pepe.
After a good night’s rest, the following day you can explore Rome’s
historical sites, starting with the world’s largest amphitheatre, the
renowned Colosseum. Take a tour of the arena where the ancient
Romans watched their epic sports matches and gladiator duels. You
can then casually stroll to the intricate Trevi Foundation and join
others in throwing coins at the feet of Neptune for luck.
Afterwards, explore the former bohemian neighbourhood of Piazza di
Spagna, which once housed great writers like Lord Byron, Percy and
Mary Shelley, and John Keats. It’s here where you’ll find the Spanish
Steps, which was most recently featured in an epic car chase scene in
this year's Mission: Impossible 7 film.
The former ancient Roman temple of the Pantheon will then call you
to explore it. Nowadays it’s used as a church so you can wander
inside and explore its giant dome, frescoes and sculptures, and tombs
filled with famous Italians.
At one point during your stay in Rome you could visit Forno Campo
de’ Fiori in centro storico and try their pizza bianca for lunch or dinner.
Regarded as the best pizza in Rome, we’ll let you judge for yourself!
Where best to spend your last full day in Rome
than the home of the Pope, Vatican City? Even if
you're not religious, you’ll be amazed by this
sprawling city-state, with all its iconic artworks.
Venture into St. Peter’s Square where the Pope holds an audience
with visitors most Wednesdays. You’ll likely recognise the dome of
St. Peter’s Basilica, which impresses upon Rome’s skyline.
If you wish you can climb 551 steps to the top for spectacular
bird’s-eye views of Rome. Take time to catch your breath, as it will
be taken away again when you visit the Vatican Museums, and the
Sistine Chapel where the sheer scale of Michelangelo’s famous
frescoes may surprise you.
With so many priceless artefacts and paintings on show, we
recommend you take a guided tour, so you make the most of
your visit.
The next morning before you head to the airport for your journey
home, take a last-minute trip to Piazza Navona, where you can
grab a warming cup of coffee and croissant and watch street artists
performing in this pretty square.
Citalia’s 9 night tailor-made winter multi-city break starts from £1,499 per person, including return flights from London,
accommodation, transfers, trains and/or car hire. Speak to one of our Personal Travel Planners on 01293 765061
Autumn 2023
Andiamo!