Al Manthia Hotel

The capital city of Rome is Italy’s masterwork. You can marvel at the Colosseum, Vatican City and Roman Forum with just 48 hours in the city, thanks to a UNESCO-listed historic centre with a roll call of millennia-old ruins and soaring domes.

Away from the well-worn paths, Rome has plenty of surprises up its sleeve. Dive into tangled medieval neighbourhoods like Trastevere for narrow trattoria-lined streets and hidden chapels - the area comes alive at night with locals enjoying an aperitivo before heading out to dinner. Discover the city's stunning piazzas, framed by ornate buildings and boasting intricate baroque fountains. Or take some time out in the manicured Villa Borghese gardens with ancient villas that showcase some of history's most revered works of art.

And just when you think you’ve seen it all, the city changes. An ever-changing flow of new restaurants, art exhibitions and festivals means that there’s always an excuse to revisit Rome.

Please note that we operate a telephone rep service in Rome. 

Of all of Italy’s beautiful cities, Rome has to be the most captivating. With more than 3,000 years of history, there is more to see here than any other city in the world. Most of its wonders are not in the museums but in the streets, so it’s just as enjoyable to simply stroll around the city centre and take in the unique atmosphere.

Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel
No visit to Rome is complete without spending time at the Vatican, the world’s smallest sovereign state. We'd recommend planning to spend at least half a day here as the museums and grounds cover around seven kilometres worth of exhibits of Italy’s greatest masterpieces – most notably Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Arrive early to beat the crowds.

The Colosseum
The Colosseum is one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. For over 450 years this impressive arena drew in the crowds as it hosted deadly gladiator combats, animal hunts and re-enactments of famous battles. First commissioned in 72 AD, this imposing building has stood the test of time and is still one of the city’s top attractions more than 2,000 years later.

Palatine Hill & Imperial Forum
The Roman Forum was at the very heart of ancient Rome and boats some of the city’s best-preserved monuments like original Roman roads, the magnificent Arch of Titus and the Basilica of Maxentius – the Forum’s largest structure. Head up the Palatine Hill for impressive views over the ruins. Booking onto a tour is highly recommended as a knowledgeable guide can highlight the most interesting monuments.

Pantheon
This is one of the best-preserved buildings of ancient Rome and dates back  to 27 AD. It stands an impressive 43-metres tall and the ancient marble floors are illuminated only by the seven-metre wide oculus in the roof. To this day, the Pantheon remains the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome, a remarkable feat.

Spanish Steps
Rome’s famous Spanish Steps boast a majesty and beauty that attract tourists from around the world. You’ll find a bustling atmosphere around the 135 steps that link Piazza di Spagna and Trinita dei Monti Church. The area boasts its fair share of gelateria too, including the world famous San Crispino - grab a scoop or two and take some time out to admire the newly-restored Fontana della Baraccia at the bottom of the steps.

Trevi Fountain
The Fontana di Trevi depicts Neptune's chariot being led by Tritons with seahorses. It was completed in 1762 and has recently been restored to almost its former glory. Tucked away in a small piazza, the fountain attracts many tourists who admire the intricate marble and throw in a coin to ensure their return to Rome someday.

Villa Borghese Gardens & Museums
These centrally-located gardens offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. There’s more than 148 acres of grounds to explore – take a picnic and enjoy an al fresco lunch on the manicured grass. The gardens house some incredible sights including an exact replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and an ingenious water-powered clock. There are also several beautiful villas nestled within the grounds, one housing the Galleria Borghese Museum that has works of art from Bernini, Raffaello and Titian.

Piazza Navona
This busy square is one of Rome’s most beautiful open spaces. Impressive baroque fountains, including the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers, take centre stage and the piazza is surrounded with lively cafés, restaurants and the Church of Sant'Agnese. Street performers, artists and market traders are here regularly, making Piazza Navona an ideal spot to stop for a coffee before continuing sightseeing.

Trastevere
For a taste of authentic Rome, hop across the River to the Trastevere neighbourhood. It’s an ideal place to head in the evenings for dinner in a local trattoria before enjoying one of the many local bars. During the day, you’ll find shops lining the cobbled streets and historic churches to explore.

Appian Way
The Appian Way is the remains of a road built in 312BC to connect Rome with Capua. No road has ever matched the importance of this one. Today you can explore to historic remains and enjoy the many monuments that line the paths.

Aventine Hill
Aventine Hill is a great place for a quiet stroll away from the busy centre of the city. And it hides a secret - from here you can see one of the best views of St. Peter’s Basilica from Knights of Malta keyhole. A quiet residential area sits at Aventine’s core and is fringed with important churches and green gardens.

Local foods to try

Coda alla Vaccinara is an oxtail and vegetable stew that is cooked slowly and enjoyed over pasta.

Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe is a simple yet elegant dish with spaghetti cooked with parmesan and black pepper.

Carciofi alla Romana or ‘Roman artichokes’ are very popular in the city. Try them deep fried or steamed with garlic and herbs.

Pizza al Taglio is Rome’s take on pizza and is a range of personal pizzas or flatbreads with fresh toppings.

Supplì are rice croquettes cooked with tomato sauce, wrapped around mozzarella and deep fried.

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For more information on travel and transport visit our Rome page

Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica (half day)

Skip the lines on the small group excursion and enjoy a professionally-guided tour of the Vatican Museums that house one of the most extensive art collections in the world. After this informative tour, you'll visit St. Peter's Basilica where you can admire Bernini's intricate detail in the building's design and admire the world-renowned Sistine Chapel. 

Departs: Daily except Sundays from 01 Apr - 31 Oct

Price: £61pp - hotel pick up and drop off is not included

Panoramic Open Top Bus Tour (24 – 48 hours)

This two-hour bus tour of Rome is a great introduction to the city and stops off at some of the most popular sights. Stay for the whole tour, which has taped commentary in English, or hop on and hop off at your leisure.

Departs: Daily from 01 Apr – 31 Oct

Price: £23pp – hotel pick up and drop off is not included

Angels & Demons Tour (half day)

Discover the secrets if the Illuminati in this tour that was inspired by Dan Brown’s novel. You’ll follow in the footsteps of Dr. Robert Langdon and visit locations from the movie including Santa Maria del Popolo Church, Piazza del Popolo, St. Peter's Square and Piazza Navona to follow the ‘Path of Illumination’.

Departs: Tuesday and Friday from 01 Apr – 17 Nov

Price: £54pp – includes entrance fees to Castel San Angelo. Hotel pick up and drop off is not included.

Crypts & Catacombs Tour (half day)

With millennia of history, Rome is home to some truly fascinating sites. On this tour, you’ll head into the Eternal City’s underground burial chambers and crypts from across the ages. You’ll visit the Cappuccini Crypt that was decorated entirely with human bones, the Domitilla Catacombs (an ancient Christian burial ground) and the Church of San Clemente that has a pagan temple with ruins reaching 57 feet deep.

Departs: Daily from 01 Apr – 17 Nov

Price: £65pp – includes entrance fees. Hotel pick up and drop off is not included.

Colosseum Tour (3.5 hours)

Skip the line at the Colosseum and follow your expert guide through the Gladiator’s Gate, where you’ll be able to step onto the arena floor – an area that is off-limits to most visitors. You’ll continue your tour of the rest of the Colosseum before heading to the Roman Forum and Palatine where your guide will discuss the rich history of Imperial Rome.

Departs: Daily from 01 Mar – 31 Oct

Price: £52pp – includes entrance fees. Hotel pick up and drop off is not included.

Hidden Treasures of Trastevere (3 hours)

This small group excursion will take you to the quaint and charming Trastevere area of Rome. The name translates to ‘beyond the Tiber’ and this is one of the most characterful parts of the city. An expert guide will lead you through the hidden streets, past bars and locals enjoying dinner in authentic pizzerias while sharing stories with you. After the walking tour, you’ll enjoy an intimate four-course dinner at a private villa.

Departs: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 01 Apr – 31 Oct

Price: £90pp – hotel pick up and drop off is not included

Afternoon Food Tour with Aperitivo (3 hours)

Enjoy authentic Roman food and craft beers on this fun afternoon tour. You’ll take a walking tour of the Regola and Trastevere neighbourhoods with your guide pointing out some interesting historical sites and stopping to taste some of Rome’s best food along the way including trapizzino, a take on pizza with triangular pieces of dough filled with delicious ingredients, and freshly-made pasta. This will be paired with mouth-watering craft beer, wine or soft drinks. The tour concludes with a gelato tasting. This excursion is on request, please call to book.

Departs: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 01 Apr – 31 Oct

Price: £57pp – hotel pick up and drop off is not included.

• Lounge
• Breakfast room
• Wifi throughout
• Room service