Rome With a history dating back over 2,500 years, it’s no surprise that a city as old as Rome has a lot to offer the tourist.

A living museum, you could attempt to see it all in a day but would be more successful with a week. Despite the city’s size, the historic area is relatively compact.

For ancient Rome, you can’t go past the Pantheon – built and dedicated between 118 and 125 AD, it is one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in the world and an awe-inspiring feat of architecture;the Colosseum – the well-known amphitheatre built in 80 AD where up to 55,000 spectators watched gladiators fight to their death; the Roman Forum - once a marketplace for the city and an important centre of social life in early Roman times. Located in the valley between the Capitoline and Palatine Hills, the Forum is a vast complex of ruined arches, temples and basilicas.

Regardless of religious persuasion, there are few people that haven’t heard of The Vatican. Christians flock to the independent state to visit the palace that houses the Pope, while others go to marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel - specifically, the magnificent Creation of Adam.

Modern Rome offers equally spectacular delights. Wander the lively Piazza Navona, a beautiful square lined with expensive cafes, baroque palaces and home to three opulent fountains. Built on the ruins of a 1st century stadium, it is now a hangout for locals, tourists, entertainers and street vendors. Toss a coin in the grandiose Trevi Fountain, join the masses sitting on the Spanish Steps or soak up Rome’s atmosphere in one of the city’s many trattorias. For those that love to shop, Rome offers many options that suit a range of budgets. From chain stores, to tiny boutiques, gigantic flea markets to haute-couture designer stores. Perhaps the best buys though, are leather goods of all kinds – from gloves to bags to jackets.