As capital of the Roman Empire, the Papal States and Italy, Rome truly is the "Eternal City". One of the world's most elegant capitals the layers of history and the city's sheer excess of beauty can prove overwhelming to the unsuspecting visitor.

This is a city best explored on foot, with every corner offering an overlooked treasure or unforgettable panorama. Roman columns soar up aimlessly next to medieval basilicas, the sound of water splashing in fountains fills the air in front of Renaissance palaces and exuberant Romans jostle through multi-coloured markets and winding cobbled streets.

Breathe the air of the Caesars in the Roman forum, stroll through the menacing Colosseum, marvel at the splendours of the Vatican Palace - and you will wonder if this can be the capital of a modern industrial nation or whether you have stepped back into the pages of history. But around these relics of history Rome is still evolving. It's at the cutting edge of fashion and cuisine and is one of the most popular shopping destinations on Earth.

So prepare to soak up history and modernity in equal measure in one of Europe's most fascinating cities.

Rome is a work of art in itself and you'll never tire of wandering its streets and plazas, discovering new and ever greater architectural gems with every turn. Seeing the many treasures the city contains would take a lifetime, but there are several highlights that remain essential on a trip to the Eternal City.

The Roma Archeologia Card costs EUR20 and is valid for 7-days. It allows admission into all Roman National Museum sites as well as the Colosseum, Palatine, Bells of Caracalle, Tomb of Cecilia Metella and Villa of the Quintiti. You can purchase it at all the above sites with the exception of the Tomb of Cecilia and Villa of the Quintiti, as well as at the Rome Tourist Office Visitor's Centre at Via Parigi, 5.

Alternatively use the Roma Pass, which offers free use of public transport in the city, and free entry into two museums or archaeological sites. The three day pass allows you to jump the queues, and can be purchased at tourist information points and museums around the city, costing just EUR18.

For more information and the opportunity to book sightseeing tours online, visit the link below:

Hotels

Galleria Borghese

Even if it was empty, the stunning Casino Borghese, home to the Galleria and Museo Borghese, would be a highlight of a trip to Rome. With its stupendous collection of sculptures and paintings, it is foremost among the city's "must-sees" for any art lover. Highlights of the collection include Canova's eerily lifelike statue of Paolina Bonaparte, Bernini's sculpture of Apollo and Daphne, Caravaggio's "Boy with a Basket of Fruit" and Titian's "Sacred and Profane Love".

Piazzale Scipione Borghese. Open: Tue-Sun 09h00-19h00. Admission: EUR12.50 including reservation fee. Tickets must be booked in advance and your visit will be scheduled to a two-hour time slot. You collect tickets at least 30mins before your allocated slot or forfait the booking fee. Tel: +39 06-32810 (information and bookings).

Capitoline Museum and the Campidoglio

In a city of piazzas the Campidoglio is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful. Designed by Michelangelo the square is reached by a long stairway from Piazza Aracoeli and is bounded on three sides by palazzi whose harmony is unparalleled.

The two restored palazzi to either side (Palazzo Nuovo and Palazzo dei Conservatori) provide a breathtaking setting for the city's collection of ancient sculptures and paintings known as the Capitoline Museum, first established in the late-15th century when the then Pope Sixtus IV donated a collection of artworks to the city. This collection included a magnificent bronze of the she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome - initially the sculptures were displayed on the façade of the Palazzo dei Conservatori, but as more atefacts were unearthed in various excavations around the capital the collection soon outgrew this public display space. Swelled by even more works in the 16th century thanks to Pope Pius V's refusal to allow pagan images in the Vatican, the Capitoline moved part of its now sizeable range of statuary and artefacts into the Palazzo Nuovo.

Additions to the collection, including the creation of the Capitoline Picture Gallery at the bequest of Pope Benedict XIV and the creation of new wings and display galleries to connect the two main buildings have greatly enlarged the museum, and it is undoubtedly one of the best places to see artefacts specifically pertaining to the capital, rather than to Italy as a whole.

Piazza del Campidoglio 1. Open: Tue-Sun 09h00-20h00. Admission: EUR6.50, adults; EUR4.50, children. Additional charges are payable for special exhibitions. Tel: +39 06-3996-7800 +39 06-3996-7800 .

The Colosseum

No visit to the city would be complete without a visit to the Colosseum, the symbol of Rome and the amphitheatre that lends its name to all others. The structure dates to the first century AD and it was here that the legendary gladiator fights and grand spectacles were held. A gallery on the second level offers a visual display and information on the bloody entertainment that took place within the amphitheatre's encircled space. The best view is from the Colle Oppio above the Colosseo metro station. Across Piazza Colosseo you can see the remains of the "gladiator school".

Piazza del Colosseo, via dei Fori Imperiali (Metro: Colosseo). Open: daily 09h00-19h30. You can buy combined tickets for the Colosseum and the Palatine for EUR12.50 (includes free audio guide). For more information and reservations: Tel: +39 06-3996-7700 +39 06-3996-7700 .

Roman Forum

The political heart of the empire, this area covers a thousand years of Roman history. Here you can visit the Senate House (on the steps of which Julius Caesar was assassinated), the temple of Castor and Pollux, the temple to Saturn, and the House of the Vestal Virgins. Despite its city centre location there is a timeless tranquillity to the forum as you stroll among the ruins of Rome's past glory.

Foro Romano. Entrances are located in via dei Fori Imperiali (Metro stop: Colosseo), Largo Romolo e Remo and Piazza di St. Maria Nova. Open: daily 09h00 until one hour before sunset. Admission: free. For more information. Tel: +39 (0)6-967-700 +39 (0)6-967-700 .

The Pantheon

Dating from the 2nd century AD this is the most impressive and best-preserved Roman building in the capital. It dominates the small square in which it is located and at night the façade is lit up making an inspiring sight.

The dome of the Pantheon is the largest in the city, larger even than that of St Peter's. Converted in the Middle Ages into the church of St Mary and Martyrs, which explains its remarkable state of preservation, it is the final resting-place of Italian royalty as well as Raphael.

Piazza della Rotonda. There is no public transport direct to the Pantheon, but it is easily reached on foot from Largo Argentino. Open: Mon-Sat 08h30-19h30; Sun 09h00-18h00. Admission: free. Tel: +39 06-6830-0230 +39 06-6830-0230 .

Vatican Museum

A tour of the Vatican's vast museum, filled with sculptures, books, paintings, furnishings and tapestries can easily take a full day. This enormous collection is housed in the fabulously decorated salons and loggias of the palace. The gallery of frescoed maps of the world and the rooms painted by Raphael are unforgettable.

The museum is well laid out allowing the visitor to choose a route to suit their particular interests and time. For many the highlight of a visit is the lovely Sistine chapel with its awe-inspiring frescoes of The Creation and The Last Judgement.

Open: Mon-Fri 08h45-15h20 (Mar-Oct); 08h45-12h20 (Nov-Feb); Sat 08h45-14h45; and the last Sunday of each month 08h45-13h45. Admission: EUR14; free on the last Sunday of each month. Tel: +39 06-6988-4947 +39 06-6988-4947 .

St Peter's Basilica

Built as the centre of Roman Catholicism, the aim of St Peter's was to impress upon the visitor the glory and might of the church. With Bernini's piazza to its front, a dome designed by Michelangelo and a façade by Moderno, the basilica certainly achieves its objective.

Among the treasures inside are Bernini's "St Peter's Chair", the statue of St Peter by Cambio and the immensely touching "Pieta" by Michelangelo. You should note that, should you wish to climb to the top of the dome, there are nearly 500 steps. The lift only goes a third of the way, so it's still an arduous climb.

Basilica San Pietro, Piazza del Risorgimento. Open: daily 07h00-19h00 (Apr-Sep); 07h00-18h00 (Oct-Mar) except some Wed mornings. Different opening times can apply to the dome and other attractions. Admission: basilica: free; dome: EUR5 with lift/EUR4 by stairs; Treasury Museum: EUR5. It is also possible to pre-arrange visits to the Necropolis.

Piazza Navona and Bernini's Fountain

The huge oval Piazza Navona is home to Bernini's "Fontanoa dei Quattro Fiumi", or "Fountain of the Four Rivers". This noble project was designed to encapsulate the spirit of four of the world's greatest rivers, the Ganges, the Nile, the Plate and the Danube in one splendid structure. The result is a spectacular centrepiece to one of the great squares of the city.

The square itself is a fantastic place to take a coffee in one of the cafés and watch the world go by to the sound of water splashing in Bernini's masterpiece. The piazza actually used to be an arena in Roman times, and hosted "games". Some of the remains from this grim past can still be seen below ground level.

Trevi Fountain

Designed in 1732 by Nicola Salvi, this is one of the city's most famous landmarks. Located in the piazza of the same name the fountain is a magical spectacle, despite the crowds of visitors. It is best seen during an after dinner stroll when the crowds have died away. Custom has it that if you throw a coin over your shoulder into the fountain you will one day return to Rome.

The fountain is hidden away in the city centre. From via del Corso turn into via Muratte which leads to the fountain or from the bottom of via Nazionale turn into via della Pilotta and follow the road to the fountain.

Piazza Spagna

Another Roman landmark, the square and the Spanish Steps that lead from it get their name from the Spanish Embassy that is located in the square.

The piazza is a great place to sit and do some serious people-watching. And when you get bored of watching the locals and foreign tourists scurrying around, climb the steps and enjoy one of the best views over Rome's rooftops. For the literary-minded the English poet John Keats lived in the house to the right of the steps.

Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere

This delightful cobbled square includes a 17th-century fountain and the church of Santa Maria in Trastevere. According to religious legend a well of oil sprang from the square when Christ was born. The miraculous oil ran down to the Tiber river along what is now known as via della Fonte dell'Olio - or "fount of oil" street. It is thought that the first Christian church on the site was erected sometime between 220AD and 330AD, making this the oldest church in the city.

The current building was first erected circa 1140 and has undergone several refits and rebuilds since. It is particularly famous for its 13th-century mosaics on the front façade, which depict the parable of the wise and the unwise maidens. The interior mosaics are also excellent, dating from various times over the last 700 years or so.

Roman National Museum - Palazzo Altemps

This is just part of the state-owned collection of art on display in the city, but the 16th-century Palazzo Altemps has been quite beautifully restored and is well worth visiting in its own right.

The collection itself is an eclectic mix of high art. Items of interest include a statue of Ares once spruced up by Bernini and a Julius Caesar-commissioned copy of "The Dying Gaul" from an original on the Acropolis at Pergamon, Greece. Another highlight is the collection's huge sarcophagus - its graphic depictions of Roman soldiers massacring barbarian hordes make an interesting variation from the religious iconography that dominates most of Rome's galleries.

Museo Nazionale Romano. Palazzo Altemps, Piazza Sant'Apollinare 46. Open: Tue-Sun 09h00-19h45. Admission: EUR7 valid for three days. (Admission increases with certain exhibitions) Tel: +39 06-3996-7700 +39 06-3996-7700 .

Galleria Spada

Set in a fantastic 16th-century palace the Galleria Spada is not the most extensive collection of art in the city but does contain some extremely impressive exhibits.

Incongrously, several Flemish pieces are included in the collection including a distinctively Dutch Van Breughel landscape, with windmill naturally. More in line with the Italian aspect of the gallery is Barbieri's 1631 canvas, "La Morte di Didone" and Pietro Testa's "Massacre of the Innocents". Cerquozzi's action-packed 17th-century street scene "The Revolt of Masaniello" depicting a citizen's revolt that took place in Naples in 1647, is also eye-catching.

Piazza Capo di Ferro. Open: Tue-Sun 09h30-19h30. Admission: EUR5. Tel: +39 06-6832-409 +39 06-6832-409 .

Rome cannot compete with other cities in Europe like London, Paris and Amsterdam in terms of variety of entertainment. The city is particularly strong on classical and religious music and opera but in modern terms the offerings are relatively slim for a city of Rome's size and influence.

Nevertheless, Rome invests a lot of money and effort to ensure that music is available to anyone and this means that there are plenty of free concerts during the year, both modern and classical. During the summer months of June-September the city explodes with outdoor venues and events in "music villages" set up in open spaces around the city.

The best place to check venues and events is the listings magazine Roma C'e', which comes out every Thursday.

Music

Classical

Many churches host concerts, among them Sant'Ignazio and San Paolo entro le Mura. It is worth checking the listings magazine as most nights of the week it is possible to find a concert in at least one of Rome's 900 churches.

Auditorium Parco della Musica Viale Pietro de Coubertin Tel: +39 06-370-0106 +39 06-370-0106

The main venue for classical concerts is the Auditorium Parco della Musica, it also plays host to a wide range of acts from the pop, rock and jazz world, as well as holding art exhibitions and film premieres.

Modern

Many nightclubs and bars have live music on some nights of the week. Among the best is Caffe' Latino, decorated in ethnic style there is live music most evenings. On the same street Café de Oriente has also built itself a solid reputation for Latin-American beats. Open: Tue-Sun from 23h00.

Caffe Latino Via Monte Testaccio Tel: +39 06-572-88556 +39 06-572-88556

Jazz and Blues

Alexanderplatz Via Ostia, 9 Tel: +39 06-3974-2171 +39 06-3974-2171

The best venue is the Alexanderplatz located near the Vatican Museum. There are live performances most nights from both Italian and international stars. Concerts start at 22h30.

Big Mama Vicolo S. Francesco a Ripa 18 Tel: +39 06-581-2551 +39 06-581-2551

Big Mama at Vicolo S. Francesco a Ripa 18 in Trastevere is the top spot for blues. The club opens at 21h30 every night except Sunday. Teatro Ambra Jovinelli also holds a number of events including jazz concerts and musicals. Via G Pepe, 43-47. Tel: +39 06-4434-0262 +39 06-4434-0262 .

Opera

The Teatro dell'Opera offers a full programme of ballet and opera. In the summer some performances are put on in the Olympic Stadium. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket office of the opera house in Piazza B. Gigli I. Note that a 10% pre-purchase fee is added to ticket prices. With building work continuing inside the Opera House most performances are held in other theatres, principally Teatro Nazionale, Teatro Costanzi, and Teatro Brancaccio.

Theatre

Silvano Toti Globe Largo Aqua Felix Villa Borghese Tel: +39 06-8205-9127 +39 06-8205-9127

The Silvano Toti Globe theatre was built to resemble Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London, hosting a variety of theatrical events and performances. Designed to capture the magic and atmosphere of days of old, its broad appeal reaches both young and old providing theatregoers with a truly unique experience. Largo Aqua Felix, Villa Borghese.

Teatro Olimpico Piazza Gentile da Fabrino 17 Tel: +39 06-3265-991 +39 06-3265-991

Teatro Olimpico is a large theatre situated in the north of the city which seats up to 1,400 people, and hosts a diverse range of shows and performances from ballet, stand-up comedy, to pop and rock concerts.

Football

Like the rest of Italy Rome is obsessed with football. The city boasts two top level sides in S.S.Lazio and A.S.Roma who both play in Italy's "Serie A". If you can get to go to a match during your stay it is well worth it as the Olympic stadium reverberates to the sound of thousands of fans, and flags and flares create a riot of colour. It's the closest thing you can get to recreating the atmosphere of the gladiatorial games of Roman times, except a Lazio vs. Roma derby is probably more violent a spectacle.

Both teams play at the same stadium on alternate weeks (unless playing each other): "Olimpico", via del Foro Italico - Rome. For further information on Lazio, Tel: +39 06-323-7333 +39 06-323-7333 . For Roma, Tel: +39 06-6920-0642 +39 06-6920-0642 (official store).

Cinema

The Quirinetta (Tel: +39 06-679-0012 +39 06-679-0012 ) in via Minghetti has one screen and shows English-speaking films. Alternatively try the Warner Brothers Cinema on the Piazza della Republicca, which has five screens, and shows the latest blockbusters, and occasional films in English. For more information, telephone +39 06-4777-91111.

Nightlife

Italians are not heavy drinkers generally but Rome still has its fair share of bars, pubs and nightclubs. Most evenings the inhabitants of the city as well as tourists head out for light drinks and socialising. If drinking spirits be wary of the excessively generous measures.

There are three main areas for clubbing but you should check local listings to see what's on when you're in the city:

Campo di Fiori is lined on all sides with bars and pubs. Most evenings of the week it is full to overflowing with young Romans taking a passegiatta (stroll) after dinner and enjoying a drink with friends.

In Trastevere, bars and pubs are found on every corner. For a quiet aperitif in subdued surroundings try Il Giardino dei Ciliegi at Via dei Fienaroli, 4, which not only offers wines and beers, but also a seemingly endless selection of teas. Alternatively, Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere is a lively spot to sit outside and sip a Campari.

Testaccio is the area where Romans go to dance. Via dei Monte Testaccio is full of clubs and discopubs. Among the range on offer are Caffe' Latino for South American music, and Alibi, which has a mixed crowd and offers something for everyone. For soul, funk, and rare groove try the Akab club (Via di Monte Testaccio, 69. Tel: +39 06-578-2390 +39 06-578-2390 ), where top acts such as Jamiroquai have been known to perform.

Further afield is via Libetta in Ostiense, which has a variety of clubs including Classico, which plays underground and house music, and Goa - currently the most fashionable club in the city. Alternatively try Baja Bar a party boat moored by Ponte Margherita, popular with the student crowd, and a great place to visit on a summer evening.

Special Events

Wednesday mornings throughout the year Papal Audience. Excepting the annual summer holiday and when abroad, the Pope holds an audience at 10h00 (it is wise to arrive around 08h30-09h00). Depending on the weather the audience is held either in the Square, in the basilica, or in the Sala Nervi on the left-hand side of the colonnade.

Requests should be made in writing in advance and can be faxed to the Prefettura della Casa Pontificia, Citta' del Vaticano (Fax: +39 06-6988-5863). Alternatively, requests can be made in person the morning prior to the audience, at the office of the Prefettura.

March

One way to see the sights of Rome is to take part in the Marathon, which takes place in March. This gruelling run over the cobbled streets of Rome takes in many of the city's major attractions.

March/ April (Good Friday)

Led by the Pope, the Via Crucis procession takes place inside the Colosseum. This is the symbolical walking of the way of the cross. The "Fourteen Stations" of Christ's crucifixion are erected inside the ancient amphitheatre and Catholics offer a prayer at each.

April

In April Rome celebrates a week of culture during which time all state museums and many private museums provide free admission. During the week, the city council promotes cultural events and there are a variety of free concerts. On April 23, the birthday of Rome, the state museums are again all free and a free concert is given in the open air at the Campidoglio. The day ends with a spectacular fireworks display.

May

On May 1 the Concerto di Primo Maggio takes place. This is an enormous free pop concert at which many of Italy's most famous singers and bands appear. Arrive early if you want a good view as crowds exceed 300,000.

Mid-June to the end of September

Roma Estate is when the city comes alive with outdoor events of every shape, size and description. Among the hundreds of activities on offer are classical concerts held in some of the city's most beautiful squares, a book fair including music every night on the banks of the Tevere below Castel Sant'Angelo and the Festa della Musica concert in Piazza Venezia. The number of events is seemingly endless and full details with timings and venues can be found in the weekly listing magazine Rome C'e'.

End-November to early January

The Piazza Navona square is filled with Christmas stalls offering every kind of traditional decoration and accessory for the Christmas market. Rides for children and roasted chestnuts are available.

December

The midnight mass to end all midnight masses takes place at St Peter's on December 24. It seems that the whole of the city comes out to pass through the basilica on this important night in the Christian calendar.

Best Areas

In the area around Piazza di Spagna (including via Condotti, via Babuino, via Borgognona and via Frattina) the high budget shopper will find almost every famous designer they can think of. Fashion heavyweights with stores there include: Versace, Valentino, Armani, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Ferragamo and Gianfranco Ferre. Top shoe designers Sergio Rossi, Fratelli Rossetti, and Pollini are also located nearby.

Via del Corso, which runs from Piazza Venezia to Piazza del Popolo, aims at high street fashion. Halfway down is Rinascente, one of Rome's few clothing department stores. Meanwhile affordable designer clothing is available in shops like Strada, Gruppo Clark, Trussardi and Max Mara. For a multi-boutique shopping experience under one roof, head for Roma Downtown.

Via Nazionale, running from Piazza della Repubblica to Piazza Venezia, is a more economic shopping area with a wide range of shops. It is particularly good for handbags and leather goods, and you're far more likely to pick up a bargain around here than you are around the Piazza di Spagna. Cola di Rienzo, which stems from Piazza del Risorgimento near the Vatican to the river, is where the locals tend to do their shopping. It has a wide range of stores and is generally less crowded than the more famous areas of the city. As well as a huge range of clothes shops, Rome's most famous delicatessen - Castroni - is located here.

Markets

Among the wide range of markets in Rome, Piazza San Cosimato (daily except Sunday) is notable for its range of meats, fish, cheeses and vegetables. It's an enjoyable place to look around - and if you are overcome by a desire to buy Italian food delicacies you're in the right place.

Porta Portese is a huge market that takes place in Trastevere on Sunday mornings. The market covers every street between Ponte Sublicio and Ponte Testaccio from the river up to viale Trastevere. Here you can buy anything from secondhand clothes through to antique crystal, and a browse through the stalls is a great way to spend an hour or two.

What to Buy

There is one purchase that everyone wants to bring back from any trip to Italy and that's clothing. Rome is undoubtedly one of the most fashionable cities on Earth and its shopping streets are full of world famous designer boutiques.

If you want the latest designer gear expect to pay - a lot. Your solace is that when you get home whatever you buy is likely to be unique - at least for a couple of months. The area around Piazza di Spagna is where Italian designers including Versace, Armani and Valentino have their outlets and the area is good for a browse whether you can afford to buy or not.

If shopping is all you have in mind, then head to the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet, considered as paradise for any shopaholics. Located on the outskirts of Rome in Castel Romano, 25km south of the city centre, it will please anyone looking for a good bargain.

Look out everywhere for leather shoes, handbags and other goods. Leather is good value throughout Italy and Rome is no exception. The world's best shoemakers all have boutiques in the city although, again, designer gear won't offer much of a discount.

To complete your outfit, or just window shop some of the most expensive items you'll see on any high street, head for the via Condotti and the area around Piazza San Silvestro where Rome's best jewellery manufacturers have their stores. Bulgari and Martinelli are notable names but there is a plethora of interesting jewellers both local and international located in the same area. Several make use of ancient artefacts such as Roman coins to create distinctive jewellery.

Italian foodstuffs are always popular. Cured Italian meats will keep and are a tasty souvenir, while hard Italian cheeses such as parmesan and pecorino will be fine for taking home. Wines are another good buy with plenty of great quality Italian produce available cheaply in the city's vintners. Be aware that fresh pasta will not last very long unless it is vacuum packed, which kind of defeats the point of buying it in Rome.

Opening Hours

You should be aware that Rome shops generally close for an extended lunch hour of two/three hours. Shopping hours are generally 09h30-13h00 and 15h30-19h30 (mid-Oct to May) and 09h30-13h00 and 16h00-20h00 (May to mid-Oct).

There are exceptions with many shops in the city centre staying open throughout the day. Designer shops invariably close for lunch in the middle of the day throughout the year.

Tax Refund

Value added tax (IVA in Italy) of 20% is added on to the price of all consumer goods and services. Having visited Italy, non-EU tourists can apply for a tax refund on goods bought there. Most countries offering a tax refund specify a minimum amount that must be spent in a particular shop to claim a refund. In Italy, the minimum purchase to qualify for a refund is EUR154.94, spent in one store.

To reclaim tax you need to request an itemised invoice, indicating the item, price and amount of tax paid. On departure from Italy, take the items and invoice to the customs office to be stamped. Once home, send the stamped invoice to the store where you purchased the items, which will then send the refund to you.

Alternatively, you can purchase goods from shops participating in Tax-free Shopping programme (look out for the Tax-free Shopping logo displayed in the window). Simply show your passport when you make a purchase and you will be given a Tax-free Shopping cheque to the amount of tax payable. As you leave the country, customs officials will stamp your cheques. You can then claim your refund from the Tax-free Shopping desk or have it sent to you.

Note that by law in Italy when making purchases in shops, or paying restaurant and hotel bills the client must take the receipt with them.

Rome's public transport system can be hectic and crowded but it will get you where you want to go in the city very cheaply and relatively quickly. The centre does get crowded though so if you choose to take the bus during rush hour don't be surprised at getting held up. Still, being caught up in a Rome traffic jam can be a cultural experience in itself...

To and From the Airport

Leonardo da Vinci

Almost all scheduled flights arrive at Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) Airport, 30km south-west of the city centre.

Buses

Terravision operates a coach transfer between Termini Station in the heart of the city and Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) for passengers of oneair. The transfer takes 70 minutes and costs EUR9 single and EUR15 return. In addition, you must have a valid ticket from oneair to travel. Details for obtaining tickets are the same as for Ciampino below. Services run from 06h30-18h30 (city to airport) and 08h30-20h30 (airport to city). Coach departures are timed to fit with flight departure times for the relevant airlines.

Trains

From Leonardo da Vinci, a multi-stop train runs every 15 minutes from 07h50-22h05, to Tiburtina and Fara Sabina stations. 21h27-23h27 trains terminate at Fara Sabina and only run every 30 minutes. The fare is EUR5.

Non-stop trains to Termini station leave the airport every 30 minutes from 06h37-23h37, fare: EUR9.50. Buy your tickets from the arrivals hall. After that time, buses run from 01h15-05h00. The bus stop is close to the International Terminal, immediately outside the arrivals area.

From the city, multi-stop trains leave Tiburtina (arriving from Fara Sabina) for the airport every 15 minutes from 06h27-21h27. Fares cost EUR5. After this time, buses run to the airport from 00h30-03h45. Fares cost EUR3.62 from the bus stop close to Roma Tiburtina railway station.

From Termini Station, the non-stop "Leonardo Express" runs to the airport every 30 minutes from 05h52-22h52. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes and costs EUR9.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available outside the Arrivals Hall and should cost around EUR40 to the city centre.

Ciampino

Charter flights may arrive at Ciampino, 15km south-east of the city centre.

Buses

Cotral buses connect the airport to Ciampino railway station and Anagnina metro station. The bus stop and ticket vending machines are located next to the Departure Hall of the International Terminal. Tickets cost EUR1 and are good for the metro as long as you don't exceed your 75 minutes.

Terravision operates a coach transfer between Termini Station in the heart of the city and Ciampino for passengers of Ryanair, easyJet, Hapag Lloyd Express, Wizzair, Smart Wings and Voli Regionali. From Ciampino the transfer takes 40 minutes and costs EUR8 single and EUR13.50 return. In addition, you must have a valid ticket from one of the above airlines to travel. Tickets are available from the Terravision desk at the airport and from the Terravision office at Termini Station (via Marsala entrance). If the station ticket office is closed you can purchase tickets from the Hotel Stromboli. Services run 04h30-19h30 (city to airport) and 08h40-00h20 (airport to city). Coach departures are timed to fit with flight departure times for the relevant airlines.

Trains

Trains run from Ciampino railway station to Termini station every 10-15 minutes. The underground from Anagnina to the centre of Rome runs to a similar schedule.

Taxis

Taxis from Ciampino to the centre take about 30 minutes and cost approximately EUR35-40. Additional fees are applied for luggage, night runs and for Sundays and holidays.

Public Transport

Public transport in Rome is extremely good value for money. "Single" tickets only cost EUR1 for any journey. The integrated urban transport system means that each ticket allows 75 minutes travel on any combination of public transport, although only one journey on the underground network (the Metropolitana) is allowed per ticket.

All tickets should be purchased in advance from tobacconists (clearly distinguishable by the large "T" sign outside), news stands or at the station. Tickets must be validated by inserting them in the machines on buses or in Metro stations at the start of the journey. If a single journey takes longer than 75 minutes you must re-stamp your ticket at appropriate intervals before continuing. Inspectors will always impose a heavy fine if tickets have not been stamped and rarely believe tourists who plead ignorance.

An alternative if you're planning on doing a fair bit of travel by public transport is to purchase a tourist day ticket (called a BIG) for EUR4. This is valid for all public transport in a 24-hour period.

Buses

The city centre is very well served by an extensive public bus network, providing access to all areas of the city. Particularly useful routes are numbers 64 and 40 Express. Both of these travel between Termini and St Peter's through the city centre, with stops in or close to Piazza Venezia, Piazza Navona, via del Corso, Campo de' Fiori and Largo Argentina. Another useful route is the H, which travels from Termini to Trastevere through the centre, with stops near the Campidoglio and the Ghetto.

Metro

Rome's underground network is of limited use to visitors since it generally skirts the city centre to avoid archaeological sites. Having said that, useful stops on the underground are Termini (main station), Piazza della Repubblica, Spagna, Flaminio, Barberini and Colosseo - all of which are located close to areas of interest or to main hotel districts.

Trams

There is a limited tram system. The most useful is the Number 8, which starts in Largo Argentina, for people wishing to go to Trastevere.

Driving

If you want to hire a car during your time in Rome it is worth taking into account that most of the centre is closed to private traffic during the day, that it is extremely difficult to find parking and that Italians have their own idiomatic way of driving.

If you desire personal transport in the urban centre an alternative to a car is to hire a scooter/moped, although the Rome streets aren't the place to cut your teeth on this mode of transport if you've never ridden before. Scooters can be rented from Scoot A Long in via Cavour, Tel: +39 06-678-0206 +39 06-678-0206 , or from Scooters for Rent in via della Purificazione, Tel: +39 06-488-5485 +39 06-488-5485 .

Points to consider:

You must carry your national licence with you at all times if driving any vehicle. Holders of old-style green UK licences and non-EU licences must obtain an International Driving Licence.

Driving is on the right and you must overtake on the left.

The minimum driving age is 18.

Almost all motorways (Autostrades) are toll paying. Payment can be made in cash or with a 'Viacard', which can be bought, from tollbooths, fuel stations, tourist offices and some banks.

The speed limit in Italy is 130km per hour (81mph) on motorways, 110km per hour (68mph) on main roads outside towns, 90km per hour (56mph) on secondary roads and 50km per hour (31mph) in built up areas.

Seat belts are compulsory, where fitted. Be aware that when filling up your car with fuel, gasolio refers to diesel and benzina is petrol.

In the event of breakdown call the A.C.I (Italian Automobile Club), Tel: 803-116. Prices for car hire vary according to season and availability. Major car hire firms can be found at the airport and in the city centre.