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Rome tours and excursions

Rome tours

Scooter tours

Do as the locals do and take a tour with HR Tours. They offer trips to some of the capital’s most impressive sites on vintage Vespas and Lambrettas. Otherwise opt for the Rome by Night tour and see the Colosseum in all of its back-lit glory. Experienced riders will help you navigate Rome’s streets safely.

Tel: +39 6 488 4215.
Website: http://www.happyrent.com

Boat tours

Battelli di Roma run river boat tours along the Tiber. It departs from Ponte Sant'Angelo and covers the stretch down to Isola Tiberina and up to Ponte Risorgimento. The same company also organises dinner cruises, evening wine cruises, and a boat service to the site of Ostia Antica that leaves from Marconi Bridge every morning.

Tel: +39 6 9774 5414.
Website: http://www.battellidiroma.it

Rome excursions

Tivoli

Situated 20km (12.5 miles) east of Rome is the hilltop town of Tivoli, long the summer escape for wealthy Roman families. At its centre is the UNESCO World Heritage site, Villa d'Este, converted from a Benedictine monastery in 1550 into a summer villa surrounded by vast Renaissance gardens. Equally fantastical is the older Villa Adriana (Hadrian's Villa), which is also a UNESCO site. It's more like a village than a villa, a massive complex of ruins, fountains and statues. Constructions such as Canopus fountain, with its columns and statues overlooking a central pool, made this a tranquil retreat for Rome's great military campaigner.

Florence

Birthplace of Dante and Michelangelo, home of the Medici and cradle of the Italian Renaissance, Florence offers a culture-packed day trip from Rome by train. It's easy to wander around the main sights - including the breath-taking Duomo; San Minato for splendid views; Michelangelo's tomb; world-famous Uffizi gallery, before strolling down to the river for a walk across the Ponte Vecchio.

Tel: +39 55 290 832.
Website: http://www.firenzeturismo.it/en

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

City Highlight: Rome

From world-famous ruins to chic cafés and must-try specialties, in Italy’s cosmopolitan capital it’s certainly true that “one lifetime is not enough”

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Featured Hotels

Hotel D’Inghilterra

In a prime spot by the Spanish Steps, this sedate and sophisticated hotel is where the poet John Keats stayed when he visited Rome in the 19th century. There are roaring fires in the public lounges where guests can relax with a book and a pot of tea.

Hotel d’Este

Sitting on the peak of the Esquilino hill, Hotel d'Este is a characterful, old-fashioned place with 31 charming bedrooms. Housed in a timeworn palazzo, rooms have high ceilings, period detailing and classic furnishings such as brass beds and mahogany-coloured dressers and wardrobes. Breakfast is served on a roof terrace.

The Beehive

Established by Californian couple Steve and Linda, The Beehive is deservedly one of the most popular, budget stays in Rome. Run with great personality and warmth, the house features dorms or private rooms with original artworks on the walls, a vegan and vegetarian café, a book exchange and a yoga studio.

Hotel Locarno

Close to Piazza del Popolo, the classy yet moderately priced Locarno dates back to 1925. It's full of atmospheric art deco details, from its rattling cage lift to the wood-polished bar. Each room is uniquely decorated with discreet antiques and coordinated Liberty-style wallpaper and fabrics. A real find.

Rose Garden Palace

Just off central Via Veneto, this is a business-like oasis. The interior is contemporary, with stylish design that sets it apart. The 59 bedrooms and six suites are spacious and serene, and there is the Il Roseto Restaurant, an outdoor courtyard and rose garden (hence the hotel's name) where you can breakfast and dine in fine weather.

Hassler Roma

The elegant Hassler Roma has awe-inspiring panoramic views over Rome. It's hosted a firmament of stars including Bill Clinton and Tom Cruise. The rooms are decorated in classic style, with sweeping floor-to-ceiling curtains, Venetian glass chandeliers and marble bathrooms. Ask for a room with either a balcony or terrace.

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