Rome Travel Guide

The city itself is famously laid out across seven hills, and has been since Roman times. The legend goes that in 776 BC, Rome was founded by twin brothers Romulus and Remus, who were seen as a threat by their uncle and left to die beside the River Tiber. They were rescued by the god Tiberinus in the form of a she-wolf, they were taken in by a shepherd and went on to found one of the great world cities. The Roman Empire ruled for over a thousand years until it fell in 476 AD, then followed the long period of the 'Dark Ages' and the establishment of the papacy. The Renaissance began in 14th century and Rome played a key role in artistic and architectural movements. This included the construction of St. Peter's Basilica, which began in 1506 and wasn't completed until 1626, and the painting of the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo. After the end of the Renaissance, the Neoclassical movement then influenced Rome in the 18th century with the creation of the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. During the Napoleonic era Rome was occupied by French forces and in 1861 the Unification of Italy occurred and Rome became the capital of modern Italy in 1870. In 1922, the 'March on Rome', a demonstration and coup marked the beginning of Benito Mussolini's rise to power; he ruled Italy until 1943. In 1929 Vatican City officially became a an independent nation state and during WW2 they adopted a stance of neutrality.

Yes, there is a dress code for visiting The Vatican, particularly when entering St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums. Both men and women need to ensure they are not wearing revealing clothing, like low cut tops, shoulders and knees need to be covered as well. 

Our guided tours in Rome and Umbria will involve periods of walking and standing, at times on uneven or cobbled surfaces. There will be steep inclines or steps to negotiate at some locations, with early morning starts in some cases. A reasonable degree of health and mobility is required. For all our tours we have an activity level guide to help you decide which holiday suits you best. For specific advice regarding our Rome and Umbria tours and to discuss any special needs, please contact us directly and we will be happy to assist.     

Our popular​​​ Highlights of Rome and Umbria including Assisi holiday allows you to see all the famous sights of the Eternal City, while still allowing you to retreat to the scenic countryside and visit surrounding destinations. A Rome City Break allows you to spend your time in and around the city and really absorb the atmosphere. It's one of those unmissable Italy destinations that offers everything. If you love art, well, it's crammed with Renaissance gems. If you are into history, again, there's no better place.