Rome

 Rome is like a moveable feast of endless  courses. No matter how much you gorge yourself on its splendors, you  rarely feel you’ve made it past the antipasti.

Few cities offer  such variety and few visitors leave without a fervent desire to return.  As the seat of the Italian Government and home to the Vatican, Rome is a  city with genuine capital credentials. It has everything you’d want  from a modern city break holiday but critically, it’s the city’s history  that act as the principal magnet. From the remains of its imperial  glory days to the Renaissance and baroque riches of its historic center,  Rome is a glorious architectural patchwork, a living masterpiece.

Begin  your journey at the Vatican City, declared an independent state in 1929  and home to St. Peter’s Basilica (the largest church in the world), the  Vatican Museum and the shining star of the Italian Renaissance, the  Sistine Chapel. The awe-inspiring architecture and art collection makes  the Vatican City top of the list of must-sees.

Ancient Rome,  founded upon seven hills, divided the city into neighborhoods with  distinct styles and personalities that have survived to modern day. On  the west bank of the Tiber River, Trastevere (where residents call  themselves the “real Romans”) is home to countless authentic pizzerias  and restaurants. Across the river, the Basilica of Santa Sabina and the  church of Sant’Alessio can be found in Aventine (one of the celebrated  seven hills). A short walk away is Testaccio, where literary buffs will  find the tombs of English poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley.

With  the likes of the Spanish Steps, Pantheon, and Piazza Venezia all in the  historical city center, it’s hard to deny Rome’s status as one of the  world’s most remarkable cities. The winding, cobblestone streets easily  transport visitors back to bygone days of chariots and gladiators, the  historical significance of the city seeping from every surface.

But  while there’s no escaping Rome’s illustrious past, modern Romans  embrace the present. So do as they do and throw yourself into the life  of the city. The abundance of restaurants and wine bars in Camp de’  Fiori make it a nightlife hotspot for both tourists and locals; tuck in  for a traditional meal of gnocchi (usually eaten on Thursdays) or the  Roman specialty, pasta coda alla vaccinara, a ragu made from braised  oxtail stew.

During the day, catch the morning market in the same  area, with vendors selling locally made limoncello, pasta, and juicy,  ripe produce at their stalls, or shop along the famed Via Cordotti and  pick out glamorous fare at Prada or Valentino.

For those who want  a break from the bustling Roman city life for the day, venture to  nearby Tuscany for a glass of traditional Chianti or hike the looming  peak of Mount Vesuvius, near Naples.

Back in Rome, walk the  cobbled streets between centuries-old ruins, drink too much wine and  coffee, browse heritage markets, and eat too much gelato. After all,  that’s what the dolce vita (sweet life) is all about.