| Claiming the number two spot on the Condé | | | | least recognizable, sights are probably The Coliseum |
| Nast Traveler's 2004 Reader's Choice Awards Top | | | | and the Vatican. You can join one of the hourly tours |
| Ten European Cities, Rome is home to magnificent | | | | hosted by guides dressed as Gladiators, or tour on |
| antique structures and an impressive history. It has a | | | | your own. Be sure to call ahead, though, as the |
| population of 2.7 million people with a fairly predictable | | | | operating hours vary during the different seasons. |
| climate of mild to rainy during the winter seasons and | | | | After visiting The Coliseum, make your way across |
| dry and hot during the summer months. | | | | the street to The Roman Forum (Foro Romano) which |
| Except for a few countries in Europe, a passport is | | | | was the civic center of Ancient Rome. It is here that |
| required to enter Italy. A visa is not needed, though, if | | | | the political, economic and religious activities occurred. |
| you are staying for ninety days or less. Travel during | | | | Many columns are still standing among the ruins over |
| the off-season between October and March is | | | | 2000 years ago. Admission to The Roman Forum is |
| recommended to avoid the overwhelming mob of | | | | free, though there are fees for the audio and guided |
| tourists during the more popular travel times. You can | | | | tours of the premises. |
| choose hotel accommodations near or within the | | | | The Pantheon is approximately 1,800 years old and |
| historic district (centro storico). The Hotel de Russie | | | | stands basically unchanged. The Pantheon can be |
| between the Piazza del Popolo and Spanish Steps is | | | | viewed as an example of how The Roman Forum |
| a fabulous choice, bringing you next door to these two | | | | would have looked if its buildings had not turned to |
| attractions you will definitely want to see first. | | | | ruins. The Pantheon, meaning "temple to all gods," was |
| You can best enjoy the city's treasures on foot | | | | built around 125 A.D. featuring a nine meter opening |
| allowing you to see the sights as you wish and taking | | | | providing the only lighting into the structure. The |
| side trips as you desire. However, it is still a good idea | | | | Pantheon is the burial place of many prominent |
| to list the sites you intend to visit so you can save | | | | individuals throughout history including Raphael, the |
| cash. It can add up quickly. Guided tours are a great | | | | Renaissance painter, and two kings of Italy. |
| option to get around and see the sites and are | | | | Finally, you cannot miss The Vatican and its collection |
| available from your hotel concierge. The TramBus | | | | of books, paintings, sculptures and other artifacts |
| system is another convenient and economical choice. It | | | | portraying the history of the Catholic Church. You |
| travels around the city and provides a terrific tour of | | | | could very easily spend several hours at The Vatican |
| Rome. | | | | and still only scratch the surface of the collection. Be |
| Regardless of your tourist preferences, certain sights | | | | sure you do not skip the Sistine Chapel famous for |
| in Rome should not be missed. The most popular, or at | | | | Michelangelo's painting on the chapel's ceiling. |