You now see the ancient heart of Rome, with the Villa Borghese and its extensive parkland in the foreground. The Via Flaminia ends at the Piazza Popolo at the western side of the Borghese grounds. At the southern end of the grid of streets on the opposite bank of the Tiber is the Vatican City, with St Peter’s Basilica at the entrance to the Vatican Gardens (5:45).
To the south west of the Roma Termini railway station façade is the Collusium on the edge of the Roman Forum complex (6:05). You then fly over the remains of various aquaducts (7:15), housing complexes and a hippodrome (8:00) before you land in the suburbs of Ciampino.
Take a taxi to your hotel, and then start your visit with a walk to get your bearings. You enter the city via the ancient northern entrance into Piazza Popolo and stroll down to the Spanish Steps.
Begin by visiting the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, the church on the northern side of the Piazza del Popolo.
When you leave the church, head south into the historic centre of the city.
After having had your fill of romantic poets and/or shopping, head towards the Trevi Fountain (6). This part of the city became a lavish residential area when Rome became the capital of Italy in 1870.
For the evening, why not watch Muse at the Olympic Stadium, Roman Holiday or a film set in Villa Borghese park
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4