Rome was the heart and soul of the once mighty Roman Empire whose rule stretched from Scotland to Egypt and Turkey to Morocco during the years 180 - 330 AD. In addition to all its great history, ruins and museums, present day Rome finds itself as a bustling metroplolis which at times can very congested and overwhelming. However, once you sift through the distractions, you discover the glory of Rome and realize this city is a must visit for any European visitor.

Coliseum (Colossi): Rome's crowning monument. Opened in 80 AD. Held 50,000 spectators. Many gladiators have killed and been killed within these epic, still-standing walls.

Roman Forum (Foro Romano): Political, commercial and social center during ancient Roman times. Ruins of temples, palaces, houses.

St. Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro): Located in Vatican City. Built in 4th century AD by Emperor Constantine. Torn down 1,000 years later and replaced by new structure, completed in 1626. Michelangelo's "Pieta" (1498) is located in this impressive church.

Pantheon: Probably the best preserved monument from ancient Rome. Domed temple with "oculus" at top to provide light. Originally built in 27 BC by Augustus' general Agrippa.

Sistine Chapel: From 1508 to 1512, Michelangelo painted this ceiling masterpiece depicting the creation of man, the Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise, and the period before Moses and the Ten Commandments.

Rome gets hot and crowded in the summers, so the most ideal to travel there is in the spring or autumn seasons. To get the best travel deal possible, try to plan your trip during October through April which is the off-peak travel period. Remember to set your arrival/departure dates for Monday through Thursday.