Spend 4 days in Rome, combining gastronomy and history

The Roman wonder: the Colosseum

To begin your discovery of Rome, head for the city's landmark: the Colosseum. Listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this ancient amphitheatre used to host gladiatorial and animal fights and promises an immediate change of scenery.

After a while spent observing the remains of the stands and the underground passages of the building (and sometimes a long wait), let's sit down at Contrario, Vineria Con Cunina. The intimate atmosphere and attentive service are the perfect accompaniment to Italian specialities, particularly pasta, served with a fine selection of wines.

• Address: Via Ostilia, 22, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
• Times: 12.00 - 15.00 / 19.00 - 23.00 except Sundays

Strolling the aisles of the Roman Forum

Just a few metres from the Colosseum, the Via Sacra provides access to the Roman Forum and its many ancient wonders. The Arch of Titus, the Temple of Saturn and the Column of Phocas are just some of the discoveries to be made. Long abandoned after years of glory, this living space is now an open-air testimony to the city's past.

Enjoy THE Italian coffee near Via della Pace

Further west in the historic centre, near Piazza Navona, Via della Pace is home to the sublime church of Santa Maria della Pace. Partly pedestrianised, thenarrow street forms a little cocoon that many tourists come to enjoy.

A few streets further on, the best coffee in Rome can be enjoyed at Caffè Sant'Eustachio. A veritable institution, this place, with its many traditional flavours, is the place to discover the REAL Italian coffee.

• Address: Piazza di S. Eustachio, 82, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
• Opening times: 07:30 - 01:00 Sunday to Thursday / 07:30 - 01:30 Friday / 07:30 - 02:00 Saturday

Via dei Coronari: between pilgrimage and antiquities

To round off this first day on the theme of ancient Rome, the long Via dei Coronari takes its name from the past. The pavements were shared by numerous rosary merchants, who made a living from the pilgrims taking this route to the Vatican. It has since been replaced by antique shops, but the charm of yesteryear has been preserved.

Simplicity and authenticity are the golden rules of the Fiammetta restaurant, right in the heart of this very touristy district. A hidden trattoria at reasonable prices, the charms of the sea take pride of place on the menu alongside typical local dishes.

• Address: Piazza Fiammetta, 10, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
• Times: 12.45 - 15.30 / 19.00 - 22.00 except Wednesday lunchtimes and Tuesdays

Morning shopping at Campo de' Fiori

Every morning, from 7.30am to 1.30pm except Sundays, thousands of Romans head for Campo dei Fiori, where the capital's most famous market is held. Flowers, fruit, vegetables, cheeses and meats are displayed on the square's wooden stalls by a host of market gardeners.

From mother to daughter, the secrets of Italian culinary savoir-faire are passed down in the kitchens ofOsteria da Fortunata. The pasta is made every day with passion by the teams using local, farm-grown****ingredients. Behind the glass windows, customers can even watch the different shapes of pasta being made by hand. From the original carbonara recipe to the atypical artichoke preparation, not forgetting the tagliatelle with cheese - there's something for everyone, and everyone's happy!

• Address: Via del Pellegrino, 11/12, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
• Opening hours: 12h00 - 01h00

The Crypt of the Capuchins and its unique treasures

A special attraction in Rome, the Crypt of the Capuchins will appeal to adventurers in search of theunusual! In a small gallery just a few dozen metres long, there are five rooms with unique atmospheres to explore. The bones of many Romans, some more famous than others, "decorate" the walls. As well as exploring the cemetery, you can visit a museum tracing the life of the Capuchin monks throughout history.

The Pantheon's night-time illuminations

For the evening, head to the lively Panthéon district to take away the delights of Pizza e Mozzarella. A shop window filled with giant pizzas, sold by the weight, offering a delicious treat at a very affordable price! Ranked as one of the best restaurants in Rome, this address, which goes unnoticed by the less well-informed, is a gastronomic must.

• Address: Via del Piè di Marmo, 32, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
• Times: 11am - 8pm except Sundays

A few streets further north, Piazza della Rotonda is the ideal spot to sit down and enjoy a slice of pizza in front of the Pantheon. This religious building is home to the tombs of Raphael, Angelo Corelli and Victor Emmanuel II, and can be recognised by its mythical dome and pronaos with its 16 columns. At night, the lighting gives the building a very special and vibrant dimension.

To finish on a sweet note and discover authentic Italian ice creams, head for Giolitti. This institution in the Eternal City, which opened over 100 years ago, offers around fifty mouth-watering flavours.

• Address: Via degli Uffici del Vicario, 40, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
• Opening hours: 07h00 - 01h30

Film discoveries at Studios Cinecittà

For film buffs, a visit to **Studios Cinecittà *is a chance toimmerse yourself in the glory of* cinematic greatness**. Some of the great classics were filmed in Rome, including Fellini's *LaDolce Vita* and Cleopatra starring Elizabeth Taylor. More recently, Martin Scorsese filmed Gangs of New York.

Baths of Caracalla: the remains of ancient relaxation

Heading back towards the historic centre, the Il Bocconcino restaurant offers a wide choice of dishes to satisfy every taste bud. Ravioli, duck breast, veal sweetbreads and rib-eye steak are just some of the dishes served at this cosy, welcoming restaurant.

• Address: Via Ostilia, 23, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
• Times: 12.30 - 15.30 / 19.30 - 23.30 except Tuesdays

After lunch, it's off to the Baths of Caracalla for another plunge into ancient Rome. Eleven hectares dedicated to relaxation and meetings, it can accommodate over 1,500 people at a time. A visit to these ruins is still impressive today, thanks to their remarkable state of preservation! The library, ponds, rock grotto and marble pools provided visitors with indoor and outdoor spaces.

A culinary evening in Trastevere

A favourite area for Roman parties, Trastevere is the spot for good, hidden and creative addresses. In a picturesque setting, the streets fill up with locals and tourists at the end of the day for the traditional aperitivo. Every evening, the terrace of theAndreotti Trastevere welcomes tables of epicureans who come to sip a Spritz and nibble a few savoury bites.

• Address: Via del Moro, 40, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
• Times: 11am - 2am

Take a stroll through the colourful, garland-lit alleyways to discover the small squares and religious buildings of this bohemian lifestyle. Just a stone's throw from the Basilica of Santa Maria del Trastevere, the Tonnarello restaurant, much sought-after for its particularly succulent cuisine, is a must. The menu features pasta carbonara, pesto and many other essential recipes, served directly from a pan. Pizzas pinse, meats, salads and bruschettas are also prepared with great care in the kitchens of this charming restaurant, at very reasonable prices.

• Address: Via della Paglia, 1/2/3, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
• Opening times: 10am - 11pm

While enjoying the lively, cheerful and bustling streets of Trastevere, let's end the evening in one of the best ice-cream parlours in the Eternal City: Otaleg. It's a little place with incongruous flavours, where craftsmanship is the golden rule!

• Address: Via di S. Cosimato, 14a, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
• Opening hours: 12h00 - 00h00

A wish at the Trevi Fountain

Waking up early to beat the daily tourist rush around the Trevi Fountain. It's time to make a wish, while observing this jewel by Nicola Salvi, which even the Romans can't get enough of.

The setting for a film or aromantic getaway, Piazza di Trevi is invaded at dawn by all travellers who have come to discover the Italian capital. So let's make the most of the temporary lull in the morning to take some postcard-perfect photos!

The squares with 1001 addresses

Before setting off to stroll through Rome's squares, head to Agrodolce for lunch. Homemade pasta in an elegant setting, a stone's throw from the city's most beautiful fountain - it's an unforgettable experience!

Address: Via dei Crociferi, 25, 00187 Roma RM, ItalyTimes: 11am - 11pm

The chic Piazza di Spagna, the impressive Piazza del Popolo, the legendary Piazza Navona and the majestic Piazza Venezia are all well worth a visit over the long weekend. All with their own unique histories, these squares are a major part of Rome's charm.

As we explore the Place d'Espagne, let's settle down for a hot drink at Babington's tea room. Founded in 1893, a moment in this British-style establishment is like a ceremony. Accompanied by a few pastries, the many choices of tea are each more intoxicating than the last.

• Address: Piazza di Spagna, 23, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
• Opening times: 12.00 - 21.00 except Tuesdays

Nature afternoon at Villa Borghese

To round off your visit to the city in style, why not take a stroll, go for a pedal, cycle or even take a boat trip around Villa Borghese. This oasis of greenery offers visitors a surprising breath of fresh air, where nature and heritage coexist.

Leaving the park on the Piazza di Spagna side, sample Rome's most famous tiramisù at Pompi Tiramisù. This is a paradise for fans of mascarpone and coffee, but can also be enjoyed in other variations, and is unanimously ac claimed by all gourmets!

Address: Via della Croce, 88, 00187 Roma RM, ItalyOpening hours: 11am - 9pm Monday to Friday / 10am - 9pm Saturday to Sunday