The ancient city of Rome is the perfect place to start.  Get ready to step back in time and walk among the ruins.  Here are a few of my must-sees:

The Colosseum, I recommend the audio tour.  You can spend several hours, that includes the Forum, bring a guide book as well.  The Capitoline Hill, one of the seven hills of ancient Rome and the most sacred, has beautiful sculptures and views to see. Bocca della Verita, the mouth of truth in the portico of the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin.  Legend has it that if a liar puts their hand inside the statues mouth, they will lose it!  The Castel Sant' Angelo, the mausoleum of Hadrian which became a fortress to the popes and now a museum. The Spanish Steps is a great place to people watch and snack on a panino or gelato.  If you are looking for a quite moment Babbington's Tea Room is a good place to stop, it's been in the same location since 1896.  Don't forget to indulge in some world class shopping on Via Condotti - Prada, Gucci, Armani.  Take a scenic walk to the Trevi Fountain, it can be crowded, but don't let that stop you from throwing your coin in to ensure another trip.  A little further along, the magnificent Pantheon , where John and I got engaged and one of my favorite hotels looks onto the bustling Piazza Della Rotonda.  Continue on to Piazza Navona with its beautiful Baroque fountains and surrounding streets with quaint cafes and trattorias. If you are interested in an open air market visit Campo de'Fiori that dates back to Medieval times.  You will also want to visit the world's smallest country, Vatican City the home to St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.  Plan ahead the lines can be long, or do what I did and take a private tour, worth every penny.  The Baths of Caracalla ancient Roman ruins dating to AD 212, it was the second largest public bath house in Rome.  Now the Summer home to the Rome Opera Company and a concert venue, both make for a breathtaking evening. Trastevere which is a bit like the Soho of Rome.  A walk over the Tiber River will get you to the Church of Santa Maria, and yummy little trattorias.  Farther afield, The Villa Borghese a collection of the families artwork, sculptures, beautiful gardens, fountains, a zoo!  The town of Tivoli and the luxurious Villa d'Este, the towns most famous sight a Summer resort for the Emperors of the time.

Bocca della Verita

Baths of Caracalla

The Colosseum, really quite breathtaking

Beautiful dining oasis around every corner

Hotels

Albergo Del Senato a charming boutique hotel, the rooms literally face the Pantheon and Piazza Della Rotonda.

Hotel Locarno near Piazza del Popolo, has a great outdoor courtyard for an aperitif before dinner.

Hotel Raphael near Piazza Navona, pretty rooftop restaurant.

Restaurants & Cafes

Ristorante Dal Bolognese in the Piazza Del Popolo, upscale Roman cuisine, very good.

St. Anna's across the street from Hotel Locarno, be prepared for a Roman feast!

Cafe della Pace near Piazza Navona, indulge in a special treat, espresso con cioccolato!

Giolitti the oldest gelateria in Rome, you must have a gelato everday of your visit!

Sights & Travel Tips

Roman Catacombs and Aqueducts

Book a Tour: www.initaly.com
Hotel Finder: www.venere.it