The eternal city of Rome is so full of breathtaking treasures from all periods of history that you can live your entire life here and still never see everything. So given that you’ll be spending considerably less than a lifetime here (although you wouldn’t be the first to just not get the plane home), we’ve provided a few useful links so that you can read up a little before you come. Maybe you’ve never heard of the Colosseum before…? Or maybe you’ve been here a few times and would like to go off the beaten track? We hope the following provide you with some inspiration.

• A brief account of the last 300 years, thanks to good old Wikipedia.
• www.romancandletours.com – Fancy a tour? It really is the best way to learn about these fascinating places, so go with our enthusiastic expert mother-tongue English guides, who are cheaper than most Italian guides and whose English you can actually understand.
• What’s on Guide to Rome nightlife and events (it’s not all just history you know!)
• www.atac.roma.it, www.trenitalia.com – Local and national transport.
• Official Site of the Holy See.
• Rome’s museums listed from A to Z.

And if you’re planning to travel around Italy a bit, try these hotels’ sites

• Florence Hotels Direct – The best value for money Hotel Portal for Florence.
• Hotel Boston Florence – The family run Hotel Boston Florence is one of the most charming and refreshing 3 star accommodations in the historical center of this beautiful renaissance city.
• Mr. My Resort Florence – A charming family owned friendly guest house in Florence city centre.

• Milan Hotels Direct – Milan Hotel Portal offering the best rates guaranteed.
• Hotel Demidoff Milan – Comfortable and attractive 3 Star hotel in Milan near the main train station.
• Hotel Vecchia Milan – Charming 3 star city center hotel in Milan.

• Venice Hotels Direct – Venice Hotel Portal offering very competitive rates.
• Pensione Seguso Venice– idyllic 16th century family run guest house in the wake of San Marco.
• Hotel Zecchini Florence – 2 Star Accommodation at affordable rates and the ideal place to stay for families.
• Sicily Hotels Direct – Brand new Hotel Portal for Sicily.