Cheap flights to Rome are on every traveller's wish list for the Italian capital is a must-visit city, one of those "see before you die" destinations.
Rome is ancient. Spread across seven hills, on the River Tiber, every cobbled stone suggests its long history - the gladiators fought here in the Colosseum, the faithful prayed here in the Pantheon, Michaelangelo enjoyed the patronage of popes here.
The devout still make a pilgrimage to Rome to visit the Vatican City, the Pope's residence and a city-state of great importance. St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums attract millions of visitors each year. Michelangelo designed the dome (there are 323 steps to the top to enjoy heart-stoppingly beautiful views of Rome) and, perhaps most famously, painted the frescoes in the Sistine Chapel.
After the culture, soak up the atmosphere where it's at its best - on the streets. Rome comes to life in the mid-morning and buzzes until late at night. The Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, the most theatrical of the piazzas, or Trastevere, bohemian and with a young vibe, are where you'll get a real taste of this amazing city.
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Rome's climate is a pleasant Mediterranean one. Summers are hot and dry, spanning May to September. Winters are mild and rainy (September through mid-May).
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Peak Season:
May/June and September/October are the peak season months.
Off Season:
November through February, with the exception of Christmas, New Year and the Venice Carnival is low season. July-August is extremely hot in Rome and many locals will quit the city for the coast. In recent years however, more and more Roman businesses stay open during the height of summer to cater for the tourists.
Shoulder Season:
March-April are shoulder months.
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From Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO), travellers who have stepped off their cheap flights to Rome can take an express train to Stazione Termini. The journey takes about 30 minutes. There's also a bus service and taxis are plentiful. A taxi into Rome will cost about €40 (about $65). Make sure you select a metered taxi. Cars are white, have the licence number on the doors, back and inside the car and have a "TAXI" on the top.
From Ciampino (CIA), where most low-cost airlines including Ryanair and easyJet have a presence, CO.TRA.L. bus company links CIA with the Anagnina Underground station (line A). From there it's a 30- minute metro journey to Termini station. The nearest rail station is Ciampino Città. COTRAL/SCHIAFFINI buses travel there every 30 minutes, and it takes about five minutes to get there. The cost is one euro. A light metro connects Ciampino railway station to Termini railway station. The journey time is 15 minutes. A taxi will cost €30 (about $50 AU) from CIA to Rome.
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The best way to experience Rome is on foot. There is a metro - with two lines - but trains don't go through the city. The A line and B line cross at Termini Central Station.
Share the bus with the Romans. It's extensive, cheap and runs between 5.30am and midnight. Remember to purchase a ticket in advance - at a newsstand or vending machine.
If you are tempted to get a taxi, flag down a white or yellow taxi. These are the official metered cabs.
Bicycles are available to hire or you could hire a Vespa to see the sights in time-honoured Rome style. It'll cost about $80 per day.
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- When the city gets too much, Villa Pamphili is a perfect spot to relax. Its landscaped gardens are a favourite of many Romans.
- From the Aventine Hill, one of Rome's seven hills, there are beautiful views of the Vatican and the Tiber.
- Il Gelato Di San Crispino is renowned as having Rome's best ice-cream. Join the queue on the Via del Panetteria.
- In a city of masterpiece-stuffed museums, the Scuderie Del Quirinale makes for a nice change. The museum focuses on modern art.
- The Vatican Museums offer free admission on the last Sunday of every month. If you are planning on taking cheap flights to Rome, try to pencil this in - and save yourself €14 (about $23).
- Italians never order a cappuccino after their lunch or dinner. It's only drunk at breakfast and never at any other time of the day.
- Tippers: Service is always included in the bill.
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Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) (website: www.adr.it). The airport is 30km southwest of Rome.
Ciampino (CIA) (website: www.adr.it). Ciampino is 14km south of the city.
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