Rome

The capital of Italy, Rome is a multifaceted metropolis steeped in a rich history of culture. Located on the central western side of the Italian peninsula, the city was founded on the shores of the river Tiber and has an independent country, the Vatican City, within it's borders. The city occupies a central position in Western history, as is populated with nearly as many historical and cultural attractions as it has people.¾

Historically, Rome could arguably be called the cradle of Western civilization. Capital of the Roman Kingdom, the Roman Republic and the Roman empire, the city has since become the 14th-most visited country in the world, and a UNESCO Heritage site. You can see the power and might of the erstwhile Roman empire in the ruins of the Colosseum, or revel in the architectural finery at Palatine Hill. The beauty of the artefacts at the Vatican museums are unparalleled and no one can leave Rome without seeing the Sistine Chapel! A visit to the Vatican itself would lay bare the deep Christian roots of the city, while the more adventurous sort have whatever is in the catacombs of San Calisto waiting for discovery! Italian is the most spoken language in the city. However, mass tourism has ensured that most tour guides and people in the service sectors are familiar with English.