Rome Early Bird Walking Small Group Tour

Since their inauguration in 1725, the Spanish Steps have captured the hearts and minds of prolific poets, artists and musicians of the centuries. The staircase was designed by lesser-known architects Alessandro Specchi and Francesco de Sanctis in order to link the Bourbon Spanish Embassy, located in Piazza di Spagna, to the Trinità dei Monti Church, which was under the patronage of the Bourbon Kings of France. The butterfly steps expand downward and outward, opening up to a unique Bernini fountain, “La Barcaccia”, which is said to have been made by both Gian Lorenzo Bernini and his father, Pietro.

The very existence of this shining gem of Rome is owed to an architectural design competition which had become a very popular fad in the Baroque era. The contest which had been organised by Pope Clement XII in 1730 was initially won by a Florentine man named Alessandro Galilei but when the public cried out for a Roman artist, the project was ultimately awarded to Nicola Salvi for his iconic Trevi Fountain design. In 2016, fashion house Fendi funded a $2 million restoration of the Trevi, ensuring a fresh look at the fountain as it looked upon its completion over 200 years ago.

This lesser-known corner, hidden along the backstreets of Rome’s historical center, boasts ancient ruins of monumental scale. The name Pietra, meaning “stone”, references the imposing 15-meter-high columns which line the width of the square. The columns, which serve as a grand testament to ancient Rome’s incredibly advanced approach to engineering, have stood since 145 BC when they were erected as part of the Temple of Hadrian. Today the plaza is bordered by charming stops for coffee, cocktails and sandwiches.

This perfectly preserved Pagan-temple-turned-Christian-church is bound to make an everlasting impression on anyone who visits. Its nearly 2,000-year-old dome which remains to be the largest unreinforced dome in the world, has inspired artists and architects for millennia including Michelangelo and his design for the cupola of St Peter’s Basilica. From inside, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the dome’s open oculus, the exquisite marble walls, and the tomb of famous Renaissance artist Raphael.

Soaking up centuries of history can really work up an appetite so we’ve planned ahead for an ice cream break. Our experts have all of the insider info and know exactly where to go for a truly authentic Italian gelato. Cool down in a picturesque piazza as you savour your sweet treat – on us! And find out what the Italians mean when they refer to the “dolce far niente” – “the sweetness of doing nothing”.

This stunning piazza, whose fame is partly attributed to cinematic classics like “Three Coins in a Fountain” and Dan Brown’s “Angels and Demons”, centres on one of Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s most magnificent works “The Fountain of Four Rivers”, which glistens in the shadow of the Church of Sant’ Agnese in Agone. The oblong plaza built directly above Domitian’s 1st Century stadium below, is bordered by charming Italian bars and restaurants, making it a perfect place to grab a bite to eat and take in the remarkable Roman ambiance.

Bustling market by day and lively hangout by night, Campo dei Fiori is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Mornings host visitors who come to browse stalls for fresh produce, cured meats and other Italian delicacies while the bordering restaurants and bars overflow after dark. The unique character of the plaza can be attributed to its mismatched buildings, erected throughout various centuries and architectural eras.