As crowds begin to disappear and dusk falls upon Rome, the exterior of the ancient Colosseum illuminates with atmospheric lights. The recognisable travertine structure was commissioned between A.D. 70 and A.D. 72 on the instruction of Emperor Vespasian, and is infused with myths and legends - some of which can be discovered on an eerie VIP night tour.

As you enter the underground tunnels, see the cages where gladiators were held and view elevators which transported wild animals to the surface, before heading above ground to the main floor of the arena, where the games took place.

As the light of the silvery moon casts its beams onto the arcaded ruins, imagine life back then, and put yourself in the shoes, (or gladiator sandals), of those fighting for survival as crowds looked down and jeered from the stands.

On a tour, you’ll experience views from both the arena floor and the vantage point of emperors and the noble classes. It’s a truly immersive experience, particularly for those intrigued by storytelling and ancient history.

Trastevere sits on the opposite side of the Tiber from the Colosseum, offering a cinematic-style glimpse into old Rome. The neighbourhood is a network of piazzas and cobbled streets peppered with pastel-hued houses and family-run trattorias.

Although Trastevere’s popularity has risen in recent years due to featuring in romantic Hollywood movies such as ‘To Rome with Love’, it still manages to retain an air of elegance and authenticity, and is particularly popular with foodies.

Culinary maestros can gain inspiration for their own Italian dishes at Mercato San Cosimato, an open-air produce market in the main piazza. Quaint stalls are adorned with awnings, strewn with baskets of plump ripe tomatoes, aubergines, and courgettes. Hole-in-the-wall shops sell handmade pasta bundled into bags and tied with ribbons, while others display a variety of cheeses and a myriad of gelato flavours.

Those wishing to explore Trastevere independently can dine alfresco in pretty ivy-clad restaurants with menus chalked on boards outside. Some classic dishes to try in Rome include fried artichokes, hot baked focaccia bread and Cacio e Pepe – pasta with pecorino cheese and freshly ground black pepper.

Offering a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of the ancient Romans, Ostia Antica is a well-preserved archaeological site dating back to the 4th Century BC. Visitors can explore the ruins of the town's public buildings, theatres, and forum, as well as the homes of the wealthy and the modest apartments of the working-class.

The Terme di Nettuno (Baths of Neptune) showcase some of the best-preserved ancient Roman baths in the world whilst a visit to the Mithraeum, a temple dedicated to the god Mithras that was discovered in the early 20th century, is a must-see.

The site also includes several museums that house artifacts discovered during excavations, including mosaics, sculptures, and everyday objects like pottery and coins.

Overall, the ruins of Ostia Antica offer a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of the ancient Romans and are a must-see for anyone interested in history or archaeology.

Five-star Portrait Roma offers guests a personalised experience in the heart of Rome’s designer shopping district.

The 14-suite Portrait Roma boutique hotel is located above the Ferragamo store, just around the corner from Via dei Condotti, and a short stroll from the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and 16th-century Villa Medici, with its beautiful landscaped gardens.

An exclusive blend of art and hospitality, the hotel is thoughtfully curated to attend to the needs of its guests. Luxury suites are decorated in rich hues and tactile fabrics, with comfortable seating areas and sketches of fashion icons and scenes of 1950s Rome on the walls.

Breakfast is served on a wraparound terrace overlooking the city’s rooftops, and you can enjoy afternoon tea or a sunset aperitif overlooking Trinità dei Monte church.

A personal “Lifestyle Assistant” can help you acquire tickets to the opera, hire a vespa for the day or organise a tailored shopping experience at nearby stores such as Tiffany & Co, Louis Vuitton, or Hermès.

Portrait Roma is in a perfect location for first-time visitors to the city and ideal for those wishing to incorporate a shopping spree or visit historic landmarks during a stay.