• Category: Sightseeing
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Visiting Rome in August is exhilarating, but demanding. Like a gladiator braving the Coliseum, the visitor must first tackle the heat, and then the dizzying, endless round of breathtaking sights, all of which thrill and inspire, from the Vatican and St Peter's Basilica to the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, the Castel Sant'Angelo and much more besides.

Many Romans head to the coast or the hills at this time, leaving the streets relatively empty. Their absence gives you free rein to be an unabashed, Michelin Guide-wielding tourist, whizzing from church to gallery to ancient landmark, fuelling up on gelati and panforte on the way, stopping for the obligatory four-hour break for lunch and a siesta before heading out for more. Be warned: every sight in Rome makes you hungry for the next. How many cities make you feel that way?

A trip to Rome must include a sojourn in the Tuscan hills. Here, you can recharge, savour the smell of sweet, wild sage and rosemary and cool down amid beautiful olive groves, vineyards and cypress trees, a glass of Chianti always to hand. Duly revived, you'll be ready to resume your magical cultural tour in a region that gives Rome a run for its money when it comes to cultural gems. Head towards Siena, two hours or so from Rome, and stay in one of the hill towns, such as the small and unspoilt Castelnuovo Berardenga.

Continue reading Rome: Eternally grateful

• Submitted by
  
  harriet
• 08/27/09
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