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How to lap up la dolce vita in Rome

Rome landscape
Harriet Charnock-Bates
Contributing Travel Editor
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Lap up la dolce vita in the shadow of spectacular historical sights in the Italian capital of Rome, where atmospheric haunts sit alongside designer glamour and foodie destinations...

STAY:

Stay Waldorf Astoria rome

Standing proudly on Monte Mario, the highest hill in Rome, the Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria offers views over the twinkling lights of the Eternal City. An imposing rococo masterpiece by Tiepelo hangs in the hotel'slobby, rooms are opulent and the colonnaded white marble spa is a welcome sight after a day spent exploring. The hotel's three-Michelin-starred restayrant, La Pergola, where culinary genius Heinz Beck creates refined Mediterranean dishes, has vistas of the dome of St Peter's. Ask the concierge to book you a chauffeured car to see the sights in A-list style. 

STORY: Sofia Vergara explores Rome on Italian holiday with friends

EXPLORE: 

Explore Rome© Photo: Getty Images

When it comes to ancient sites and culture, Rome is a goldmine. After seeing the Colosseum and the recently restored Trevi Fountain, marvel at works by Caravaggio and Raphael at Galleria Borghese. As you stroll down the Spanish Steps, drop into the Keats-Shelley House; the 18th-century palazzo where poet John Keats livied in a museum dedicated to the great British Romantic poets.

INDULGE: 

Indulge rome© Photo: Getty Images

Via Condotti is home to every Italian fashion house under the sun, with the Via del Corso also offering shopping galore. Want to live like a local? Meander around the picturesque Rione Monti neighbourhood, home to vintage shops, art galleries and nifty little boutiques. Then rejoin the tourists in the great squares of Piazza Navona and Campo de' Fiori, perfect spots for a Campari.

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TASTE:

Taste Rome

Hop on a vintage Vespa and discover off-the-beaten-track trattorias, or book a table at the Italian outpost of Zuma where plates such as seared wagyu tataki with black truffles are served in the splendid Palazzo Fendi - also home to the luxury label's flagship Rome store. Pierluigi is an alfresco hit for seafood and after dark, drop into La Cabala Club, a piano bar overlooking the Tiber.

TRIP DETAILS: Deluxe rooms at the Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, start from €269 (around £229) per night based on two sharing; visit romecavalieri.com. British Airways flies from London to Rome from £80 return.

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