Twelve Sites of Rome in Seven Hours, by Car with a Driver-Guide

Teatro di Marcello

The second largest of the three ancient theatres of Rome and the only one still standing, with arches that have held for two thousand years. Augustus built it in the first century BC and dedicated it to his nephew Marcellus, who died at twenty. In the sixteenth century the whole thing was turned into the foundation of a private palace, which is why there are apartments on top of it. A stop for photographs and an explanation.

Palatine Hill

The Palatine is one of the seven hills and the place Rome was founded in the eighth century BC. Later the emperors made it their official residence. The site is seen from outside, from the southern crest of the Circus Maximus, which is the best angle for it and for photographs.

The site of the largest stadium ever built for chariot races

The largest stadium ever built for chariot racing, familiar from Ben-Hur, is now a long flat stretch of grass. It is seen from the southern crest, which gives the panorama and the sense of the scale, with an explanation.

The monument is situated in the main square of the city…

The monument stands on Piazza Venezia and honours Victor Emmanuel II, first king of a unified Italy, and the unification itself. At the top of the central stair is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with two soldiers on guard and the eternal flames. Official ceremonies are held here. Seen from a corner of the square, with time for photographs.

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Roman Forum

The Roman Forum began as a marketplace and became the civic centre of the ancient city, where public business and ceremony happened. It is seen from the Capitoline or along the Via dei Fori Imperiali, with a stop close by for photographs and an explanation.

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St. Peter's Square

St Peter's Square, in Vatican City, laid out around the basilica at its head. This is where the Pope holds audiences, and where he gives the blessing on Sundays. The square is open to the public except during special celebrations. After a short explanation from the driver-guide there is time for photographs and a look round.

Trevi Fountain

A monumental display of water at the end point of a Roman aqueduct, and one of the most impressive things in the city. The coin goes in with a wish. Access here is from street level: the lower area requires a ticket. The car gets you as close as it can, and after the history there is time for photographs.

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Spanish Steps

The Spanish square, the staircase above it, the fashion district around it and the crowd that comes with all three.

Piazza Navona

One of the finest squares in Rome, still holding the arena shape of a Roman stadium built in AD 86. Successive popes turned it into the Renaissance and Baroque set piece it is now. The square is open with no restrictions. The car drops you nearby, the guide explains it, and there is free time for photographs.

Pantheon

A temple to all the gods, built over two thousand years ago, with a dome that art historians and architects are still arguing about. Also a good square for an espresso and a gelato. The temple is seen from outside, with time for photographs after the history. If you want to go in, the ticket offices are at the entrance, cash on the left and cards on the right, and the guide can allow extra time.

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Terrazza del Gianicolo

The best place in Rome for a panoramic photograph, quiet, with a large fountain and a terrace looking over the whole city. It is also where the cannon is fired at noon every day, which has become an attraction in itself. There is time to stop, take pictures and walk about.