Diplomat Apartment

In the beautiful city of Rome, Diplomat Apartment enjoys a central setting with views of Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps from its two pretty balconies.

Part of a collection of apartments, Diplomat can be found on the fourth floor of an annexe building whilst the communal buffet breakfast and concierge service is in another building just around the corner. As soon as you step out of the annexe building you are surrounded by the charm of Piazza di Spagna and just a few strides away are the famous Spanish Steps which lead up to the beautiful Trinità dei Monti.

The steps provided a great cinematic backdrop for Audrey Hepburn and her ice-cream in the 1953 film “Roman Holiday”. Look out for the house where the romantic poet Keats lived and died, which is now a museum. At the foot of the steps are the famous English Babington Tearoom and Bernini’s “Fountain of the Leaky Boat”, a monument to when the Tiber flooded in 1598.

For high-end designer shops, visit nearby Via Condotti, the centre of Italian fashion and design since Bulgari opened its store here in 1905. For a different atmosphere, stroll along Via Margutta, a charming short and narrow street with ivy clad homes and little art galleries.

Head to the Trevi Fountain (800m) and throw a coin backwards over your shoulder for good luck, trying not to hit another tourist. From here it is only a short walk to the Pantheon, a landmark Roman church with historic tombs.

Visit The Roman Forum before marvelling at the Colosseum (2.3km), a huge amphitheatre once famous for its gladiatorial battles. Don’t forget to admire the views from Palatine Hill, the most famous of Rome’s seven hills and believed to be where Romulus and Remus were found.

Vatican City is a treasure trove of wonderful art and architecture. The Vatican Museum houses Roman sculptures and the wonderful Sistine Chapel is famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling. Climb to the top of the Basilica dome in St Peter’s Square for more great views.

Take a natural break in Villa Borghese Gardens with its walking trails, fountains and lakes. Refreshed, you might want to pop into the Gallery of National Modern Art inside the park.

Take a night time Segway tour or an electric bike ride around the city. There are bike and walking tours along the Appian Way (15km) while, much further afield, day trips are available to Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, Positano and the Amalfi coast. There are closer beaches and a nature reserve near Fiumicino and food and wine tasting tours in the Roman and Umbrian countryside.