Located on Deck 6.

Designed with award-winning Chef Roy Yamaguchi, our Pan-Asian restaurant offers an unforgettable culinary experience. Chef Yamaguchi, creator of Hawaiian fusion cuisine, combines his Japanese heritage with a love for the freshest ingredients. And he brings his creative flair to every detail, from creating the recipes and suggesting the perfect wine pairings to selecting the right chinaware and the ideal music to enhance the dining experience.

A luxury fish restaurant that offers a mouth-watering proposal of sophisticated fish and shellfish made with the freshest ingredients, including scallop 'a la Gallega' with Iberian ham, fideuá of king crab and confit duck and rosemary salt roasted sea bass.

This American-style steak house serves select Linz heritage angus beef, gold standard in high-end angus beef thanks to the best genetics in breed. The highest quality product custom cut by master butchers and aged to perfection. The menu is inspired by the great plains and it is accompanied by bold New World wines and cocktails with swagger.

Tradition and modernity go hand in hand in this stylish teppanyaki restaurant. This charming venue offers deliciously authentic Asian cuisine prepared on the spot with only the freshest, highest quality ingredients.

This warm, friendly bistro promises high-quality French cuisine: snacks from cheese and charcuterie escargots and foie gras. For something more substantial, try ribeye steak fries & blue cheese sauce followed by a traditional French dessert. You can even pop in for a convivial, Parisian-style breakfast.

The dedicated family buffet on deck 16 offers a variety of popular favourites and other tasty, healthy dishes that children will love.

The MSC Yacht Club Restaurant is an exclusive and private venue reserved only for you with spectacular sea views.

Embark on a culinary journey and delight in gourmet creations and five-star service. From à la carte menus with premium Mediterranean and International cuisine to a dedicated team of international chefs sourcing local premium products, everything is thought to tantalize your taste buds. Our dedicated Sommelier will be pleased to advice a food & wine pairing experience and to present the wide selection of wines.

The Golden Sand Restaurant is located on Deck 5.

A wonderfully comfortable and casual place to eat. It’s the ideal place for enjoying a great informal Mediterranean dining experience with a spectacular sea view. Visible kitchens and a Mozzarella-making area allow guests to watch our chefs preparing the fresh food. The extensive buffet area includes various multifunction corners serving international dishes, ethnic cuisine, healthy options and a multitude of other tastes.

This sundeck buffet and bar, exclusive to MSC Yacht Club Guests, offers an exceptional selection of freshly grilled specialities. Throughout the day our talented chefs prepare an enticing array of first-rate dishes from the freshest ingredients prepared right before your eyes. With carefully selected meats, perfectly roasted the lunch time carvery is a must. Alternatively, grab something from the grill, from our selection of fresh fish, meat and burgers and homemade pasta and a wide choice of fresh salads compliment the variety of food on offer.

The Ocean Point Restaurant & Buffet can be located on deck 16.

One of the best ways to explore a city is from the seat of a bicycle. Hit the road on your next MSC Cruise on a MSC BIKE ADVENTOURS experience.

See, hear, smell and feel the destination like never before. You’re guaranteed to leave with a deeper connection.

Our carefully curated small group tours offer both active adventures and easy city sightseeing on electric bicycles.

Reserve today and ride into your next adventure with MSC Bike Adventours.

MSC Bike Adventours Clothing

Ride longer and feel stronger with our pro cycling jersey and race ready bib, designed by Essor Design studio and available exclusively onboard. Available in S – XL.

You can have yours with our MSC Bike Adventours.

What are Protectours

We are committed to preserving a beautiful world for future generations to enjoy. By focusing on environmental sustainability, PROTECTOURS contribute to that vital goal. 70% of the tours involve activities with zero environmental impact – like walking, cycling, or kayaking – while others make a direct contribution to the environment, for example, tree planting or beach cleaning. So, you can enjoy original insights into the natural world while preserving its beauty and helping to ensure a greener future!

A world of amazing experiences

PROTECTOURS offer you unforgettable experiences in close contact with nature and communities in a variety of environments around the world. Local guides, with an expertise in wildlife or traditions, will help you save baby sea turtles in the Caribbean, clean the desert in Abu Dhabi, explore Iceland by horseback, or immerse yourself in Corfu’s beautiful countryside and the magical world of bees.

MSC Cruises and the environment

Our love and respect for the marine environment are reflected in our certified eco-ships, with their innovative systems for energy saving, waste treatment and recycling. Naturally, our commitment to the environments extends to our onshore activities too. PROTECTOURS is not only a way to offer our guests a variety of eco-friendly shore excursions, but also a means of encouraging our onshore partners to develop tours that pay ever more attention to environmental sustainability. Just one example is that no single-use plastic or other items are accepted on these tours.

Explore each destination at your own pace

Our Easy & Accessible Tours make exploring comfortable for everyone!

These tours allow slow walkers, wheelchair, scooter users and any guests that like to leisurely explore, to visit the best each destination has to offer on easy tours created just for them. Through specifically selected itineraries and specially designed tours, guests will be able to enjoy step free routes at their own pace, experiencing the wonders of our destinations in total comfort. Special needs vehicles will be available to accommodate small groups, and tours itineraries will always include access to special needs restrooms.

Please note that vehicles and their wheelchair & scooter requirements (width, height, weight) vary from tour to tour so make sure to carefully check the specific requirements within each tour description.

Accessible Vehicles & Facilities

Vehicles equipped with a wheelchair accessible solution. We visit accessible bathrooms equipped with wide doors.

Small Groups with Expert Guides

Local guides are knowledgeable experts of their area, as well as experts in accessibility needs excursions.

Visit at your own pace

Tours made to leisurely visit the destination's highlights while taking into account guests' special needs and facilitating each participant in moving independently.

Step-free Routes

Tours aim at eliminating obstacles and ensure a smooth access to all of the highlights visited

Come and see how we do it! Go “Behind-the-Scenes” and experience what goes into delivering a perfect cruise vacation.

Explore several “off-limit” areas of the ship

Are you ready for the ultimate behind-the-scenes experience on our magnificent cruise ship? This exclusive excursion is limited to small groups of 20 people, so you'll have a truly intimate and immersive experience.

Join us as we take you on a journey through the hidden corners of our ship, where only a select few have gone before. You'll have the chance to see the inner workings of the ship, from the bridge of command, engine room to the gallery and beyond.

A one-of-a-kind discovery tour

Our knowledgeable tour guides and shipboard staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and give an overview of the internal operation of the ship.

But that's not all – you'll also have the opportunity to meet the ship's captain and learn about their experiences at sea. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get an inside look at the operations of a cruise ship and to see what goes on behind the scenes. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity – book your spot now to ensure one of the very few seats available!

BOOK THE TOUR ON BOARD AT THE EXCURSIONS' OFFICE

• The tour availability is limited, so don’t miss out and reserve your spot!
• The tour takes place during various moments of the cruise to guarantee the safest and most suitable conditions to the participants.
• The tour lasts approximately 2 hours to 3 hours and a half.
• Prices starting from 30€, final price is confirmed on board depending on which tour is booked.
• To participate guests must be at least 6 years old and must be accompanied by a paying adult.
• Guests participating must be physically fit as the tour involves multiple flights of stairs as well as extended periods of walking and standing.
• The meeting point and time will be confirmed on the Ship.

Important Note: it is strictly forbidden to take along mobile phones and cameras and participants must wear only closed shoes.

Discover each destination with your children at a rhythm that suits families, thanks to our Family Fun excursions. Guided by talented, qualified local guides in constant contact with the ship, they are your passport to new cultures, historic monuments, natural beauty and more.

What’s more, kids get a special price on shore excursions!

• Babies and Infants aged 2 and younger will be carried free of charge
• Children between the ages of 3 to 13 years have a discount up to 30% vs adult price
• Book now and save up to 20% vs onboard prices!

Make The Magic Last A Little Longer

One of the joys of cruising is the chance to discover enchanting new destinations in comfort and style. At each port of call, our excursions offer you the most memorable experiences in the most fascinating places, accompanied by experienced, professional personnel. To get more for less from your time ashore, why not take advantage of our Excursions Explorer Package? The package comprises three of the best excursions* available on each cruise at one very attractive price. Please note that this is a limited availability offer and is valid only on selected departures**.

*Excursions Explorer Package cannot be modified or refunded. In the event of one or more excursions being cancelled by MSC Cruises, the offer is not applicable to other excursions different from those included in the package.

**The Excursions Explorer Package is available on selected departures for the following destinations: Mediterranean, Northern Europe, MSC Grand Voyages, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Qatar, Caribbean & Antilles, South America.

Make every moment ashore an unforgettable experience

Explore marvelous destinations all over the world with MSC Yacht Club by immersing you in luxury, exclusivity, and premium privilege, such as private transportation, smaller excursion groups, all-inclusive benefits.

From paradisiacal beach getaways and upscale adventures to authentic cuisine, enlightening arts and craft workshops, storied architectural visits, elevate your journey with MSC Yacht Club Excursions.

Get ready to unveil a world of unparalleled luxury and exploration.

• Desirable Locations - Stylish beaches, elegant resorts, private catamaran voyages
• Local Artisanry - Local arts, traditional handcraft, cultural workshops
• Architectural Treasures - Castles, palaces, UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Authentic Cuisine - New flavours and exciting culinary journeys
• Upscale Adventures - Premium, unspoilt locations and adrenaline fuelled-activities

With its multi-storey aqua park, MSC Seaside offers one of the largest and most interactive water attractions at sea. It prides itself on its five different water slides, including two racing slides with clear loops extending over the side of the ship and a 367-foot water slide with lights and music going down in single and double slide tubes. Also boasts an AquaPlay™ area for tots and an adventure trail, the aqua park truly has something for everyone.

The stunning high-tech theatre is the ideal venue to enjoy spectacular Broadway-style shows, with a varied programme offering compelling entertainment every evening of your cruise.

Strike! That’s what you want to hear every time the bowling ball barrels down the alley. See whether you have the knack and play against your family and friends to crown the bowling champion in your midst.

Available on: MSC Grandiosa, MSC Bellissima, MSC Seaview, MSC Seaside and MSC Meraviglia.

A real chocolate experience by Venchi, the best luxury chocolate since 1878. A chocolate, gelato and coffee corner where guests can indulge in some of Venchis finest treats while watching the Venchi maîtres chocolatiers creating authentic Italian recipes through the glass window overlooking the kitchen lab.

Cocktails and other drinks are available for your enjoyment in our Seaside Lounge. Bar menu with classic cocktails, sparkling cocktails, Mojitos, zero-alcohol drinks, wines, beers, ciders, aperitifs, liqueurs and more. There are afternoon activities too, along with an extensive selection of tea.

During the day, the Garage Club is dedicated to teenagers. At night, it's a club with a powerful sound system and great cocktails. Dance the night away to our pumping sound system and enjoy a fantastic beverage range: long drinks, Spritz & Co, exciting premium cocktails and the latest mocktails.

Super cocktails are a feature of this cocktail bar. A signature MSC cocktail, a classic or something entirely new -you decide. This bar is an ideal spot to stop by to listen to live music and enjoy a drink from the extensive bar menu.

With an array of first-rate champagne, bubblies, fresh oysters, caviar and fish, the chic Champagne Bar is a place to indulge in the finer things in life. To ensure we have only the best, we have painstakingly researched the quality of our sparkling wines and sourced them from the most renowned producers world-wide

Watch the game, or simply relax with a great choice at American or international beer, cocktails, spirits and more at this American-style sports bar.

Discover a world of frozen delights, cocktails, beers and soft drinks at the main poolside ice cream bar. Venchi artisanal ice-cream is made fresh daily!

This relaxing outdoor pool bar is dedicated to guests who have chosen the Aura Experience. The exclusive bar menu features a variety of coladas, margaritas, long drinks, frozen delights and many other refreshers.

Surrounded by the specialty restaurants, Wine and Cocktails is an ideal place for an aperitif while waiting for a table in one of the specialty dining venues, or the place to stop by for a glass of wine after dinner.

The MSC Seaview Waterfront Boardwalk on deck 8 circumnavigates the ship and offers access to a wide variety of restaurants and bars. From the glass skywalk on deck 16, guests can enjoy a jaw-dropping view of the sea from above.

Extending over four decks, the multi-level glass-walled atrium represents an innovative and atmospheric entertainment venue for live music and other events. The two glass-floored catwalks beyond its glass walls offer guests spectacular ocean views.

For a bit of quiet time on board your ship, check out the Billiard Room & Library to play a civilised game or read in peace amid a haven of tranquillity and calm. With the clicking of the balls and low-key conversations as the only sounds you’ll hear, it’s the ideal place to unwind.

Billiard Room & Library available on: MSC Seaview.

While away a few enjoyable hours of game play at the Arcade on board the ship. Pit your wits and skill against those of your friends in any number of typical arcade options, including video games, pinball and more. Great fun guaranteed.

Our amazing on-board MSC Formula Racer delivers an adrenaline-pumping virtual-reality race, with you in the driver’s seat of a racing car. Go head to head against other racers and thrill to the feel of engines gunning. Huge fun for the young and the young at heart, regardless of who wins the race.

Available on MSC Grandiosa, MSC Bellissima, MSC Seaview, MSC Seaside, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Divina, MSC Splendida, MSC Fantasia and MSC Preziosa

Type of service: Charges apply

Located on Deck 8.

Make sure to walk through the Emotions-Immersive Gallery to see unique photos of MSC Guests (including you and your family!) taken by our professional onboard photo team. This immersive experience is a great opportunity to meet your fellow guests, and it’s a lot of fun trying to spot the shots of you and your loved ones. And if you see any you like, they’re available for purchase in the Photo Gallery.

Available on: MSC Seaview, MSC Seaside and MSC Meraviglia.

Type of service: Charges apply

The unique Panorama Pool is the perfect place to relax, soak up the sun and enjoy the panoramic sea views. Around the pool you'll find a set of innovative sun loungers, designed to give you the chance to stay closer to the water than ever before.

Located on Deck 18.

Connected directly to the top deck by two panoramic lifts, the Sunset Beach Pool offers plenty of space in the sun, as well as breathtaking views out over the back of the ship and across the water.

The MSC Yacht Club Sundeck & Pool is an exclusive luxurious outdoor area with captivating swimming pool, spacious sundeck, and relaxing large hot tubs for an remarkable luxury cruise experience.

In the MSC Yacht Club you are provided with exceptional service, including fresh towels and cleaning sunglasses while enjoying the One Pool. Elegant and private cabanas are also available on selected ships.

Reserved exclusively for MSC Yacht Club Guests, this elegant lounge with its panoramic views offers the Yacht Club bar list of craft cocktails, beer, fine wine, soft drinks and coffee drinks. This elegant lounge equally offers a fine selection of gourmet finger food throughout the day. Enjoy spectacular views in this elegant lounge.

Our casinos are elegantly designed, featuring games for all types of players. You’ll be able to try your hand at Roulette or Blackjack, challenge yourself at one of our Poker tables, or choose among a variety of slot machines.

If you want to take a break from the gaming tables or simply sit and watch the action while sipping a cool drink, the Platinum Casino bar is the place to be. This specially designed lower bar offers an open view of the entire casino area and has its own unique bar menu.

Ideally situated near the main dining room, this bar is a perfect place to join friends for an aperitif before a meal, or for an after-dinner shot, even vodka, whisky or rum tastings.

Thanks to its sliding roof, the indoor pool ensures maximum enjoyment in every season. On evenings when the weather prevents the outdoor pool areas from being used, it becomes a fantastic party venue, hosting a series of fun events on themes ranging from the '70s to The Great Gatsby.

This bar is an ideal spot to join friends for an aperitif before a meal. Choose your favourite drink or ask our professional mixologist to prepare you a fabulous Martini.

We organise various daytime and evening Theme Parties on board. You may wish to bring bright fun clothes for the Sunshine Party and something white for the White Party.

Available on: all MSC Ships

Type of service: Included

A start-of-the-cruise event celebrating the ship's departure, led by the Entertainment Team and Dancers in a spectacular Costume Parade.

Available on: all MSC Ships

Type of service: Included

Fun-packed festive celebrations with a Bavarian flair - decorations, costumes, games, music and of course beer. There’s even a Master of Beer competition and a 6-metre-tall inflatable beer mug.

Available on: all MSC Ships

Type of service: Included

The world's best-loved food show awaits you on the MSC Cruises fleet! Experience the adrenaline-fuelled creativity of an extraordinary on-board cooking competition for adults and junior guests.

Available on: all MSC Ships

Type of service: Included

Think you’ve got what it takes to be a star in our on-board talent competition, The MSC Factor? Then come and showcase what you can do in the most exciting talent show at sea. Whatever your specific talent may be, don’t be shy – come and show the world what it’s been missing.

Available on: all MSC Ships

Type of service: Included

With daily Italian gelato made on board, the Venchi Chocogelateria and Creperie is an ideal place to pamper yourself or someone you love. Using the best quality ingredients, we serve up gelato milkshakes, chocolate smoothies, cones.

The Sunset Beach Bar offers delicious Caribbean-style cocktails and punches, like Mojitos and frozen delights, as well as beer, mixed drinks, ciders, softs, fruit juices and alcohol-free cocktails.

Fashion Boutique

Browse the latest collections for men, women and children, plus an array of accessories for all tastes. Enjoy the expert guidance of our staff, here to help you find something for the special people in your life, whatever their age and taste!

Fashion Jewellery

A wonderland of all that sparkles; showcasing designs in gold, silver, precious and semi-precious stones and watches.

You’ll love the wide choice of jewellery, perfect as a special gift or to treat yourself, and at prices that will put an extra sparkle in your eye.

Accessories

Top Italian brands such as Armani, Coccinelle, Furla and Fusaro feature alongside international names like Radley London, Calvin Klein, Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren.

Here you are sure to find serious sartorial inspiration for bags and accessories!

Duty Free

Discover everything the Duty Free shop has to offer, all at tax and duty-free prices*.

You can choose between top-flight international tobacco products, technology products, fine wines, chocolate, make up and travel essentials.

Our expert staff can provide you with all the help you need to make the perfect choice.

MSC Logo Shop

Infuse your cruise with gifts that spark magical memories of your voyage across the waves! Navigate the MSC Logo Shop for everything from gadgets to books and novelty gifts! You’ll also find MSC’s very own DOREMI Mascot right here in the MSC Shop.

Fine Watches & Jewellery

Located on Deck 6.

Mini Mall

Located on Deck 6.

Perfumes and Cosmetics

Located on Deck 6.

Watches & Sunglasses

Located on Deck 7.

Timeless Studio Photography

A dedicated Studio Photographer will provide you with a unique photo opportunity to capture the special moments of your cruise. During a private consultation you will be presented with the best locations around the ship so you can choose where your photoshoot will take place. Every photo will be taken with top of the line equipment by our highly-skilled, studio photographer using creative lighting techniques. Pictures are printed on premium photo paper. After your session choose from our different packages and take home lasting memories. Timeless Studio photos are only available to purchase onboard during your cruise. They can not be download online or purchase after your cruise ends.

Get inspired and take home the ultimate reminder of your time on board. In the Art Gallery you'll be able to browse the walls and take your pick with the help of our Gallery staff, always ready to guide you in your choice.

Visit our on-board 4D Cinema* for a chance to enter a world of adventure without having to leave the comfort of your seat. Enjoy a unique cinematic experience, full of surprising features and visual effects.

Don’t forget to explore the All-Inclusive Digital Photo Package, which includes digital files of all the photos taken by our professional photographers on board. Digital photos are available for download only during your cruise. Keep in mind, once you disembark, downloading your photos won't be possible.

The enchanting city of Barcelona is a visual delight, and has an atmosphere that combines elegance and sophistication with provincial charm. In exploring its streets you'll discover medieval romance in its Gothic quarter and the awe-inspiring delights of the fantastic and sometimes outrageous Art Nouveau architecture of Gaudi and his contemporaries.

The funicular up to Tibidabo, or the cable car up Montjuic, both offer breathtaking views over this attractive city. Its skyline is perhaps most famous for Antoni Gaudi's masterwork, the still incomplete church of the Sagrada Familia, as well as the city's huge Gothic cathedral. The artistic legacy of Barcelona is one of the city's most appealing attributes, with museums containing extensive collections of the works of Miro and Picasso. Barcelona is also a shopper's paradise, with the city's flair for style reflected in its numerous boutiques and markets, open late into the evenings. As the sun sets, and the city's many bars and restaurants open, the night truly comes alive. Dinner is served at any time between nine o'clock and midnight, and the festivities around the bars and nightclubs carry on well into the early hours of the morning.

Barcelona is the commercial centre of the popular holiday region known as the Costa Brava, the northernmost Mediterranean seafront in Spain, as well as the Costa Dorada to the south. The coast is dotted with popular resort towns, many retaining their age-old charm, which can be easily reached from the city.

Those of us who remember our history books recognise Genoa as the birthplace of famous explorer Christopher Columbus. While always an important port city in Italy, for decades Genoa languished behind Rome, Venice and Milan as the tourists passed it by.

This changed dramatically after the European Union nominated Genoa as the European Capital of Culture in 2004. Cruise ships docking in the Porto Antico now bring visitors by the thousands, and travellers in Italy are making time in their itineraries to spend several days on holiday in Genoa.

This tourism renaissance is well-deserved, as there are many beautiful and fascinating tourist attractions in Genoa. The medieval district is filled with stunning marble churches and stately palaces, grouped around scenic plazas like the Piazza San Matteo and the Piazza Dante. Visitors should be sure to look for the famous frescoes of the Church of Sant'Agostino and the fanciful Gothic carvings of the Cattedrale San Lorenzo, while the Via Garibaldi has a number of impressive Baroque buildings. There are many interesting museums in the city too, dedicated to everything from cultural and natural history to the navy, cathedrals and royalty of the city's past. There are no fewer than five art museums in Genoa.

Though it's Italy's largest medieval town, Genoa's present is just as vibrant as its past. The streets are always buzzing with life and visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants, shops and entertainment. The Porto Antico on the harbour front has been rebuilt from a utilitarian dock to an entertainment area with museums, cinemas and restaurants, as well as one of the biggest aquariums in Europe along the pretty promenade.

Genoa makes a good base to explore the other towns along the Italian Riviera, including Portofino, Cinque Terre, Rapallo and La Spezia.

The city of La Spezia is located in Italy's Liguria region and is known for its picturesque setting and harbor. The city is situated on the Gulf of La Spezia, flanked by towering mountains. La Spezia's harbor is a popular gateway to the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy's most popular tourist destinations. The city is also home to a large naval base and shipyard. La Spezia has a long history dating back to Roman times. The city was an important maritime center during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. In more recent history, La Spezia was a key base for the Italian Navy during World War II. Today, La Spezia is a bustling city with a thriving economy and a vibrant cultural scene. The city is home to numerous museums, art galleries, and theaters. La Spezia is also a popular destination for food and wine lovers. The city's restaurants offer a variety of regional and international cuisine. La Spezia is an ideal base for exploring the Liguria region. The city's convenient location and excellent transportation network make it easy to access the region's many attractions.

The island of Mallorca (Majorca), off the east coast of Spain, is the largest in the Balearic Island group, which collectively forms one of the most popular beach holiday destinations in the Mediterranean, if not the world.

Mallorca took off as a tourist paradise in the 1960s, when a development boom spawned the building of hundreds of high-rise hotels, apartment blocks, and shopping centres that now line most of the island's coast.

The capital, Palma, still retains some of its historical flavour, sporting grand mansions and a magnificent Gothic cathedral in its bustling old centre. The northwest coast, too, still offers some secluded coves below the peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, and several quaint old towns and villages still untouched by the commercial development common on the island.

If travellers visit Mallorca for sun and fun on the beautiful beaches, as most people do, it is worth heading off for a tour of the island by car, or even bicycle, to discover the romantic fishing villages, historic monasteries, monuments, museums, and spectacular landscapes secluded from the hubbub. The interior is largely the preserve of a thriving agricultural community, dotted with windmills, as well as olive and almond trees.

Palma de Mallorca has the island's international airport and is the main ferry terminus, receiving ferries from Valencia and Barcelona on the mainland. It is also the hub of the extensive transport system that covers Mallorca, with bus services linking all main settlements, and train lines to Inca and the scenic tourist train to Soller.

The best way to get around is by car and there are several rental agencies in Palma, but in high season reservations need to be made in advance. Everything on the island is within three hours drive from the capital.

Rome is like a living museum, liberally dotted with fascinating ruins, ancient relics and archaeological sites. Centuries are peeled back from the Eternal City with each new vista in this great metropolis of fearsome gladiators and gorgeous art. Vespas, sports cars and nippy Fiats speed past trendy sidewalk cafes, bistros and nightclubs, revealing the Rome of Fellini's La Dolce Vita, while the stark facades of the Stadio Olimpico reminds visitors of Mussolini's attempts to reinvent the architecture of the Caesars.

For a taste of the Baroque, visitors need only climb the famous Spanish Steps, walk through the Piazza Navona or toss a coin into the beautiful Trevi Fountain. Renaissance splendour is best revealed in the Vatican Palace, specifically Michelangelo's efforts on the roof of the Sistine Chapel. From early Christian Basilicas and the Roman Forum to the Colosseum and the Pantheon, the sequence of history trails back to the dizzying heights of the empire.

It may sound like a city of contrasts, but Rome's timeless magic lies in its ability to blend the old with the new. Empires have risen and fallen, old gods have been replaced with the new, but Rome nonetheless remains.