Spring is upon us, and if you are one of the lucky ones who is not yet busy preparing for our hectic tourist season here on the island, then this is a perfect time for travel – and being a tourist yourself. 

I suggest a small “city break” getaway that will take your mind off the work which is just around the corner this summer.

The first city that comes to my mind is Rome.

 Through the centuries it has been referred to by different names, such as Caput mundi (Capital of the world), la Città Eterna (The Eternal City), Limen Apostolorum (Threshold of the Apostles), la città dei sette colli (The city of the seven hills) or simply l'Urbe (The City). 

Rome is one of the few major European cities that escaped World War II relatively unscathed, and central Rome remains essentially Renaissance and Baroque in character.

The Historic Center of Rome is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.  Rome, for me, is a city full of history, and what I would call a walking museum.

Walking around Rome you cannot but wonder how this city must have been in its prime, and what an impression it must have made for the people of that time to visit her splendour.

Uniquely pristine with many ancient buildings still standing, such as the Coliseum, Rome  will give you the feeling sometimes that time has stood still and you have travelled back in time.

 A trip to the Vatican City, which is the smallest independent state in the world in both population and area, is a must.  There you will find St. Peter's Basilica, the Apostolic Palace, and the Sistine Chapel.  Most important to me, since I am not religiously oriented, were the works of Michelangelo.

As far as European cities go, Rome is very spread out, and, when travelling around, you get the impression of openness, not closed-in like many other large cities. 

There are many large famous plazas throughout where you can walk, or sit and enjoy coffee, ice cream or the delicious Italian cuisine. 

There is a freshness about this ancient city that seems truly to be eternal…...timeless.

For those of you that are more into nightlife and shopping therapy, Rome will not let you down, for sure.  It has all the trendy boutiques that will make your credit cards and wallets need their own rest when you return.

So, if you decide to go, there’s only one rule to remember: When in Rome, do as the Romans do.