Italy
With dad formerly on loan to AC Milan, it's no surprise that the Beckham boys were in Rome cruising the Colosseum with their mum in tow at the beginning of 2009.
And it's no wonder the boys went to see the remarkable structure which has made it onto several 'wonders of the world' lists. Note: as well as the humbling, but crumbling exterior of the Colosseum, be sure to take in the cavernous lower-level arcades.
It's easy to see why Rome is such a draw. But there is so much more to the historic city than the Vatican and the ancient ruins.
For example, you may wish to explore the west bank of the Tiber – known as Trastevere.
This is the oldest part of the city and 'Trastevere's dark alleys and narrow, cobbled streets once ran with blood from the butchers and tanning shops and were lit by ghostly lamps,' according to the Rome edition of the 'AA History & Mystery' series.
The book recommends a walk at dusk through a series of landmarks taking you through piazzas where people play live music. Plus there's a strong insight into the history of the area.
The walk features St Agatha's church (a 15-year-old martyr), as well as another church, this time in honour of St Cecilia. She was purported to have been steamed alive in one of a few failed attempts to execute her for her belief in God.
But it's not all gore. You even pass the house of a celebrity albeit an ancient one – Raphael's famous model, muse and mistress La Fornarina.
If you have an AA Membership Card, take it with you to get discounts around the world. Download a PDF of Italian discounts redeemable through the 'Show Your Card!' scheme.
AA Member benefits around Italy.
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Cheap eats
In 'AA History & Mystery Rome's' 'well-priced' range, the book recommends Pizza Popi-Popi in the heart of Trastevere. The taverna Renato e Luisa in Largo di Torre Argentina is another, as well as a 'no-frills' trattoria in the shape of Enoteca Corsi, if you're out and about in other quarters of the city.
Prices average at about €18 for pizza and a drink, to about €25 for a two-course dinner.
According to AA Getaways, here's an idea of prices so you can gauge costs:
- One-litre bottle of mineral water: 54p
- 33cl bottle of beer: 89p
- 36-exposure colour film: £2.74
- City-centre bus ticket: 52p
- Adult football ticket: From £20.50
- Three-course meal with wine/beer: From £20.50
Accommodation
Of course, not all budgets stretch to the five-star luxury of the Hotel de Russie, where the Beckhams stayed.
For more modest bank balances, modern, well-equipped campsites include Bungalow Park I Pini, according to 'AA Camping & Caravanning Europe 2009', which is within easy reach of the city centre. But there are many options in the area.
Getting there
Ferry ports such as Calais Dieppe and Dunkirk in France are good starting points. Rome is a whopping 15.5-hour drive from Calais, so be sure to plan some pit-stops along the way.
Breaking down in Italy
The main language is Italian of course, so if your language skills don't stretch to ignition, it's worth considering AA European Breakdown Cover. We offer 24-hour English-speaking assistance. So if you break down, just give us a call and we'll arrange for a local mechanic to come out to you.
If the car can't be fixed, we get you, your family and the car home again. Cover starts from just £9.05 for a day.
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Last updated: 30 July 2009
Prices correct at time of going to press.
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