ZIPPING BACK TO THE 1960S

Travel back to the glorious 1960s and get a true taste of La Dolce Vita on an exciting vintage FIAT 500 self-drive experience. You’ll feel the thrill of steering this iconic, epoch-making, uniquely Italian vehicle and enjoy unbeatable views of the Eternal City as you zip past its ancient monuments.

Deriving from the original FIAT 500 Topolino of the 1930s, the Nuova 500 was designed by engineer Dante Giacosa and launched in July 1957. Intended as an affordable, modern, simple means of transportation, the FIAT 500 quickly earned its reputation and nickname as a people’s car. The first vehicles were 2-seater cars with rear hinged doors, powered by a 479 cc two-cylinder, air-cooled engine and reached a top speed of 85 kilometres per hour. Measuring just over 2.5 meters in length, the FIAT 500 proved to be a practical, revolutionary invention and was enormously popular throughout Europe during the 1960s and 1970s, despite its small size. Considered to be Italy’s first city car, the FIAT 500 has gained a very special place in the hearts of generations of drivers.

What better way to get to know the local environment and its famous landmarks than a drive around the capital in a vintage Cinquecento? Hop in behind the wheel of your cult, candy-coloured car and kick off your Roman Holiday in true Italian style. Your private guide will sit next to you on the passenger seat and indicate the route through cobblestone alleys, up and down hills, past Rome’s archaeological sites and picture postcard attractions. You will also venture through neighbourhoods that you might have missed or never found time to explore on foot. Along the way you’ll enjoy several stops to take photos of Rome’s charming sights and hear intriguing tidbits about the city from your guide, including tales of an age-old lie detector, cruel shows and a secret garden.

As you cruise past the Colosseum, the greatest amphitheatre of the Roman world, you might still hear the cries of bloodthirsty crowds echoing across the centuries. The building’s first stone was laid in 72 AD at the request of Emperor Vespasian who wished to donate a gift to the Roman citizens and win their support with panem et circenses – bread and circuses. The gruesome calendar of events of great popular appeal staged inside the Colosseum included warrior fights, wild animal hunts and executions. Visions of gladiators, ill-fated prisoners and merciless rulers will keep you buzzing until you reach your next stop: the Aventine.

Tucked away on the southernmost of Rome’s seven hills you will find the Villa del Priorato di Malta, headquarters of the Grand Priory of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. Take a peek through the keyhole of its garden door… what an incredible view awaits you! A path lined with hedges leads the eye straight to the majestic dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, an architectural marvel dominating the cerulean Roman skyline.

Imagine the roar of 250,000 cheering spectators while you drive beside the Circus Maximus, one of the oldest and largest entertainment venues ever built. Ancient Romans gathered in this stadium to watch intrepid charioteers display their skills as they sped perilously around the track in hair-raising competitions. Much like today, victorious champions became celebrities, received large sums as prizes and were adored by the crowds – especially by those fans who received generous returns on the sizeable bets they had placed. Chariots could reach 70 kilometres per hour… almost a match for your FIAT 500 so watch out or they might overtake you!