ROME

Originally built as a stadium in the first century for athletic contests and chariot races, Piazza Navona is now lined with luxurious cafes and is the home to three lavish Baroque fountains. The much-touted ice-cream dessert, tartufo, is said to have originated here and you can still try it in the cafes as a splurge.

Ancient Rome's huge ampitheater, holding up to 55,000 people, was built by Emperor Vespasian in AD 80 and was the scene of many deadly gladiatorial and wild animal fights. Today you may see men dressed in gladiatorial costume as you walk between the Colosseum and the nearby Arch of Constantine, built in AD 315. On Sundays, the Via dei Fori Imperiali leading to the Colosseum is closed to traffic so it's a great place for a stroll (if you don't mind the souvenir vendors). Ticket lines can be long but there are ways to buy tickets faster. 

The ancient Roman Forum is a huge complex of ruined temples, basilicas, and arches. It was the ceremonial, legal, social, and business center of ancient Rome (The food stalls and brothels were removed in the second century BC). To get a good view, walk up the Capitoline Hill behind the museums. Give yourself at least 2 hours to wander around. Admission is charged as of March 9, 2008.