Simona and Antonella were extremely helpful in organising transport from and to the airport, which made our arrival and departure very easy. They were at the apartment when we arrived and went through all the relevant instructions about the place, so we knew where everything was. They also left us a bottle of wine, which unfortunately we didn't drink, as we were so busy every day (especially with two children to manage!).

The apartment is very well located (and quiet), both for access to the city and also a huge choice of excellent restaurants around the Piazza di Santa Maria, within five minutes walking distance. The kids were particularly impressed with the fact that there was a terrific gelataria right next door, which they visited daily!

To get into the city is a 20/25 minute walk. This takes you to the nearest Hop On Hop Off bus stop and is also fairly close to the Colosseum. You can also take a Hop On Hop Off river cruise, which gets you a view of the city from the Tiber and is also a handy way of reaching The Vatican.

If we were going to offer any advice to prospective visitors, it would be to pick off-season dates and avoid the school holidays. The crowds were incredible at all of the major sites and also right through The Vatican, which doesn't really allow you to stop and fully appreciate what you are seeing. Other than that, Rome is magnificent and well worth a visit.