Rome is magnificent and brutal at the same time and on today's program we are exploring and

understanding the Eternal City.

Hi I'm Rick Steeves.

2,000 years ago the word Rome meant civilization itself.

Today, Rome lives amidst the rubble of that ancient empire,

and it remains a cultural powerhouse,

the capital of both Italy and Catholicism.

As you peel through its fascinating and jumbled layers,

you'll find Rome's buildings, cats, all that laundry,

crazy traffic, and two and a half million Romans endlessly entertaining.

To prepare us for the Eternal City, two of Rome's best tour guides, Susanna Perucini and Francesca Caruso,

join us.

Because Rome is like an old lady, but still very charming, you have to go beyond the wrinkles.

It's also a wonderful opportunity for Americans to immerse themselves in an ancient civilization that they are very connected to themselves.

It's Rome on Travel with Rick Steves.

I'm Rick Steves, this is Travel with Rick Steves. Today we're going to Rome. Rome is a

magical city. I could spend more time in Rome I suppose along with maybe Paris,

London, and Niston both in any other city in Europe. And of course the thing

about Rome is it has so much

history. Not only does have a lot of history, but it's a vibrant opportunity to

connect with today's Italy. Today I have joining me two Roman guides.

Friends of mine who have helped me with my tours and my guidebook research and today are joining

...