I have just returned from roaming in Rome (with a few of my very special Princess Pals - Princess Lisa and Liz.) Rome is fantastic, definitely one of the best places I have ever visited, but to me it will no longer be known as Rome but TestosterROME.

Forget the architecture, forget the museums, forget the shops (ok don’t go that far) but when you visit make it a Princess Priority to sit down for a café latte and watch the men go by. OMG each one is more gorgeous than the next, I have never seen anything like it a living Italian VOGUE, (let’s not mention it to hubby!)

While I was there I noted down a few Princess Pointers if you ever go roaming in Rome:

1/ Explore ALL the cobbled side streets, they are filled with boutiqualicious boutiques and unusual designers, amazing shoes (I bought a few pairs) and no two shops stock the same goods.

2/ If you pop into the designer stores (which I am sure you will) visit the FABULOUS Fendi store, MAGNIFICENT Mui Mui, TERRIFIC Tods, GREAT Gucci, PRINCESS Prada and MARVELOUS Max Mara (which is very cheap) etc, etc.

All the shops are very close together so just sniff and you will find them (if you are a JP!)

3/ For lunch I recommend Otello alla Cocordia – 0039 8781178 it is hidden away and soooo delicious.

As for smarter dining experience, we very much enjoyed the roof-top restaurant at the Hotel Hassler – just watch out that you don’t get a shock when Patrick the seagull lands on the windowsill and squarks at you. The restaurant has a breathtaking view, the menu is very interesting and if you don’t fancy what they have, they are very obliging – I know I managed to change every course.

Be prepared in Rome for a carb heaven, so I suggest extensive walking and shopping so you burn a few extra calories before you sit down for another bowl of pasta, a toasted sandwich or one or maybe two of the breakfast pastries, they are all Princess Perfect oh and I forgot the occasional lick of a gelato!

4/ Sight seeing - I strongly recommend having a Princess Personal tour guide, we didn’t and this proved to be a mistake as the queues for everywhere are enormous and it is easy to get ripped off. DO NOT HAVE A PHOTOGRAPH with a Roman Soldier outside the Coliseum (however good looking he maybe) it will cost you. A personal tour guide should be able to get you to the front of the queue and that is Princess Perfect.

However, if you haven’t got a guide just walk and take in the architecture from huge monuments to the beautiful sculptures of horses and of course the romantic Trevi Fountain and the very steep Spanish Steps (I should know I shlepped my shopping up and down them a FEW TIMES.)

5/ Hotels - we stayed at the Boscolo Adeph a really trendy boutique hotel – not too far from the shops, very clean with a lovely big bedroom and a great shower. The bar area is fun and trendy but the prices aren’t so fun. However, it is worth one glass of the ‘Pink Stuff’ (or maybe two) and the free hors d’oeuvres. For real luxury stay at The Hotel Russi and even if you don’t stay, go and have a drink on the patio and a look around the gardens – I just loved it.

6/ Watch out for the Italians some are quite rude and aggressive. I had a little run in with the owner of TAD which is the most fabulous lifestyle store – I ended up throwing the shoes I was about to buy back at him. However, I returned the next day (well I really wanted the shoes) hoping I wouldn’t run into him (I did look in the window first and crept around the shop) but of course I got caught out. However with true Italian charm he apologised and next time I visit Rome I will definitely return – well they did have fabulous shoes.

7/ When in Rome request an Italian Count commonly know as DIS-COUNT, they will be only to happy to provide especially if you buy in bulk!

8/ Last point ENJOY every single moment you are there because it really is true - see Rome before you die and I am just dying to go back.

Arrivederci Roma xxx