Exploring the Ancient Roman Capital in a Very Modern Way

It may seem like a bizarre juxtaposition: travelling past ancient stone columns and crumbling ruins on a futuristic contraption like a Segway. But when you are staying at a contemporary art hotel with all its luxuries and comforts, you may fancy exploring the beautiful old city in an unconventional, somewhat anachronistic way.

Out and about on a Segway

Travelling slowly by Segway may breathe new light on the city’s attractions, and force you to not just watch but also observe where you are going. (You may also find your new set of wheels have inversely turned you into a moving tourist attraction! Best to smile and enjoy the attention while it lasts.) From your art hotel, you can take an organised three-hour, eco-friendly, professionally guided multi-media iPod-audio-visual tour. You'll roll along the hallowed medieval streets, past the majestic Baroque architecture of the Campidoglio and into the awe-inspiring Pantheon.

Easy to use and very safe (a short Segway lesson is included, helmets are provided and you won’t ever be reaching breakneck speeds, so don’t worry), there is so much to be discovered as you navigate the narrow maze of Roman paths by Segway. You can soak in the vibrant history on offer, get a better understanding of the layout of the city, and revel in the absurdity of riding this space age gyropode along the same streets that were once inhabited by Michelangelo, Raphael and their peers.

Take in iconic fountains, hidden corners, terraces and piazzas that many tourists either miss or might be too worn out to explore.

Find hidden delights of the city

Visitors to a modern art hotel often have distinguished, distinctive, eclectic tastes, which is why they may wish to see a different, quirkier side to the city away from the well-beaten tracks - as timeless and splendid as these may be. There is no better way to do this than by Segway, which allows you to comfortably see so much more of the city that you might otherwise have missed travelling on foot. There are several tours to choose from, depending on what you are looking for and how much you wish to spend.

The Imperial tour offers an overview of the marvellous city, where tour guides beguile their guests with tales of ancient Roman life as they glide leisurely past The Colosseum and Circus Maximus. Then there is the Rome By Night tour, which takes you out of your art hotel and offers a unique vision of the sights of the Roman capital by streetlight, capturing perfectly the romantic beauty contained within. And lastly, while it may not have been built in a day, the Rome In A Day tour shows you the best of the city on your Segway in just over six hours. Tours run throughout the year and have a variety of start times.

Looking for a great hotel in Rome? Roberta Stuart is the Travel Manager for Worldhotels, a company offering top class accommodation in a spectacular art hotel in Rome, as well as a selection of unique four and five star hotels around the world.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.