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Speeding through the streets in a convoy of colorful Fiat 500 vintage cars is certainly an original way to explore the Italian capital in the best possible way.

The last time I tried to explore Rome in 24 hours was during a heatwave when temperatures rose above 40°C. Every single square was packed with tourists and I just didn’t know where to start. Should I see the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, Vatican City, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon… There’s just so much to tick off.

I had heard so many wonderful things about Rome, but instead of falling in love with this romantic capital full of history and beauty, by the end of my vacation I was completely overheated and sweaty and desperate to go home.

I admit that the thought of being under time pressure again didn’t exactly make me jump for joy.

This time, however, thank God, it was a completely different experience.

If my first failed visit taught me anything, it’s that don’t even try to do everything. It’s impossible. Instead, pick a few things you really want to do, and everything else is a bonus.

I really wanted to visit Vatican City (since our last attempt was a flop) and also take the opportunity to watch the sunset over the city from a spectacular perspective.

But before that, I discovered my first bonus: there is a way to see a few more sights – even if only fleetingly – in the most entertaining and unique way: on a tour in a vintage Fiat 500.

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Arriving just after lunch on a Tuesday afternoon, I knew from the moment I saw my car for the two-hour drive – a cute little bright pink one – that it was going to be fun. As the two of us squeezed in next to our driver, a fleet of identical cars also taking part in the tour drove ahead and behind us, and soon we formed a rainbow of tiny classic Fiats roaring through the streets.

With the windows and roof down, the smell of gasoline and the noise of traffic around us made the adventure even more exciting as we drove back and forth between lanes and our incredibly clever driver answered all our questions.

We stopped in front of tourist attractions like the Colosseum and the Aventine Keyhole for a quick photo and a quick glimpse of history. Everywhere we went, people waved and smiled as they watched our magical little cars whiz past before their eyes. In the back – for those who like to dress up a bit – there were oversized sunglasses, plastic Roman soldier helmets and Mickey Mouse ears, anything that could make it an even better photo opportunity.

As we stood on Gianicolo Hill – the second highest hill in the city but said to offer the most breathtaking views – our guide told us about the rich history of the landscape below us.

Then there was another stop to learn all about Europe’s only remaining pyramid, the Pyramid of Cestius. Each story was told with such enthusiasm that it felt like the best history lesson ever.

The tour lasted a few hours before we reached our final stop and it was time to watch the sunset over the city.

Two bars we can recommend for this are Charlie’s, a rooftop terrace in the beautiful InterContinental Ambasciatori hotel where we stayed, and The Edition, a posh hotel just a five-minute walk away that has a Soho house vibe with its small rooftop pool and elegant furniture and interiors.

With a glass of champagne in hand and a pleasant warm, cool breeze around our shoulders, it was a moment when I had to pinch myself. Unlike in London or New York, there are no huge skyscrapers dominating the skyline here, because in Rome there is a building code that states that no building can be higher than the top of St. Peter’s Basilica.

This means you can admire a variety of beautiful domes – including the famous Pantheon in the distance – and enjoy the streets that run throughout the city and the greenery that surrounds it all. It was the perfect end to a very fun day.

Early the next morning we had a real highlight ahead of us: a private tour of the Vatican Museums. But be careful, it’s not exactly budget-friendly – at €5,000 plus entrance ticket, tour and a maximum of 20 people, that’s at least £200 per person.

But even if you have to get up at 6 a.m., it’s an unforgettable experience. As the first – and only – visitor to this historic building, this special tour allows you to unlock every door, turn on the lights and admire this vast collection of art amassed by the popes from the 17th century onwards, away from the hustle and bustle, queues and noise.

You will also have your own private guide to show you around and answer all your burning questions, followed by breakfast.

As the lights came on, brightness flooded one room after another – each one greeted with a gasp of awe. This was most impressive in the epic Sistine Chapel. Seeing this magnificent Michelangelo fresco away from the crowds was a true privilege.

Of course, you can explore the Vatican Museums without spending a lot of money – but the lines can be enormous. They were already snaking down the street when we came out. However, I’m told that the best way to avoid them is to book a group tour, where skipping the line is often included in the much cheaper price.

Then came a little bonus – as we made our way to Vatican Square to see St. Peter’s Basilica, we could hear voices coming from a loudspeaker and crowds of people gathering. There was a short but quick line to get through security and – yes, you guessed it, the Pope was in!

It was a beautiful end to a sunrise start, especially considering that the last time I was there it was already the end of the day and we almost missed our transport home.

When I finally boarded my BA flight home – on one of the first of their new A321neo aircraft – I had a big smile on my face, a phone full of photo memories and the words “less is definitely more” ringing in my ears.

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