Few cities have a more appropriate nickname than Rome: "the eternal city." It was once the center of the civilized world, and over the centuries, though power has shifted to other locales, it has continued to draw travelers. It's easy to fall under Rome's spell without having been there, but once your feet touch the ground, you'll be enchanted with it for life.

Rome is a layer cake of history, and because of that, it can be a rather daunting place. What should you see? What should you do? Where should you stay? These questions are made more complex by the sheer size of the city, its array of sights and its status as a pulsating modern city, still the capital of Italy. Rome is by no accounts a bargain destination, but if you plan ahead with smart vacation packages, you can get the most out of your travel budget.

The two biggest expenditures for your trip will be your airfare and accommodations. By purchasing a package you can find cheap flights and add hotel rooms for a lower cost than you'd pay by purchasing each separately.

Not all vacation packages include tours. It's up to you to decide whether you feel comfortable exploring the city on your own or going as part of a tour group. In a city as complex as Rome, it might be worth it to hire a guide. Not only can they guide you through the city's sometimes incomprehensible layout, they can also give you insight into the history of what you're seeing.

Of course, there's always the option to try exploring the city with and without a guide. Try going on a tour early on, to get your bearings, and then step out to explore on your own. Here are some sights that you won't want to miss on your first trip to Rome:

* The Colosseum: The ancient amphitheater gives you a fascinating view of what life was like in early Rome. The architecture is a marvel in itself, but the stories of what happened here are just as amazing.

* The Vatican: True, it's technically another country, but Vatican City and Rome are truly inseparable. No matter how much you've heard about it, or how long you've dreamed of seeing it, St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums will not disappoint. It can be difficult to beat the crowds at sites like the Sistine Chapel, but you've got a shot at seeing it slightly less populated at the very beginning and very end of opening hours.

* Piazza Navona: This sprawling square is a highlight of civic architecture created in the Baroque period. Fountains with sculptures by Bernini, against the backdrop of the church of Sant'Agnese, will decorate your view if you choose to spend some leisurely time at one of the cafes in the square. It's a humble but unforgettable experience.

* Campo di Fiori: For a more quotidian experience of la vita Romana, don't miss this lively open air market. You'll find all kinds of things on sale, from fruit and vegetables to flowers, bread and household goods.

For more information on combining cheap flights and good hotel deals, go to websites like www.travelocity.com. There you can find out about vacation packages, get hotel reviews and even set up a fare-watching tool that will alert you when prices drop.

Courtesy of ARAcontent