When in Rome.. just become a gladiator

Dec 7 2007 Tanya Russell

Tanya Russell dons her toga for a five-star stroll into ancient city

As my mighty Roman trainer, Nero, manoeuvred my head into the padded metal helmet and led me into the makeshift arena I knew I was meat for the lions.

Deftly flashing his metal sword in my direction, what I lacked in skill I made up for with my feminine ability to squeal, cower - and then run off.

Lessons in ancient gladiatorial battle are just one of the many tailor-made 'treats' the five-star Rome Cavalieri Hilton offers amid its vast private grounds.

For two hours we armed ourselves with traditional weapons, first practising our moves with a wooden training sword, before moving on to the metal version.

Guests who master a series of deadly moves are rewarded with a medal and the title of 'Tiro' - or beginner gladiator.

Realising I was not cut out for the gladiator game I decided to take on board the Italian philosophy dolled out by Milan, the hotel's general manager, who told me: "The basics of Italian life are food and drink."

I suspect life as a true 'gladiatore' was not this easy-going as, dressed in an authentic toga and sandals, I tucked into an exquisite display of fresh fruit while basking in the 30 degree heat.

Before our final battle we had toured round the Eternal City in a style which perhaps only a world-renowned hotel such as this could organise. Private displays of historic artworks were opened up to us as we strolled around prestigious palaces and galleries armed with our own art historian.

It seemed only right to absorb and discuss the beauty of the architecture and art we had seen over an equally eclectic lunch, packed with Italian delicacies, at Ristorante da Fortunato, overlooking The Pantheon.

Don't be deceived by the elegant Italians gliding round this city, they look so good because they do not eat as we tourists do.

Despite trying to heed Milan's advice to eat carbs at lunch and protein at dinner, I failed miserably at every restaurant.

It all caught up with me during a break in gladiator combat when, as I tucked into an elaborately sculpted kiwi and melon dish, I fell through the specially-erected wooden platform I was reclining on.

An oasis of calm, the Cavalieri Hilton hotel will tend to your every need.

Amazingly, in a city famous for its crowded streets and crazy motorists, the Cavalieri Hilton sits in 15 acres of tranquil private parkland so close to the centre that a cab ride to St Peter's Basilica lasts only a few minutes.

It's no wonder the likes of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, Microsoft entrepreneur Bill Gates and actor Leonardo Di Caprio make a beeline for the Cavalieri Hilton when they come to Rome. I wonder how they fared in the gladiator arena?

Travel facts...

Tanya Russell was a guest of the five star Rome Cavalieri Hilton and Citalia, which offers three nights' B&B package at the hotel from £510 (two sharing), including private transfers and return British Airways flights from London.

From Glasgow and Manchester, three day packages start at £569.

Citalia reservations: 0870 909 7554 and visit www.citalia.com for more information on bookings.