Rome is a popular tourist destination and you may have probably wanted to see Rome from above more than once to avoid the tourist crowds, but always thought it was too expensive or difficult to organise. But taking a helicopter tour over the capital is much easier than it sounds!

Flying in a helicopter combines the adrenaline rush of heights with the pleasure of seeing sights and places from a completely different perspective. It is an incredible feeling that everyone should experience at least once in their life.

Watch this video to find out what we are talking about:

The various options in the capital allow you to fly over some of the city's main monuments. The routes generally include Lake Bracciano and the castle of the same name, Tivoli and the Roman Castles, St Peter's Dome, the Altare della Patria, the Olympic Stadium and the Auditorium.

Whichever option you choose, all routes depart from Urbe Airport, built-in 1928 with the idea of civilian use, later changed during the Second World War to military use. With the passing of time and the expansion of the city to the north, the development of the airport stopped and limited its activities to those currently present, namely, aeroclub, the base for tourist flights, aerotaxis and, in some cases, air shows.

Once you have chosen your preferred flight time and route and decided on the flight time with the structure, you will have to proceed to the airport. Here, an introductory briefing will also consist of the air route that the helicopter will follow and meet the pilot who will take you through the skies of Rome.

You will be able to take photos and videos onboard, as there are no prohibitions. One piece of advice is to wear clothes suitable for the season in which you will be flying. You may wear comfortable shoes like sneakers, so you are as comfortable as possible. Once in the air, you will take some mandatory routes, which will allow you to see some of Rome's most important monuments, and here are the available options:

What are the best areas to fly by helicopter in Rome?

- Lake Bracciano and the castle of the same name: The lake is located in the northern part of the city and fills a depression of volcanic origin. Considered the eighth largest lake in Italy, you can see it in all its grandeur when you fly over the lake. You will also see Bracciano Castle, whose real name is Orsini-Odescalchi Castle, a castle dating back to the 15th century. Now owned by the Odescalchi family, it is open to the public for visits and has often been the venue for weddings and receptions.

- Tivoli and the Castelli Romani: Tivoli is a municipality that lies at the foot of the Tiburtini mountains, in the east of Rome. It is rich in archaeological sites and antiquities to visit, including Villa d'Este, one of the most famous in central Italy, Villa Gregoriana, built by Gregory XVI as a natural oasis, Villa Adriana, built by Emperor Hadrian, measuring about 120 hectares and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Acropolis of Tivoli, a small Athens in the middle of Rome, and finally the Tempio della Tosse known as Temple of the Coughs. The Castelli Romani refers to a group of villages in the Colli Albani, which will give you a panorama of green hills, quite different from that of the city.

- Historic Rome: This last route offers the possibility of observing the city from above, flying over some important historical sites such as St Peter's dome, the Altar of the Fatherland, the Olympic Stadium, the Auditorium and the Colosseum. It's a view steeped in history and ideal for those who want to see Rome's main monuments but don't want to be surrounded by too many tourists!

Some offers include 30-minute and 1-hour flights: The latter gives you the chance to see the sights and take photos at your leisure. Another option is to try your hand at being a pilot for a day, using a helicopter model that includes a dual control. This ensures the student's safety and allows him to fly it with the help of an experienced pilot. It is a recommended activity for those who have already tried flying as a passenger and now want to feel in charge.

Whatever you choose; remember to consider two factors - weight, and age. The weight must not exceed 100 kg and an individual must be 18 or over. In the case of a minor, children who are 16 or over are allowed with written permission from their parents. Ready to fly over the Eternal City?