Is the relationship between Emily’s French boyfriend Gabriel over? Will he overstay his welcome in the Eternal City and give the Netflix series a new lease on life?
What is clear is that two new episodes of Emily in Paris (featuring Emily in Rome), now available to stream following months of speculation after Lily Collins (aka Emily) was spotted filming in the Italian capital in May, will not damage the city’s reputation.
She barely arrives when Marcello, her Italian stallion, picks her up on the back of his Vespa and they drive away.
It’s a great way to discover Rome but unfortunately I don’t have Marcello at my disposal.
Instead, I book a tour in another legendary Italian vehicle: a vintage Fiat 500.
Italy calls: Jo Kessel cruises around Rome in a classic Fiat 500 and stops at some of the incredible locations featured in the new episodes of Emily in Paris (file image)
Above, Lily Collins (aka Emily) on location in the Italian capital.
A convoy of them is parked on a quiet street and the bright purple model proves irresistible.
I slide into the passenger seat and prepare to buckle up, if only I could find the seat belt.
“Ma’am, the car is too old to have a belt,” says my driver and guide Fernando, as he opens the roof and apologizes for his “spaghetti English.” Soon, we’re moving forward with the wind in our hair. I feel like Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday.
Fernando shows us Michelangelo’s house, the gymnasium where gladiators trained before a fight, and a 2,000-year-old Egyptian pyramid. Then we head over to the imposing Roman Colosseum and circle it, just like Emily does on the back of the Vespa.
The Gianicolo Observatory (seen here) is where Emily and her new love interest share their first kiss in the Netflix series. ‘You can see the Tiber River, the Pantheon, the President’s House, even the Vatican,’ writes Jo.
During her tour of Rome, Jo passes by the 2000-year-old Egyptian pyramid (pictured)
As part of his seduction strategy, Marcello takes Emily to the Gianicolo viewing platform in Rome, where he leans in for their first kiss.
Here we also stop. You can see the Tiber River, the Pantheon, the Presidential House, even the Vatican. The only thing missing is a romantic moment with Marcello.
My bumpy ride in a Fiat 500 is in stark contrast to the speedy flight I took to get here. I flew with BA on one of its new A321neo aircraft, whose interiors are the first to see the results of what will be a £7bn revamp of our national flag carrier.
Jo enjoys a private after-hours tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (pictured), which costs from £4,000 for a small group.
The only thing Marcello doesn’t do is take Emily to the Vatican. Big mistake. If you go on a Wednesday morning (from 9am) you’ll have an audience with the Pope in St. Peter’s Square, along with hundreds of other people.
And you can’t miss the Sistine Chapel. Avoid the crowds and go early. But if you’re feeling wealthy, you might consider a private after-hours tour (from £4000 for a small group). You’ll practically have the frescoed ceiling of Michelangelo’s masterpiece to yourself.
Frankly, after my short break in Rome I wouldn’t be surprised if Emily stayed in this great city, with or without Marcello.