Join HouseTrip.com, Europe's largest online provider of short-term holiday rentals, as we explore Rome in advance of Travel Bloggers Unite.

If you are arriving in the Italian capital in advance of the event - or simply want a great way to extend your stay, join TBU's Platinum Sponsor as we uncover the best secret finds that only the locals would know.

Challenge yourself with opportunities to draw, eat, guzzle and gladiate in this special blogger-only trip for just six lucky people.

TUESDAY, APRIL 17th

Arrive in Rome and be transferred by private transfer to your HouseTrip apartment where you will enjoy the chance to live like a local. Once the whole group has arrived, we will then enjoy an Evening Passeggiata (http://www.contexttravel.com/city/Rome/walking_tour_details/Evening...) led by a local past the highlights of Rome. This tour is intended to be an orientation to the city with a few special local-only highlights thrown in for good measure. Thos who arrive early in the day will be given the option to join a drawing class under the tutelage of a local artist. Even those with no previous drawing ability are encouraged to take part as we sketch Castel Sant Angelo (http://www.contexttravel.com/city/Rome/walking_tour_details/Drawing...)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18th

Today is all about food and wine. We will enjoy a morning tour of Rome's local food markets and then return to our private apartments for a lunchtime cooking lesson using the items purchased that morning.

We will then enjoy a guided comparative wine tasting of the Wines of Italy led by a local trained sommelier that will take us to a series of tiny (yet locally loved) enoteche (wine bars).

Dinner will be spent at a local restaurant (TBC).

THURSDAY, APRIL 19th

Feeling energetic? Then why not learn how to be active the way the Ancients did. You'll get the chance to learn the skills of a Gladiator at Gladiator School. Women and men are both encouraged to take part. - http://www.viator.com/tours/Rome/Roman-Gladiator-School-Learn-How-t...

Finally, it's lunch time. We'll enjoy our final meal together before our transfer to Rome.

Note: This tour does not include flights. Those intending to join, should book their own transport.
The itinerary is flexible so not all experiences are mandatory - but attendees will need to inform HouseTrip regarding alterations in advance of the arrival day.

Bloggers will be selected at random once all statements of interest have been received. To express interest, please send an email with your name, blog name and email to rlevitt@housetrip.com no later than Feb 26. Successful bloggers will be selected at that time.