From Leonardo da Vinci to the Vatican, the capital city of Rome offers passengers a breath-taking list of cultural sites and scenes for that perfect summer break.

Departing twice a week (Tuesday and Saturday) from Cardiff Airport from March 2017, passengers can take advantage of the new route by booking tickets to the Italian capital at www.flybe.com.

From just £24.99 one way including taxes and charges, flights to this cultural centre are a key feature of Flybe’s initial summer schedule which includes the return of twice weekly flights to Verona plus 12 key routes, including an extended Saturday ski route to Geneva through to mid-April.

From palazzos and pizzas to the wonders of Pompeii, this city of treasures is expected to attract both leisure and business passengers travelling from Wales’ national airport as this important destination is added to Cardiff Airports’ portfolio and mission to connect European capital cities.

Debra Barber, managing director and chief operating officer, Cardiff Airport, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to welcome another totally new route to the Flybe network. Our Welsh customers have consistently asked for Rome to be added to our route network and we are delighted that this key service to another major capital city is now on offer from Cardiff Airport.

“Flybe now flies to five capital cities from Wales’ national airport and we will continue to work closely with them and all of our other airline partners to offer our passengers more choice of leading destinations.”

The new service will also prove an important route for inbound visitors to Wales with Italian passengers heading to the capital to explore Cardiff and further afield.

Flybe is now also flying from Cardiff Airport to the German capital of Berlin and passengers take a festive leisure trip to a Christmas market, or on a convenient business trip to the historic city.

Flights to Berlin are operating twice a week on a Wednesday and Saturday with fares available from just £29.99 each way including taxes and charges. Tickets are available on www.flybe.com.

The service, originally due to launch in November was brought forward due to customer demand.