Is it curtains for Emily’s French beau, Gabriel? Will she linger longer than expected in the Eternal City and give the Netflix show a whole new lease of life?
What’s 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 back in May – will do the city’s reputation no harm.
No sooner does she arrive than Marcello, her Italian stallion, scoops her up on the back of his Vespa and off they go.
This is a great way of discovering Rome but, sadly, I don’t have Marcello at my beck and call.
Instead, I book a tour on another legendary Italian vehicle: a vintage Fiat 500.
Italy calling: Jo Kessel cruises around Rome in a vintage Fiat 500, stopping at some of the incredible landmarks featured in the new episodes of Emily in Paris (stock image)
Above, Lily Collins (aka Emily) on location in the Italian capital
A parked convoy of them is waiting on a quiet backstreet and the bright purple model proves irresistible.
I slip into the passenger seat and prepare to buckle up – if only I could find the belt.
‘Signora, car too old for belt,’ says my driver and guide Fernando, as he opens the roof and apologises for his ‘spaghetti English’. Soon, we’re rattling along with the wind in our hair. I feel like Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday.
Fernando points out Michelangelo’s house; the gymnasium where gladiators trained before a fight and a 2,000-year-old Egyptian Pyramid. Then we approach the mighty Roman Colosseum and circle it, just as Emily does on the back of the Vespa.
Gianicolo viewpoint (seen here) is where Emily and her new love interest share their first kiss in the Netflix series. ‘You can see the River Tiber, the Pantheon, the President’s House, even the Vatican,’ writes Jo
During her tour of Rome, Jo passes the city’s 2,000-year-old Egyptian Pyramid (pictured)
As part of his seduction ploy, Marcello drives Emily to Rome’s Gianicolo viewpoint where he leans in for their first kiss.
We stop here, too. You can see the River Tiber, the Pantheon, the President’s House, even the Vatican. The only thing missing is a romantic moment with Marcello.
My jerky Fiat 500 tour offers a contrast to my swish flight to get here. I flew with BA on one of its new A321neo planes whose interiors are the first to see the results of what will be a £7 billion overhaul of our national flag carrier.
Jo enjoys a private out-of-hours tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (pictured), which costs from £4,000 for a small group
The one thing Marcello doesn’t do is take Emily to the Vatican. Big mistake. Go on a Wednesday morning (from 9am) and you’ll have an audience with the Pope in St Peter’s Square – admittedly along with hundreds of others.
And you must visit the Sistine Chapel. Beat the crowds and go early. But if you’re feeling flush you might consider a private out-of-hours tour (from £4,000 for a small group). You’ll practically have Michelangelo’s masterpiece frescoed ceiling all to yourself.
Frankly, after my short break in Rome I wouldn’t be surprised if Emily stays put in this great city – with or without Marcello.
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