Emily goes to Rome: As the heroine of the Netflix series takes her love story to the great Italian capital, we follow in her footsteps…

Is it the end for Emily’s French boyfriend, Gabriel? Will she stay in the Eternal City longer than expected and revive the Netflix series?

What is clear is that two new episodes of Emily in Paris (featuring Emily in Rome) – available to stream now, following months of speculation after Lily Collins (aka Emily) was spotted filming in the Italian capital in May – won’t do the city’s reputation any harm.

As soon as she arrives, Marcello, her Italian stallion, picks her up on the back of his Vespa and they set off.

This is a great way to explore Rome, but unfortunately I can’t use Marcello.

Instead, I book a tour in another legendary Italian vehicle: a classic Fiat 500.

Italy Calling: Jo Kessel drives around Rome in a classic Fiat 500, stopping at some of the incredible sights 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 these vehicles waits in a quiet street and the bright purple model proves irresistible.

I sit in the passenger seat and prepare to put on my seat belt – if only I could find the belt.

“Signora, car too old for seatbelts,” says my driver and guide Fernando, as he opens the roof and apologizes 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 for battle; 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’s lookout (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 presidential house, and even the Vatican,” Jo writes

During her tour of Rome, Jo passes the city’s 2,000-year-old Egyptian pyramid (pictured)

As part of his seduction attempt, Marcello drives Emily to the Gianicolo viewpoint in Rome, where he leans in for their first kiss.

We stop here too. You see the Tiber River, the Pantheon, the President’s House, even the Vatican. The only thing missing is a romantic moment with Marcello.

My jerky Fiat 500 tour is a contrast to my smooth flight to get here. I flew with BA in one of their new A321neo aircraft, the interior of which is the first to see the results of what will be a £7 billion overhaul of our national airline.

Jo enjoys a private, out-of-hours tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (pictured), priced from £4,000 for a small group

The only 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 have to visit the Sistine Chapel. Avoid the crowds and go early. But if you’re feeling rich, consider a private, out-of-hours tour (from £4,000 for a small group). You’ll have the frescoed ceiling of Michelangelo’s masterpiece practically to yourself.

To be honest, I wouldn’t be surprised if Emily stays in this wonderful city after my short stay in Rome – with or without Marcello.