ROME

When to Go

Private Vatican Tour at Dawn

Skip the crowds entirely. My preferred guides get you into the Vatican Museums before public opening

hours. You'll have the Sistine Chapel nearly to yourself—the way it's meant to be experienced.

Villa Borghese Gallery

Caravaggio, Bernini, and some of the most stunning art in Europe—but only if you book ahead. The gallery limits visitors (thank god), making it one of Rome's most intimate museum experiences.

Testaccio Food Tour

The real food scene isn't near the Trevi Fountain. Testaccio is where chefs shop at the morning market and where you'll find the city's best carbonara, cacio e pepe, and impossibly fresh burrata.

Where to Eat

Trattoria Monti

Traditional Roman-Marchigiano cuisine in a neighborhood spot that's been around since 1978. The egg yolk ravioli is legendary. Book ahead.

Flavio al Velavevodetto

In Testaccio, built into an ancient amphora dump (yes, really). The carbonara is perfect, the vibe is pure Roman, and locals pack this place nightly.

Il Pagliaccio

Two Michelin stars, but refreshingly unpretentious. Chef Anthony Genovese creates modern Italian dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Roscioli

Technically a deli/wine bar/restaurant. Realistically, one of the best meals you'll have in Rome. The

carbonara, the wine selection, the burrata—all exceptional.

Where to Stay

I work with the following luxury properties to provide exclusive benefits including room upgrades, daily

breakfast, resort credits, and VIP treatment—all at no additional cost to you:

• Hotel de Russie, A Rocco Forte Hotel - Gardens in the heart of Rome, impeccable service

• Rocco Forte House - Ultra-exclusive private residence experience in the heart of Rome

• Hotel Eden, A Dorchester Collection Hotel - Legendary rooftop restaurant with panoramic views

• Bulgari Hotel Roma - Contemporary luxury in the heart of the historic center

Insider Tips

• August is when Romans leave the city. Many restaurants close, but you'll have monuments to yourself.

• The best gelato shops don't have towers of colorful gelato on display—that's tourist stuff with artificial

colors and flavors.

• Most churches and sites close 12:30-3:30 PM for riposo. Plan accordingly.

• Roma Pass isn't worth it for luxury travelers. Your time is too valuable to wait in lines—book skip-the-line

tickets.

Family-Friendly Highlights

• Villa Borghese park has playgrounds, bike rentals, and a small zoo

• Gladiator School for kids (yes, this exists and it's amazing)

• Explora Children's Museum for younger kids

• Gelato-making classes and pizza making classes are popular with teenagers

Rome isn't just a city—it's a living museum where every corner reveals another layer of history. But beyond the Colosseum selfies and tourist-packed piazzas, there's a Rome that moves at a different pace. The Rome where you slip into a family-run trattoria at 10 PM, where your hotel concierge knows exactly which gallery opened last month, and where the best experiences aren't on any map or Google.