WHEN IN ROME…..
- Aug 19, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 2
History, Architecture, Nature, Shopping, Cuisine, Art, Nightlife and Activities!

HOTEL OPTIONS
Hotel Splendide Royal
The First Roma Arte
The First Roma Dolce
The St. Regis Rome
J.K. Place Rome
Aleph Rome Hotel
Rocco Forte
Six Scenes Hotel
Fendi Private Suites
Palazzo Shedir
AREAS TO EXPLORE /TOURS
Spanish Steps
The Colosseum
Roman Forum
Trevi Fountain
Day trip to Tivoli and visit (Villa d’ Este and Villa Gregoriana)
Villa Borghese
Galleria Doria Pamphilj
Vatican City
Trastevere
Pantheon
Chiostro del Bramante
Palazzo Colonna is one of Rome's oldest and largest private palaces
Where to wonder
Trastevere – Charming streets, cafés, and lively evening atmosphere.
Campo de’ Fiori – Great for morning markets and people-watching.
Testaccio Market – A wonderful place to sample Roman specialties.
LUXURY SHOPPING
Via Condotti – Home to boutiques including Hermès, Fendi, Bulgari, Gucci, and Prada.
Via del Babuino – Luxury shopping with a slightly quieter atmosphere.
Via Borgognona – Another elegant street filled with designer boutiques.
RESTAURANTS
The coffee pot (nightlife)
Terre Mare rooftop restaurant
Hotel de Russe (Garden restaurant)
Rome is a city that you can explore in full within 3-4 days, but it’s worth giving yourself a 1-2 additional days to see small villages outside of the city.
Most things in Rome are walking distance or only a brief taxi ride.
The Spanish Steps
It is a tourist area that has stairs you can sit on and relax while you take in the people watching scene. It is in a shopping district, so shops and restaurants are surrounding it. I would not say it’s a must see, but if you have time and you are in the area, it’s worth a visit.
Trevi Fountain
It’s always packed with tourist no matter if you go early morning, afternoon or night - but it’s still worth visiting since there is a magical energy to it.
The Colosseum
We did a private guided tour of the colosseum and Roman Forum. I wish I could find the contact info since the guide was exceptional! I believe these locations should be toured with a private guide so you can really learn at your own pace and ask questions since the structure and history are fascinating!
The Roman Forum
The forum was important in Ancient Rome. It
was the scene of public meetings, law courts, and gladiatorial combats in republican times and was lined with shops and open-air markets.
Villa Borghese
Is a property you can tour and connected to a park that is tranquil. There is a charming small cafe you can sit and have lunch or a coffee overlooking a pond. The park is also connected to a zoo.
Galleria Doria Pamphilj
Is a large private art collection, inside a Palace. it is stunning inside and reminds me of most Royal Estates, but Italian style.
Pantheon

Chiostro del Bramante
This space hosts different art exhibits. We saw the “MICHELANGELO PISTOLETTO
INFINITY - l'arte contemporanea senza limiti”
Trastevere
This area is the “trendy” part of Rome. It is artistic and at night it has many restaurants and lounges to have dinner, drinks and dance!
Villa Medici
Day trip to
Villa Lante
Villa Lante
Elegant Renaissance gardens
Cascading fountains
Geometric hedges
Fewer crowds than Villa d’Este
About 1 1/2 hours from Rome
Tivoli and Or Castel Gandolfo
Castel Gandolfo is 30 mins from Rome and 40 mins from Tivoli - it’s a charming village that the Pope stays for a vacation home. It is on Lake Albano. Visit the Papal Palace & Barberini Gardens
The main attraction is the former papal summer residence. You can tour:
The historic papal apartments
Beautiful formal gardens with fountains, sculptures, and ancient Roman ruins
Peaceful walking paths with panoramic views
Tivoli is a quaint village 40 mins drive or 50 mins train from Rome. It is 100% worth visiting! It has 2 beautiful gardens to tour, Villa d’ Este and Villa Gregoriana.
I recommend touring Villa Gregoriana first and Villa d’ Este second since it’s more impressive. I think the last tour should always be the best one!
Villa d’Este is one of the most incredible Villa / Gardens I’ve ever seen. The property is a hidden gem like a secret garden with unbelievable fountains throughout the garden.



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