Enjoy a magical autumn break without the crowds in the Eternal City.
Rome has captivated hearts and minds since classical times. Brimming over with notable architecture and art, it was the pinnacle of the 17th and 18th Century Grand Tour – a cultural gap year for British aristocrats - and today remains a must-see city of myth and mystery offering outstanding culture and a luxurious immersion into Italy’s beloved lifestyle.
In this most unusual of years, visitor numbers are markedly low, good news for anyone who wants to see Rome without the crowds. The city’s ability to reinvent itself and stay current means it offers a fresh face even to those who know it well. Come for the mesmerising sites, to marvel at the Coliseum or to absorb the beauty of the Sistine Chapel, but stay for the food or to tour a contemporary art gallery. Hunt down treasure among the talented artisans’ studios or take a cocktail on an elegant terrace overlooking the city.
For an atmospheric shot of la dolce vita, the Eternal City is waiting for you in all its life-enhancing, five-star glory.
Day One
Start the day with a visit to classical Rome: the Forum, Palatine Hill and the majestic Colosseum never fail to impress. Buy a ticket that allows you to see both the view from the top of the Colosseum and its notorious underground area where lions and gladiators were held.
For a less formidable afternoon discover the modern craftsmen and women working in Rome, often employing skills unchanged for hundreds of years. The exquisite jewellery of the Neapolitan brothers behind Peppino Capuano who set up shop in Via Condotti in 1960. The shoes at Le Mastro, handmade by two young women who pour 50 hours work into each pair or the leather bags at Maison Halaby, the work of award-winning Gilbert Halaby.
Visit the quirky, jewel-coloured magnificence of L’Archivio di Monserrato close to Campo de’Fiori where Argentinian-born Soledad Twombly, daughter-in-law of American artist Cy Twombly, curates fashion, interiors and artwork. Nearby in on-trend Via di Monserrato Delfina Delettrez from the illustrious Fendi family showcases exceptional craftsmanship and innovative jewellery hand-made in her Roman atelier and sold worldwide. Chez Dede in the same street is a gallery and lifestyle store that’s become a firm favourite with the fashion elite for its Italian craftsmanship and style-setting displays.
Late evening get a blast of Roman life by walking across the Tiber to charming medieval Trastevere one of Rome’s most character-packed areas where narrow cobbled streets are filled with intimate bars and family-run restaurants.
End the day with an aperitivo at Lumen Cocktails & Cuisine located inside the St Regis Rome where cocktails are served in glasses signed by contemporary artists, or at the Hotel Hassler where Princess Diana rated the bellini best in the world. Then enjoy a Michelin-starred meal in the Hassler’s panoramic restaurant with an incomparable view of Rome spread out before you.
Day Two
You could visit the Vatican or wander among the ochre and dusty pink houses in the Centro Storico passing through majestic Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most beautiful Baroque squares. Perhaps grab a cappuccino at Caffè Greco, one-time favourite of poets Byron and Shelley, or sample fried artichoke in the Jewish Quarter or cacio e pepe in Campo de’Fiori.
Rome is an open-air museum of exquisite architecture. Think of the soaring roof of the Pantheon, built 2,000 years ago and still the largest unsupported dome in the world and St Peter’s Basilica, the pinnacle of Rome’s 900 churches. Striking modern-day architecture includes the Auditorium Parco della Musica designed by Renzo Piano in 2002 and Zaha Hadid’s Museum of 21st Century Arts – MAAXI – which introduced contemporary curving concrete to Rome in 2010.
Make time to explore the art collections of the Borghese Gallery, a baroque museum with works by Bernini, Canova and Caravaggio and the Palazzo Barberini with over 5,000 exhibits from the 13th to 18th Centuries.
And don’t overlook Rome’s magnificent gardens. The Vila Borghese where elegantly dressed Romans spend a sunny Sunday or the gardens of Hotel de Russie, Rocco Forte’s Roman hotel, newly reopened after a year’s renovation that brilliantly returned them to their original splendour. Just around the corner stroll down delightful Via Margutta, a quiet cobbled street of art and antique shops immortalised in the film “Roman Holiday” as the home of Gregory Peck.
Where to Stay for a Spectacular View
Rome offers a spoiling range of luxury hotels covering old favourites and new additions. Hotel Rome Cavalieri is a Grande Dame, opened in 1963 at the highest point of the city. The main swimming pool surrounded by umbrella pines is the largest in Rome and the expansive city views are spellbinding. La Pergola with a wondrous terrace, is one of Rome’s most famed restaurants headed up by the city’s only three Michelin starred chef Heinz Beck.
Other deluxe options include Rocco Forte’s second Roman address Hotel de la Ville and Michelin-starred Imago Restaurant at Hotel Hassler, both close to the Spanish Steps and both with yet more entrancing views. After dark step out on the top floor of Imago Restaurant or at Cielo Terrace at Hotel de la Ville to see the lights of Rome sparkling in full glory. Moving towards Via Veneto, the starred restaurant La Terrazza on the top floor of Hotel Eden offers guests creative and innovative seasonal Mediterranean dining.
Getting there: Rome’s two airports, Fiumicino and Ciampino, have put in place stringent measures to halt the spread of Covid-19, becoming the first airports worldwide to receive Biosafety Trust certification and the first in the EU to receive Airport Health Accreditation. In addition Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci holds the title of best airport from the Airports Council of Europe, excellent reassurance for international travellers. Before arrival, all travellers should ensure they are fully up to date and compliant with the latest COVID-19 regulations.
On departure from Fiumicino Airport to non-EU destinations, travellers have the chance to enjoy The Tax Free Mall in international boarding area E. This is a unique plaza with 50 stores where you can make the most of luxury shopping with the VAT rate of 22% taken off – extraordinary savings compared to high street prices.
For further details head to http://www.italia.it/en/home.html
