Rome Reimagined: Discover Hidden Gems and Rethink the Classics

Ah, Rome! The name evokes images of ancient wonders, delectable pasta, and charming cobblestone streets. But beyond the iconic Colosseum and the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica lies a Rome waiting to be discovered by those who dare to wander off the beaten path. We invite you to journey with us through the Eternal City as we share our Roman adventure.

Forget the crowded landmarks for a moment; we'll unveil secret gardens with picturesque sculptures, tucked-away trattorias serving authentic Roman fare, and our favorite boutique hotel with top-tier Italian hospitality and the perfect location for exploring local culture. We’ll also provide our professional perspective on Rome’s most famous landmarks with insights to avoid crowds and create life-long memories.

Get ready to enrich your own vacation to Rome with insider tips for visiting its landmarks along with a taste of the city's authentic soul!

Hotel Donna Francesca: A Boutique Escape in the Eternal City

Elegant, refined and newly renovated, the hotel Donna Francesca is located on the fourth floor of an historic aristocratic palace right in the center of Rome. This building itself is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture that was built in 1636 and is still owned and operated by the very same family today.

Today, the hotel stands as a testament to the rich history of Rome, paying homage to Italian architecture, art, and hospitality. Walking through the genuinely massive 17th century doors leads you into the former palace courtyard adorned with fragrant Mediterranean flowers and marble sculptures. The grand staircase leads you up to the hotel itself, where you’ll be welcomed by a member of the family who checks you into your suite and takes your order for your included breakfast in bed each morning.

The rooms are quite large for a hotel in the center of Rome, with modern amenities within ornate classical rooms. The beds are large with plush sheets and each room provides guests with a kitchenette and large, western-style bathroom.

The included breakfast (pictured below) is truly in a class all its own! The Conti Moroni family who owns the hotel and originally constructed the building in 1636 also operates a farm in Sabina, about 40 km from Rome, where they produce cheese, cold cuts, fresh juice, and extra virgin olive oil that are included in your in-room Italian breakfast each morning.

The hotel is connected to the complete public transport system and is a convenient base for your future Roman vacation as it was for ours. The property evokes the charm of bygone eras and is located in a residential area surrounded by historical buildings. At the same time, it is in the heart of the historic center, where restaurants and shops are concentrated; it is the central base for an unforgettable stay in Rome.

Where Nonna Eats: Discovering Authentic Roman Kitchens

The city of Rome is just brimming with trattorias. For those seeking a truly authentic Italian meal away from the crowds, we've visited a handful of gems that capture the heart and flavor of Roman cuisine. Below, we’ve curated our favorites that promise a genuine local experience, each with its own unique charm and culinary highlights.

Tucked away on Via dei Maroniti, Trattoria Della Stampa stands out as a quiet, cozy spot beloved by those in the know. With a reputation for serving some of the best pasta in Rome, this trattoria offers a tranquil, historic atmosphere that feels worlds away from the tourist bustle. Its smaller size and understated presence make it a perfect choice for savoring traditional Roman flavors in an intimate setting. Their classic carbonara and saltimbocca alla romana stand out for their dedication to Italian tradition and high-quality pasta and sauces made entirely from scratch!

Hidden in a small alley near Piazza Navona, Osteria del Pegno is a true local Roman secret recommended to us by the staff at Hotel Donna Francesca. Known for its authentic Italian dishes and romantic, quiet ambiance, this osteria is ideal for those seeking a meal that feels like a local discovery. The combination of classic recipes, attentive service, and a tucked-away location makes it a delightful choice for an off-the-beaten-path dining experience.

For a romantic meal with an unbeatable view, you have to visit the Royal Art Cafe. This upscale Italian restaurant serves classic Italian fare with a modern flair and is perhaps our favorite. Located across the street from the Colosseum, their rooftop terrace offers breathtaking views of this ancient marvel and makes for a perfect stop for dinner after your tour. We highly recommend you visit in time to catch the sunset from your terrace table while you enjoy a classic caprese salad with hand-pulled mozzarella and sip an aperol spritz till the sun dips below this ancient wonder in shades of creamy orange, vibrant purple, and soft pink.

Conquering the Colosseum (Without the Crowds!)

Speaking of the Colosseum, we highly recommend that you incorporate a visit to this awe-inspiring structure into your vacation. However, it is often crowded and time-consuming. To help make your visit as memorable and smooth as possible, we’ve collected our tips and tricks below to enrich your visit!

First of all, we recommend you book a formal tour. While you can visit and buy a ticket on-site, a tour from one of our trusted partners ensures that you’ll skip the crowds in line and have a prioritized escort through the Colosseum grounds. Booking a tour is also the only way to see the underground levels below the arena, which, in our opinion, is a must!

Second, make sure you tour the Colosseum from 4:00-6:00 PM. This is the time of day with the fewest visitors overall, as most travelers opt to visit in the morning before visiting other sights around Rome in the evening. At this time, you’ll be able to easily navigate the tight underground hallways and arena seating and take photos with fewer strangers in the background. Your tour operator will also have more time with your group, answering questions and showing off areas they usually wouldn’t have time to.

Third, you’ll be perfectly positioned to catch the beautiful Mediterranean sunset once your visit ends. Some of the best memories and pictures of our vacation to Rome occurred with the Colosseum and a gorgeous pink sunset in the background. The Roman Forum, just outside the Colosseum, is also a great place to take pictures with the sunset and learn more about daily Roman life back when the Colosseum was the premier entertainment space in the world.

Art Amidst Opulence: The Galleria Borghese's Grandeur

While there are many art museums and sculpture gardens in Rome, the Galleria Borghese is by far our favorite. Nestled within the verdant embrace of the Villa Borghese gardens, the Galleria Borghese offers a captivating encounter with art, history, and architecture. The gardens are pristine, with sculptures, fountains, and quiet nooks to sit and soak in nature within the Eternal City. It’s genuinely incredible how secluded and peaceful these gardens are considering their urban surroundings.

More than just a museum, the Galleria Borghese is a testament to the opulent tastes and ambitions of the Borghese family, a prominent Roman dynasty whose influence shaped the city for centuries. Cardinal Scipione Borghese, nephew of Pope Paul V, began amassing this extraordinary collection in the early 17th century, envisioning a showcase for both ancient masterpieces and the groundbreaking works of his contemporaries. Stepping inside the villa is like entering a lavish family residence frozen in time. Elaborate frescoes adorn the ceilings, marble floors gleam, and intricate details whisper tales of aristocratic Roman life. Within these splendid rooms resides a pristine collection, a curated assembly of sculptures and paintings that reflects the family’s wealth and discerning eye.

Here, you'll come face-to-face with iconic sculptures by Bernini, such as the dynamic Apollo and Daphne, the poignant David, and the tragic Pluto and Persephone, their marble forms imbued with breathtaking realism and emotion. With their dramatic light and shadow, Caravaggio's canvases further enrich the collection, alongside masterpieces by Raphael, Titian, and other Renaissance masters. The Galleria Borghese is not simply an art gallery; it's a harmonious and luxurious place of artistic genius and architectural splendor, a window into the world of a powerful family and their enduring legacy.

Navigating the Holy See: Tips for a Less Crowded Vatican Visit

Imagining a visit to Vatican City, the world's smallest country, often brings images of immense crowds flocking to its iconic sites. While the sheer scale and historical significance of St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel are undeniable draws, navigating the throngs of visitors can sometimes detract from the experience.

However, with a bit of insider knowledge and strategic planning, it's entirely possible to create a more serene exploration of this artistic enclave. We'll guide you through proven tips and tricks to sidestep the biggest rushes, allowing you to truly appreciate the artistic splendor and Catholic spirituality of Vatican City at your own pace.

First off, go early or go late! This is the golden rule for most popular tourist destinations. Arriving right when the Vatican Museums or St. Peter's Basilica open (or even a little before) can make a huge difference. Similarly, visiting in the late afternoon, a couple of hours before closing, often sees a significant dip in visitor numbers as tour groups depart.

Plan to visit mid-week. Weekends are typically the busiest times. If your itinerary allows, aim to visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday for lighter crowds. Mondays can also be busy as people arrive after the weekend. We visited on a Wednesday morning and encountered very few crowds on our guided tour, so we often recommend the same for our clients.

Similar to the Colosseum, consider a guided tour. While it might seem counterintuitive, a well-timed, small-group tour can offer several advantages. Small group tours provide pre-booked entry and can navigate the sites efficiently, avoiding some of the worst bottlenecks. When we book tours of Vatican City for our clients, we always suggest early morning or late afternoon start times on Wednesday and Thursday to take advantage of the smaller crowds.

Perché Aspettare? (Why Wait?) Rome is Calling!

Feeling inspired to create your own Roman vacation?

Imagining strolling through sun-drenched piazzas, savoring authentic pasta dishes, and gazing upon Michelangelo's masterpieces is one thing; experiencing it firsthand is an entirely different, unforgettable journey.

Don't just dream about Rome – make it a reality. Contact us today and let's start planning your unforgettable journey to the Eternal City. Your Roman vacation awaits, and we're here to help you every step of the way.

Ciao for now, and we hope to hear from you soon!