As if visitors needed more reason to enjoy majestic Rome, 2025 is the year of the jubilee. Not only is the Catholic Church holding its once-every-25-years period of prayer, reflection, and penance, it’s welcoming Pope Leo XIV, the first American to serve as pontiff.
Charlotte-based luxury travel consultant Elizabeth Walsh shares her insights on what makes Rome such a special place to visit and where to stay for the best experience.
“All the dynamics that run through the city are so interesting,” she says. “You have all these ancient monuments where people are living, which is incredible. People are walking to work, and you're thinking, ‘There's the Colosseum.’”
In her words, Walsh provides three reasons why Rome is a must-visit on your next European vacation.
Accessibility
Unlike other big European cities like Paris or London, it's small. When you're walking around Rome, you don't feel overwhelmed. They've done such a good job maintaining that feeling throughout the city, especially in their hotels.
Hotel improvements
Rome was never known for its hotel hospitality, but in the last five years, hotel companies have been buying up properties and freshening them up to make them a true five-star experience. A big reason why people like to go to places like Paris and London is because the hotels there are absolutely fabulous. Rome was missing that element until recently.
Gateway to other Italian adventures
In an hour and a half, you can be in Porto or Coli, which is where Il Pellicano is, a five-star, fabulous hotel on the Tuscan Coast. In a three-hour drive, you can be down on the Amalfi Coast, headed to Positano, or taking a ferry to the islands of Capri or Ischia. You could be on a train up to Florence or Venice. There's so much to do, and it all starts with being in Rome for a few days.
Suggested Itinerary for Roman Getaway
Compiled by Elizabeth Walsh, luxury travel consultant
DAY ONE: DEPARTURE
Evening
Nonstop overnight flight from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) to Rome Fiumicino (FCO).
DAY TWO: ARRIVAL IN ROME
Morning
Touch down at FCO, where a VIP Meet & Greet ensures swift passage through immigration and customs. Your private driver takes you to your hotel for early check-in.
Afternoon
Enjoy a leisurely morning and lunch at the hotel. Afterward, embark on a private motorcar tour through Rome’s most iconic landmarks: the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Venezia, the Pantheon, and the majestic Roman Forum. Let the Eternal City unveil its soul as your guide reveals its secrets and stories.
Evening
Dine at Taverna Trilusa, a Roman institution nestled in Trastevere, known for authentic pasta dishes served in copper pans and an intimate, candle-lit ambiance.
DAY THREE: ANCIENT WONDERS & ARTISTIC TREASURES
Morning
Take a private guided tour of the Colosseum, entering through the Gladiators’ Gate onto the arena floor. Delve into the stories of emperors, games, and glory with an expert historian by your side.
Afternoon
Retreat to the serene gardens of Bonaventura Monastery, where a private lunch overlooking the Colosseum awaits—an elegant spread amid olive trees and Roman ruins. Afterward, enjoy an exclusive private viewing of Friar Sullivan’s art gallery on the top floor of the monastery, a hidden trove of sacred and contemporary works.
Evening
Dinner is reserved at Dal Bolognese, a favored spot of diplomats and Roman high society, where classic Emilian dishes and impeccable service await on Piazza del Popolo.
DAY FOUR: ROMAN INDULGENCE & VATICAN GRANDEUR
Morning
Spend the day shopping Rome’s luxury boutiques on Via Condotti, sipping espresso in charming piazzas, and indulging in a Roman bath spa.
Afternoon
Stylish lunch at Cielo, the rooftop restaurant of Hotel de la Ville, offering panoramic views of the city and exquisite Mediterranean fare. Afterward, descend the Spanish Steps and enjoy a stroll through the elegant streets leading to Villa Borghese. Enter the park through Porta Pinciana or Piazza di Spagna, depending on your location, and explore its tree-lined avenues, fountains, and manicured gardens.
Evening
With exclusive after-hours access to the Vatican Museums, walk the empty halls of the Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, and St. Peter’s Basilica with a private guide. Enjoy a private candle-lit dinner within the Vatican —an extraordinary conclusion to your Roman chapter.
DAY FIVE: DEPARTURE
Morning
After breakfast, a private transfer to FCO for your return flight home.
Adding a few extra days? Here are some unique options:
1 extra night: Take a day trip to the rolling hills of the Frascati Wine Region, 30 minutes southeast of the city. Famous for crisp white wines and cellar tours in ancient Roman caves.
3 extra nights: Enjoy coastal relaxation on the Argentario peninsula at Il Pellicano, an iconic retreat—chic, understated glamour with views over the Tyrrhenian Sea, Michelin-starred dining, and a private beach club. A 2 to 2.5-hour drive from Rome.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Walsh recommends three five-star properties, all within walking distance of the Spanish Steps, the Roman Colosseum and Via dei Condotti.
FOR THE DISCERNING TRAVELER
Bvlgari Hotel Roma
The Bvlgari is the shiny new property in Rome. In 2024, it was ranked best hotel in the world by Virtuoso. There's an outdoor terrace restaurant on the ground floor. When you walk in, you hear laughter. It feels like somewhere you want to be.
This service is impeccable. You're greeted from the moment you step on the property. They escort you to the library for check-in and offer you a glass of water, wine, champagne or Prosecco. Then they give you a tour of the hotel and show you to your room.
There’s a fabulous rooftop bar and restaurant. An hour before sunset is a great time to go for a cocktail and watch the colors in the sky and panoramic views of the city.
The spa is so luxurious. After a workout in the morning or touring the city all day, it's a nice place to unwind. The pool, which is inspired by ancient Roman baths, is huge but feels private because there are pillars in the middle. There’s stained-glass throughout, which makes it feel special.
General Manager Falcone Vicenzo’s favorite features: La Terrazza, with its breathtaking view over the Eternal City, and the signature Bvlgari treatment at the Spa.
FOR BOUTIQUE LOVERS
J.K. Place Roma
J.K. Place Roma is best for sophisticated travelers who don't want a big fuss but still want that five-star experience. It's in a 17th-century building where the school of architecture used to be and its aesthetic is mid-century modern meets traditional Roman design. It's small, 26 or 27 rooms. It’s simple but with a lot of elegant pieces and lovely artwork.
There's always someone greeting you as you come in. They’re friendly and inviting. It almost feels like you're going to a close friend's really nice home in Rome.
They're known for their café and bar, a great place to go for drinks before going out to dinner.
General Manager Maria Strati’s favorite features: The lobby's glass ceiling permitting natural light to come in and the refined traditional cuisine of new chef, Mr. Blasco Vannucchi.
THE CLASSIC CHOICE
Hotel Eden
The Hotel Eden is a combination of J.K. Place Roma and Bvlgari. It’s traditional and classic. It’s under 100 rooms but doesn't feel big. It’s luxurious but not intimidating. You can easily take children there.
Its modern sophistication meets Roman classic design. It's in a prestigious, glamorous neighborhood. The sunsets from there are insane. Most of the rooms have a view, but you want to get a room on a higher floor, so you can see the sunsets.
The spa is beautiful. It has Roman-style marble soaking baths, with hot, cold, mineral and other treatments. There’s a Michelin-star restaurant on site and a more casual restaurant as well.
General Manager Mirko Cattini’s favorite features: “Hotel Eden prides itself on its rich heritage. Art is an integral part of that. We've done exclusive collaborations with contemporary artists, and we partner with some of the most important museums in the city.”