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Some insider tips by Giovanni Benvenuto that will make your visit to Rome absolutely spectacular. Whether you are looking for a luxury spa treatment, a private driver to take you sightseeing in a Ferrari or an exclusive guided tour of the Vatican and its mysteries, you will find everything in the Eternal City.

There are things that money can’t buy, but when it comes to some of the best things to do in Rome that money can buy, you will really be spoilt for choice. Whether you want to feel like a Roman Emperor or be pampered like a princess, there’s no better place to have the time of your life than in Rome.The Eternal City has a rich historical heritage of more than 2,000 years, so there’s a lot to explore here! Apart from the delicious Italian cuisine, regardless of whether it’s your first time visiting Rome or if you are a frequent traveler. Read on to discover the top things to do in Rome and some of the best ways you can splurge here without feeling guilty.

Travel in class

To arrive in style at your hotel in Rome in the least amount of time, nothing beats a helicopter transfer from the airport, especially if you are staying at a five-star hotel that has a helipad. This will make your arrival truly memorable and leave you feeling like a superstar. Then once you’ve settled in your hotel room and check things out in Rome, hire a chauffeur with the vehicle of your choice and go for a city tour. Without a doubt, this is one of the best ways to start your splurge in Rome.

VIP Breakfast and a Private Tour of the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel

The Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel and are two of the most iconic landmarks in the city and a great blend of art and architecture. If you were wondering what to see in Rome, this is it! It’s suggested you don’t try to visit these places all by yourself since the Vatican City receives over 17,000 visitors each day, which might make it tough for you to enjoy the sights without being bothered by the crowd. So, if you want to skip the lines and get treated as if you are a celebrity, go for the private tour.

This experience begins at 7 AM in the morning with a lavish breakfast buffet served for limited guests in the Pinecone Courtyard in a private setting. You will eat the same food items which are prepared exclusively for the Pope and his personal staff. The guides then take you through the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel with almost no crowd inside, which gives you an added advantage. The tour ends at St. Peter’s Basilica. In short, if you’ve wanted to tour the Vatican City and see it in all its majesty, the VIP breakfast and early access to the Vatican Museum is totally worth the splurge and one of the best things to do in Rome.

Take a coffee break at the Villa Medici

Sitting down for a coffee isn’t always the same, especially when you are at Villa Medici. Villa Medici gives you the feeling of luxury which many think comes from its long history and palatial design. This is why it has always been visited by some of the most influential figures in the world throughout history. Just as you would expect from an establishment of this stature, the service and attention to detail are truly remarkable. This makes spending time at the Villa Medici one of the best things to do in Rome, Italy.

Spend an evening at the Hotel de Russie

If you plan to spend an evening worth remembering, the Hotel de Russie is where you should go. It attracts the coolest crowd in Rome, particularly in the evening as the sun sets, which is just about the right time for having an aperitif. As you enjoy some of the finest meals and the impeccable setting of this place, it’s going to be easy for you to understand why this place is so highly regarded as one of the most exclusive locations to spend the evening in Rome.

Indulge in luxury shopping

When you run out of things to see in Rome, it’s time to go on a shopping spree. The shopping street of Via del Corso will introduce you to a world of style and elegance right in the center of the town. There are some shops where the cheapest clothing item costs €10,000 so be prepared for the urge to splurge!

Take a tour around Lake Nemi in a Ferrari

If luxury and adventure are what you crave for, you will certainly enjoy a trip across the Roman countryside in a high-end Ferrari model. The six-hour trip starts at 8 in the morning and takes off from your hotel and lets you take in some of the best sights and local cuisine that you can find in Italy. It takes you through picturesque roads, shows you the historical heritage of Rome, and visit an ancient. The trip ends at a village, where you will relish the lunch while enjoying the amazing views of the valley below. The experience – priceless! That’s why it made it on this list of the best things to do preplan in Rome.

Go on a Food Tour in the City

If you don’t want to try tourist menus and want to taste authentic Italian cuisine, food tours are a great way to spend the evening. Go for a food tour in and around the Prati district, which is more of a traditional neighborhood in the city of Rome. You can sample dozens of Roman specialties, enjoy some wine and get to dine in an intimate setting with a small group of people. Call it a perfect way to spend the evening in Rome.

Dine at a three-Michelin star restaurant

Enjoy dinner with a view at La Pergola, a Michelin starred restaurant that prides itself on being one of the finest restaurants in Italy. It’s housed in the Rome Cavalieri Hotel and is run by chef Heinz Beck, an award-winning chef who will serve you the best of the Italian cuisine with some creative twists. Apart from relishing some delicacies and a large selection of wines, you can also enjoy the stunning views of this ancient city of Rome. If you get a chance to watch the sunset during dinner at La Pergola, it will make your luxury dining experience a memorable one for sure.

Get a relaxing spa treatment and experience

Where else would you find one of the most luxurious spas in Rome other than the Hotel de Russie? The spa has a Finnish sauna, a saltwater hydro pool, along with a wide variety of treatments including but not limited to special massages and aromatherapy sessions. They even offer an Ancient Roman treatment that includes a relaxing foot bath and reflexology massage, which is the perfect way to end your day if you’re feeling tired after a day of local sightseeing.

Stay at the best luxury hotels

If you have always wanted to sleep like a Roman emperor, there won’t be a better chance than here in Rome. After a long day of shopping, sightseeing, and spas, you will want to have a good night’s sleep at one of Rome’s luxury hotels. For a five-star comfort that leaves you feeling rich, check out St Regis which is conveniently located in the center of the city. Another great choice for luxury travelers is the Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel which has been critically acclaimed as one of the best European hotels with a spa and is located near the mesmerizing gardens of the Villa Borghese (which should be on your list of things to see in Rome).

About the Author: Giovanni Benvenuto is the managing director of Benvenuto Limos, a chauffeur and private tour guide company, serving the tourists who visit Italy to discover the outstanding beauty of the country. Apart from his professional work he also loves reading, writing journals and cooking.

Ciao, I’m Celia, your travel advisor in Italy! I'm a professional travel writer and itinerary designer. I share my local insights and knowledge with travelers looking to go beyond the ordinary. Ask a question or request a custom travel itinerary. Contact me.
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