Just Back From Rome: Fall 2023 Highlights in the Eternal City

A group of Indagare Ambassadors recently spent five days exploring Rome, while staying at some of Indagare’s most beloved Italian properties (Hotel de Russie, Hotel de la Ville, Hotel Vilòn, The St. Regis Roma, Hotel Eden, Hotel Maalot and Umiltà 36).

From zipping through the bustling streets on vintage Vespas (with epic Coliseum views) to private tours at Fendi and the Palazzo Colonna, lunching beneath frescoes at Palazzo Vilón and scoping out the dreamiest sundowner spots, the Ambassadors were busy uncovering the best ways to enjoy the Eternal City.

“Rome should be on everyone’s bucket list, not merely as a stopover to other areas in Italy, but as a destination unto itself. The city’s history is unsurpassed, the food is fabulous, the people are passionate, the shopping is chic, and the newest luxury hotel accommodations - particularly for hotel lovers - are exciting to explore.”—Heather Hahn Fowler

A cultural and culinary destination for families, couples, solo travelers and groups of friends (as experienced by the Ambassadors, that group can be friends new or old), read on for a mini-guide to a great Roman Holiday right now. Andiamo!

Contact Indagare or your Trip Designer for assistance planning a trip to Rome. Our team can match you with the hotels that are right for you, as well as advise on all our favorite activities and must-see sites. 

A Must-See: Palazzo Colonna

Highlighted by each of the Ambassadors as an undiscovered gem in Rome, Palazzo Colonna is one of the oldest and largest private palaces in the city. Partially built over the ruins of an old Roman serapeum, construction began in the 14th century by the prominent Colonna family (who’ve owned the property for over 20 generations). Today, visitors have two options to explore the Palazzo: public tours every Friday and Saturday morning or exclusive private guided tours offered every other day during the week. And if you feel like playing Audrey Hepburn or Gregory Peck for the day? The ending scene from the 1953 classic Roman Holiday was shot at the gallery.

“The private tour of Palazzo Colonna was very special, walking into the final hall of mirrors was breathtaking! Totally unexpected, the supreme condition of the palazzo is exceptional. Definitely dreaming about a party at this location one day!”—Carrie Bellotti

Rooftops of Rome

“I was amazed by the number of exquisite rooftops offering vast views of the city that add so much valuable real estate for dining and entertaining,” Kristin Peterson Edwards recalls. While the Ambassadors spent time on the rooftops of the Six Senses Rome, Hotel de la Ville and Bulgari Hotel, Katie Barbatsuly recommends “roof bar visits every night on a trip to Rome for the best way to see the city from different vantage points.”

Ciao Bella, Bulgari

With an exquisite rooftop space overlooking the Mausoleum of Augustus, Bulgari Hotel Roma is one of the newest (and most anticipated) openings in the city. Welcoming guests to the iconic brand’s hometown, Bulgari is committed to the preservation of Roman culture. The property occupies a ritzy address at Piazza Augusto Imperatore, with 114 rooms and suites decorated in colors inspired by the city. “There was something about the waiters serving us Aperol Spritzes on the patio of the gorgeous new Bulgari Caffè that was so special,” explains Jim Klaus. “Although a part of the stunning Bulgari Hotel, it was obvious that this café has been adopted by the citizens of Rome, whether patrician older couples or business people, all dressed perfectly in the latest fashions. I would definitely recommend eating at the Bulgari Hotel, whether for brunch, lunch or dinner.” Andrea Feldman Falcione describes “just a sense of joie de vivre (or the Italian equivalent) at this hotel,” including the attentive staff who shared pasta cooking tips with the Ambassadors over lunch.

Shopping Updates

Katie Barbatsuly recommends arriving a day early for dedicated shopping time in Rome. Two of her discoveries included di San Giacomo, a handmade sandal shop near the Piazza Navona, and a farmacia on the second floor of FCO airport (great for last-minute grabs before departure).

What To Know Now

Visitors can still expect crowds and heat well into September: “I would definitely recommend visiting a bit later in the year,” explains Jim Klaus. “Our hosts at the various hotels suggested that November can be lovely weather, with less tourists.” And itineraries should not be packed with activities, Rome is great for wandering and happening upon sites like the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona—but pack comfortable walking shoes, taxis are few and far between. “For sites, you do need to plan, it’s worth the money to make them special insider experiences,” says Andrea Feldman Falcione.

Carry-On Essentials