Published 15th Feb. 2024
Written by Emily Rister
Reading time
Our Europe specialist, Emily, embodied la dolce vita on a recent research trip to Rome. While she was there, she ticked off all the things any trip to Rome should include: a visit to the legendary Colosseum; eating heaps of cacio e pepe; and plenty of rooftop terrace tipples. What’s more, her notebook came home teeming with top tips to make your trip that extra bit special. Read on to discover how to make the most of Italy’s infamous capital.
I spent four nights in Rome, which gave me plenty of time to see hotspots like the Colosseum and the Pantheon.
I went on a wonderful walking tour with our most popular local guide, Patrizia. She took us around all the famous spots: Trevi Fountain, which is the largest in the city; Piazza Navona, one of the city’s most famous squares; the legendary Colosseum; and the Pantheon, a former Roman temple. I also had a private cookery class which was exceptional – our chef took us to a local market and created the menu with us while we walked around. We then used the ingredients to make a range of classic Italian pastas, sides, starters and desserts. Bellissimo!
The rooftop bars and terraces hidden above street level are delightful. There are so many worth checking out, but one of my favourites was at the Palazzo Manfredi hotel. Their rooftop terrace looks out directly over the Colosseum – views in Rome don’t get much better than that!
Cacio e pepe – made from pecorino Romano cheese, pepper and pasta – was absolutely delicious. It’s a traditional Rome dish and is homemade everywhere you go, so every bite is delightfully fresh.
Despite being so tasty, I learnt that pasta isn’t the main course and is usually served as a starter. Eating it before the main protein-based dish is a tradition that’s been passed down through generations, so it’s an integral part of Italian dining culture (and something I can get on board with – I’ll take any excuse for eating more pasta!).
I’ve never picked my ingredients from a local market with a chef and cooked them together. Seeing where everything came from and handpicking the best products was super interesting, and it made eating the food even more rewarding.
Yes – how walkable everything is. The famous hotspots are close together in car-free zones, making it easy and enjoyable to explore on foot.
I definitely recommend exploring with a guide. They really know their stuff and bring the city’s ancient ruins to life with facts, stories and information that you wouldn’t find on Google.
Italy is a holiday hotspot (for good reason), so our help in navigating the crowds is invaluable. From snapping up hard-to-come-by Vatican tickets (at the quietest times of day) to organising an archaeologist to guide you around Pompeii, our consultants have the insider intel to make your trip unforgettable. Stuck on where to stay? Our vetted accommodation options range from family-run ‘trullis’ in Puglia to big-name hotels in Venice. So, whether you're an adventurous family or a couple on a romantic retreat, we can find the version of Italy to suit you.
ENQUIRE NOWPractical advice and inspiration for your next trip
Masserie are deeply rooted in Puglia’s history and culture. For centuries, these agricultural estates have shaped the lives of local people and withstood periods of intense socioeconomic transformation. The land and the farmhouses are so intrinsically linked, it’s hard to imagine spending time in Puglia, or to get a true feel for the heart and soul of the region, without exploring all that a masseria stay has to offer.
6th March 2026 - Italy Travel Inspiration
Slow down, take in the spectacular scenery, and savour the unhurried pace of life around the Italian Lakes. The lakes were made by glaciers retreating at the end of the last ice age and have been a popular destination since the Romans were in power, so the region has a rich history. Add in the landscapes, nature and the charm of the towns and villages, and you’ve got a recipe for relaxation. Here, our Italy expert, Valeria, runs through what you can do at the lakes and how to plan your trip.
18th February 2026 - Italy Travel Inspiration
The Dolomites in winter are pure magic, with snow-dusted summits, rosy alpenglow and villages that look straight out of a fairytale. When the crowds thin and the mountains put on their white coats, this UNESCO-listed range transforms into one of Europe’s most breathtaking cold-weather destinations. Beyond its world-class slopes, the Dolomites invites you to hike along alpine trails, sip hot chocolate in mountain huts and watch sunsets paint jagged peaks.
2nd February 2026 - Italy Travel Inspiration
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
