Rome — Where History, Flavor & La Dolce Vita Collide

Rome doesn’t ease you in—it sweeps you off your feet.

For the first leg of our Italian anniversary trip, we spent four nights in Rome, staying at the intimate and effortlessly chic Hotel De’ Ricci, tucked away in the historic center. From the moment we arrived, Rome felt vibrant, theatrical, and deeply alive.

Seeing Rome Through a Local Lens

After settling in, we kicked things off with a private guided walk through the heart of the city—wandering past the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and ending with panoramic views from the Pincio Terrace at sunset. Watching the sun dip behind the domes of Rome while the city buzzed below was the kind of moment that reminds you why this place has inspired travelers for centuries.

Eating Our Way Through the Eternal City

Rome is a city best experienced through taste, and we leaned all the way in. A private food tour through Campo de’ Fiori and Trastevere introduced us to pizza bianca, local cured meats, pasta dishes dripping in sauce, and the kind of flavors that make you stop mid-bite and smile.

One of my favorite days? Cooking a traditional Italian Sunday lunch. We shopped at a local farmers market, sipped prosecco, and learned to prepare a multi-course meal before sitting down to enjoy it the Italian way—slowly, joyfully, together.

Roman Holiday, Literally

A highlight I’ll never forget: a private Vespa tour through Rome, inspired by Roman Holiday. Riding through historic streets, stopping at iconic landmarks, and seeing the city from the back of a vintage Vespa was pure cinematic magic.

We wrapped each evening with unforgettable dinners at local favorites like Sottosopra Trastevere, La Fiaschetta, and Osteria La Querci, all within an easy stroll from our hotel—proof that in Rome, some of the best moments happen when you’re not rushing anywhere.

Rome was bold, delicious, and endlessly captivating—and the perfect way to begin our Italian journey.