How do you decide what to do in a city with more than TEN thousand historical monuments? Easy, you choose a few monuments to see so you’re not overwhelmed with tourists and then for an authentic experience you concentrate on what the local Romans love to do, focusing on what’s new and fabulous…
Top picks for what to do in Rome include visiting Rome’s hidden art exhibits and taking private secret Rome tours, checking out Rome’s new best restaurants and staying at the top hotel in Rome. Then you can throw in some fun new Rome adventures like gladitor training and driving a Ferrari and you’re all set!
So here’s a quick look at the top 10 things to do in Rome in 2011 that will hopefully help inspire you to plan your next Travel Therapy trip to Rome! I’d love to hear what you like best from this Top 10 things to do in Rome list!
Gladiator Training
What better way to learn about ancient Rome and fuel your adventuresome side than to sign up for a few hours of Gladiator Training with the historical group called Gruppo Storico Romano? Come on, admit it, you’ve always wanted to dress up in armor and fight it out with knives and spears. Now here’s your chance to take a step back in time to almost 2000 years ago and channel your own Russell Crowe in the Gladiator!
Info: http://www.gsr-roma.com
Rent a Ferrari- ZOOM! ZOOM!
Talk about an adrenalin rush! The first time you slip behind the wheel of the sleek and sexy Ferrari F430 Spider and step on the gas you’re catapulted into a whole new kind of driving experience. If the roar of the engine alone isn’t enough to get your heart racing try thinking about how the car you’re driving can travel at more than 180 miles an hour and is worth around $300,000. Racing around Rome in a Ferrari you feel like a rock star but I have one word of warning for you—addicting!
Rome’s Top Hotel
When you’re looking for five-star luxury and posh pampering just outside the trample of tourists head to Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, perched high on a hillside, overlooking Rome and Vatican City. With 370 rooms, 42 with private balconies, the Rome Cavalieri is set on 15 lush acres with 3-swimming pools, tennis courts, a gorgeous spa, a multi-million dollar private art collection and Rome’s only 3-star Michelin restaurant, the exquisite La Pergola. Insider Tip, get a room on one of the top floors with access to the Imperial Club where your breakfast is included and you’ll find complimentary coffee, tea, wine, prosecco and snacks served throughout the day. Info: www.romecavalieri.com
Rome’s Top Chef
As renowned as he is passionate about his cuisine Chef Heinz Beck is the maestro behind the magic at La Pergola restaurant, leading his team to earn the coveted Michelin three star rating. La Pergola is Rome’s only restaurant to receive this highest culinary distinction. Chef Beck says La Pergola’s stunning roof top setting with panoramic views of the city, inspire him to create a cuisine and dining experience where all your senses are serenaded into complete bliss. Info: www.heinzbeck.com
Rome’s Best Brunch
One of the top dining experiences in Rome happens on Sunday at L’Uliveto where the brunch is unparalleled and the restaurant is the chic place to be and be seen. Featuring both indoor and outdoor seating, overlooking a pretty park and stunning swimming pool, the setting helps set the tone for the incredible food choices. From fresh sushi, sashimi and calamari to grilled lamb chops, shoulder of veal and beef carpaccio, the choices are seemingly endless and also include traditional Roman favorites like Buffalo Mozzarella Ravioli. Come hungry and plan to stay several hours so you can savor the experience. Info: www.romecavalieri.com
Rome’s Secret Tours
To experience a genuine feel for Rome you need to go beyond just seeing the Coliseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. Some of Rome’s best kept secrets and true treasures can only be seen by hiring a private tour guide from IF, a luxury art experience agency where all the guides are art historians and have exclusive access to places in Rome not open to the general public. Tours include getting a sneak peek inside grand palaces, churches and priceless art collections. IF has also recently partnered with the Rome Cavalieri to create exclusive tours only available to hotel guests. Info: www.romecavalieri.com
Rome’s Best Spa Escape
After touring through Rome all day there’s no better way to refresh mentally and physically than to stop by the Cavalieri Grand Spa Club. Here you can pay tribute to the great tradition of Roman Baths and treat yourself to one of the luxurious La Prairie facials or sign up for a stress melting Ayurvedic massage. This stunning spa also features a high tech workout area, along with indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a Brazilian amethyst Turkish bath. The new ultimate treatment to try is the 90-minute Platinum Rare Facial where two therapists pamper you from head to toe using pure platinum infused La Prairie products to help restore balance and promote hydration and youthful skin. Info: www.romecavalieri.com
Rome’s Private Art Collections
There is no question art is in Rome’s DNA with priceless paintings, sculptures and fountains around almost every corner. The beauty of Rome is that you can find amazing multi-million dollar art in some of the most unexpected places, like the lobby of the Rome Cavalieri where guests and visitors often have no idea the paintings in the lobby above the elevator, concierge desk, and front desk, along with the tapestries and the paintings in the Tiepolo Lounge are highly prized dating back to 16th and 17th century. Collected by the hotel’s owner, the Cavalieri has more than 1,000 pieces of artwork exhibited throughout the hotel’s public areas and suites.
Rome’s Best New Restaurants
Get ready for a carb load because some of your best meals in Rome are all about indulging in the basics, feasting on fresh bread and olive oil and homemade pasta and pizza. Your best bet for authentic and delicious is to go where the locals go. New restaurants not to miss for dinner include the hip and happening Molto, dishing up delicious homemade gnocchi and the house special, suckling pig. Another top pick, and one of the few open, demonstration kitchens in Rome, is Sicilian inspired La Trattoria where beyond incredible pasta you’ll also find some fresh seafood dishes like home smoked swordfish and tuna with fennel and tangerine sauce. A great lunch option is Babette where people line up for a traditional Roman buffet.
Rome’s Best Affordable Pizza
If you’re craving traditional Italian pizza, you’ll find some of the best, for a great price, at Da Francesco. Try the Mozzarella with black truffles and save room for the homemade apple pie. Yummm!
For more unique and inspiring TRAVEL THERAPY ideas check out more travel features on www.traveltherapytrips.com & a get a copy of TRAVEL THERAPY: Where Do You Need to Go?
Also follow the Travel Therapy journey on Facebook and Twitter!
Twitter: www.twitter.com/traveltherapy
Facebook Page: Travel Therapy
