The Eternal City is called that for a reason, it would take an eternity to see it all. In this week-long Staycation, we will explore the world’s most layered city, walking the rioni, testing the best gelato, and seeing the city from a local’s point of view. We will enjoy an excursion into the countryside around Rome to see palaces, gardens, and sample some of the best porchetta that money can buy. What we WON’T be doing is any of the overcrowded/touristy sights—no Colosseum and no Vatican Museum—but don’t worry, what we will see is the side of Rome that only a local knows.

Meet at our hotel for a get-to-know-you aperitivo. Stroll through the historic centre and dinner at a classic Roman trattoria.

Today our morning walk with an expert historian will take us off the beaten paths (a sort of “surprise me” tour) of Rome. Lunch on your own and rest of the day to leisurely discover more hidden corners of this fascinating city. This tour will not visit the Colosseum, but your guide will facilitate a visit if you’d like.

We will start our day at the magnificent Borghese Gallery, enjoying their collection with an art expert. After a stroll through the Borghese Gardens, we will have a typical Roman cafe lunch and then visit one of the noble palaces of the great families that ruled the city and the Papacy.

Today we will explore the other side of the Tiber, the bohemian neighborhood of Trastevere. Our walk will end with a cooking class and wine tasting, hosted by the legendary food emporium, Roscioli.

We will board a minibus today and have an excursion into the Roman countryside to explore the Castelli Romani. These hilltop villages were the summer homes of popes, and we will visit one of these palaces before sitting down for a long lunch in a “rustic” Trattoria featuring porchetta, which comes from the village of Ariccia.

Rome is said to have as many churches as banks in Milan, and today we will explore some of the exquisite but lesser known ones. A local guide will help us select churches with infamous relics, beautiful mosaics, and ancient roots. Tonight, we will toast our truly Roman experience with a modern bistrot dinner. Salute!

Your tour is over after breakfast, but your guide will be on hand to help with your further travels.