14 DAYS IN ITALY - Elite Traveler

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Arrive in rome
the Coliseum, roman Forum and the Palatine Hill, among other marvels,
dot the city: round a corner and find yourself gazing at the Pantheon, one
of the most impressive structures ever built, the Borghese Gallery and
more. check into the venerable Hassler—owned by a fifth-generation
member of a famous swiss hotelier dynasty—with one of the world’s
greatest locations, right at the top of the famed Spanish Steps. shake off
your jet lag with a private wine tasting next door at il Palazzetto. after
recharging your batteries, descend the steps to Piazza di Spagna, from
which rome’s finest shopping radiates. return to the Hassler, where all
95 rooms and suites are well appointed, but the three Presidential Suites
(from about $3,680 per night) are the best, especially the Penthouse, with
a huge private terrace and views all the way to the vatican city (the choice
of leonardo Dicaprio and tom cruise).
Hassler roma: President and Managing Director roberto e. wirth,
39-06-699340; gmoffice@hotelhassler.it;
www.hotelhasslerroma.com
TourinG rome
Have the Hassler’s peerless head concierge luciano Zamberlan book one
of his hand-picked english-speaking guides specializing in the city’s ancient
quarter, and spend a full day exploring the wonders of the Coliseum and
surrounding ancient sites, including the roman Forum, all while skipping
the typically oppressive lines. if you’re an art fan, your guide can lead you to
many of the city’s otherwise unnoticeable churches teeming with original
masters’ works—and absolutely do not miss the Pantheon or the Trevi
Fountain. One of italy’s best lunches awaits at nearby Quinzi & Gabrieli.
But eat light, because a stunning nine-course tasting dinner at La Pergola,
the only three-Michelin-starred eatery in all of rome, highlights your day.
a specially made bottle of olive oil is decanted for every guest (including
regulars like George clooney and John travolta).
la Pergola: restaurant Manager Umberto Giraudo, 39-06-3509-2152;
lapergola.rome@hilton.com; www.romecavalieri.com/lapergola.php
cOliseUM / rOMe
14 days
sPanisH stePs / rOMe
trevi fOUntain / rOMe