The Grand King's Road

Right in the heart of the city, Villa Ada is Rome’s second largest public park. As fascinating as it is surprising, between archaeological ruins and history both ancient and recent, with its luscious vegetation and thriving animal population, this green lung is the ideal location for regenerating walks. Across woods and paths, we will take travelers among the ruins of ancient civilizations as well as the evidence of a less remote path, such as the bunker used by the Savoia family during the Second World War, or a collection of mysterious tombs. Hidden between clearing and chasms, and isolated from satellite signal, if you are fortunate you may also meet the man who lives in the trees.

If you are a fan of beer, this is the perfect way to get to know the best Italian breweries and their products, with their merits and particularities, through an exploration of their geographical origin.

Tasting, as you may know, is not only about taste, just like listening is not only about sound. It is a real sensual and sensory experience that involves all the senses, even the sixth. An exciting journey in one of the most famous restaurants in the world led by culinary experts who know the raw materials they choose just like a scientist would, but who are also acutely aware of the human soul and the emotional functioning of human beings, and are capable of uniting the knowledge of the latter and the former in what industry insiders call neuro-enogastronomy.

Piazza del Campidoglio. Imposing and panoramic, seat of the municipality of Rome, center of the city’s political power and tangible proof of Michelangelo’s skill as an architect. And if this was not enough, the home to the oldest public art collection. The museum was born at the end of the 15th century with a donation of bronze sculptures by Pope Sixtus IV. Walking between the Palazzo Nuovo and Palazzo dei Conservatori you will admire the sculptures of Ancient Roman: from the Capitoline Venus to the imposing sculpture of Marphurius, to the She-Wolf and Capitoline Brutus. Our expert guide will also lead you through the Middle Ages and up to the 18th century, in the company of Caravaggio, Guercino, Guido Reni, Pietro da Cortona, Rubens and many other artists.

"EUR" is the acronym for European Universal Exhibition. And it is no coincidence, because the neighborhood was created specifically to host the eponymous event in 1942. Designed in 1935, it was finally completed 15 years later, following World War II. Dominated by urban rationalism and architecture that clearly recalls the Roman Classical style, typical of the fascist period, in recent years EUR has began a new season of splendor, thanks to high value development projects such as the “Nuvola”, an ambitious project designed by architect Massimiliano Fuksas. The walk will end with a visit to the local Sunday market, a delightful mix of antiques and trinkets.

The Caelian Hill. The Colosseum stands at its base, and its streets and squares are rich with history and monuments, as is its underground belly. Here you can admire one off the oldest paleochristian churches in Italy, dedicated to the first martyr. Our guide will lead you to the Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo and the Arch of Dolabella, probably built over the gates of the Servian Wall, to the Temple of Claudius, defiled by his wife Agrippina, and the Church of Saints John and Paul. Here you can descend underground to discover the remains of what probably were the homes of these two Christian martyrs. 

Rome, art and the Papacy. An indissoluble relationship that is perfectly exemplified by the art collection amassed by Scipione Borghese, nephew of the newly elected Pope Paolo V Borghese in the early 17th century. Thus began the construction of the Villa Borghese, which would become the treasure chest to one of the world’s most important private art collections. Let yourself be overwhelmed by Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio and Canova in the Galleria Borghese, symbol of the Roman aristocracy.

Lose yourself among the medieval alleys of the most bohemian ‘village’ in the heart of Rome. Walking through narrow and winding streets, you will discover the Basilica of Santa Cecilia, the church built to honour the patron saint of musicians, and the annexed Benedictine convent where, with our special permission, you will be able to listen to ritual chants of the nuns that have charge of the basilica. An enchanting and mystical experience that will continue by visiting the fascinating baroque church of San Francesco a Ripa and the Bernini Chapel. Naturally, we would never miss taking a delicious break to taste the oven pizza in Vicolo del Cinque, a must for Romans and visitors alike. Afterwards, dive back into the splendours of the Renaissance in Villa Farnesina, amongst the wonders of Raphael and the Botanical Garden.

It was 1929 when the ancient ruins where Caesar was murdered were discovered at Largo di Torre Argentina. That same year the city’s stray cats started taking refuge in those same ruins. An expert guide will show you the place where these felines receive shelter and care from the city’s many volunteers, because this too is Rome. Have a look at Walt Disney’s movie “The Aristocats” in Italian, and listen to the fluent roman accent of Romeo, the animated film’s loveable Roman stray protagonist. He is the most respected cat of the city’s famous colony, and if you’ll be lucky he might come your way.