Rome in 3 days: a luxury itinerary for true connoisseurs

Morning: Private tour of the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine
Start the day with an exclusive tour of Rome's icon. A private guide takes you through the Colosseum's underground chambers (Hypogeum), closed to regular visitors. You'll see where gladiators prepared for battle and learn how the elaborate lift and trapdoor system worked. Then walk through the Roman Forum — heart of the ancient republic — and climb Palatine Hill where Rome was born. Tour lasts about 3 hours, from €350 per person.
Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1. Metro: Colosseo.

Afternoon: Lunch at Pierluigi and walk through Trastevere
After a packed morning, head to Pierluigi (Piazza de' Ricci, 144) — a refined restaurant with a terrace serving the freshest seafood and classic Roman cuisine. Average €80-120 per person. Then stroll the narrow alleys of Trastevere — one of Rome's most colorful districts. Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere to see 12th-century mosaics.

Evening: Dinner at Aroma (Michelin 1 star)
Crown the day with dinner at Aroma on the roof of Palazzo Manfredi. The view of the illuminated Colosseum is unforgettable. Chef Giuseppe Di Iorio's tasting menu of 7 courses is a work of art. Dinner from €200 per person. Book 2-3 weeks ahead.
Address: Via Labicana, 125. Nearest metro: Colosseo.

Morning: Private Vatican tour before opening
Book the 'Prime Experience' — enter the Vatican Museums an hour before official opening, halls empty. A private guide walks you through the Gallery of Maps, Raphael Rooms, and of course the Sistine Chapel where you can take in Michelangelo's frescoes in silence. Tour 4 hours, from €500 per person. After, visit St. Peter's Basilica — take the lift and stairs to the dome for the panorama.

Afternoon: Lunch at La Pergola (Michelin 3 stars) and shopping
Lunch at La Pergola (Via Alberto Cadlolo, 101) — Rome's only three-Michelin-star restaurant. Chef Heinz Beck creates dishes inspired by Italian traditions. Tasting menu from €250. After lunch head to Via Condotti — Rome's main shopping street. Flagship stores of Gucci, Prada, Valentino, Bulgari. For personal shopping, request your hotel's concierge service.

Evening: Aperitif at Stravinskij Bar
End the day at the Stravinskij Bar in Hotel de Russie (Via del Babuino, 9). Famous for its inner garden — a real oasis in central Rome. Order a classic Negroni or the signature 'Stravinskij' cocktail. Cocktails from €25. Perfect atmosphere for a relaxed evening after a packed day.

Morning: Walk through Borghese Gardens and Borghese Gallery
Start the day with a leisurely walk through Villa Borghese gardens — Rome's largest park. Rent an electric vehicle or book a private golf cart tour to cover the corners: Temple of Aesculapius, Pincio and the terrace overlooking Piazza di Spagna. Then visit the Borghese Gallery (Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5) — tickets strictly by reservation; better to book a guided tour. Bernini sculptures (Rape of Proserpina, Apollo and Daphne) and Caravaggio paintings await. Guided ticket from €100.

Afternoon: Lunch at Imàgo and free time
Lunch at Imàgo (Piazza della Trinità dei Monti, 1) on the roof of the Hassler hotel — one of Rome's best panoramas. Chef Francesco Apreda offers modern interpretations of Italian classics. Average €150 per person. After lunch, relax in the hotel spa or shop along Via dei Condotti.

Evening: Farewell dinner at Il Pagliaccio (Michelin 2 stars)
End the Roman journey with dinner at Il Pagliaccio (Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 129a). Chef Anthony Genovese creates extraordinary tasting menus blending Italian traditions with Asian notes. Atmosphere intimate and elegant. Menu from €180. Booking essential.