Italy’s Eternal Stage: Rome, Florence & Venice for First-Timers

Golf cart tour of the city: Rome is huge, and your feet will thank you. A golf cart lets you zip between ancient ruins, piazzas, and neighborhoods while a local guide brings the history to life.

Villa Borghese Gardens and spritz at Hotel de Russie: After a lazy wander or bike ride in the park, nothing feels more Roman than slipping into Hotel de Russie’s courtyard for an aperitivo. Elegant, timeless, and the best way to toast the day.

Trevi Fountain at dawn: Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s magic. These days there’s even a formal queue. Go early, throw your coin with your right hand over your left shoulder, and the fountain will belong to you (for a few quiet minutes).

Wander through Monti: A little bit vintage, a little bit bohemian. Monti is all cobbled lanes, wine bars, and cool little boutiques—perfect for a slow afternoon.

After-hours Vatican: The Sistine Chapel without crowds? Goosebumps. It’s the kind of moment that stays with you long after you’re home.

Sunrise Duomo climb: Start your day at the top of Brunelleschi’s dome as the city glows in shades of gold and pink.

Artisan stroll in Oltrarno: Discover Florence’s bohemian quarter, where leather, jewelry, and bookbinding workshops keep traditions alive.

Arno river cruise at sunset: Board a traditional barchetto boat and glide under Florence’s bridges as the city lights begin to twinkle.

Day trip to Tuscany for wine tasting: Escape into rolling hills for Chianti and Brunello in centuries-old cantinas before returning to Florence in time for dinner.

The Bloody Mary at St. Regis Florence: Every St. Regis worldwide has its own twist on the Bloody Mary; in Florence it’s the “Santa Maria,” made with Tuscan spices and grappa. Don’t miss the hotel’s daily champagne sabering ritual—equal parts tradition and theater.

Gucci Garden: Fashion meets art in this playful space that only Florence could dream up. Boutique, gallery, and museum all rolled into one.

Vivoli for gelato: Florence’s oldest gelateria, serving up timeless scoops since 1930.

Get lost intentionally: The only way to do Venice. Wander aimlessly and you’ll stumble onto little campos, hidden canals, and local life away from the crowds.

Carnival ball fitting at Antonia’s Atelier: Slip into full Venetian fantasy with a custom gown or tux fitting. Even if you’re not going to a ball, it’s an unforgettable glimpse of Venice’s theatrical side.

Secret garden tour: Behind all that stone and water, Venice hides lush private gardens. A guided peek behind the gates feels like a secret.

Murano glass workshop: Watch masters at work turning molten glass into chandeliers and goblets. Pro tip: If you’re staying at the St. Regis Venice, this is the private boat and the tour is complimentary.

Spritz at Arts Bar (St. Regis Venice): A spritz is a Venetian ritual, but here it’s elevated into art—cocktails inspired by movements like Futurism and Impressionism, right on the canal.

Cicchetti tour: Think Venetian tapas. Hop from bacaro to bacaro, sampling crostini, polpette, and anchovies, washed down with prosecco.

Day trip to the Prosecco Hills: Just an hour from Venice, the rolling vineyards produce Italy’s most famous sparkling wine.

Roscioli: A Roman institution—part deli, part wine bar, all-around incredible. The carbonara is legendary.

La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali (Monti): Just steps from the Colosseum, this family-run spot is perfect for lunch after sightseeing. Hearty Roman classics in a neighborhood setting.

Averna Trilussa (Trastevere): Beloved for pasta served straight from the pan.

Pizzeria e Trattoria Lo Sprone: A casual spot steps from the Ponte Vecchio, serving wood-fired pizzas and rustic Tuscan dishes.

Gelateria della Passera: A tiny gelato shop tucked into a piazza in the Oltrarno. Flavors are fresh, seasonal, and crafted in small batches.

Trattoria Omero: Up in the hills overlooking Florence, this classic trattoria offers hearty Tuscan cooking and sweeping views of the city.

Il Santo Bevitore: A contemporary trattoria where Florentine tradition meets modern flair.

Cantina Do Mori: Venice’s oldest bacaro, full of history and cicchetti.

Antiche Carampane: A rustic, hidden osteria beloved for traditional seafood dishes.

Torrefazione Cannaregio: A local’s favorite for artisanal coffee and fresh-baked pastries. Minimalist, calm, and the perfect start to a Venetian morning.