How Hollywood’s A-List Does the Eternal City

Hollywood’s spotlight has long shone brightly on Italy’s capital, from Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck’s Vespa joyride in Roman Holiday to last year’s Oscar-nominated Conclave. The latter film, about the political intrigue behind the selection of a new Pope, soared in popularity after the death last month of Pope Francis — and unexpectedly served as a useful primer for the election of his successor, the American born Pope Leo XIV.

Between the rise of the 267^th pontiff and the ongoing Jubilee festivities, the Eternal City is having a moment. All eyes are on Rome, especially with summer travel planning underway. “Traveling to Rome will be even more exceptional now,” says Jack Ezon, one of Hollywood’s go-to luxury travel curators and founder of Embark Beyond.

Snagging reservations and avoiding crowds requires the kind of tactical planning that travel agents to the A-list charge big money for. They shared their tips and insights with THR for free. 

The Jubilee – Rome’s Holy Year

Celebrated every quarter-century for the past 500 years or so, Jubilee is a sacred pilgrimage of spiritual renewal, forgiveness and reflection for Catholics worldwide. The 2025 theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” centers on the Vatican, with events blooming citywide. Rome expects a record-breaking year, with 30 million visitors predicted to descend upon its cobblestone streets.

“Much construction and renovations have been completed or are in the process of being completed, really showcasing this incredible city,” says Fulvio De Bonis who has taken Tom Brady, Viola Davis, Jeff Bezos, and Martin Scorsese on his animated guided tours throughout Rome. Visitors will be treated to newly spruced must-sees including Trevi Fountain and Caravaggio’s paintings at San Luigi dei Francesi. “Surprisingly Rome has not been very crowded, as the pilgrims remain in a very small part of the city. However, the summer months are always busy,” says De Bonis, who is the founder and president of Imago Artis Travel, a luxury travel company revered for designing exclusive experiences around Italy.

What to See

Given the masses will be congregating in the Vatican area and surrounding Borgo neighborhood, you’ll want to avoid those areas unless you have booked a VIP access tour. Imago Artis Travel offers just such an experience; it’s a lot easier to contemplate the majesty of the setting when you’re not being elbowed in the ribs. “The before opening hours experience happens when the museum is just waking up and includes a beautiful breakfast in the famous Pinecone Courtyard, which was the playground of the masters like Michelangelo and Raphael,” says De Bonis. There’s also the after-hours tour when the museum is closing its doors. “This follows the “Clavigero” (Key Master) who holds nearly 2,800 keys that lock all the doors and gates of the museum. Being alone inside the Sistine Chapel, whether you are an art lover or religious, it really is an experience of a lifetime,” he adds.

Patient maneuvering will also be necessary for Rome’s many other iconic sights. Inspired as you might be to careen down the Spanish Steps in a Fiat 500 like Ethan Hunt in Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, know that it’s longer permitted to even sit on the landmark. Likewise, you’ll need to wait in line to bask in your La Dolce Vita moment at the base of the Trevi Fountain, and prepare to fork over 5 Euros to enter the Pantheon. Rome, like so many cities contending with overtourism, has changed.

De Bonis advises heading to what he calls the expansive “green areas” for less of a whirlwind. “There are many beautiful parks with villas on their grounds, including Villa Doria Pamphili, the second largest in [the city], with a grand 17th century palace located in the Monteverde area just outside the ancient walls of Rome,” he says.  “The posh Villa Borghese and the Janiculum Hill, a place to enjoy the scenic views of the city, is located on the side of Vatican City and is the second-tallest hill in Rome, although not considered one of the Seven Hills of Rome.”

De Bonis also recommends a stroll down Via Appia Antica (the Appian Way), officially declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2024. “This is one of the earliest and most Roman roads from the ancient republic. There are catacombs, beautiful paths, with the opportunity to horseback ride or bike ride along its routes. It is as though you stepped outside the city with the beautiful nature, but you are very much in Rome,” he says. 

Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains) is another one of his insider picks. Located in the center of Rome near Monti, “this 5th century basilica not only holds the chains of St. Peter when he was imprisoned in Jerusalem but has the massive Moses statue of Michelangelo that not many visit,” says De Bonis, “as his fame comes from the Sistine Chapel, the David in Florence and the Pietà in St. Peter’s Basilica.” De Bonis anoints it as a must see. “Rumor has it that the gash on one of the knees is from Michelangelo’s hammer — he found his own work so lifelike that he hit the knee and proclaimed, ‘Why won’t you speak?’ Real or just a romance story, it certainly highlights how lifelike the sculpture is and the intense emotions of the artist.”

Where to Sleep 

While Rome is home to several five-star luxury properties, one hotel’s name is frequently whispered by discerning insiders and elite travel aficionados: the elegant, intimate, family-owned and Michelin Key bestowed Singer Palace Hotel (from $650 per night, inclusive of daily breakfast). “It’s one of those hidden gems in Rome that feels like you’re in on a secret,” says Tiffany Layne, founder of the bespoke travel curator LaVon Private Luxury. “It’s a favorite for clients who want something special without the fuss.” 

Tucked into a side street off Via del Corso, and within easy walking distance of the archaeological sites on every hit list, the building debuted in 1930 as the Italian headquarters for Singer sewing machines before the Visocchi family meticulously transformed the property into one of the toniest addresses in Rome. It’s worth the visit just to see the hotel’s centerpiece, a showstopping floating marble staircase that qualifies as the city’s second most impressive set of steps. 

Singer Palace is home to the most coveted rooftop bars in town. Concocted by Federica Geirola, the cocktails are mixology masterpieces. Indulge in the striking Portami Tante Rose with cherry syrup, lime juice and Rosolio liqueur. You’ll want to linger for hours savoring, succulent cicchetti, Italian-style tapas such as supplì (risotto and mozzarella croquettes) and the vivacious ambiance. Or peel away and head just down the petite staircase to Le Terrazze, the indoor/outdoor on-site restaurant where chef Alessandro Fiacco churns out his culinary art.

Where to Eat

For his celebrity clients seeking the holy trinity of ambiance, discretion and gastronomical excellence, De Bonis recommends La Fiaschetta. “Although just a few steps from Campo de’ Fiori, it is a bit hidden and they are very low key, with homemade dishes, kind people, and a warm Roman environment.” Another consummate insider, Aliai Forte, loves Taverna Trilussa for its entre-nous vibe. “It’s a cozy, authentic Roman restaurant in the heart of Trastevere, known for its traditional pasta dishes like Carbonara and Amatriciana, served in charming terracotta pots. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a relaxed evening meal.” Antica Trattoria Angelino is a gem where you’ll find classic dishes (gnocchi, risotto, seafood pasta) and it also happens to be perched on a quiet cobblestone nook with a mesmerizing view of a towering tree that has grown into the façade of the adjoining building. There’s also da Etta in Trastevere, the historic neighborhood beloved for its artsy ambiance which, fair warning, is not exactly unknown to tourists. “But it’s a quiet, local Roman spot across from the little island in the middle of the Tiber, connecting this district with the Jewish Quarter,” says De Bonis. While there, explore this jewel of the city where you’ll find artisan shops, Kosher bakeries, the city’s only Kosher restaurant (Yotvata) and Tempio Maggiore, The Great Synagogue of Rome.

Where to Retreat

Should you need a breather from the heat and the crowds, there are respites right in the city center, and easy escapes less than two hours away.

Despite being located on the bustling Piazza del Popolo, Stravinskij Bar in the Secret Garden at Hotel De Russie is an outdoor oasis of calm in the middle of the city. Order the signature cocktail with sparkling wine, saffron and passion fruit and toast to the moment of tranquility. Or book a facial at Irene Forte Spa inside Hotel de la Ville and stock up on her celeb-beloved skincare line while there. 

Learn how to whip up your own authentic gnocchi or eggplant parmesan by booking a class with InRome Cooking, co-owned by Marilena Barbieri, another ultimate insider.

If a posh excursion to Tuscany’s verdant rolling hills is desired, Abercrombie & Kent’s Private Estates Chianti Collection (from $55,000 per week) will be available this summer and includes five sprawling luxury villas with all of the requisite five-star fixings — wine tastings, cooking classes, private chefs, dedicated hosts and 24/7 concierge service.

Book a restorative getaway and soak in the ancient healing thermal waters at Terme di Saturnia, situated on more than 300 acres within Tuscany’s untouched Maremma region. The star of this lush haven of healing is the 3,000-year-old geothermal crater gushing mineral rich water at an idyllic temperature of 37.5°C. The azure waters are loaded with sulphur, magnesium and calcium, with anti-inflammatory, stress-fighting benefits. 

Grab a lounging noodle and spend the day floating aimlessly in the waters, filled with amino-acid drenched algae (Saturnia Bioplankton). And do as the age-defying Romans do — massage this grainy, gelatinous wonder all over your body as it acts as a natural antiseptic and exfoliant. Follow this up with an iridology session, lead by resident naturopath Laura Quinti, who examines the iris to identify challenges with nutrition, stress, anxiety and emotional fatigue and make curative recommendations. 

“After spending time in the most fascinating city you will no doubt need a reprieve from the Jubilee,” says Jack Ezon, Founder of Embark Beyond bespoke travel experiences. “What makes Terme di Saturnia unique is that it fuses medical and wellness concepts in a beautiful resort with the most pastoral country views where you can do serious detox or just soak up the views in the natural hot springs.”