After disembarking the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection at the conclusion of our cruise, we extended our journey with a two night stay in Rome. We checked into The St. Regis, perfectly positioned for exploring the city, and planned a few days dedicated to art, food, history, and unforgettable experiences.
Below is our two-day Rome itinerary, balancing curated tours, iconic landmarks, and exceptional dining, all while moving at a pace that allowed us to truly take it all in.
September 4th: Arriving at the St Regis and Tours of Rome
We began early, the kind of early that only happens when something extraordinary is waiting. The St. Regis organized a private car to pick us up at Civitavecchia and deliver us from the Ritz-Carlton Yacht to the St. Regis just after 8:30 a.m. The morning air was calm, the port quietly buzzing, and the yacht itself felt effortlessly elegant.
After arriving in Rome, we checked in at The St. Regis and dropped our bags before heading out for our first experience of the day. At 10:30 a.m., we embarked on a three hour art and food tour of Rome by golf cart with Roman Road Tours, an effortless and immersive way to explore the city. Riding through historic streets, stopping to get pizza at Forno Campo de’ Fiori, and learning about Rome’s art and culture along the way was both engaging and efficient, allowing us to see iconic places across the city, including Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, and the Trevi Fountain, all without feeling rushed.
An Undiscovered Tour of Rome
At 2:00 p.m., a car arrived to take us into Rome for an Undiscovered Tour of the city, running from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Rome is one of those places that never feels rushed yet always feels full, history layered upon history, beauty around every corner. Transportation does not come with this tour, so we hired a car and driver. Having a private car and guide made all the difference, allowing us to move seamlessly and truly enjoy the experience.
Highlights & Signature Stops of the Undiscovered Tour of Rome
Piazza Navona
We began in one of Rome’s most elegant squares, where Bernini’s fountains and baroque architecture create a living open-air museum. Our guide explained how this former ancient stadium evolved into a masterpiece of urban design.
The Pantheon
We paused near this architectural marvel, celebrated for its perfect proportions and enduring engineering, learning how a 2,000-year-old structure continues to influence modern architecture.
Trevi Fountain
A relaxed stop at one of the world’s most celebrated fountains allowed us to toss a coin, admire the dramatic sculpture, and capture unforgettable photos without the rush of large tour groups.
Spanish Steps & Via dei Condotti
We admired the graceful Spanish Steps before gliding along Via dei Condotti, Rome’s most prestigious shopping street, lined with iconic fashion houses and historic cafés.
Via dei Fori Imperiali
Cruising along this grand avenue, sweeping views of the ancient forums unfolded on both sides, revealing imperial Rome on a monumental scale.
Colosseum Surroundings
The tour concluded with an extended stop near the Colosseum, Rome’s most powerful symbol. We took in panoramic views, heard stories of emperors and gladiators, and reflected on the grandeur of the ancient world. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance, the tour can arrange them for you, and when booking, request underground access. I did not realize this was an option beforehand, but it would be an absolute must on a future visit.
Vicus Caprarius
Top 10 experience of 2026! Vicus Caprarius an underground archaeological museum near the Trevi Fountain, reveals ancient Roman homes and water systems beneath the city and is easily one of the most fascinating hidden experiences in Rome.
San Clemente
San Clemente offers a rare journey through nearly 2,000 years of Roman history, with layered ruins beneath the basilica that span from a 1st-century Roman house to early Christian churches.
As you can see, we visited several of the same places on both tours, but if I had to choose, I would recommend the Undiscovered Tour of Rome with a private car and driver.
Dinner at Mirabelle
That evening, we capped off the day with dinner at Mirabelle at 7:00 p.m. Elevated, refined, and romantic, it was the perfect Roman night , impeccable food, stunning views, and the kind of service that reminds you why certain restaurants are simply iconic.
My first choice for dinner that evening was La Pergola, a fine-dining restaurant located at the Waldorf Astoria, known for its panoramic views and exceptional service. Reservations must be made well in advance. Even when The St. Regis attempted to secure a table for us a month ahead of time, it was already fully booked. The cuisine is modern Italian Mediterranean.
September 5th: Pompeii & the Amalfi Coast
The next day was ambitious, and unforgettable.
Our Pompeii and Amalfi Coast tour began at 7:30 a.m. and lasted a full 12 hours. We started in Pompeii, walking through Archaeological Park of Pompeii which is history preserved in time. From there, we continued on to the Amalfi Coast. Traffic along the coast was heavy, which is an important note for anyone planning a similar day. If your main goal is to explore the Amalfi Coast towns themselves, consider choosing a tour that skips Pompeii altogether.
The Amalfi Coast deserves its own dedicated day. Beyond the well-known towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, there are equally charming villages like Atrani, Vietri sul Mare, Praiano, and Furore, each with its own personality and pace.
Falling for Positano
At one point, I told our driver there was only one place I truly wanted to spend time: Positano. He warned we might not have enough time to see everything, but I insisted , and I’m so glad I did.
Positano was everything and more. Beautiful, quaint, romantic, and yes, crowded , but in the most magical way. Vertically built into the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, Positano unfolds in soft layers of pastel villas and terracotta roofs that tumble toward the Tyrrhenian Sea. There are no straight lines here , only winding staircases, narrow pedestrian lanes, and hidden terraces that reveal breathtaking views at every turn.
It instantly became one of my favorite places in Italy.
Emma Pizzeria con Cucina
Ending the day after returning from the Amalfi Coast, we opted for Emma Pizzeria con Cucina. After such an adventurous day, we wanted something simple, local, and close by. Our favorite bellman at The St. Regis recommended Emma, a neighborhood pizzeria frequented by locals. The hotel’s house car took us there, and we chose to walk back afterward, fully immersing ourselves in the rhythm and culture of Rome.
Why a Five-Star Concierge Matters
This is also where staying at a five-star hotel with true insider connections becomes invaluable.
While in Positano, we wanted to sit down for lunch but had no idea where to go , and availability was limited. I called the concierge, and within minutes they not only recommended one of the most sought-after restaurants in town, but personally called to secure us a reservation.
We ended up with front-row seats overlooking the ocean at Chez Black, met the owner, and enjoyed an incredible meal paired with an unforgettable atmosphere. This is the difference: access, relationships, and service that elevate a moment from good to exceptional.
Running Hard in Europe
We believe in running hard when we travel in Europe. There is simply too much to see and experience. While this itinerary was packed, we balanced it with time to truly relax aboard the yacht , and when we had the chance to explore, we fully embraced it.
Luxury, for us, isn’t just about slowing down , it’s about having the freedom to do both.
