Remember Your First Time in Rome?

That moment when you first stepped into the Pantheon, looked up at that perfect oculus and felt 2,000 years of architectural genius take your breath away.

As Travel Professionals, we're in the rare position of crafting "first times" for our clients. Those unrepeatable moments of awe that stay with them forever. Whether it's arranging their first private viewing of the Sistine Chapel at dawn, or that initial taste of perfectly made cacio e pepe in a centuries-old trattoria.

But here's what makes our role truly special: we get to design experiences that make even seasoned Rome travelers feel like they're discovering the Eternal City for the first time, again and again.

Because Rome isn't just another destination in our portfolio; it's a masterclass in how luxury travel should feel. Where every cobblestone has a story, every view is a potential painting, and every evening brings the promise of discovering something both ancient and new.

In this issue, let's explore how we can give our clients those "first-time" moments in Rome, even if they've visited a dozen times before.

But before we transport ourselves to the eternal magic of Rome, let's explore what's shaping our industry this week.

Industry News

Connections Luxury Americas. From November 10 to 13, 2024, the inaugural Connections Luxury Americas event was held in West Hollywood, California. This gathering focused on connecting luxury travel companies with high-net-worth individuals and industry leaders, featuring personalized meetings and unique local experiences to foster business relationships and enhance luxury offerings.

Luxury Travel Fair in London. The Luxury Travel Fair concluded on November 10, 2024, at Olympia, London. This event showcased exclusive destinations and premium travel services, attracting high-end travelers and industry professionals. It emphasized the growing demand for personalized and sustainable luxury travel experiences, reinforcing London’s status as a key hub for luxury tourism.

Emerging Trends in Luxury Travel. A report released on November 11, 2024, outlined several key trends shaping the luxury travel landscape. High-net-worth individuals are increasingly seeking personalized experiences that prioritize wellness and sustainability. The report noted a shift towards eco-conscious retreats and the integration of technology in travel planning and experiences. — CEO Today

Artisans of Leisure Report. Artisans of Leisure's 2024 Luxury Travel Trends List has significantly influenced luxury travel bookings by highlighting evolving preferences among affluent travelers.

Do Not Disturb Event. Concurrently, the Do Not Disturb event is taking place from November 11 until November 15, 2024, at Borgo Egnazia in Puglia, Italy. This exclusive gathering united top-tier buyers and luxury suppliers, emphasizing privacy and sustainability in high-end travel. The event highlighted the increasing demand for private travel experiences among ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI).

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Top Experiences in Rome

What separates a regular tourist from a true Rome connoisseur? It's not about skipping the Colosseum or avoiding the Trevi Fountain; it's about knowing how to experience these iconic sites in ways that others can't imagine.

Private Palazzo Evenings

Imagine your clients stepping through centuries-old doors into Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, where even the air feels aristocratic. Here, among the largest private art collection in Rome, Velázquez's brushstrokes tell stories in the flickering candlelight.

As the last public visitors depart, your clients remain, welcomed as temporary heirs to this noble legacy. A string quartet begins to play in the throne room, their notes dancing off frescoed ceilings that have witnessed three centuries of Roman history.

Later, as they savor each course of their private dinner, perhaps they'll catch the knowing smile of an ancestral portrait; after all, this is how Rome's princes have entertained for generations.

Culinary Philanthropy Tours

The intersection of exceptional travel and social impact creates the most memorable moments. Through Food for Soul, founded by three-Michelin-starred chef Massimo Bottura, your clients can now discover Rome's culinary heritage while becoming part of its future.

Picture your clients selecting heirloom vegetables alongside Rome's top chefs, transforming forgotten ingredients into masterpieces, and dining where each exquisite dish served supports local community initiatives. This is where luxury finds its deeper purpose.

The Vatican's Hidden Library

Behind a door that opens for less than 1% of Vatican visitors lies a treasure that even money alone can't access. The Vatican Apostolic Library, where centuries of human knowledge rest in hushed magnificence, awaits those clients for whom "exclusive" is just the beginning.

Imagine your clients walking where Galileo's manuscripts still whisper their secrets, where maps drawn before Columbus sailed change everything they thought they knew about exploration. This isn't just a library visit; it's an entrance into history's inner sanctum.

With special permissions required and access granted to only a select few each year, securing this experience for your clients positions you as more than just their advisor – you become their key to the impossible.

DMC Expert

Charme & Adventure

From Antarctic expeditions to Italian excellence - the Cepparo family's legacy of pioneering spirit lives on in Charme & Adventure, Rome's most distinctive DMC.

Born from a media production and polar exploration heritage, Charme & Adventure brings the same precision and daring to luxury travel. Its team doesn't just know Rome's hidden doors; they probably hold the keys to experiences that transform Italian dreams into reality.

When the ordinary won't do, when your clients deserve the extraordinary, remember: the same family that once blazed trails to Antarctica now crafts Rome's most exceptional moments.

LODGING Expert

Palazzo Talìa

Where theater meets luxury and mythology dances with modernity, welcome to Palazzo Talìa, Rome's newest masterpiece in the art of hospitality.

Nestled where baroque palazzos whisper to local trattorias, this former dwelling of Thalia, the muse of comedy, has been transformed into a stage where luxury performs daily. Here, elegance doesn't just reside; it entertains.

Each corner tells a story of grace, every suite a character in Rome's grand theater. As your clients step through these historic doors, they're not just checking into a hotel; they're taking their place in an ongoing performance where they're both audience and star.

In a city of countless luxury properties, Palazzo Talìa stands apart not just for its location or its amenities but for its ability to make every stay feel like opening night.

For EPI-CURIOUS Only

Enoteca La Torre

Behind the storied walls of Villa Laetitia, where Roman aristocracy once held court, Enoteca La Torre orchestrates culinary performances worthy of their Michelin star.

This isn't just dinner; it's theater, where each plate tells a story and where the dining room's frescoed ceilings and crystal chandeliers set the stage for gastronomic excellence. Here, your clients don't just reserve a table; they secure their place in Rome's nightly celebration of haute cuisine.

Work with Chef Domenico Stile for custom-tasting menus that transform special occasions into unforgettable memories. The private dining room, overlooking Villa Laetitia's secret garden, adds an extra touch of exclusivity your most discerning clients will appreciate.

Upcoming Events in Rome

Rome’s Sacred Season

As Rome prepares to open St. Peter’s Holy Door, the Eternal City transforms into a stage where faith, festivity, and two millennia of tradition create an unrepeatable moment in time.

Mark Your Calendar:

• November 15: Christmas markets begin their enchanting takeover of Piazza Navona

• December 24: Pope Francis opens St. Peter’s Basilica Holy Door, launching the extraordinary Jubilee Year

• December 31: Rome's sky ignites with New Year celebration at Piazza del Popolo

• January 1: St. Peter's Basilica welcomes 2025 with the Solemnity of Mary

• January 6: La Befana brings age-old magic to Rome's Epiphany celebrations

• January 24-26: The first thematic Jubilee gatherings begin

Pro Tip for Advisors: With 30 million pilgrims expected during the Jubilee Year, securing premium access and accommodations for your clients now isn't just recommended – it's essential.

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