Experiences

Private Viewing of the Sistine Chapel
An exclusive private viewing of the Sistine Chapel with a guide when it is closed to the public.

Private Visit to the Vatican Gardens
A two-hour private guided visit to the Vatican Gardens. The visit can take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in the morning.

Papal Audience
The Holy Father makes a priority of his Wednesday Audiences. This is the one time each week where you can be sure to both see and hear the Pope. Every Wednesday, except during July when he is on holiday in the mountains of northern Italy, Pope Benedict XVI holds a General Audience at the Vatican.

Visit the Tomb of St Peter and the Necropolis
Guided visit to the excavations, the archaeological area under St Peter's Basilica. The visit, conducted by authorised guides, lasts about an hour and a half. Each group consists of ten people, who must be at least 15 years old.

Highlights of Rome by Car with Driver and a Guide
Car, driver and a professional guide can be arranged to take you on a tailor-made tour of the highlights of Rome.

Romantic Tour of the Fountains with Horse and Carriage
Romantic tour of the fountains in the historic centre of Rome (Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain) with horse and carriage.

Tour of the Main Churches in Rome with a Professional Guide
Tour of the main churches (St Peter's, St Mary Major, St John's in Lateran) with a knowledgeable guide. Available in different languages.

Where to Shop
Shopping in the company of a personal shopper, who can take you to the main shopping areas or just away from the beaten track.

Renaissance Villas and Gardens Outside of Rome
Some of the most beautiful Renaissance villas and gardens lie within easy reach of Rome. We can arrange for a car and driver (with or without guide) to collect you from the hotel and drive you into the Roman countryside.

Castelli Romani Trip into the Roman Countryside
Trip to discover the surroundings of Rome, with the old medieval towns and volcanic lakes. Lunch at an idyllic spot can be arranged.

The Taste and the Music
Be guest in the beautiful residence of Tito Schipa Jr. and his wife, Adriana.
Adriana Ruvolo is a well known custom Designer and Gastronomist who brought her remarkable talent of gourmet to top results when interviewed by the specialized magazine “Gambero Rosso”. She was then invited to feature in a highly successful series of cooking lessons on the homonymous satellite “TV Channel”. Her House, in the heart of ancient Rome, is a favourite point of encounter for artists of all fields.

Tito Schipa Jr. is the last son of Tito Schipa, one of the greatest Tenors of the past, namely the best “Tenore di Grazia” ever existed. Tito Jr. is producer, composer, director and performer in the Musical-Show Business, and the inventor, in the 60’s, of the genre called “Rock Opera”. He is also the main Italian Translator of Bob Dylan and Jim Morrison. His Lecture-Recitals, meant to introduce every kind of Audience to the magic world of the Opera, have been continuously successful all over Italy. His guests often enjoy personal and private samples of these person-to-person performances in his beautiful Roman residence.

Our friends will guest you in their wonderful residence of Trastevere and will offer you an Aperitif on their spacious terrace facing the Fountain of Pope Paul V (16th Century) called “Fontanone del Gianicolo”, followed by a high class dinner or lunch.

Tito Jr. will dedicate to you short samples of his renowned introductions to the treasures of Italian classic Musical Theatre, Opera arias and/or songs as performed by this famous Father or other in rarest and precious record editions, presenting you with uncommon perspectives or surprising details, that  you will never forget.

Half a day full immersion Italian cooking class

With the famous Italian Chef Stephen Cirillo
The departure from the Hotel De Russie will be at 9 am and you will reach Mr Cirillo’s splendid villa on the Appia antica, the famous Roman Appian way…. There, you will meet Stephen and start your exciting cooking class: breads, homemade pasta, pizzas…. the true treasures of the Italian tradition… and learning, at the same time, about the history of the traditional Italian recipes. Due to his continuous expanding research on Italian food, Stephen successfully combines tradition with modern techniques, which you will be able to practice once at home. At the end of the class you will enjoy a full delicious lunch served, together with the highest quality wines, on the gorgeous veranda of the villa. Using his talent, knowledge and sense of humour, Stephen creates a unique atmosphere for an everlasting experience in your life!
9.00-1.00 Monday to Saturday