Incentive manager's whistle stop tour: Planning an incentive in Rome

R

ome, also known as the ‘eternal city’, is home to 3,000 years of history, art and culture. People travel from across the globe to marvel at its breathtaking architecture, The Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Trevi Fountain, to name a few. As well as an awe-inspiring history, Rome has an unrivalled nightlife and shopping scene. If you venture just off the beaten track you can experience the tranquillity and local culture of Rome’s countryside. Rome has it all, making it a perfect incentive travel destination.

To begin the whistle stop tour – the group is chauffeured from the airport to the hotel: Hotel De Russie located in the centro storico between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo. Although the hotel is in central Rome, it is secluded from the urban hustle and bustle of the city centre. The room is complete with a selection of sweet treats from Said - a restaurant-café-bar hybrid that was once a chocolate factory - to enhance the experience for the guests.

Day 1

Day one begins bright and early, with 7:00 am reservations. The group is whisked away to the Vatican and greeted with an American Style breakfast buffet, served in the courtyard of the Pine Cone – a former Roman fountain which now decorates the Vatican. Once the guests have enjoyed their private breakfast in the sunshine they are taken on an exclusive tour of the Vatican and Sistine chapel; this is a privilege that is normally reserved for celebrities, royalty and government bodies. The group have guided access through the Sistine chapel and the secret rooms that very few people have ever been privy to.

After spending all day discovering the mysteries of the Vatican, the group head over to La Terrasse – Rome’s top rooftop restaurant. The views atop the building are unrivalled with St Peter’s Basilica dominating the skyline. The chef creates a meal of the finest Mediterranean cuisine, with a French twist. Once the group have been thoroughly wined and dined they depart the restaurant for some well-deserved rest. Much needed for day two.

Day 2

On leaving the hotel the group are welcomed by a fleet of classic Ferrari’s ready to journey to Lake Nemi. Lake Nemi lies 15 miles Southeast of Rome in the Alban Hills and is known for its sunken ships. There are fascinating thousand year old archeological exhibits on the lake banks that are available for viewing. It’s time for food and the staff at Osteria Matro Titta, in Nemi,  create a bespoke picnic for the group to enjoy. The picnic is constructed of only local produce. Once everyone has finished eating, it’s time to go back to the hotel to get ready before boarding the Tramjazz…

The group catch the Tramjazz and once aboard, are treated to a jazz concert, candlelit dinner and tour of the city. The Tramjazz is a historical cable car that has been renovated to enable a jazz band to perform and food to be served. The Tramjazz allows the group to mingle with locals whilst getting a great tour of the city. It truly is a unique experience for everyone on board.

Day 3

On the final day, everyone is taken into the Roman Countryside to the village of Mazzano Romano. This small rural village is host to a Roman cooking class. Everyone is taken to the local market where the group choose fresh ingredients that are used to create the meals. The chef guides you in making a traditional starter of Bruschetta and 3 different types of homemade pasta and sauces; giving tips on how to choose the best wines to accompany your meal. On completion we  dine outside in the Roman countryside before journeying back into the city.

Once back in the city we take a trip to Jerry Thomas Speakeasy – the first Italian ‘secret bar’. Normally, membership is required to gain entrance to the exclusive bar but there is a special arrangement for the group. The bartender designs a cocktail specific to each attendee, using information gathered about their likes and dislikes.

For the final meal in Rome, the group are taken to Trastevere. The sun is setting and Rome is lit with a glorious orange glow – this is the perfect time of day to be immersed in the city. There are numerous routes around Trastevere, but the walk we choose takes the group from the Trevi Fountain to the Pantheon. This takes place with a professional guide, narrating the entire journey with fascinating facts and secrets. Eventually we reach a 17^th Century villa, hidden away in an unassuming backstreet; we dine in the garden, meet the chef and enjoy a 4 course dinner with wine.