Travel

Villa Elena

Rome, Italy

Directions

Villa Elena

Via del Fosso della Castelluccia, 34

00134 Roma RM, Italy

16 miles (25.1 km) from Leonardo Da Vinci (FCO) International Airport
11 miles (17.1 km) from the city center in Rome

 

Where to Stay

As the ceremony and reception will be held at Villa Elena, there is no specific hotel blocked for this wedding.

Please feel free to book your stay wherever you like although we do recommend these neighborhoods:

  • Centro Storico: More central, closer to tourist attractions

  • Monti: Lip part of Rome, Close to Colosseum and Forum, lots of bars, restaurants, cafes

  • Trastevere: Across the river but great italian atmosphere with authentic italian cuisine and bars.

Note: We have had great success with using AirBnbs in Italy.

As the Villa is able to accommodate guests, we will be providing accommodations to certain family members.

Location: Villa Elena (and potentially another location depending on RSVPs)

Dates: Monday, October 13th - Wednesday, October 15th

(Estimated Check in is Monday afternoon / Estimated Check Out is Thursday afternoon)

If we have discussed accommodations with you already, we ask that you either let us know if you prefer to use or not use the accommodation either through the RSVP or contact us directly.

What to Do

Carpe Diem while you’re in Rome!

From indulgent dining to iconic sights and hidden treasures, here are a few ideas to guide you through the Eternal City.

EAT & DRINK

  1. La Dolce Vita in Every Bite – Indulge in classics like cacio e pepe, carbonara, and amatriciana—every bite is a taste of Roman history

  2. Gelato Galore – You must try gelato at every opportunity. Tip: Avoid shops with colorful mounds of gelato.

  3. Aperitivo Hour – Enjoy Italian happy hour with a spritz and snacks. If you’re not a fan of Aperol, ask for a Hugo Spritz (our fave).

  4. Espresso Yourself – Take advantage of the coffee culture! Skip the to-go cups—stand at the bar and sip.

  5. Local Vino– Sip on a glass (or two) of local Italian wine—from crisp whites to bold reds, each sip takes you deeper into Italy’s rich vinous culture.

PLAY

  1. Catch a Live Performance – Rome is full of cultural events—catch a live opera, theater performance, or concert at one of the city's many historic venues.

  2. Take a Vespa Ride – Channel your inner Tanya (from White Lotus) and zip around the city like a local on a classic Vespa scooter.

  3. Go for a Stroll – Wander the charming streets of Trastevere or Monti, and stop for a coffee or gelato as you soak in the local vibe.

  4. Attend an Outdoor Market – Spend an afternoon exploring local markets, where you can find everything from fresh produce to vintage treasures.

  5. Soccer Fever – See if AS Roma or Lazio is playing for the ultimate Italian football experience!

EXPLORE

  1. Toss a Coin at Trevi Fountain – One coin means you'll return to Rome. Two? You’ll find love.

  2. The Pantheon – Admire the perfectly preserved Roman temple that’s now a church—don’t forget to take a moment to marvel at its magnificent dome.

  3. Piazza-hopping – Discover Rome’s beautiful squares like Piazza Navona, Piazza del Popolo, and the Spanish Steps—each one offers a unique blend of history and culture.

  4. Escape to the Gardens – Spend a relaxing afternoon in one of Rome’s gorgeous gardens, like the Borghese Gardens or the Orange Garden on Aventine Hill.

  5. Explore the Catacombs – Dive into Rome’s fascinating underground world by visiting the ancient catacombs that once served as burial sites for early Christians.

Before you jet off….

Passports

Please ensure your passport is valid!

To travel to Italy, your passport must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date from the Schengen area. The U.S. Department of State recommends that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date

Visit the travel.state.gov site for more information

ETIAS

Sometime in 2025, travelers from the U.S. and other visa-exempt countries will be required to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) approval before entering Italy. This is not a visa but a mandatory pre-travel authorization, which must be completed online in advance of your trip.

When does ETIAS go into effect?

The EU plans to launch the program later in 2025. Most travelers should have plenty of time to apply for authorization ahead of the requirement for entry. (And a few months' grace period is planned to follow the launch, during which authorities may waive the requirement for arriving travelers unaware of the new rule.)

For more information please go to Rick Steves or the ETIAS website.

FYI if your flight connects through the UK, you may need an ETA. Please refer to the Rick Steves link above for more information.