Since instituted by Pope Boniface VII in the year 1300, the Jubilee or Giubileo, has been celebrated every 25 years and is known as the Holy Year – a time of universal pardon and renewal in the Catholic Church. The next Jubilee year begins Dec. 24, 2024, with the Pope opening the Holy Doors, which at all other times remain locked. More than 30 million of the faithful are expected to flock to Rome in 2025 to enjoy the Vatican and Eternal City at this time. If you find yourself planning a trip to Rome this year, expect big crowds, cultural exhibitions and performances, and, of course, special events at the Vatican. Be sure to make time for these can’t-miss luxe experiences as well.
Be the First in the Vatican with the Key Master
There is no better year than a Jubilee year to partake in VIP tours of the Vatican. Unlock the history of the Sistine Chapel via special Key Master tours offered by Walks of Italy and Get Your Guide, which allows visitors to join the Vatican Key Master before dawn to witness the opening of the Vatican Museums for the day, experience some precious moments alone inside the Sistine Chapel, and tour the galleries in a small private group – without waiting in line or the hustle and bustle of crowds.
Experience the New Menu & Architecture at La Pergola
Rome’s only Three-Michelin-Star restaurant recently underwent a transformative renovation of its dining venue and menu. Nestled in Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, La Pergola is helmed by acclaimed Chef Heinz Beck and places an emphasis on the beauty of Italian culture and hospitality. In addition to a brand new interior conceived by Jouin Manku, the upgraded La Pergola offers diners an opulent setting to experience its culinary masterpieces, including a new and elevated Mediterranean-inspired menu. Snag a seat at the restaurant’s rooftop terrace for a truly special dining experience. Reservations are hard to come by, so be sure to book early.
Update Your Closet or Interiors with a Luxury Shopping Tour
Give your wardrobe or interiors an Italian upgrade and book a bespoke shopping experience with visual consultant Alysa Weinstein Gravina, who organizes visits to the most notable shops all over town, as well as private ateliers, hard-to-find vintage, fashion and book archives, and artist studios and galleries. Tours are personally and carefully created to fit each client, depending on what they are looking for. That said, Weinstein Gravina is known for providing special access to small artisan boutiques on Via dell’Oca, like Bomba (bespoke tailoring for men and women), Laura Urbinati (colorful patterned silks, swimsuits and cashmere), and varied antique dealers on Via dei Coronari. For those looking for unique art pieces, Weinstein Gravina can organize studio visits in the San Lorenzo neighborhood of Rome, home to Pastificio Cerere artist studios, as well as up-and-coming art galleries.
Spend a Restorative Stay at Six Senses Rome
After a long day of exploring the Eternal City, put your feet up at Six Senses Rome, a luxurious urban oasis offering plush accommodations, cityscape views, legendary Roman cuisines, and rejuvenating spa treatments at Six Senses Spa. This property has 96 uniquely decorated rooms, including beautiful Signature Suites with their own private terraces, a definite luxury indulgence in the Eternal City. The hotel’s location is perfectly situated among the sites, not far from the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, as well as great restaurants and shopping.