• How to Get to the Hidden Forests of Abruzzo
• 1. A Weekend in Rome
• 2. When to Go to Abruzzo
• 3. Getting to Abruzzo

A Weekend in Rome

You’ll most likely begin and end your trip in Rome, the big-city foil to Abruzzo’s splendid parks and mountains.  

STAY
Hotel de Russie remains the best splurge and has a new butterfly sanctuary in its garden (Via Del Babuino, 9; 39/6-328-881; rooms from $650; hotel derussie.it). For charm, value, and a welcoming staff, Daphne Inn is truly unbeatable (Via di San Basilio, 55; 39/6- 874-50086; rooms from $220; daphne-rome.com).

EAT
Obikà mozzarella bar, near the Pantheon, is a lovely spot for weekend brunch or a Sunday aperitif (Piazza di Firenze; 39/6-683-2630; www.obika.it). Rome’s famous and beautiful people dine at recently opened hot spot MET (Piazzale Ponte Milvio, 34; 39/6-332-21237). Etablì, the newest addition to the dinner scene, has an atmospheric fireplace and comfy sofas (Vicolo delle Vacche, 9; 39/6-687-1499).

DO
Don’t miss the controversial Richard Meier–designed Ara Pacis Museum, which opened in 2006 and houses a Roman altar of the same name.

See Rome Travel Guide