The Italian Region an Hour from Rome That Almost Nobody Visits
Most people drive through the Sabina hills on their way to Rome and never stop. Valentina Auliso, who grew up in Toffia, thinks that is a significant mistake.
The Eternal City, where ancient history and vibrant modern life collide on every corner.












Rome is a living museum, but it's no relic. It's a city of epic history—the Colosseum, the Forum, the Vatican—and of fierce neighbourhood pride. The real Rome is found in the aperitivo buzz in Trastevere, the artisan workshops of Monti, and the perfect cacio e pepe in a Testaccio trattoria. Don't waste your precious time in a queue or eating bad pizza near the Pantheon. Get a plan from a local who knows how to see the icons and, more importantly, what to do after.
What our locals say:
"May is Rome at its most romantic. The city is draped in wisteria and jasmine. The light is golden and soft, not the harsh glare of July. Warm enough for outdoor dining, cool enough to walk for hours without wilting." - Barbara
"Late October, early November. The crowds die down but the weather is still good. Romans come back to themselves. The city feels like it belongs to them again." - Mike
"Everyone goes to Trevi. A local sends you to the Galleria Sciarra instead. A hidden Art Nouveau courtyard, completely free, just around the corner, and genuinely breathtaking." - Eleonora
There are many opinions based however overall guidance is for April-May or September-October unless you are going for the winter months to enjoy the mountains. The weather at this time is perfect for walking, and the city is alive. Summer is oppressively hot, and August sees many locals flee for the coast.
(the local lens)
Your on-the-ground insiders. The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.

Florence, Pisa +10
Hi - I’m Eleonora! I live in Rome, but as soon as I can I’ll escape and travel somewhere else. My purpose is to travel all around the world and make a step in every continent.
Palermo, Syracuse +10
Hello, I’m Eleonora. I was born in Tuscany, just outside Florence, where growing up surrounded by history, shaped my curiosity and love for art. I studied Art History at the University of Florence, specializing in the Renaissance. I began guiding students early on, and it was there that I developed a passion for storytelling — because there is nothing more challenging than engaging teenagers and young adults. I later expanded my focus to the broader history of Italy, leading groups throughout the country, from Venice to Sicily. Eventually, I moved to Rome, where I now work as an expert tour guide, leading visits to the city’s most iconic sites, including the Vatican and the Colosseum, as well as off the beaten path, to some of its hidden gems. In my free time I love to drive around Italy to its myriad hilltop medieval towns, where each one is a new discovery, both architectural and natural and also, of course, culinary! Over the years, many travelers have asked me for advice and suggestions to help plan the rest of their itineraries. That is why I’m happy to connect with you even before your trip begins, sharing my insights and helping you make the most of your time in Italy.

Amalfi, Sorrento +11
Born and raised in Italy's Marche region, I have explored the country from north to south during travels and study periods away from home. I have lived part of my life in amazing cities such as Venice and Bologna, and have visited Rome a lot since I have family and friends there. I am an experienced trip planner for destinations all over Italy, from the breezy Cinqueterre in Liguria down to the sun kissed Amalfi coast. If you want someone to help you with all-encompassing guidance and make the best out of your trip to Italy, I will be most happy to help you!

Rome
Hi, I'm Massimo, and for ten years I've been hosting tourists from around the world to discover Rome, its treasures, colors, and flavors. After studying Architecture and Art History, and after many years as an Art Director in Advertising, I decided to dedicate myself to tourism, driven by the desire to share my city with the countless tourists who visit it every day. My specialty is uncovering and highlighting Rome's hidden corners and taking you on off-the-beaten-path itineraries.
Most travellers come to Rome and never realise that the coast is just one hour away. I spend my time introducing them to the seaside places that Romans actually escape to — places where history meets the sea and crowds disappear. https://www.thevoyage.co/insights/seaside-experiences-near-rome
Romans take their aperitivo seriously. It's not just a drink before dinner — it's a sacred ritual that marks the transition from work to pleasure, from day to night. Every evening around 7 PM, the city transforms as locals spill onto terraces and piazzas with a Negroni or an Aperol Spritz in hand.https://www.thevoyage.co/insights/best-bars-rome
Seda lives in Italy and travels regularly across Europe, from Lisbon to home in Rome. She specialises in personalised travel plans tailored to what each traveller truly enjoys — with a particular focus on local food and hidden gems. https://www.thevoyage.co/insights/rome-favourite-places-to-eat
Most people drive through the Sabina hills on their way to Rome and never stop. Valentina Auliso, who grew up in Toffia, thinks that is a significant mistake.
Eleonora Marinozzi has a short list of things she wishes every Rome visitor knew before they arrived. Galleria Borghese is at the top. The Trevi Fountain is not.
AI trip planners are a solid starting point, but they hit a wall. Here is the honest comparison of the top AI travel planners, and how pairing your AI itinerary with a real local from The Voyage Co gives you the trip you actually want.
Barbara Bovio has lived in Rome long enough to know what makes a trip truly memorable, and it is not always where you think. We asked her how she would actually spend 48 hours in the city.
Most travellers come to Rome and never realise the coast is an hour away. Giulia Giangiulio takes you to Anzio and Nettuno. Five seaside places where Rome locals actually escape to, where history meets the sea and the crowds disappear.
Seda Elkin spends her days finding the restaurants Romans actually choose for dinner. Not just the ones with the best Instagram shots. Her ten favourites, from a Tuscan trattoria to the gelato that stops you in your tracks.