My husband and I will be in Rome for our third trip and celebrating our 25th anniversary later this fall. I know this sounds like a waste and extravagant, but what would you suggest for a most memorable experience that costs up to $1,000? We have lodging taken care of already so I am thinking more of tours and the like. I would even consider an overnight day trip outside of Rome.

An after-hours visit to the Sistine Chapel with only 25-30 other people? You'd have about $300 left over.

www.italywithus.biz

A completely private after-hours visit would cost you a lot more than $1000.

Thanks Zerlina; I saw that but we won't be there during any of the dates that they offer the tour unfortunately.

Are there any other similar tours? Anything of the Borghese perhaps? Or something of underground ruins generally not accessible to the public?

I haven't heard about anything at the Borghese.

I could have sworn that a few days ago I saw that "scholars" could be admitted to the Basilica sotterranea, which has been closed for donkey's years - I know you're probably not scholars but Italians are a sentimental bunch and you might have been able to appeal to the Soprintendenza Archeologica - but I just checked and the Web site says it's totally closed - not even open to scholars!

Do you understand Italian or French? If so, what about a guided visit of the Palazzo Farnese - built in part by Michelangelo, frescoes by Carracci, setting for the second act of "Tosca"?
And it's free! You have to apply one to four months in advance to:

[email protected]

Here's the information in Italian:

http://www.france-italia.it/index.ph...196&citta=

Recently, there was a post about a high priced hotel with a restaurant that costs about $300 per person for a 9 course meal - I may have the numbers slightly incorrect. The place is outside of central Rome, I think maybe North of Via Veneto area, but still within public transportation, so not too far? I guess the experience is wonderously romantic in an utterly decedantly plush setting with fantastically attentive service - according to some.

If you will consider an overnite stay outside of Rome, go to a romantic villa in Tuscany, with a vineyard tour, picnic lunch, & then a privately served romantic dinner on your villa balcony. You could take the train or get a private driver or rent a car (but that may not be romantic if you get lost or have car trouble!). You can also arrange a tour of the area.

How about renewing your vows in an ancient Rome setting or gorgeous Tuscan setting?

If you like either of these ideas & don't get further related info here, post a new thread with the appropriate question.

Good luck & be sure to come back & let us know what you did.

Julie

Let me get this straight - you want to spend a thousand bucks on a memorable experience for your anniversary and someone suggests spending it at the Sistine Chapel? Hahaha Well, I suggest you spend $800 on a pair of amazing shoes and then ....never mind.

I second the shoes!

Luci

the shoes!!!

Hi Sophie - Does it have to be in Rome?

My dream trip for a special occasion would be a scenic flight somewhere - a helicopter excursion along the Amalfi Coast or over Capri perhaps ...

http://www.capri.com/en/c/sam-helicopters

Not much change for the shoes though

Steve

It does not have to be in Rome at all. I'd like it to be a day trip sort of thing with possibly an overnight. The helicopter would be amazing, but I am dreadfully afraid of heights so I don't think I could stomach that unfortunately.

I'm not certain... but I believe the restaurant Julie is talking about is La Pergola at the Rome Cavalieri Hilton. It is a very highly-rated restaurant (see other posts here). The 9 course menu at La Pergola is around 190 EU,- and the "smaller" one (6 courses) 175. You must however make reservations long in advance.