How to get there
The lowest round-trip air fare between Boston and Rome at press time was $722 on American Airlines.
Where to stay
Hotel Mediterraneo
Via Cavour 15, Rome
800-223-9832; www.bettojahotels.it
Doubles from about $244. Lavish art deco and antiques-filled suites make the centrally located hotel a grand choice. At night, the rooftop garden bar offers one of the city's best views.
Hotel Spadari al Duomo
11 Via Spadari, Milan
011-39-2-7200-2371
www.spadarihotel.com
Doubles from about $255. Conveniently located sleek boutique hotel designed in cool shades of blue and minimalist decor by Ugo La Pietra.
Where to eat
Massimo D'Azeglio Restaurant
Via Cavour 18, Rome
800-783-6904
Gleaming wood paneling and perfectly tuned table service re-create Roman elegance,including a menu with creamy truffle-flecked fettuccine and a wine cellar with upward of 30,000 bottles. Entrees about $21-$30.
Cafe
10 Corso Como, Milan
011-39-2-654-831
Fashion reigns at this cast-iron and steel eatery conceived by former Italian Vogue editor Carla Sozzani. The deliciously simple fare lures shoppers away from the rest of her three-story lifestyle boutique, which also houses a luxury design shop, music room, bookstore, and rotating gallery. Entrees $18-$28.
What to do
Castel Romano
Via di Castel Romano, Rome
011-39-06-505-0050
http://www.mcarthurglen.it/castelromano/index.php
About 10 miles outside the city, and best reached by taxi (about $100 each way) or, much more economically, by rented car (the smallest of which cost about $70 a day). From the city center, the drive takes less than an hour. Open daily 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Serravalle
15069 Serravalle Scrivia, Arquata
011-39-14-360-9000
http://serravalle.mcarthurglen.it
More than 130 shops, offering a mix of fashion, home, and sporting goods. Permanent discounts of up to 50 percent year round. Open Monday-Friday, 10-7, Saturday-Sunday, 10-8.
