Rome has always been a city of grand gestures—of triumphal arches, ancient basilicas, and sacred traditions that stretch back millennia. But in 2025, the Eternal City will take on a different kind of grandeur.
The Jubilee Year, or Anno Santo, is a rare and deeply significant event in the Catholic Church, drawing millions from around the world to walk through the doors of Rome’s four major basilicas.
For travelers, this means Rome will be at its most vibrant—and its busiest. Streets will fill with people tracing the footsteps of saints, Vatican squares will hum with the sound of prayer, and restaurants, museums, and cultural landmarks will see an influx of visitors like never before. While the Jubilee is a historic moment worth experiencing, those seeking a more intimate Italian escape in 2025 may find solace beyond Rome’s bustling piazzas.
The Jubilee Year is a tradition dating back to 1300, a sacred time of renewal, pilgrimage, and plenary indulgence. Originally instituted by Pope Boniface VIII, it was designed to grant spiritual blessings to those who journeyed to Rome and crossed the thresholds of its most sacred sites.
In 2025, Pope Francis will declare the Holy Year, opening the doors of St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and Santa Maria Maggiore. These doors, typically sealed, will be unlocked, symbolizing a passage into divine grace. Throughout the year, Rome will host an array of Jubilee events including religious ceremonies, concerts, and cultural events, making it an unforgettable time to visit—but also one of the most crowded.
Some travelers may prefer to skip Rome entirely in 2025, seeking Italy’s quieter corners without sacrificing the richness of culture, history, and cuisine. If you’re drawn to Rome’s energy but prefer a more measured experience, consider these alternatives:
While Easter and Christmas are peak times for travel to Rome, early spring and late autumn may offer a quieter glimpse of the city.
Instead of St. Peter’s Basilica, step into the intimate grandeur of San Clemente, where layers of Rome’s past—pagan temples, Byzantine mosaics, and Renaissance frescoes—are stacked atop one another like a historical palimpsest.
Escape the throngs of Piazza Navona and Trastevere and venture into the Testaccio district, where traditional trattorias serve velvety cacio e pepe and slow-cooked coda alla vaccinara to locals in the know.
Rome’s countryside is an easy retreat. The hilltop town of Orvieto offers medieval streets and a stunning Duomo, while the vineyards of Frascati provide crisp white wines and panoramic views over Lazio’s rolling hills.
Beyond the Vatican walls, Italy is a mosaic of landscapes and traditions, each region offering its own distinct rhythm and sense of place. For those seeking an immersive, chef-led journey, these destinations promise Italy at its most authentic.
Sicily is Italy distilled to its essence—raw, sun-drenched, and endlessly layered. The scent of lemon groves mingles with the briny sea breeze, while baroque facades glow in the golden afternoon light.
Sicily, with its rich flavors and layered history, offers a perfect alternative to Rome—a feast for the senses and a deeper look into Italy’s diverse heritage. Looking to head to Sicily? Travel with us and Daniele Uditi this fall.
If Sicily is a sun-soaked symphony, Piedmont is a study in refinement. In autumn, mist clings to the vine-covered hills, and the scent of white truffles rises from the forest floor, a delicacy so prized it inspires an annual pilgrimage of chefs and gourmands.
For travelers seeking a slower, more deliberate experience of Italy, Piedmont is a treasure trove of sensory delights. Looking to head to Piedmont? Travel with us and Flour + Water this fall.
Tuscany is Italy distilled to its essence—raw, sun-drenched, and more than its postcard-perfect vineyards—it’s a landscape steeped in artistry and tradition. Here, time slows to the rhythm of long lunches, wine-soaked afternoons, and sunsets that linger on golden fields.
In Tuscany, the weight of history is always present—but so is the invitation to linger, to taste, and to simply take in the beauty of the land.
While the Rome Jubilee will draw millions of visitors to the Eternal City, the true magic of Italy lies in its quieter corners. From Sicily’s vibrant markets to Piedmont’s misty vineyards and Tuscany’s golden landscapes, each region offers a distinct and deeply rewarding experience.
For those looking to immerse themselves in Italy’s rich culinary and cultural heritage, a small group tour led by expert chefs provides a seamless, curated way to explore beyond the guidebooks. Let us take you there. Plan your Italian journey for 2025—where history, food, and beauty await.
Chef Daniele Uditi is the master pizzaiolo behind the soulful, blistered pies at Pizzana. Daniele grew up working at his family’s Naples bakery and restaurant, then cooked at Michelin-starred Le Colonne in nearby Caserta.
This autumn, he’ll introduce us to his friends, family and favorite bites in his hometown, then settle in for a Sicilian holiday replete with fresh fish, fine meats and cheeses, and brilliant wine.