Experience the beauty and majesty of the Roman countryside from above on an unforgettable hot air balloon ride. In the peace and stillness of the morning light, glide silently above the beautiful, rolling landscape of Lazio, admiring its vineyards and historic villages as you go.
The perfect romantic experience, this is a truly memorable trip from start to finish. Book a 3-night stay in one of Hotel de Russie’s Nijinsky, Popolo or Picasso suites and on arrival you’ll be greeted with lavish welcome gifts, including a stunning floral arrangement by Sebastian Flowers, a delicious bottle of Italian wine and a silver bottle holder from heritage Italian silversmiths, Broggi. As evening falls, sit down to an unforgettable dining experience on the terrace of your suite, as a private chef prepares a 4-course Italian feast just for you.
The following morning, you’ll be picked up from the hotel and whisked to the hot air balloon take-off point. After a safety briefing with the captain and crew, it’s time to fly. Climbing to an altitude of over 600 metres, the views of the surrounding countryside, dotted with vineyards, beautiful old buildings and unspoilt scenery are incredible as the morning mist gently lifts. Touching back down, you’ll enjoy a chilled glass of Champagne—a fitting way to celebrate such an unforgettable experience.
Returning to the hotel, you’ll be treated to an afternoon retreat at De Russie Spa, which includes a revitalising Sicilian Earth & Sea Toning Treatment. The treatment begins with a Trapani Sea Salt body scrub to remove dead skin and leave you feeling irresistibly smooth, followed by a toning algae and clay mud wrap and wonderfully relaxing scalp massage using cold volcanic stones from Mount Etna. A toning massage performed using nourishing Sicilian oils is the final flourish. Relax in the day spa afterwards with a carefully crafted cocktail, and enjoy an exclusive spa shopping experience with one of our expert therapists.
To book Hotel De Russie’s Exquisite Europe package, email reservations.derussie@roccofortehotels.com or call + +39 06 32 888 830.
The festive season brings its own kind of sparkle - a flurry of celebrations, feasts, and time with those who matter most. To make gifting simple, we’ve curated a selection of bespoke experiences to delight everyone on your list. From candlelit dinners and Italian wine tastings to tranquil spa escapes and moments devoted to yourself, each experience thoughtfully crafted to offer moments of joy.
In a time when beauty shaped every facet of life — from the curve of a staircase to the vivid bloom of a painted iris — Italy’s Stile Liberty captured the optimism of a new century. Across Europe in the late 19th century, the Belle Époque blurred the line between art and the everyday, celebrating craftsmanship, elegance, and expressive freedom. Now, a new cultural itinerary, From Mucha to Florio, traces that movement between Hotel de la Ville in Rome and Villa Igiea in Palermo, two different cities, two glorious expressions of the same artistic impulse.
Preparations were in full swing at the North Pole - ribbons tied, sleigh bells polished, and lists checked twice - yet Father Christmas kindly agreed to pause his busy schedule for an interview. We met him at SCOTCH at The Balmoral, just as the famous clocktower struck 12:03 - it stands watch over Waverley Station, running three minutes fast, so no one ever misses a train. Settled into a deep armchair with a favourite dram in hand, he shared his most treasured places to pause, indulge and unwind across Europe every festive season.
