Vatican Before it Opens to the Public

We begin the day with some inspiration first. We visit the Vatican before all of Rome wakes up.

This private early-access experience allows you to explore the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica with me in a quieter, more intimate setting.

This institution is Michelangelo's legacy. What comes up for you as you view this? What do you observe about his ability to stand the test of time?

Led by an expert guide, the tour focuses on the Vatican’s most important masterpieces, with the flexibility to tailor the experience to your personal interests.

We bypass the long public lines to admire centuries of extraordinary art and architecture.

Working Lunch: Le Jardin de Russie @ Hotel de Russie

We covered alot of ground Day 1.

We have a plan for the 'bigger thing' your content speaks to. Now we think about where you will build community around your content. Will it be a book? A newsletter? A Substack? What will we name it?

An elegant and serene lunch escape in the heart of Rome. Set within a lush garden, Le Jardin de Russie is known for its refined Italian cuisine and relaxed yet exclusive atmosphere. The menu highlights beautifully executed classics like cacio e pepe, fresh tomato pasta, and lamb scottadito, guided by celebrated chef Fulvio Pierangelini’s simple, ingredient-driven philosophy.

A perfect midday pause between sightseeing, offering calm, flavor, and understated luxury.

hotelderussie.it

Time to let the work marinate: Bulgari Hotel Spa

By now, we have covered alot of ground with building your legacy. It's time to let some of the concepts marinate.

So much of business in Ancient Roman times took place at the baths. Throw on your swimsuit and we head to the Bulgari Hotel (Three MICHELIN Keys) to talk more in the green onyx pool.

Spanning 1,500 square meters, the sprawling spa is an oasis of calm devoted to balancing the body, mind, and spirit.

Then

I booked us in for treatments. Rest is a superpower too!

Spa Menu

I recommend these treatments:
ONYX SPA SUITE - RITUALI DI TRE ORE
or
TRATTAMENTI AUGUSTINUS BADER - RITUALE COMPLETO CORPO - 90 minute

17 Piazza Augusto Imperatore, Roma, Lazio, IT, 00186

Working Dinner: Acquolina

Over Daniele Lippi's cuisine, we develop the systems needed for you to be consistent in publishing your thought leadership. These systems have to fit in to your lifestyle.

Without consistent publishing, your legacy doesn't gain 'stickiness.'

Another thing: We have to talk about 1 thing 1,000 different ways. Not a 1,000 things. This is actually much harder. We develop systems for that.

I chose Acquolina, a two Michelin–starred restaurant in the heart of Rome, for a menu that uses seasonal ingredients and presents it in an exceptional way.

acquolinaristorante.it/

Optional: Working Breakfast: Branca Pasticceria Ristorante

This is your chance to ask me questions about the ground we have covered. We have license to skip this altogether if you want.

We enjoy breakfast steps from the Brancaccio Theater and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. I love the breakfast at Branca and ate here every morning the last time I was in Rome.

Via Merulana, 36-37, 00185 Roma RM

Inspiration: Women of Ancient Rome | Colosseum, Forum & Palatine Hill

You are a powerful woman, building her legacy on this trip.

Now learn the stories of the women who shaped Rome. This private, priority-access tour is for inspiration only.

We start at the Colosseum, where you’ll explore women’s presence in the games. I bet you didn't know the lesser-known roles women played in medicine and healing. In the Roman Forum, our guide brings to life the stories of influential women such as Julia Domna and Fulvia, whose political power and personal ambition left lasting marks on Roman history.

The journey concludes on Palatine Hill, where you’ll learn about Livia Drusilla, Rome’s first empress and one of its most influential figures. A compelling and thought-provoking experience that reframes Rome’s past through a female lens.

Piazza del Colosseo 1, Roma, ROMA, IT, 00184

Working Lunch: Benso 215

We continue to work through the 'systems' needed in order for you to be consistent with publishing thought leadership.

Among the restaurants in Rome, Benso represents the perfect fusion between Roman and international cuisine with a young, dynamic and attentive staff.

Immersed in a cozy atmosphere created by the restaurant interior design, the guest is welcomed and immersed in a taste experience, given by refined interpretations and reinterpretations of the flavours of traditional cuisine. One of the undisputed merits is the offer of fresh fish every day, its tasty appetizers of refined flavours and its delicious and always new first dishes.

• bensoristoranteroma.com/en/

Evening Farewell: Borghese Gallery Private Tour

This is our final moments together, immersed in one of Rome’s most extraordinary art collections during a rare early-evening visit. This private, expert-led experience explores the Borghese Gallery at its quietest, offering a more intimate setting to appreciate its masterpieces.

With skip-the-line access, our art historian guide leads us through works by my favorite artist Caravaggio. Being a leader means dealing with politics. How did the Romans negotiate the politics of the day in the 17th-century?

A refined cultural experience, perfectly timed to segue into an evening aperitivo before we say goodbye.

Piazzale del Museo Borghese 5, Roma, ROMA, IT, 00197