We recently took part in Abercrombie & Kent’s “A Taste of Wings Over the World: Rome & Crete” program to experience firsthand what it’s like to fly on executive private charter flights with a small group, visiting notable sites around the world.
Our sample itinerary included elements of sightseeing and exclusive A&K experiences featured in several “Wings Over the World” journeys. In Rome, the trip included activities from the “Wings Over Italy & Its Islands” and “Wings Over Europe’s Iconic Capitals” programs, while Crete’s activities were part of the “Wings Over Greece & Turkey” program.
(Photo provided by Ruthanne Terrero)
The Agenda
After landing from our overnight flight in Rome (JFK to FCO via Delta Air Lines), we were met by an A&K representative at the airport who quickly introduced us to our driver. We were then whisked away to the Hotel de la Ville, a Rocco Forte Hotel. We had stayed here years ago when it was the InterContinental and found the luxury vibe to be in full swing now that it’s a part of the Rocco Forte family of hotels. Hotel de la Ville is always a treat, as its location atop the Spanish Steps makes it central to so many Rome attractions. Our Junior Suite, No. 510, had a generous seating area with beautiful views of the hotel’s inner courtyard.
Nice Touch: Our room was ready despite the early hour, which provided us with plenty of time to rest up for our 3:30 p.m. meeting with our A&K residential tour director Kapi Panou, who accompanied us everywhere throughout the trip, coordinating transfers, dinner reservations, hotel check-in and check-out and airport departures. Note: Panou is a certified trainer with WFTGA (World Federation of Touris Guides) and she teaches courses on guiding techniques and communication skills, so we were in good hands.
What else was good? It was April in Rome and spring was in full bloom, making our aperitifs at the Cielo Rooftop Bar all the more enticing as we took in the vistas of the Eternal City.
After getting acclimated on our itinerary and meeting our fellow group members, we headed off for a private viewing of the church of San Lorenzo, the former Roman temple built in 141 AD. Note: The essence of the “Wings Over the World” program is its ability to provide private access to significant historical sites. It can do so because of the access negotiated by A&K, but also because “Wings Over the World” groups are limited to around 14 guests on average. The small size also allows group members to get to know each other well (if they don’t already) and to forge a relationship with their group leaders.
(Hotel de la Ville)
The Church of San Lorenzo did not disappoint, particularly because it’s a fine example of Romanesque architecture and because it serves up amazing views of Roman Forum, which we had plenty of time to explore, as well.
Dinner was at a rooftop restaurant where we enjoyed wine as the sun set and dinner as twilight cast over the city and the ruins below.
The next morning, it was up and over to the Castel Sant’Angelo (the ‘Pope’s Fortress’) for a private tour before opening. This remarkable Roman structure, a massive rotunda on the right bank of the Tiber River, was built between 134 and 139 AD as the mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and the Imperial family. It was later rebuilt as a military fortress and became the “personal fortress of popes” after being transformed into a castle in the 14th century. Today, it is a museum that receives well over a million visitors a year.
Our A&K guide artfully negotiated our entrance to the fortress, whose grounds were already abuzz with many other groups waiting for the beginning of opening hours to make their entrance. Inside, we explored great rooms, hidden stairways and rooftop terraces that provide panoramic views of Rome. Note: The Castel Sant’Angelo is so named because it’s reported that in 590 AD the Archangel Michael appeared atop the castle, ending a plague in Rome.
Our deep dive into history was complemented nicely that day by a foodie tour of the Trastevere section of Rome, guided by Toni and Walter of “Eating Europe,” which provides local culinary experiences throughout Italy, Paris, London, Berlin, Prague, Iceland and Portugal, to name but a few destinations. We met up with our hosts who took us immediately for a glass of wine and taste of porchetta di ariccia (roast pork with salt, pepper, rosemary and garlic) at La Norcineria di Iacozzilli (via Natale del Grande). The tiny storefront, an iconic destination since 1920, serves traditional cured meats and cheeses and is most welcoming to visitors.
We got to amble through this attractive, residential neighborhood filled with artisan shops, trattorias, B&Bs and budget hotels as we made our way to the colorful San Cosimato Food Market, where our guides had arranged for us to enjoy wildly fresh tomatoes, mozzarella and basil on fresh bread, an amazing treat amongst the locals shopping for fresh vegetables and fruits. This was all a prelude, however, to our pasta-making class, where we made our own fettuccine and ravioli, and then got to eat it for lunch. (It was good.) Lest we get too hungry, we followed up with a visit to a gelateria where we enjoyed a gelato di riso (think rice pudding ice cream, yes please).
Well nourished, it was time for another exclusive immersion and we were up for it. Villa Farnesina in Rome’s suburbs, was built between 1506 and 1510. Our private access tour took us through stunning salons with beautiful frescoes that illustrate the amazing Renaissance period of Rome. In true A&K style, our visit to the building and beautiful grounds ended with a private sampling of wine.
(Hotel de Russie)
We had time to rest at our hotel before heading off to Hotel de Russie, within easy walking distance of its sister property Hotel de la Ville via the famed Via del Babuino (think designer stores unique to Rome every few feet). At Hotel de Russie, we were one of the first to see the newly redone outdoor Stravinskij Bar and thrilled to sample The Stravinskij signature cocktail, comprising sparkling wine and a blend of wild berries, saffron flowers, citrus essential oils, passion fruit and aromatic spices. Dinner was in the “secret garden,” aka Le Jardin de Russie, where we were pampered with a lovely fixed menu that included a delicious grilled sea bass. A highlight of the evening was a visit to the Nijinsky Suite, Hotel de Russie’s new presidential suite, which gives off a posh, apartment-like vibe with its large residential-style rooms. Note: The suite’s terrace is above the Secret Garden and is a perfect place to watch the sun set over Rome.
Our final evening in the “Eternal City” made it hard to leave, but Crete was on the agenda for the next morning, an incentive that kept us going.
True to its ethos, the “Wings Over the World” program made the Italy to Greece flight a quick and luxurious experience. Our private flight took us from Rome Ciampino airport to Heraklion International Airport where A&K greeters escorted us through passport control and collected our luggage, which they deftly transported to our hotel, Daios Cove Luxury Resort and Villas. Our day in Greece was just beginning, as we made our way quickly to Ayrarakis Winery for a lovely luncheon of Greek specialties, such as Cretan cheeses, hummus, olives, tzatziki, dolmades and, of course, plenty of wine and fresh breads. Note: The winery offers picnic lunch options among the vines in a beautiful setting of wildflowers and mountain vistas.
(Ruthanne Terrero)
It was then off to the Palace of Knossos for a private group tour of the former home of King Minos. Here, we learned about the history of the Minoan civilization as we viewed the unearthed mosaic floors, the grand staircase and the throne complex. The grounds are fascinating, made all the more so by its resident peacocks who are on full display throughout the site.
It was time to head to our hotel, Daios Cove, set in a secluded area of Vathi, Agios Nikolaos. This very modern hotel set a strong contrast to the more classic luxury hotel experiences in Rome yet did not disappoint.
Accommodations here are stand-alone rooms, suites or villas, some with their own pool. A private beach is easily accessible and family-friendly, as it’s a cozy space for kids to play around as watchful parents soak up the sun.
The resort, which has a children’s area served by dedicated childcare specialists, has six dining venues, including Taverna, which overlooks the cove and serves unique cocktails, fresh fish and Greek specialties. The evening was a great respite to our busy day and set the tone for the following day’s Jeep safari through Crete’s biggest forest. The adventure ended back at the hotel for a private wine tasting.
Dinner was at Ocean, a very upscale venue serving Cretan and Greek specialties. It was the perfect farewell dinner for a whirlwind trip that showed us how private travel can transport you from one rich experience to the next, seamlessly and in luxury.
(Ruthanne Terrero)
Get Your ‘Wings’ in 2025
- “Wings Over Europe’s Iconic Capitals”: Departures are available June 15-26, August 31-September 11, and September 14-25, 2025. The itinerary includes visits to Castel Sant’Angelo, the Church of San Lorenzo in Miranda, and dinner overlooking the ruins.
- “Wings Over Italy & Its Islands”: Departures are available June 10-20, June 17-27, September 2-12, and September 23-October 3, 2025. The itinerary includes a visit to Villa Farnesina and a stay at Hotel de la Ville.
- “Wings Over Greece & Turkey”: Departures are available May 5-16, June 9-20, June 23-July 4, and September 8-19, 2025. The itinerary includes the Crete activities discussed here.”
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