Coppola
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Shortcuts: Francis Ford Coppola

The 84-year-old American movie director is not just a legend in his field; his expertise also extends to the realms of wine, hotels, and travel. Here is his ultimate travel guide.

February 9, 2024


© Hotel Alvear Palace/ provided

Best Grand Hotel: Alvear Palace Buenos Aires
I can't do without Alvear Palace" in Argentina's bustling capital Buenos Aires has always impressed Coppola, who sees it as a model for all "old-school" hotels.

Bucket list: Tahiti
Inspired by Irving Johson's "Sailing to See," Coppola still has a few destinations on his bucket list, with Tahiti, the dreamy island in French Polynesia, at number one.

© Getty Images

Favorite place: Rutherford in Napa Valley
"In my heart and mind, nothing compares to Rutherford in Napa Valley, my home," he says enthusiastically. Coppola the winemaker is the owner of Inglenook, one of America's top wineries. He purchased it in the mid-1970s and has worked hard to build its reputation.

© Rutherford Winery

Best steak: Girarrosto Fiorentino in the Via Sicilia in Rome
He first tried spaghetti primavera (with very fresh, ripe tomatoes) and ate the best steak in the world at "Girarrosto Fiorentino", a small restaurant near Via Veneto in Rome. It's a restaurant visit that Coppola will never forget.

Favorite movie: Lawrence of Arabia
A movie whose location left him in awe was "Lawrence of Arabia." The film starring Peter O'Toole and Omar Sharif left a great impression on him, both for its content and its ground-breaking filming locations.

Best vacation song: Normandy
A song that reminds him of being on vacation is "Normandy" from the musical "Once Upon a Mattress," which was written by Mary Rogers. First performed in 1959, it was nominated for a Tony Award.

© Getty Images

Luggage Must-haves: Bathrobe, PJs, and Kindle
When traveling, Coppola always packs his favorite bathrobe from Charvet Place Vendôme, a present from his daughter Sofia, as well as his cotton pajamas from Vietnam. And last but not least, his Kindle e-reader.

This article appeared in the Falstaff TRAVEL issue Winter 2023/24.

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