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13 nights in Italy, Honeymoon

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Old Jan 2nd, 2012, 05:57 AM
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13 nights in Italy, Honeymoon

Hi all, I am hoping for some help. We are trying to plan our honeymoon in italy for june 2012. We are beach, food, wine, walking, and easy pace kind of people. We think the places we would like to go include, flying into Venice (for romance and the city expereience), Tuscany (for drinking wine and natural beauty), Cinque Terre (for beach and hiking), and Florence (for culture). We are looking for advice on the following:
1. What order should we go in?
2. How many days in each?
3. Trains or rental cars?
4. What neighborhoods would you recommend?

Thanks for the help!
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Old Jan 2nd, 2012, 06:12 AM
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Good for you--sounds like fun !
Here is what I would do:

1. Arrive Venice---3 nites
2. Train to Florence--3 nites
3. Get car--to Tuscany--4 nites
4. Drive to CT--drop car in La Spezia--2 nites
5. Last nite near departure airport---Milan or Pisa

June is a good time for this itinerary--earlier the better.
Do not worry about where to stay until you set dates per destination. We can all help with good hotel options given your price range.
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Old Jan 2nd, 2012, 06:34 AM
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Hi there, am not too sure on the order you should go but I would recommend 3 nights Venice, 6 nights Tuscany (including 2/3 nights Florence) and 4 nights Cinque Terre. Venice is very nice but i think 3 nights is enough in my opinion, when it means you can spend more time in Tuscany/Cinque Terre.

Venice is very expensive for accommodation. (we stayed in a lovely boutique B&B called Ca' Bonvicini which was good value and in a typical venetian setting-they have a room with a roof top terrace too). I have been to venice twice and preferred this location to right up close to the Rialto bridge. But definitely stay on Venice itself and not one of the adjacent mainland/alternative islands r you will spend all your time travelling. It could also get a bit hot and uncomfortable in venice at that time of year for too many days, would recommend you spend more time by coast for breeze, (but no less than 3 nights in Venice).

I would also recommend Siena, which is very romantic and medieval and i think about an hour on train from florence. Not sure if you are looking was hotels/B&Bs but there are some very luxurious hotels in Siena and Florence if you want to splash out. I personally would be tempted to only spend 2 nights in Florence (i expect many will disagree) and have 1 1/2 full blown culture museum days there before spending more time in the Tuscany beyond Florence. But thats just me as i think there are lots of other place to see in Tuscany- but if you are really into galleries and museums then 2 nights is not enough. If u prefer smaller more intimate villages and towns and museums not high on your list i would just have the 2 nights in Florence/ 2 in Siena or other Tuscan town/ 2 in a small pretty intimate tuscan village.

I have not been to Cinque terre but i have seen quite a few places in Italy and amalfi coast in the south was my absolute favourite so if its anything like this (which i expect it is from what i can tell) i would opt for 4 nights here as hopefully weather will be nice and beautiful scenery

Anyway hope this helps!! Have a wonderful trip
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Old Jan 2nd, 2012, 06:42 AM
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Hey again!!

Actually i would agree with Bob, go for 7 days in Tuscany/Florence. You can lose a day in cinque terre,as with 3 you could stay in same hotel ( i was previously thinking 2x2 difference cinque terre locations before but i think its quite easy to move around from the one spot so 1x3 nights probably perfect). And it means you can have a longer stay in one of the Tuscany hotels
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Old Jan 2nd, 2012, 07:23 AM
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I think your plan is great! Bob has provided a very good itinerary and # of days for each stop. You really won't need (or want) a car except for the rural Tuscany portion of your trip.

Have fun planning and return here often with your questions.
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Old Jan 2nd, 2012, 09:46 AM
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You guys are great thanks for the advice. Is it easy to drive in italy?
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Old Jan 2nd, 2012, 03:02 PM
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DRIVING IN ITALY & SOUTHERN EUROPE

Q. SHOULD WE DRIVE IN ITALY?
A. Of course you should if your driving skill & confidence would allow you to drive a rental car in Vermont, Colorado or California. But, be advised of these tips:
* Avoid driving in the major cities except for picking up or dropping cars
* Have good maps—study them in advance—and have a GOOD NAVIGATOR.
* Stay in the right lane except when passing and use your rear view mirrors

Q. WHAT CAR SHOULD I GET AND WHERE DO I GET IT?
A. It is best to rent your car before you leave for Europe. The best source we have found is www.autoeurope.com [800-223-5555] who is a broker for several car vendors. They will quote you prices to include the variables that are often omitted by others, such as unlimited mileage, mandatory insurance coverage with some deductibles, and VAT taxes. It is wise to compare prices and coverage with their sister company at www.kemwel.com. Autoeurope will match any comparable quote, and are famous for their customer satisfaction if problems do arise with the vendor. The best model will depend on your needs, but for best value we suggest you select a compact car with manual transmission. Automatics are available but will cost you about 30% more and may limit your model options & pick up locations.

Q. ARE ITALIAN DRIVERS AS CRAZY AS I HAVE HEARD?
A. Yes & no! They are certainly aggressive, but they are also more skilled than many USA drivers—both are a function of necessity. Italy is one of the most crowded countries in the world and the drivers have evolved these characteristics
* They are notorious tailgaters. If that bothers you, pull over and let them past.
* On the AUTOSTRADE they will drive fast, but will stay in the right lane except when passing and will use their blinkers when passing—YOU SHOULD TOO !
* They will often pass on 2-lane roads with traffic coming. Frankly, they expect you, and the oncoming car, to adjust to the shoulder and make 3 lanes of traffic.

OTHER ROAD TIPS FOR YOUR DRIVING SANITY:
1. Learn the meaning of the sign “ SENSO UNICO” and take heed [ONE WAY ].
2. Be sure to get your ticket when you enter the AUTOSTADA system & be prepared to pay the toll when you exit it [ rule of thumb—300 km=15 Euro]. You can use your credit card in the VIA lane at the toll both, or buy a debit VIACARD in advance.
3. Do NOT attempt to follow road numbers—that will frustrate you. But, do pay attention to the directional signs that point to your destination [ TO MONTALCINO]. And, be aware if that road leads eventually to a larger city [ ROMA—SIENA ETC.]
4. Unless you have a diesel car, you will want to fill the tank with benzina from the green pump. Most stations will pump gas for you and will take credit cards.

NOTE: As of 2005, an International Drivers Permit[IDP] is required in Italy.
You can obtain them from your local AAA office. You will need a valid US driver’s license, two passport photos, and $15. The photos can be taken at the AAA office.
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Old Jan 2nd, 2012, 03:26 PM
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I think bob pretty well nailed the itinerary. Some thoughts on why;

Venice is the best place to start the honeymoon, I think. There is no better place for a pure romantic fantasy.

The rest follows logistically - Florence is quickly and easily accessible form Venice, still no need for a car so expenses are saved.

Tuscany flows from Florence, with a car not mandatory but the best way to experience the many many highlights of the area. I do love me that hill town driving!

Driving to CT is the most efficient way to get there from rural Tuscany and you can drop the car for more savings.

Train (or drive if you decide to park your car in the CT for your 2 days there) back to your departure airport picked on a balance of proximity and cost as an open jaw partner for Venice.

It is easy to drive in Italy outside of the major cities. Tuscany is a DREAM to drive in and one of the real joys of being in Italy- just get a small car because the streets in some of the hill towns can get pretty narrow. You can arrange to pick up your rental in a suburban location of Florence (take a taxi to it). Some people even take the train to Sienna or Arezzo and pick up a car there.

In Venice, stay as central as you can - having the magic outside your door makes it worthwhile.

For Florence, almost all the major sights are within walking distance of the cathedral. Anything south of that to the river is ideal as a base.

In Tuscany, there are so many options. I suggest you invest a fair bit of research into the area and pick out a spot to stay for 4 nights, driving around and seeing the other places. Tuscany has several different personalities and folks can get pretty passionate about their favourite areas and whether an Agroturismo or town stay are better.
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Old Jan 2nd, 2012, 03:49 PM
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In Tuscany it is essential to have a GPS or a really good navigator because every roundabout will have a pole with directional signs that point every way you can imagine and as you get closer to a town the signs pretty much stop (I think they used the budget to get you close).

All in all it isn't that hard but all the information that Bob has given you is extremely accurate.

This is a cute little parody on Italian driving

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjdD-Xx9r-M
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Old Jan 2nd, 2012, 04:07 PM
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A few more notes on driving: although Italians drive fast, you should NOT. The penalties are onerous. Just ask someone like me that has spent hours with the Italian version of the highway patrol. The took my husband's driver's license and they took the car. It's a good story now, but it sucked at the time.

About the GPS: IMO a skilled map reader will be a more valuable tool than a GPS in many parts of Italy. I wouldn't try to stop you from getting one, but a Michelin road atlas for Italy provides much more information. I've been using mine for years and it has been invaluable. Using it, we've found a lot of things a GPS wouldn't really tell you about.

Do you have a budget for Venice? There are so many great places to stay in just about every price range.

About the CT: it really isn't a beach destination. More for hiking. Many people love the place, but after one visit years ago I have never had a desire to revisit the place, as opposed to many areas of Italy that I either revisit often, or can't wait to get back to.
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Old Jan 2nd, 2012, 04:27 PM
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Congratulations! Sounds like a great honeymoon. I agree with a couple of the other posts - I think 2 nights in Florence is a great idea (with additional nights in Siena or another Tuscan town). Florence is beautiful but it gets so crowded in the summer.
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Old Jan 4th, 2012, 05:59 PM
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Okay, so thanks everyone for the great feedback. Bobthenavigator - you rock we are going with your itinerary.

1. Arrive Venice---3 nites
2. Train to Florence--3 nites
3. Get car--to Tuscany--4 nites
4. Drive to CT--drop car in La Spezia--2 nites
5. Last nite near departure airport---Milan

We are probably going to stay at Hotel David in Florence (my best friend just stayed there last year and said it was great). We are pretty much set on making Siena our base for Tuscany.

Should we stay inside the wall, does it matter? The last city I went to with a wall was Rothenburg and I would say "yes" it matters! We are looking at Hotel Athena or Villa Elda (not sure if it is inside the wall), any thoughts?

We still need a recommedation for a in Venice. Venice we want to do romance and musesum. are looking for a 4 star hotel, and willing to spend something in the range of $200/night.

Thanks again!
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Old Jan 4th, 2012, 06:46 PM
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This may help. I am a sucker for honeymoons.
We just celebrated our 52nd---you should be so lucky!

BOB’S FAVORITE HOTELS IN VENICE:

BEST MID-RANGE 3 STAR HOTELS: Prices will vary from 140 to 250E

www.locandaorseolo.com Rave reviews in good location

www.lacalcina.com Popular hotel in Dorsoduro on Zattere

www.pensioneaccademia.it A Venice standard on Grand Canal

www.cadeidogi.it Small hotel in Castello with decent prices

www.cortegrimani.com Diverse family apts. in good location


SMALL B&Bs: PRICES VARY FROM 100E TO 220E AND BY SEASON

www.corte1321.com Helpful hosts in San Polo area

www.alpontemocenigo.com/en/index.htm Popular hotel off-path

www.guesthouse.it Great value in quiet neighborhood location

NICER 4 STAR HOTELS: prices range from 250 to 500E—vary by season

www.ponteantico.com Lovely new place at Rialto on Grand Canal

www.capisanihotel.it/ Boutique hotel near Accademia Bridge

www.liassidpalacehotel.com Lovely amenities in Castello

http://hotel-venezia-metropole.com/ Fabulous location but pricey

WILD CARD OPTIONS: Hotel & apartment options with good prices:

www.hotelmessner.it Well priced rooms & apts. in Dorsoduro

http://www.palazzettodaschio.it/ Apts. in a real 16th century villa

http://www.hotelriva.it/ Small budget hotel in great location-120E

www.locanda-sanbarnaba.com/ Nice 3 star at Ca Rezzonico stop
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Old Jan 4th, 2012, 07:09 PM
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I spent three nights in CT I wouldn't trade for any part of any other vacation I've had, ever. After the hustle of Italy's big cities, CT will be refreshing, if it has recovered adequately from Novembers devastating floods. The train was perfect for us and for our 2.5 weeks in Italy in September '11' we took trains and loved it. Stayed in a country inn above Levanto. Awesome food, reasonable hotel rates for the perfect little inn and a value compared to the unreasonableness of Venice, with as much inherent beauty, if not more. Also consider Positano and Ravello. We found a Band B in Ravello that's run by the owners of my favorite restaurant there where it will be a better value and far better service than our Ravello hotel. I dont choose hotels without the romantic feel-let me know if you want more info. D
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Old Jan 6th, 2012, 05:13 PM
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dglo08,

If you could tell me the name of the B&B in CT that would be great, thanks!
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Old Jan 6th, 2012, 05:49 PM
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italyhoneymoon,

Siena is a much larger city than you realize. If you are looking for the Tuscan countryside experience - stay in, or just outside of, a much smaller hilltown. Easier driving and parking, quiet, fewer tourists.

Endless options - Chianti or southern Tuscany around Montepulciano. The Umbrian countryside too is lovely!

Buon viaggio
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Old Jan 8th, 2012, 01:28 PM
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If you do opt for Siena, this place is very nice, just outside the walls (5-10 minute walk max and stunning views)

http://www.hscsiena.it/

Hope you have a lovely honeymoon
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Old Jan 22nd, 2012, 11:09 AM
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Okay, so we are starting to firm up our plans for our trip in June.

We are staying:

1. Venice for 3 nights at www.locanda-sanbarnaba.com/ Nice 3 star at Ca Rezzonico

2. Florence 3 nights at Hotel David, www.davidhotel.com

Now we need suggestions for some place near Siena or San Gimignano or Southern Tuscany for 4 nights. We will have a car to drive around.

We are looking for somewhere:

1. 3 stars
2. Resturants within walking distance.
3. Pool onsite
4. Laid back
5. Romantic

Thanks in advance for your help!
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Old Jan 22nd, 2012, 01:00 PM
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I have 2 good ideas for you.
The Palazzo del Capitano in San Quirico or this place in Montalcino.
http://www.vecchiaoliviera.com/
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Old Jan 22nd, 2012, 02:52 PM
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italyhoneymoon,

You will LOVE the Italian countryside. My second trip included 4 nights in Chianti in the tiny village of San Sano at Hotel Residence San Sano **** w/ pool. Highly recommend, 20 min. drive from Siena. Check it out at www.chiantinet.it.

Also, you might like to read the last portion of my last trip. 3 nights in Montalcino, then on to Umbria. It might give you a few ideas on the area and options for sightseeing, wine tasting. Report was called "Just Back - Dayle's Solo Trip to Italy."

Happy planning! You have a great start!
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