Help with Honeymoon trip Italy

Old May 6th, 2015, 06:57 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Help with Honeymoon trip Italy

My Honeymoon is gonna be in October for about 9-10 days. My soon to be wife loves Italy but has never been, so I want to surprise her and take her but I have no idea how to do this. I have never left the U.S so its all new to me. She loves history and is a sucker for romance lol. So I was thinking Venice, Rome and Florence. How would those 3 places be and is it do able in 10 days. I am trying to decide if starting in Venice and leaving in Rome or vice versa. But the main thing is how do we get around and know where to stay without a travel agent? Please help!
soxcoco7 is offline  
Old May 6th, 2015, 07:34 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,350
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
1) A guide book will be a good start (seriously, not just being flippant--that is certainly where I start, even after a dozen trips!). Doing all three in 9-10 days is certainly doable; give the most time to the one you are most interested in, or do 3-3-3.
2) Use a flight search website like kayak (or whichever one you like) and search open jaw flights into Venice and out of Rome and vice versa. Choose the option that you like best. I have heard flights out of Venice often leave super early, so I would want to arrive there and leave from Rome because it is probably a tad bit easier to get to Rome airport.
3) Hotels: the guide book again, for general info about areas to stay and also specific recommendations, but I also use tripadvisor and booking.com for hotel ideas.
4) Getting around: Italy has a stellar train system: http://www.trenitalia.com/
*) you are a romantic and your fiance will be thrilled--congrats!
yorkshire is offline  
Old May 6th, 2015, 08:06 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Good advice from Yorkshire. Yes, get multi-city plane tickets into Venice (the most romantic of cities), and out of Rome. You will probably be jet-lagged and tired after the flight; the best sightseeing in Venice is wandering around getting lost. Fine to do in a jet-lagged daze in Venice. Whereas you need to be alert in Rome.

Be sure to get a hotel in Venice proper, not on the Lido and not in Mestre. For the full experience of living in a city without roads or cars or trucks, instead with water taxis and water buses and gondolas, etc. I like booking.com for finding hotels; only people known to have stayed at a hotel are allowed to review it.

When you arrive at Venice's airport, you can take a water taxi (expensive) into town or a water shuttle, the Alilaguna, or, cheapest, a bus to the train station and either walk or take the vaporetto (water bus) to your hotel.

You will take a train from Venice to Florence and another one to Rome. I suggest getting Rick Steves' guidebook to Italy. He makes the whole thing seem a lot easier, will supply details on sights, trains and getting around. Another helpful site on trains is www.seat61.com.
Mimar is offline  
Old May 6th, 2015, 09:17 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I would suggest with just 9 or 10 days, that you choose two cities, not three. You want to have time to explore but also time to relax and sip a glass of wine at a cafe. Each time you change places, you lose most of a day. This is a honeymoon - don't spend too much of it in transit!
Kathie is offline  
Old May 6th, 2015, 09:20 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,445
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
sox--

Congratulations on your upcoming marriage!

Those are certainly the "big three" cities in Italy. You won't need a travel agent. Some advice (including something you may not want to hear):

1. Count number of nites and figure that two nites makes one full day. You'll have to book hotels anyway, so that is the place to start. Then you can determine how much time you really will have in each city.

2. You can do all three in ten days and see enough of each to make it interesting. I'd divide it up two full days Venice, three full days Florence, and remainder in Rome. If you truly have five full days for Rome, you could do a day trip--Pompeii/Naples, Ostia, Tivoli, Orvieto, for example.

3. Second Yorkshire re using tripadvisor.com and booking.com. I find the hotels using tripadvisor and generally book using booking.com. With tripadvisor, you can find a hotel that looks interesting, then use the map feature to the right to see other hotels around it. Hotel rooms in Europe (that is, affordable hotel rooms) are tiny by US standards so you both should be prepared for that.

4. Take trains as that will make it a lot easier to get around. Since you're going to cities, a car would be a liability on this trip.

Venice--take the Vaporetto to get around. Most hotels in Venice proper are within fairly easy walking distance of a vaporetto stop. Venice, BTW, is where my spouse and I would spend our honeymoon if we were getting married today. One of the most romantic places on earth early in the morning and in the evening.-during the day, too many people.

Florence--either walk or take the bus. Florence is quite compact and walkable.

Rome--use the metro to get to places like the Vatican/St Peters, the Forum, etc. So check to see where the metro stops are in relation to your hotel. Although hotels around the train station (Termini) may be less expensive, that's not a good area. See if you can find something near the Spanish Steps/Pantheon, the tourist heart of Rome. BE SURE that you specify a quiet room in Rome, as it is very noisy. That's important everywhere, but extra important in Rome--we had a stay there spoiled because the room was right on the Via dei Fori Imperiali and traffic ran all night long, every night.

5. Consider consulting your fiancé in regard to the planning. Maybe buy the airplane tix (prior to doing any other booking) and a guidebook or two and give them to her as a pre-wedding gift. That way, she can help plan the details AND be able to anticipate it and brag to her friends about the honeymoon. I've been married for over 40 years and we have been to Italy and other areas of Europe many times. I would not think of planning something like this without consulting my spouse. Particularly important in selecting hotels. That's how you stay married for 40 years or more.

6. Re guidebooks: I usually use Fodor's Guide as it has good walking tours and stars the most important and other important things to see, and in the front there is a list of the best of Italy by category (e.g. churches, gardens, palazzi, etc.. We don't rely on it any more for hotels, although we used to, and it has good, interesting hotel recommendations. Restaurants tend to be overpriced. Recently we've come to use Yelp for restaurants, and search for them in the area we happen to be in when we get hungry rather than making reservations and then having to rush back across the city to get there. It is very difficult to get a bad meal in Italy, so any place that looks good to you will be good. Overpriced maybe, but good.

Anyway, tanti auguri e buon viaggio!
dwdvagamundo is offline  
Old May 6th, 2015, 09:45 AM
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Wow you guys and girls are very very helpful. Thank you for all the advice. I am glad this can be done. I have a few more questions if you don't mind.

1. If I were to do only 2 of the cities what would be recommended?

2. I was planning on spending about 300 a night per room average is that cheap or high?

3. what do you typically spend on tours and food?

4. Not speaking Italian will it be hard for us to get around?

Thank you dwdvagamundo / Mimar / Kathie / yorkshire
soxcoco7 is offline  
Old May 6th, 2015, 09:57 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,350
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
1. I have not been to any, despite 4 trips to Italy, but if you are polling, Venice and Rome would be my choice.
2. 300 should get you excellent rooms, above average and honeymoon worthy--based on my experience in smaller towns, where a third of that got me fantastic lodging.
3. N/a on tours, but I would in those cities. Food is where we splurge, but breakfast is typically included and lunch can be quite economical, so it really just depends on your tastes. There are many excellent food blogs written by people living in country where you can get good restaurant tips (Elizabeth Minchilli is one I use).
4. Nah. You can use automated ticket machines at train stations (in English). Always good to learn a few phrases for manners, and for practical reasons, learn the vocab for train platform, etc.
yorkshire is offline  
Old May 6th, 2015, 10:29 AM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 19,736
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
1. If I were to do only 2 of the cities what would be recommended?
That's a hard one to answer, given that everyone's tastes are different. Just know that Venice is unique; you're not going to see anything like it anywhere else. Rome is very busy and filled with sights. Florence is smaller and more manageable and tends to be a favorite for people who like art.

2. I was planning on spending about 300 a night per room average is that cheap or high?
You should be OK with that amount, but it's not extravagant in the Big Three cities. What to watch out for, especially in a place like Rome: Some travel agents will get you into a "bargain" hotel that's not centrally located. You'll think it's a deal until you realize how far you are from the action. (It's less of a problem in Venice, unless you get stuck somewhere outside the city itself.)

3. what do you typically spend on tours and food?
Another tough question, since there are so many variables. If you eat modestly and breakfast is included at your hotel, budget about $150-$200/day for the two of you. That may sound high, and some may quibble with it, but it's a good guide for food, tix to attractions, etc. Besides, everyone I know ends up spending more than they thought they would.

4. Not speaking Italian will it be hard for us to get around?
You'll be fine in the major cities and surrounding areas. The language barrier in Italy exists mostly in the southeast part of the country, which has fewer tourists.

Good luck.
vincenzo32951 is offline  
Old May 6th, 2015, 12:13 PM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 319
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
soxcocco7,

1. I recommend with this amount of time that you do only 2 cities. That's a great idea. Rome and Venice, as a first-timer. They are very different, and both very romantic. Seeing these 2 would make for a very complete honeymoon. I don't think you asked, but I would recommend taking the train between the 2 cities.

2. 300€/night will be very adequate. For both locations, I recommend staying at a centrally-located hotel. Please make sure you let them know it is your honeymoon. Alot of hotels will upgrade you, although you shouldn't automatically expect that. You could splurge and do one really romantic thing in each city. For instance, in Venice you could have drinks or coffee at one of the iconic cafes on Piazza San Marco. Gorgeous with alot of history. One of the things that I also think is a good idea is to confer with the concierge of the hotel once you are there (for things to do, restaurants, romantic treats, etc.). There are often things to do that are just on that week, or are specific to the weather. For instance, you wouldn't want to plan on a Seque tour if it's going to be raining.

3. Regarding the info. about food prices, many of the hotel options will include b'fast. One of the things you will want to do is to decide whether your big meal of the day will be lunch or dinner. Or you can switch that up once you are "on the ground". The reason I say this is that you may change your mind if the weather is rainy vs. sunny. October is not high tourist season and this will give you much more lee-way regarding same-day planning and restaurant reservations.

4. No Italian required in any of the cities you mentioned. That being said, a smile and a warm "buongiorno" is always welcome!

Have a wonderful time, and a great honeymoon.

LisaG
LisaG is offline  
Old May 6th, 2015, 01:01 PM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
But the main thing is how do we get around and know where to stay without a travel agent?>

as others have agreed there is no reason not to do a selfie tour - take trains between those cities - www.trenitalia.com is the site of the Trenitalia or state railways and has some tasty discounted ticket IF you book weeks in advance to get them as they are sold in limited numbers and do sell out at the limited number sold - you can always IME just show up and buy a full-fare ticket - in 1st class if not 2nd class always.

But if you want to book in stone - discounted tickets non-changeable non-refundable I believe - not sure - you can save a lot. And discountd tickets come in first class too and if I were on the trip of a lifetime such as a honeymoon I'd splurge and go first class - in many ways a significantly more relaxed ride, especially for folks carrying around typically too much luggage!

For lots of great info on Italian trains check www.set61.com - good info on discounted tickets; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com. And http://www.italotreno.it/IT/Pagine/default.aspx competes on those lines with Trenitalia and www.italiarail.com os a booking agent that sells tickets at about what www.trenitalia.com does others say - I have not used it.
PalenQ is offline  
Old May 6th, 2015, 01:46 PM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 670
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
As you have never travelled outside of the USA, you will need a passport; so will your fiancé. You should apply for one now. And consider this, when booking airline tickets the names have to match the passport. So regardless of whether your fiancé will take your surname when you marry, if she doesn't have a passport she has to use her current name, as it appears on her birth certificate for her passport and airline ticket. if she already has a passport, then the airline ticket has to match the name on the passport. Your destination may be a surprise, but some of your paperwork won't be a surprise.

if you chose Rome and Venice, fly to Venice first and then train to Rome and fly home from Rome. much more relaxing that way and you have more flight time options returning from Rome.

if you chose Venice and Florence. you can fly to Venice, stay in Venice, and then train to Florence and fly from Florence.

be aware that in Venice, in the fall you can experience flooding ..its called acqua alta.
maxima is offline  
Old May 6th, 2015, 02:03 PM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 275
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Sox:

+1 on maxima's suggestion of "open jaw" or "multiple destinations" airplane tickets. You can go onto Kayak (or any other site) and look for "multiple destinations." Buy tickets from your home to Rome and then for Leg #2 Venice to your home (or the other direction, especially if it's cheaper). The key thing is NOT to get round-trip tickets to and from Rome (or Venice) because on day 11 when you are in Venice (or Rome) you will have to waste a day getting back to your first city. Of course, if you can get frequent flyer air tickets, they often require round-trip ticketing.

The first day will be lost in jet lag. However, I suggest you consider spending 3 nights in Rome, 3 nights in Montepulciano (or other hill town in Tuscany) and 3 nights in Venice. This will involve renting a car and having one of you act as navigator while the other drives. With Garmin and TomTom, (or even Siri) this is not as complicated as it sounds. If you do decide to explore Tuscany by car, DO NOT pick up the car until the day you are ready to leave Rome/Florence.

Lots to consider, but I agree with dwdvagamundo's advice about including your fiancee in the planning or at least giving her the choice whether to be involved. Buy the open-jaw tickets, surprise her and then let her be as involved or non-involved as she wants. Remember the four words that are essential in any long-term marriage: "Anything you say, dear."
zorrosf is offline  
Old May 7th, 2015, 07:21 AM
  #13  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you for the help guys and gals,

So the issue I am seeing looking now is that when I look at Rome and Venice there are so many hotels. Its like wow, which to pick. Any one have any areas to stay at in these cities, Like best areas?

Also I told her Last night about doing Italy and she freaked out lol. Now she is like what can we see, where do we go, can we ride a gondola, shes very excited to say the least.
soxcoco7 is offline  
Old May 7th, 2015, 07:57 AM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,445
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Looks like you've picked Venice and Rome, which are what I would have recommended, given your fiancé's interest in history.

As to which hotels--I gave you my recommendation for Rome--area around the Spanish Steps/Trevi Fountain/Pantheon. With your budget, you should find something very comfortable.

There have been lots of recommendations on this forum over the years. Do a search in the "search feature"--lodging in Venice" lodging in Rome" "hotel in venice," and other permutations.

I recall a few years ago someone recommended a Venice hotel that was between San Marco and the Arsenal. This one popped up on Tripadvisor and looks very good: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...ce_Veneto.html.

That area is a little more quiet than some. It is also very near a place that had the best hot chocolate I've ever had--more like chocolate pudding. There is a very interesting museum of Venetian naval history also near there.

I also recall someone recommending a hotel very near the Pantheon a year or so ago but couldn't find it. This one looks good:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...ome_Lazio.html

Disclaimer: haven't stayed in either of those hotels, but probably would on next trip to either of those cities, from the reviews.

As to what to see and do, get the guidebooks and give them to her as a pre-wedding gift then you can both pick out what you want to do.
dwdvagamundo is offline  
Old Aug 3rd, 2015, 07:57 AM
  #15  
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 369
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi Soxcoco7,

Looks like you have chosen Rome and Venice - both excellent choices. Venice is super romantic and Rome will satisfy the history-lover in your fiancé. I had spent a week in Rome and 4 days in Venice and still it wasn't enough. And that was when I was traveling solo and had all the time for travel, as against your situation of a honeymoon when enjoying the companionship is a lot more important. But having said that, it would be nice if you could fly into Venice and stay there for 4 nights, then make way for a small Tuscan town like San Gimignano or Montepulciano and do a stay for 2 nights, get to see a bit of countryside, not do much and just spend quality time together, take a walk, see a sleepy town go by in the piazza, or go to vineyards, see the rolling hills, etc. And then hit Rome as your last stop for 4 nights and fly back from there. A short stay in a small Tuscan town / village will give you a good break from bigger cities plus it is bound to be romantic. Not sure if you have done your hotel bookings and inter-city train tickets yet.
rtwin80days is offline  
Old Aug 3rd, 2015, 10:15 AM
  #16  
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
San gimi and Montepulciano are neat but for some folks like me too small - I like Siena a big hill town for a base and then maybe do day trips to a smaller town nearby like San Gimignano.
PalenQ is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mmagrojr
Europe
15
Feb 6th, 2014 06:20 PM
rcdrn
Europe
29
Jan 17th, 2013 11:11 AM
Amygoes1234
Europe
22
May 9th, 2012 05:15 PM
gypsyjane
Europe
13
Jan 13th, 2012 01:55 PM
nancy326
Europe
11
Sep 9th, 2010 12:05 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -