latenighter

Hi all,

We are leaving May 18th for our honeymoon and are looking for any recommendations for things to do, places to eat, etc.

We have been to Italy 2 times before but never to these regions. Also, we have read everything we can get our hands on, but love first hand experience.

Heres our itinery:

5 days in Varenna-staying at the Eremo Gaudio, tried to book the du lac to no avail.

picking up rental car in Como and driving to Castellina in Chianti-spending a week at Collelungo.

Driving to Venice-dropping off car on arrival-staying 5 days at Ca' Angeli.

Any and all advice appreciated!

latenighter

Thanks Rachel,

Anybody else! We appreciate all the advice we can get all!!

RSTravelers

Venice will be wonderful for part of your honeymoon. It is such a romantic city. It really touched my heart, and I was 50 & 51 at the time, (been there twice), so a honeymoon should be even more special. You have to take a moonlight gondola - just the two of you if possible. We were there in Sept. and we were able to get a gondola to ourselves later in the evening, say between 9:00-10:00. Evenings are magical,walking along the Grand Canal,(holding hands of course!), standing on a bridge watching the boats & gondolas glide by, and eating at an outdoor table on the canal or a little campo. Try a restaurant close to the Rialto Bridge. If you want delicious authentic Venetian pizza, try the 3 Columns that I think is in the San Croce district. Ask at your hotel. And, Prosecco is a good lighter white wine. Also consider an evening performance of music. Your hotel will likely have info. posted in the lobby.

Don't miss seeing some cathedrals, the Doges Palace, Piazza San Marco, the island of Burano,(VERY charming), Murano if you want some glass, the morning market near the Rialto, some shops, (stop in a Carnival mask shop on one of the back "alleys&quot, and most importantly explore away from the main tourist drag. We had some of our best experiences walking back in the districts that many tourists never see. They are the true Venice. If you get lost, that is part of the adventure. There will be someone to help or you will find your way continuing to head towards a major site.

You should be able to do and see quite a bit with 5 days. This is making me want to go back. Have a marvelous honeymoon!!

latenighter

Thanks RS,

Yes, I have already decided that we must take a gondola ride at night. Even with the cost, I am more about the experience.

I do appreciate any and all advice. We are getting married next weekend and can't wait to leave for Italy.
I still check this site everyday for info on all our destinations, so feel free to chime in if you can!

touristblob

fabulous itinery Latenighter and all very romantic destinations.we have stayed in all the towns and Varenna is beautiful the perfect base for lake Como .take the ferries and explore the other towns ,climb the hill behind town to the castle and check out the views,have your apperitifs at a bar on the lake and watch the sunset over the alps and have a romantic dinner at the villa capreesi.In tuscany go off the main roads and visit the hill towns san gimignano, volterra,monteriggioni,rada and of course the big two florence and siena[the best].Venice.... the ultimate honeymooners delight ,gondola rides at sunset ,wandering without a map and riding the vaporetta to see it all.cocktails in san marco ,dinner on the grand canal or some secluded cafe on the back canals like ca san lorenzo[ tratorria al greco]. and just lap it all up you will have a ball.

latenighter

ttt