natc143

Hi Everyone,

I'm planning a 17/18 night trip to Europe for my honeymoon. I would love to relax a few days, however, site seeing is very important to us. I have a pretty decent budget since this is our honeymoon. How would suggest I plan this trip? I realize everyone has different tastes and priorities, but I'm open to suggestions. I dont mind bouncing around, taking the rail, etc...

Thank you in advance!
Natalie

ira

Hi N,

When are you going?

What's your hotel budget?

natc143

I'm going Sunday May 28 - June 14/15th 2006.

I'm thinking we may spend between $500-600 per night on hotels however, if that is not a 4/5 star we may consider spending add'l to get the higher quality we desire. Thanks - looking forward to hearing from you.
Natalie

kbrennan

I think the best way to start is to get some travel books (go to the library) and read one or two to get ideas about what you would like to see. Fodors, Frommers, Rick Steves all talk about the same places, but each guide gives a little bit different information. I would not ask others for advice until I had it narrowed down a bit!

natc143

Initially I was set on going to Italy exclusively. Seeing Rome for 3/4 days, Florence 3/4 days, Tuscany countryside 3/4 days and Positano 3/4 days. But I'm reading some posts regarding other cities very highly and I'm tempted to alter my plans.

Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
Natalie

rex

I wish you absolutely nothing but the best, and will be eager to help with whatever advice I ("we&quot can offer... as you plan this luxury trip - - but I am just flabbergasted to read of newlyweds with this kind of money to spend on a honeymoon! Forgive my speechlessness.

I might advise throwing some variety into the mix, since yo have that kind of budget. A night or two at Villa Feltrinelli, for example (a lot more than $500 a night), balanced by a few nights at $100 per night. You will see a broader cross section of Europe that way.

Do you speak (any) French or Italian? If no, plans to learn in the coming year?

Whatever your plans, congratulations on your new life in marriage... and...

Best wishes,

Rex

Bpesta

Congratulations! What a perfect time of year to travel. I got married 4 yrs ago and we went to Italy for our honeymoon for 14 days. I would totally recommend it. Spent 3 amazing nights at the Grand Hotel in Rome, headed south via train to Naples, hired a car and went to Positano for 3 nights. We stayed at Le Agavi because LeSirenuse was booked. I wouldn't recommend Le Agavi - too far out of town and not really 'top shelf.' From Positano, we hired another car to Ravello where we stayed at Palazzo Sasso. What an amazing hotel! So beautiful with impeccable service!! Hired a car back to Naples and took the train to Florence. Stayed at Helvetia & Bristol, which was nice and just off the main square. After Florence, took the train to Venice. Don't remember the name of the hotel we stayed in, but wouldn't recommend it anyway. I think our trip provided a few good days of relaxation along with exploration time to see the sites.
Good luck in choosing your spot. Regardless of where you pick, you'll be sure to remember forever.

ira

Hi Nat,

Just to get you started:

Fly into Venice - 4 nights
Train to Florence - 4 nights (See Siena)
Train to Naples and hire a driver to take you to a hotel in Positano - 3 nights
Hire a driver to take you to the Palazzo Sasso in Ravello for a 3 night splurge
Take the ferry to Salerno and train to Rome.
Fly home from Rome.

Enjoy your honeymoon.

mamc

I recommend that you do go to Italy exclusively as you planned initially. And I highly recommend that you include Venice in your itinerary. You can easily see Rome, Amalfi Coast, Florence and Venice in 18 nights.