Planning a 3-week honeymoon to London/Paris/Italy in December
Mar 20th, 2016, 10:56 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Planning a 3-week honeymoon to London/Paris/Italy in December
Hi everyone! I am from Singapore and I'm currently planning for my 3-week honeymoon in December which will span over Christmas and New Year's. As it's our first time to Europe, we are having a lot of questions! We plan to visit London, Paris and Italy but as I have been researching online, I am getting confused. So, just to give you a better idea, my husband and I love to experience places like how the locals do, prefer to deal with less crowds, love cultural experiences, enjoying food and wine, learning about the people's way of life and just taking in the sights and sounds of the country. We greatly appreciate any must-do, must-see, must-try recommendations as well!
Having 23 days for this trip, we were thinking if we can start our trip by doing 5 days in London, then 5 days in Paris, and lastly focus the remaining 13 days on Italy for the rest of our trip. We are open to suggestions as I am not sure if this itinerary will be too rushed, considering it's going to be cold and daylight hours short. I don't mind cutting out London and giving more time to Paris and Italy.
For Italy, we would love to visit Venice, Florence, Tuscany, Rome, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. If we have time, it would definitely be lovely to also visit Verona, Pisa, Cinque Terra, Naples, Capri, Sicily. (Is it a good time in December though?) So, here are my questions for you, especially those who had been there in December:
- Is 23 days enough to see Paris and Italy? Or should we just do Italy alone?
- Any of the places we should avoid during that time of the year?
- Where will you recommend for us to spend Christmas and New Year's Eve? I heard the Amalfi Coast is great for NYE with fireworks over the coast and we can see it in Sorrento or Salerno? Where should we stay to watch the celebration as we need to book the accommodation early.
- Due to festive season, we're concerned about transportation as well. So how should we plan our itinerary with regards to having which town/city to make our home base and which to make day trips to? I heard Salerno is great with their transportation line. Cheaper and more convenient than Sorrento.
That's all the chaos going in my head for now! Would love to hear all your suggestions and recommendations! Thank you all in advance!
Having 23 days for this trip, we were thinking if we can start our trip by doing 5 days in London, then 5 days in Paris, and lastly focus the remaining 13 days on Italy for the rest of our trip. We are open to suggestions as I am not sure if this itinerary will be too rushed, considering it's going to be cold and daylight hours short. I don't mind cutting out London and giving more time to Paris and Italy.
For Italy, we would love to visit Venice, Florence, Tuscany, Rome, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. If we have time, it would definitely be lovely to also visit Verona, Pisa, Cinque Terra, Naples, Capri, Sicily. (Is it a good time in December though?) So, here are my questions for you, especially those who had been there in December:
- Is 23 days enough to see Paris and Italy? Or should we just do Italy alone?
- Any of the places we should avoid during that time of the year?
- Where will you recommend for us to spend Christmas and New Year's Eve? I heard the Amalfi Coast is great for NYE with fireworks over the coast and we can see it in Sorrento or Salerno? Where should we stay to watch the celebration as we need to book the accommodation early.
- Due to festive season, we're concerned about transportation as well. So how should we plan our itinerary with regards to having which town/city to make our home base and which to make day trips to? I heard Salerno is great with their transportation line. Cheaper and more convenient than Sorrento.
That's all the chaos going in my head for now! Would love to hear all your suggestions and recommendations! Thank you all in advance!
Mar 21st, 2016, 04:30 AM
#2
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sorry - you are trying to see way too many places in too little time.
If it were me I would limit the trip to London and Paris - sine much as I love italy these are my favorites.
Keep in mind that December is chilly to cold, you have the possibility or ice, sleet and snow, daytime hours are very short, many isghts are ot open the very long hours they are during the summer - so you an cover fewer places in the same time and the weather can make doing things outdoors unpleasant at least some days and possibly quite a few days at a time.
So - I wold not even consider the AC - a beach resort off season is not really that charming, many hotels and restaurants are closed until spring (you will find some hotels open and some places to eat) but ferry schedules are stopped or curtailed for the season and if the seas are rough they don;t run at all.
Learning about the local cultures can be very difficult when most people are indoors due to the weather, people watching is curtailed and many cafes don't have outdoor seating available and street life is curtailed on many days.
Finally the list of places you want to go in Italy would take at least a month alone - with time for Sicily (requires at least a week to see anything) on top of that. The CT, which is primarily for hiking cliff path - is also not really possible in much of the winter. And some paths are still closed due to floods in recenter winters.
If I were on my honeymoon in December I would want to go to the biggest cities, with by far the most to see/do indoors, rather than rushing around the countryside when it won't be at it's best and bad weather can ruin plans for the day or just make them not very enjoyable.
If you do decide you want to visit Italy even for the whole time - you will need to cut back seriously on the number of locations if you want ANY time to<learning about the people's way of life and just taking in the sights and sounds of the country> - which will not happen by spend one day in many different towns
If it were me I would limit the trip to London and Paris - sine much as I love italy these are my favorites.
Keep in mind that December is chilly to cold, you have the possibility or ice, sleet and snow, daytime hours are very short, many isghts are ot open the very long hours they are during the summer - so you an cover fewer places in the same time and the weather can make doing things outdoors unpleasant at least some days and possibly quite a few days at a time.
So - I wold not even consider the AC - a beach resort off season is not really that charming, many hotels and restaurants are closed until spring (you will find some hotels open and some places to eat) but ferry schedules are stopped or curtailed for the season and if the seas are rough they don;t run at all.
Learning about the local cultures can be very difficult when most people are indoors due to the weather, people watching is curtailed and many cafes don't have outdoor seating available and street life is curtailed on many days.
Finally the list of places you want to go in Italy would take at least a month alone - with time for Sicily (requires at least a week to see anything) on top of that. The CT, which is primarily for hiking cliff path - is also not really possible in much of the winter. And some paths are still closed due to floods in recenter winters.
If I were on my honeymoon in December I would want to go to the biggest cities, with by far the most to see/do indoors, rather than rushing around the countryside when it won't be at it's best and bad weather can ruin plans for the day or just make them not very enjoyable.
If you do decide you want to visit Italy even for the whole time - you will need to cut back seriously on the number of locations if you want ANY time to<learning about the people's way of life and just taking in the sights and sounds of the country> - which will not happen by spend one day in many different towns
Mar 21st, 2016, 08:59 AM
#3
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 365
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree with NY traveler that you are planning way too many places. I spent my honeymoon a few years ago around the same time in Munich and Paris. The days are very short! Plus, for the week we were in Paris, we only had 1 day of sunshine. The rest of the days were either raining, snowing or just very cloudy, so I found it difficult to get up really early to see the sites.
We were in Tuscany last year in late March and experienced several days of rain (although we were lucky that the days in Florence were glorious). Numerous places in Tuscany had not opened yet, so I doubt they will be open in December.
I would skip London and split my time between Paris and Rome. I would spend Christmas in Paris and plan a wonderful Christmas lunch at George V. When we were there, they had a special truffle tasting menu. It was pricey, but we felt so taken care of. I might also look at taking a side trip to Reims for champagne tasting if you are into that. Paris can be overwhelming, so maybe look at some small tours for things that interest you. We have never been into tours until we realized it's the best way to really begin to understand what you are seeing!
Rome is much more manageable than Paris to me. We did several trips with Walks of Italy which made all the history just come alive. The tours are small, less than 10 people and they use headphones so you can wander around some and still hear the guide. I know you said you want to "experience places like the locals do", but the locals know all the places and the history! If you begin to understand the area, you will have a greater enjoyment of the area. Plus, the guides are always happy to answer questions about where to go, etc. I found their suggestions all great and really helpful.
You could also easily train from Rome to Florence for a couple of days as it takes about 2 hours.
Trains between Paris and Rome are long, so plan to fly.
Hope you have a great time.
We were in Tuscany last year in late March and experienced several days of rain (although we were lucky that the days in Florence were glorious). Numerous places in Tuscany had not opened yet, so I doubt they will be open in December.
I would skip London and split my time between Paris and Rome. I would spend Christmas in Paris and plan a wonderful Christmas lunch at George V. When we were there, they had a special truffle tasting menu. It was pricey, but we felt so taken care of. I might also look at taking a side trip to Reims for champagne tasting if you are into that. Paris can be overwhelming, so maybe look at some small tours for things that interest you. We have never been into tours until we realized it's the best way to really begin to understand what you are seeing!
Rome is much more manageable than Paris to me. We did several trips with Walks of Italy which made all the history just come alive. The tours are small, less than 10 people and they use headphones so you can wander around some and still hear the guide. I know you said you want to "experience places like the locals do", but the locals know all the places and the history! If you begin to understand the area, you will have a greater enjoyment of the area. Plus, the guides are always happy to answer questions about where to go, etc. I found their suggestions all great and really helpful.
You could also easily train from Rome to Florence for a couple of days as it takes about 2 hours.
Trains between Paris and Rome are long, so plan to fly.
Hope you have a great time.
Mar 21st, 2016, 09:15 AM
#4
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,321
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We have spent the week between Christmas and New Years in Tuscany twice and loved it! Yes it's cool but lots of stuff is open that week because the Romans holiday there at that time of year. It's nice without the hoards of tourists. I would highly recommend it.
You can see my photos here
https://flickr.com/photos/[email protected]
You can see my photos here
https://flickr.com/photos/[email protected]
Mar 21st, 2016, 09:30 AM
#5
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 8,827
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What ever you decide on, remember that you will need to make restaurant reservations well in advance over the Christmas holidays. Many restaurants in Paris close for the holidays. Those that will be open on New Year's Eve will only be accepting reservations for their NYE celebration dinner.
Finding somewhere to have lunch on Christmas day and NY day will be difficult. Make sure your hotel has a restaurant.
Finding somewhere to have lunch on Christmas day and NY day will be difficult. Make sure your hotel has a restaurant.
Mar 29th, 2016, 02:11 PM
#7
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Forget London over Christmas and New Year's. Transport shuts down or is severely limited - since London is so spread out, it's very difficult to get around to the few places that remain open. I would go during another time of the year.
I would avoid Venice, since this is a period when the "acqua alta" occurs. Nothing romantic about wading up to your knees in cold, filthy lagoon water.
Paris is pleasant during Christmas, but it's a family holiday, so you need to start planning for nice meals, if that's important to you. Most hotels and restaurants list holiday menus on their websites about 6 weeks in advance. Do some research and book asap.
Nothing much happens in Paris for New Years', no official city celebration, just people wandering around waiting for midnight then trying to
walk back home. If you can afford to spend the night in a fancy hotel which offered a dinner option, that could be fun.
Otherwise, I'd consider waiting until Spring to visit these 3 cities or maybe heading someplace warmer. Sorry to burst your bubble but there really isn't any point in coming when many places will be closed and it's too miserable to go out.
I would avoid Venice, since this is a period when the "acqua alta" occurs. Nothing romantic about wading up to your knees in cold, filthy lagoon water.
Paris is pleasant during Christmas, but it's a family holiday, so you need to start planning for nice meals, if that's important to you. Most hotels and restaurants list holiday menus on their websites about 6 weeks in advance. Do some research and book asap.
Nothing much happens in Paris for New Years', no official city celebration, just people wandering around waiting for midnight then trying to
walk back home. If you can afford to spend the night in a fancy hotel which offered a dinner option, that could be fun.
Otherwise, I'd consider waiting until Spring to visit these 3 cities or maybe heading someplace warmer. Sorry to burst your bubble but there really isn't any point in coming when many places will be closed and it's too miserable to go out.
Mar 29th, 2016, 05:08 PM
#8
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Honestly winter in London, Paris and Rome are not THAT cold - chilly yes and with short days but not with temps in the 20s and feet of snow as in the US.
But agree that at that time of year you need to understand it is mostly an indoor vacation - since walking for hours exploring a charming neighborhood and sitting in a cafe to people watch my be very limited by the weather.
But agree that at that time of year you need to understand it is mostly an indoor vacation - since walking for hours exploring a charming neighborhood and sitting in a cafe to people watch my be very limited by the weather.
Mar 29th, 2016, 05:31 PM
#9
>>Forget London over Christmas and New Year's. Transport shuts down or is severely limited - since London is so spread out, it's very difficult to get around to the few places that remain open. <<
That is only really <B>ON</B> Christmas Day, and it does take some special planning for the day itself. But otherwise, there is public transport the rest of the time. Also most attractions are open except for Christmas Day and a few on New years day.
This last December I arrived in London on Boxing Day and flew out on New Years day . . . and went to several museums, saw the Al Thani exhibition at the V&A, attended the Goya Exhibition at the National, four theatre performances (two pantos, Guys & Dolls and A Christmas Carol), had at least one bucket list-type meal every day (two different Michelin starred places) -- it was a fabulous trip. I stayed in a flat near the Tower and had no trouble getting anywhere.
Some people who say avoid London at Christmas probably haven't been there at that time of year.
That is only really <B>ON</B> Christmas Day, and it does take some special planning for the day itself. But otherwise, there is public transport the rest of the time. Also most attractions are open except for Christmas Day and a few on New years day.
This last December I arrived in London on Boxing Day and flew out on New Years day . . . and went to several museums, saw the Al Thani exhibition at the V&A, attended the Goya Exhibition at the National, four theatre performances (two pantos, Guys & Dolls and A Christmas Carol), had at least one bucket list-type meal every day (two different Michelin starred places) -- it was a fabulous trip. I stayed in a flat near the Tower and had no trouble getting anywhere.
Some people who say avoid London at Christmas probably haven't been there at that time of year.
Mar 29th, 2016, 09:56 PM
#10
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I completely agree with nytraveler. I also actually like London during the winter and especially during the time leading up to Christmas. I would keep London/Paris and Rome as your center pieces as I would concentrate on cities for a winter vacation. The weather in Europe will be very different than Singapore! Andalusia is quite pleasant in the winter.
Mar 30th, 2016, 01:52 AM
#11
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
janisj - I've been making annual trips from Paris to London for the past 6 years during Christmas and New Year's. I stand by my statement, though I'm glad you enjoyed yourself during your brief visit.
Every year, I'm surrounded by people who didn't do thorough research, and who assumed that things they wanted to do would be open. Most concerts, markets, smaller museums, pubs, restaurants and boutiques finish up around the 18th or so - I suppose so employees can enjoy the holidays with their families. Therefore, it would be best to come before Christmas, if you wanted to get the maximum benefit of what London offers at holiday time. Granted, there will almost always be someplace to eat or something else will be open, but many people wander around disappointed because they are forced to take pot luck.
Every year, I'm surrounded by people who didn't do thorough research, and who assumed that things they wanted to do would be open. Most concerts, markets, smaller museums, pubs, restaurants and boutiques finish up around the 18th or so - I suppose so employees can enjoy the holidays with their families. Therefore, it would be best to come before Christmas, if you wanted to get the maximum benefit of what London offers at holiday time. Granted, there will almost always be someplace to eat or something else will be open, but many people wander around disappointed because they are forced to take pot luck.
Mar 30th, 2016, 07:42 AM
#12
>>Every year, I'm surrounded by people who didn't do thorough research, <<
THAT is the difference . . .
>>though I'm glad you enjoyed yourself during your brief visit.<<
This specific trip was brief -- but I've spent much longer times in the past.
>>Most concerts, markets, smaller museums, pubs, restaurants and boutiques finish up around the 18th or so - <<
Not IME at all. I found almost nothing closed the week between Xmas and New Years -- including the Christmas festivals/markets on the southbank, etc. All the Pantos were still running, I got seats to two popular shows (Guys and Dolls at the Savoy and Jim Broadbent in A Christmas Carol) went to the Eames exhibit at the Barbican . . . The museums were crowded, the shops were ALL open and doing big business. IME things used to be much more shut down than they are now.
But then I arrived on Boxing Day on purpose to avoid Christmas Day . . .
THAT is the difference . . .
>>though I'm glad you enjoyed yourself during your brief visit.<<
This specific trip was brief -- but I've spent much longer times in the past.
>>Most concerts, markets, smaller museums, pubs, restaurants and boutiques finish up around the 18th or so - <<
Not IME at all. I found almost nothing closed the week between Xmas and New Years -- including the Christmas festivals/markets on the southbank, etc. All the Pantos were still running, I got seats to two popular shows (Guys and Dolls at the Savoy and Jim Broadbent in A Christmas Carol) went to the Eames exhibit at the Barbican . . . The museums were crowded, the shops were ALL open and doing big business. IME things used to be much more shut down than they are now.
But then I arrived on Boxing Day on purpose to avoid Christmas Day . . .
Mar 30th, 2016, 09:15 AM
#13
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,321
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree with janisj...pubs close early Christmas Eve and some will be closed Xmas day.
Transit closes early (like 10pm) on Xmas eve, is completely closed on Xmas day and runs a Sunday like service on Boxing Day and other bank holidays like New Year's Day. It is open all night on New Year's Eve I believe. Or at least very late.
Shops, markets etc are almost all open until the afternoon of Xmas eve. Unless of course that day falls on a Sunday.
Boxing Day is one of the biggest shopping days of the year.
A little planning goes a long way...
Transit closes early (like 10pm) on Xmas eve, is completely closed on Xmas day and runs a Sunday like service on Boxing Day and other bank holidays like New Year's Day. It is open all night on New Year's Eve I believe. Or at least very late.
Shops, markets etc are almost all open until the afternoon of Xmas eve. Unless of course that day falls on a Sunday.
Boxing Day is one of the biggest shopping days of the year.
A little planning goes a long way...
