Yes. Venice is unique and perfectly suited to a honeymoon, esp. in Oct as some of the maddening crowds have gone home.

Venice would be probably be the last thing I would cut, sure not the first on a four week trip.

Thanks guys. Why do you say that Sassafrass?

If we do go we will have 4 nights in Switzerland, 2 or 3 in Milan and 2 or 3 in Venice.

It is, IMHO, the most unique, beautiful and romantic place I've ever been, and still feel that way after six visits. Keep in mind it is a personal bias and others may not see it that way. Why it would be the last thing I would cut is because no words are adequate to describe Venice. The whole little city is a masterpeice. It would be my first place to keep. Choice between Milan and Venice - no competition: four days Venice - one day Milan or just skip Milan, but you said it was locked in. I guess what I am trying to say about the four weeks is that I can't imagine having four weeks in Europe and actually being Italy, and leaving out Venice, yet seeing Milan, especially on your honemoon and if it is your first trip to Italy.

Luckily, you have plenty of time to think and re-think your plans and come up with what is perfect for you.

If I had to cut something it wold be Milan (primarily a business city) rather than Venice - one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

I think it is funny that people are telling you how you will feel and what you should do.

You can read up on Venice. There are, in fact, "words to describe it" which will give you a very good idea of whether you will regret going there when you are exhausted or would rather see it no matter what. A great many people do not enjoy Venice and are even disappointed by their visit there. (Obviously, the same is true of Switzerland and Milan.) I certainly don't find it romantic, or a place where I would simply want to relax and enjoy intimacy with one other person. The place has become like a theme park.

Like Sassafrass says, the answers you get will be personal bias, based on other people's idiosyncratic reactions. And Venice is one of the few destinations where people will actually pressure you to go, even after you've raised legitimate worries about whether you will have their experience of Venice. Don't ask me why they do this, but they do it repeatedly, and they are less concerned about your honeymoon and how you and your wife will feel than they are about getting a chance to be go into a swoon about Venice on the internet.

Find another way to make your decision based on another discussion with your fiancee about the things you like to do. Switzerland and Venice are very different places, and many people who go to Venice six or seven times would NEVER go to Switzerland. Nothing about Switzerland attracts them. So maybe they don't understand you and your wife-to-be. You can always go back to Europe and see Venice. You can't have another honeymoon, so pick for yourselves.

Have a great honeymoon!

Sorry! I just realized I was assuming you were a man. Not asking you to tell which. (I'm a woman, in case you'd like to know the gender of people giving you advice.)

If your concern is this:

" I am worried it will just be tiring!"

then discuss with your fiance how you both react to jet lag. Are you doing this right after a big wedding? I know more than several honeymooning couples who rejected the idea of going to Paris or Venice or doing anything but a scenic destination after their wedding because they so much just wanted to relax, sleep in, and be someplace in nature, not around man-made things. And they don't want to switch hotels a lot.

Are you concerned that you will feel obliged to get out of bed and go sightsee all day in Venice? Get a gudebook or look at Wikitravel to see if you think you might feel that way. Some people go to Venice and take no interest in anything except taking pictuers and shopping and eating, and they just love "being" in the antique lagoon city.

If you were imagining your honeymoon as being secluded, Venice can get pretty crowded, but in October, it will be less bad. If you were picking Milan to go dancing, you've got the right idea. You won't find it in Venice, or anything very youthful there.

Also ask yourself and your fiance whether, if you decide to keep Venice in the plan, if you get there and it is raining heavily, you will regret it. Would you like your first trip to Venice to be about Venice, and your honeymoon to mainly be about each other?

You have time to decide between the two of you. Good practice working things out without involving other people when it comes to being married!

Wut?!?

Venice is the most beautiful place in the entire universe, even GOD couldn't even dream to ever create it, and you plan to leave it out of you itinerary?!?

Just to clarify my gender, I'm male.

I struggle to think of Milan as honeymoon material. I could think of Switzerland as honeymoon material if I could think of anywhere romantic in the country, possibly the countryside around Mont Blanc, straw farms etc. Venice on the other hand is a unique experience, with fine views, a constantly changing vista and apart from restaurants some of whom are rip-off merchants (but not all by any means).

Now this whole thing about finding Venice tiring. Well there can be a bit of walking, but what else were you going to do in Switzerland? And Venice has taxis and public transport just about everywhere, while Switzerland has a lower density of buses and trains.

I'm with foodor, though I don't claim to know what god dreams...

I,too, am mystified that you can't find time in a 4 week trip to include Venice for 3 or 4 days. You have explained that you have to be in Switzerland and Milan but having visited all 3 locations, I suggest considering minimizing time in Switzerland and Milan to fit in time for Venice.

As lorettajung so forcefully opines, it is funny that people are telling you what you should do. No, they aren't. They are telling you what they would do. As you requested. Only you can decide. Enjoy your honeymoon.

bilboburger,

They are flying into Milan. It's unavoidable. They need to rest.

I think all of you not only claim to know what "god" dreams, you have the even worse arrogance to pretend to know what somebody else should do on their honeymoon. I can think of plenty, plenty to do on a honeymoon than walk.

I guess none of you knowledgeable, well-traveled people have ever bumped into the people who were so disappointed in Venice, maybe just because it is so oversold. I wonder if you have even read all those posts by Venice lovers who swear up and down that the WORST introduction to Venice is a short visit, jet-lagged.

Rainy day in Venice jet-lagged? Give me the pristine air of the unspoiled Alps.

keedm02,

You've asked a question for which there is no factual answer. Such questions attract gurus -- so watch out!

loretta, take a chillpill. This whole board is made up of opinions and most know that.

(Actually, that may be unfair to gurus. It attracts religious fanatics, shouting all their certainties.)

Lorettajung If you visited Venice with one those tour groups, being herded around like sheep for a few hours and then left the city, then yeah thats the impression you'd get

Some of us choose remote hotel and apartment far from San Marco or Rialto and stay for days or even weeks.

By the way, I'm in Venice right now for a week, my 4th visit here

Well, I like Venice AND Switzerland. And both more than Milan. I would take time from Milan, if possible, to have longer in Venice. And when I was IN Venice, I'd be wandering around the back streets and taking the boat to the islands, rather than fighting the crowds around St. Marks and the Rialto. There will be crowds there, there were crowds there in November, but it was whisper quiet elsewhere.

@Lorettajung - I see you are new here. Perhaps you could keep quiet and read for a while. Then you will discover that all anyone can post is their own opinion - aside from stuff about train times and hotel costs.

October is not the best time for Switzerland. It's between seasons; no snow yet. Some hotels close; they do maintenance on the lifts, etc.

I'm on the Venice bandwagon. It's one of the most beautiful cities in the world. More beautiful than the photos. Venice itself is the main sight to see, and the most appropriate sight-seeing there is wandering around getting lost. Not too strenuous for exhausted honeymooners.

So I agree with the majority of posters. Minimize your time in Milan in particular (not a relaxing place) and don't omit Venice.

thursdaysd, she is not a new poster, just using a new screen name. Perhaps the editors know why.

keedm002, what exactly is your itinerary in those first 9 days? Does your long-haul flight land in Milan, or are you transitting through Milan on the way to the next destination of your itinerary? Or is there another reason why Milan can't be removed?

FWIW, I like Milan more than most on this board and am not as crazy about Venice, but on a honeymoon I'd much rather be in Venice. No contest.

I like Milan a lot, and Venice. I'd drop Switzerland!

No, not new at all, and she is using 3 new names just invented in the last 2 weeks. Can someone tell me why?
It is hard to miss the tone.

Who is it? I thought if you were banned, you were banned.

Ok, I'm on the bandwagon too. Of your three destinations in nine days, I also would drop Switzerland and Milan before Venice (I've been to all three, though not everywhere in Switzerland). But of course, it depends on the two of you, and what you enjoy.

Switzerland: Beautiful, mountains (depending on where you are), but the off season. We visited the Dolomites (Italy) in late September once, and it was a little too quiet for us, as a lot of places were shut down between seasons. I'm assuming your four nights/days would be spent in the mountains, not in a city (Interlaken, Lucerne, etc.) Will be colder, I'm guessing, than your other destinations.

Milan: We made numerous trips to Italy in and out of the Milan airport before we actually visited Milan - and then, it was due to a work commitment for my DH. To my surprise, I liked the city - not so touristy, lots of good cafe and people-watching, and several very good smaller museums (I'm an art buff). And the Duomo and Last Supper were as wonderful as I'd heard they were. But Milan is nothing compared to Venice, unless it's your heart's desire to see the Last Supper.

Venice: We keep returning, and every trip has been in the sholder season, so fewer other tourists. My favorite thing is to just wander the streets, admiring the old buildings and their reflections in the narrow canals. Also lots of great art, in museums, churches and other buildings (if you're an art buff). Piazza San Marco is packed with tourists most of the time, except before 8 am or after 11 pm or so. But we've found plenty of other places in the city that are much quieter.

So bottom line, yes 3 different hotels in 9 days/nights is moving around a bit more than you might like, but it sounds like you're committed to Switzerland and Milan. So shorten your time in those two locations, and add that time to Venice - depending on YOUR interests.

Venice is a good place to relax since there is no vehicular traffic with noise which wears me out. I think cities busy with car/truck traffic are tiring because they are noisy and chaotic.

The area around St. Mark's square is very busy and filled with people. All you have to do is walk a few blocks away and everything becomes serene. The water laps at the buildings and the gondolas glide through the small canals. Even the gondola passengers are quiet while they absorb the atmospheric tranquility.

While walking through the small streets at night you become part of the mystery of Venice and can imagine yourself in another era. Sitting in a gondola on a small canal, low to the water, you're enveloped by the buildings.

I can't think of a more beautiful, serene, and relaxing place to honeymoon.

3 new names? I've only picked up on 2. But unmistakable.

Not sure where or how lorettajung got the almighty impression that the OP is flying into Milan - he never states that and in other posts, he specifically talks about flying into Zurich with questions as to how to take the train to Milan, so really loretta, do take that chillpill.

My opinion, since the OP asked, is that skipping Venice on your honeymoon will be one of those things you may most regret, if you go that route. Venice truly is magical, a completely unique experiance, and it is definitely NOT a theme park. Go, I say, stay in the nicest place you can afford and enjoy the lovely absence of motor traffic noise, and the moody romantic atmosphere after dark. Venice is definitely a honeymoon kind of place; Milan is not.

Wow. There are a lot of very odd things being said, particularly by one poster, but one thing I have to speak against:

"if you decide to keep Venice in the plan, if you get there and it is raining heavily, you will regret it"

I couldn't disagree more. Rain is always a bummer on a trip, but I can't think of a more romantic city in the rain than Venice.

Rain in Venice is a great reason to keep ducking in for a latte machiatto or a glass of Schiopettino We were there one year in heavy rains and we had to walk on little ramps everywhere. It was very, very interesting.

Obviously what everyone is giving you is their own opinion. Why would they give you someone else's opinion.

Only you can decide what you want to see and do.

But, for perspective - I have been to europe more than 90 times between vacations and business trips. Have been to Venice 4 times, Milan 3 times and Switzerland 7 or 8 (can;t remember exactly).

they are differnt places with different activities and vibes. Milan is primarily a business city - and after you see 2/3 major sights - is IMHO not very special.

Switzerland is lovely - but is all about the outdoors and being fairly active - walking if not hiking - and spending time in the mountains and on the lakes and in small cute villages.

Venice is unique in the world. IMHO it is very romantic - except for the most touristed centers in the middle of the day in August - and especially at night can be magical. Much more relaxed than Milan and less physically demanding than Switz.

but only you know what your expectations are.

On the "theme park" and "touristy" comments about Venice.

Of course, it isn't everybody's thing. I do know a couple of people who thought Venice "old, crumbly, expensive and crowded, with outdated plumbing, dirty canals and bad food." Others on a quick visit see it only as a stage setting.

One great beauty of Venice is the reality of it: the structure, inspiration, design and ingenuity. Behind all the exquisite facades of the buildings is the art and architecture and the insides of churches, basilicas and palazzos. There is the water and quiet and shadows and sunlight that intwine to create a place unlike any other. That is what people rave about.

Venice is a place that induced such excitement, it attracted hoardes of visitors right from the beginning. Just look at pictures and read comments by travelers from previous times.

NeoPatrick, so right about Venice in the rain - romantic and mysterious - tried to capture that in photos and paintings - could never do it.

I wrote a trip report during our second visit to Venice.

It starts like this:

Lou and I came to Italy in December 2006, for three and a half weeks, and spent six nights in Venice before Verona, Como, Florence, Assisi and Rome. I'd been to Venice before.


I remember Lou asking me “If you could go back to anywhere in Europe, where would you go?” And I always said, “Venice”. So in 2006, Venice was the first port of call in the trip, Venice was our introduction to Italy, and I'm so glad we did it that way. See some Venice, and after that, see some Italy.

I remember arriving, and finding our hotel. It was near San Marco, and I'd mapped out in my mind exactly how to find it. Turn right from the Alilaguna ferry stop, past the souvenir vendors, cross the Piazzetta and the Piazza, under the clock tower, first right, 30 yards and we were there. I was so keen to show Venice to Lou, to unroll it like a magic carpet, albeit a carpet supported on wooden piles in the lagoon, a carpet with bumps and lumps and a bit waterlogged, wine stains and not a few blood stains, bare patches and worn threads. I so wanted Venice to deliver on the magic carpet.

la Serenissima delivered.

It seemed like magic. We thought of changing our itinerary, staying for another week or two, and didn't. I'm glad we didn't, because if we'd stayed three weeks, we might have thought that we'd “done” Venice, seen it all. We did the bigger sights, the Baedeker “don't miss this” list of attractions, and didn't really see Venice.

When we left, after six days, we were both a bit quiet, biting the bottom lip a little. Before we were half way to Verona on the train, I think we'd both decided that we had to come back again, for a lot longer.

For those counting names, I'm up to 6. Hey, this could be a new Fodors game.

I will weigh in on this, as I have a somewhat unique perspective on the issue at hand.

First, have been to Switzerland a number of times, and always enjoy it. Beautiful scenery.

Secondly, have been to Milan many times. The first several times were to simply land at the airport and go Milan Centrale to go to Florence or Rome. The past several times, have spent some time there on our way to/from Como and/or Florence. I also have been to see the Last Supper twice and find it inspirational.

Third, have been to Venice twice. The first time, we chose a bad hotel; it was on the Grand Canal, near the Rialto Bridge, but it was a dump and I never wanted to go back. However, this spring, my wife convinced me to give it another try; we stayed at Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo; it is a 3 star property but is superb. We found many nice restaurants and really enjoyed the sight seeing. I would go back in a heartbeat. So I went twice, had a miserable time the first visit and really enjoyed the second.

My experience may or may not add to the dialog, but wanted to offer a perspective.

Hi all,

Wow! I have a lot to respond to, thank you all so much for your feedback and thoughts. Firstly, to clear up the Gender issue, I am a female

We will be flying into Zurich (23 hr flight as opposed to 30 into Milan) and arrive on a Tuesday. We are heavily into soccer/football, so watching a game is a must (will either be a Saturday or Sunday night so we will be staying there those two nights as a minimum). I would like to spend the first 4 nights of our honeymoon in Switzerland as it seems relaxing and beautiful (thinking of staying in Vitznau or Weggis on Lake Luzern).

I know Venice is a wonderful place, and very romantic and relaxing. I think the issue is more that I am worried we would be tired. In February we went to Paris and England for a fleeting visit (We got engaged in Paris!), 6 nights in Paris and 4 in England (2 in Morecambe to visit family and 2 in London). We were very tired in London and I don't want this to happen on our honeymoon (I got grumpy!!).

From Milan/Venice, we are spending 4 nights each in Tuscany and Rome, and 6 nights in Barcelona. I know some will say cut time out of Barcelona to add to Venice but we both agree we do not want to cut down our time in Barcelona.

If we spend the 4 or 5 nights in Milan instead of Venice, we would be looking at doing some day trips to places such as Lake Como, Verona etc (any suggestions are welcome). I am looking at staying in the Glamour Apartment Duomo Open Space, which looks like it has wonderful views of the Duomo and would be good for us as we like to eat dinner in our room where possible.

I think we need to think about it some more however our thoughts at the moment are to stay in Milan for longer; I know Venice is a more relaxing and romantic place, however I think it is more relaxing to stay in one place??

<I couldn't disagree more. Rain is always a bummer on a trip, but I can't think of a more romantic city in the rain than Venice.>

Absolutely. We spent two rainy days in Venice last October, and it FELT like a honeymoon - after 14 years together.

Whatever you choose to do, have a wonderful time.

It is indeed more relaxing to stay in one place, but not if you're doing day trips! It will be more relaxing to wander round Venice than take day trips from Milan.

Did I gather that you are staying in Milan to watch soccer? Would Barcelona do for that instead?

We will be doing that in Barcelona as well Thursdaysd

Good point about the day trips, will be something to think about.

My thoughts are in 4/5 nights in Milan: 1 day for shopping, 1 day for walking around/Last Supper/Duomo etc, 1 day for trip to Lake Como. Add in a soccer game and some long leisurely lunches and the time goes quite quickly!!

Now, on seeing that you are going from Switzerland and moving on to Tuscany, Rome and then Barcelona after Milan, you are right. Adding in Venice would be too much moving around. Go ahead with your own plan and relax in Milan.

I would never cut out Venice from a honeymoon itinerary. I'd do just about anything to avoid that, particularly just giving up Milan. Venice, to me, is one of the most romantic places on earth.

StCirq, I so totally agree with you - especially if it were (my) honeymoon! It seems though that other places are a better fit with the OP's interest in Soccer and football?

keedmn,

If you've traveled before and you know your own temperment and mood, you should go with that. Who wants to argue on their honeymoon? I'd regret that. Reading through this thread, with people saying they can't imagine Switzerland or Milan being romantic, I wonder if some people find Venice so romantic because they don't have romantic imaginations of their own. I've had many highly romantic evenings in both Switzerland and Milan.

The thing about day trips is that you can gear them to your mood and the weather. If you are tired, you skip it. If you are booked into another hotel, it is hard to cancel on a whim. But sure, think about it as long as you need to. People tend to be very inflexible in their thinking about Venice -- about a lot of things, actually. Better not to get that way about any particular place.

SloJan2,

The posts are about zeppole -- or stracciatella, vespacurves, vietritiles, zanzere. I lost track. What was unmistakable was taking off another Fodor's poster trying to paint a newbie as an idiot for worrying they might be moving around too much on their honeymoon to enjoy an important place like Venice. As for being banned, plenty of banned Fodor's posters come back on the board. It's been funny to watch how many people were agreeing with zeppole when they didn't know vespacurves was zeppole. But zeppole always posted under a couple of names. I wondered if the editors didn't care because they quoted her so much in the guidebooks. Or maybe they've got better things to think about. I hope there isn't going to be another witch hunt trying to ban multiple accounts. I don't want to start memorizing passwords and e-mail accounts. I was never sure why zeppole was banned in the first place, given the amount of daily abuse on the board from other posters. Looked like maybe it was because she scolded bobthenavigator for recommending to newbies his relatives trip reports or his own photos without revealing to the newbies his connection, but most people don't think that was kosher of bob to do. So who knows?

You mean that aguaminerale isn't Zeppole? Hmmm. Her identical twin?

I'd cancel Switzerland and Milan AND any other city in your list before I'd even consider cutting Venice out.

Venice is THE most romantic destination in the world, no other place comes close

Hi to keedm002 and welcome.

I think you could trim Milan to 1 or 2 nights and still see great things there. You mentioned Lake Como in a second post? In my opinion, you should read about Venice and Lake Como and choose one of those for the 3 or 4 days if that is correct about your itinerary.

I'd have a difficult time choosing between them but I don't see how you could miss Venice if this is your first trip.

AquaMinerale,

You certainly are well up to speed on past history, zeppole, bob, etc., for someone who joined in August.

I think people who talk about themselves in the third person are weird.

Cut Venice from your itinerary?

What kind of Podsnappery is this?

Are you mad? Are you as daft as a cooker?

Venice is probably one of the most romantic cities in the world, and you will be going at an ideal time, after all the Summer cruise-ship tourists have left their snap-snap- snapping of photos of Piazza San Marco behind.

Why do you want to go to Milano?

Do you plan on shopping for nibbles at Peck? Cashmere scarves at Loro Piana? A bespoke suit at Battistoni?

Most of Milano was bombed during WWII so the city doesn't have the atmosphere and architecture of a place like Venice.

Where are you going in Switzerland?

Switzerland is a big place and is as varied as the US in terms of regional culture and topography.

Now, Miss Thing, if I were going to Switzerland on a romantice honeymoon, I would prolly hit up Luzern and the Bernese Oberland--especially Wengen.

Really, though, sweetie darling, if you want travel advice here from those us who come down from Mount Fodorolympus, you have to try harder and give us much more to go on.

Really.

Tschuss,
The Great and Fabulous Thingorjus

Over two dozen responses telling the OP why people would choose Venice. The OP asked a question. Most (not all) of the answers were similar, but not what the OP really wants. If something takes that much convincing, then it probably isn't a good choice for the OP. I realized that it was silly, unreasonable and a waste of time on my part to try and convince the OP when her priorities and interests are different (not better or worse) than mine.

To the OP: you can always come back to Venice for an anniversary trip or second honeymoon. For now, you are young and it is your trip. Enjoy all your games, long lunches, shopping etc.

Thanks Sassafrass. I guess the thing is - I know (or from what I hear) Venice is beautiful, incredible, unique and romantic. But I was trying to decide whether dividing 5 nights between 2 locations in a 4 week honeymoon is worth it to see Venice. We have talked about it and decided although Venice is obviously a must see, the added travel/checking in and out and hassle that goes with moving around too much does not make for a relaxing honeymoon! We will definitely be back, but it may be 10, 15 years, and then that will be great as we can take our (future) kids with us.

Sigh..........

Keedm002, Trying to convince me to go to a soccer game, no matter who was playing and if the game was free, would be a waste of your time. I would not walk across the street to see the game. Yet, I went hours out of my way on one trip, just to stash my luggage and have a few hours walk in Venice. That is how much I love Venice. It is very difficult for people (like me and other posters, I am sure) who are passionate about something to accept that someone else may have other passions. Do I think you are making a mistake? Absolutely, but that is my own bias based on my personal interests, not yours.

Keed, you know your mind and evaluated the answers. I hope you have a great honeymoon and best of luck in the future!

This not for the OP, but for others who might come to this thread. I collected some photos that I took on two different trips in May (2008 and 2011) to address the recurring issue of "But Venice is so crowded!" Check them out at http://flic.kr/s/aHsjwxKYeQ

<< The OP asked a question. Most (not all) of the answers were similar, but not what the OP really wants. >>

I don't believe that simply saying yes or no is an adequate answer. I answered no - do not cut it out but did not spell out the word no - I responded with the reason why not to drop Venice.

Perhaps I wasted my time as well typing a considered response when I could have given a simple NO.

Hi Adrienne,

All your assistance and others helped us understand why we would want to keep Venice in our itinerary, and why we wouldn't. It has helped me make a decision based on all the descriptions of Venice, and my own thoughts and interests/priorities.
From such assistance, I have decided although Venice is probably more romantic, we would prefer to spend 4 nights in Venice, and have the chance to have a day or 2 of shopping, to buy food to take back to our room and relax, and of course a chance to see a football game. I don't want to rush the time in Milan in order to rush my time in Venice as well, despite how beautiful it is.
The irony is that if I weren't on my honeymoon I probably would go to Venice! But I need it to be a relaxing holiday (I wont have any annual leave left when I get back and I work full time + run our soccer coaching business). If it weren't for the soccer, we would choose Venice over Milan but that is not the case so based on all your helpful suggestions I have decided it is a better option to spend the nights in Milan.

Thanks again.

<<We will definitely be back, but it may be 10, 15 year>>

Venice may be underwater by then. I think you have made a very unfortunate decision.

<<The irony is that if I weren't on my honeymoon I probably would go to Venice!>>

Say what????? The very reason to go there is that it IS your honeymoon, and it's probably one of the most romantic places on earth.

I can't imagine soccer trumping romance on a honeymoon, but what do I know?

Soccer can be important by why go to Milan when Barcelona is out there

Seattle Michael - thanks for that...Sigh...We're leaving Monday for Venice - a lifelong dream!

"I can't imagine soccer trumping romance on a honeymoon, but what do I know?" St Cirq, That is exactly what I thought, and why I realized the OP had such different interests from me that my recs were of little value.

SeattleM, Beautiful pics!

Hannabilly, hope it is magical for you.

I'm glad you've made the decision that suits both of you. The romance of the occasion is between the two of you and that can be found just about anywhere; it is not dependent on your surroundings but on yourselves. I hope you have a beautiful wedding day, honeymoon and married life!! Cheers to you!

what st. cirq said - you'll always have serie A, la liga etc but you won't always have Venice. a few more years and it may be gone.

and with your itinerary, you can have both! [and being a footie fan myself, i understand why you want to go to the games, but I love venice too].

keedm002

Well, Fodors is nothing if not full of animated and passionate opinions.

I'm glad that you are working things out for yourself as a result of posting here, but I have some feedback nonetheless:

I am finding your question a challenge to answer because you keep giving out critical information in dribs and drabs. Such as, where are you going the rest of the 4 weeks? Thus far, you have mentioned Switzerland, Italy, and Barcelona (I'm still unclear as to how you are going to link to Barcelona - it will make a difference to my answer.) What stands out for me is that you are wise to have realized that you have to look at your trip as a whole and then decide.

I liked, more than loved, Venice, but I was very glad to have gone (twice, so far) so as to be able to make up my own mind.
So I would advocate it for that reason alone, EXCEPT if I thought I had to twist my itinerary into a pretzel to accommodate it, or if it caused the trip as a whole to be more rushed than I'd like.

Generally, asking questions like this after you've already cemented in critical decisions (like your arrival and departure gateways) is a bit like asking if one should lock the barn door, when the horse is long gone.

St. Cirq-- lol I got a good laugh from your last comment. You all may not have been successful at convincing the original poster but--- I so want to go to Venice now! Hmm, maybe for my 21 year anniversary next year. Could never quite make it to Italy with the kiddos because it is just beyond our budget. That's another post though. If we do go to Italy, Venice will definitely be on the itinerary!

Sort of off topic, but...well, we started our international travel a little late, so now, after 27 years together, our hope is that each trip is a honeymoon...just sayin.

So, right now we are just waking up at Sofitel, Heathrow. We chose to layover and get a good rest here, and arrive in Venice mid-day and rested rather than dark of night and crabby. So, look out Venice, here come the Hanabillies!

All the places on your list are magnificent; you can't wrong in that regard. They all have a lot to offer, and Switzerland/Venice/Milan are each very distinct. And you are so fortunate to have 4 weeks for your honeymoon. Regarding being tired, though, you can minimize this by keeping to about 4-5 destinations over those 4 weeks, booking an apartment or hotel for 5-7 nights each would minimize the packing/unpacking and checking in/out and finding your way to your next destination. That can be a little stressful, plus it takes up your holiday time. The only caution I would have is to check on the weather in the areas of Switzerland you plan to visit as it can get cold there. Even summer is cool there. If I were designing a trip for four weeks, I wouldn't cut out any of the places you mentioned in Italy. I'd probably leave the Spain part for another trip, not because it wouldn't be nice, but due to the geography. Keeping the distances short and the number of stops fewer makes a trip a little more manageable for me.

Wow, lots of opinions here. Here's my 2 cents. We were in both Milan and Venice during the last week of May of this year. We spent only a day in Milan. While what we saw was pretty industrial, I think the Duomo alone was worth a visit. Can't believe they allow you to climb to the tops of the Duomo unescorted in this day and age. We cut our Milan visit short to spend several days days at Lake Como (1 hour away) which was probably the best part of our 3 week trip to Italy. The scenery was breathtaking and so romantic. The double rainbow over the lake after a brief rainstorm sealed the "romantic" deal. And one of the least touristed places we vistited (I understand this changes as summer progresses). Stayed in Bellagio several days with day trip to Varenna. I beleive Lake Como is on the Swiss border so this may give you a little TINY taste of Switzerland??? never been to Switzerland so I cannot comment on to go or not to go. Venice. Hmmm. It was our least favorite of the cities visited on our trip but I dont want to say this to discourage you. I think our trip was poorly planned. First of all, we thought we would be there just prior to peak season. If this was off peak I do not want to even imagine what peak is like. Perhaps October is considerably slower. I have never seen so damn many tourists!!! And I live in San Francisco! I must caveat this with the fact that we stayed on the Grand Canal just steps from St Marks Plaza which is probably the worst decision if you are crowd averse. We stayed at Londra Palace which was nice enough especially considering the moderate price, but talk about in the middle of everything! This can be good or bad depending on your taste. If you have been to Fishermans Wharf in SF, think SF Fishermans Wharf on steroids! The hoards of tourists, TACKY tee shirt and trinket shops really distracted us from the true beauty of Venice. Kitchen apron's for sale at every corner with blown up shots of David's private parts. REALLY??? I cannot think of anything less romantic. We did wander off the tourist track and started to see what others have eluded to about the romance of Venice but we had a difficult time clearing our palettes of our intial experience. Perhaps if we had had a few more days we may have found the better parts. We did experience the most amazing thunder and lightning storm ever (very romantic ducking into alleys to avoid the downpour). All said, I would consider a return to Venice but it would definitely have to be in the dead of winter/ off peak season. I generally agree with the other posters here suggesting not moving around too much. We thought 3-4 days in a given location was fine for a first trip. Wish we had done less with a week or more in each. Too much time traveling/packing/unpacking vs enjoying. Happy honeymooning Keedm002!

In Italy we went to Rome, Florence, Venice each for 3 nights. Venice is a pain to get in and out of but is unique and worth seeing.
To me, those are the 3 main cities to see in case you don't get back there. As far as what we want to see when we go back to Italy, probably Tuscany small towns and then drive down to the Amalfi coast stopping in Rome again for the Vatican and the coliseum (want to see them both again)

"Venice is a pain to get in and out of but is unique and worth seeing."

jp4120, could you clarify that? I can't think of another city in Europe that is more delightful to arrive in. Fly in and take a boat to your hotel! Drive in, park or return a car right at the edge of the city and take a boat. Take a train and step off right on the Grand Canal. To me the boats MAKES it a wonderfully delightful place to arrive in or leave from -- beats taxis and traffic any day!

NeoPatrick, I too found that an odd statement. Getting into/out of Venice by train is as easy as it gets. Even from the airport is easy. I guess arriving by plane very late at night or a very early departure, after or before the vaporettos are running, might be a bit more problematic, but even then, isn't any more difficult than many cities.

Getting into and out of Venice IS a pain. Yeah the Alilaguna is awesome, but you still have to drag stuff over bridges. And down calles. And up stairs. I love arriving on the train, but the vaporetto? Not fun with luggage.

I love Venice and spend a lot of time there, but I would not say it is easy to get in and out of, unless you are staying extremely close to a vap stop or have the cash for a water taxi.

Having said that, it is all worth it for a honeymoon trip. Or any trip, really.

OK, what I consider a pain (needing a boat, having to walk across crowded bridges with luggage, etc) others are saying that is a unique travelers adventure and should not be considered a pain.

I prefer to be able to drive into a city or taxi directly into a city without the hop, skip and jumping required for Venice. Travel into Rome and Florence were much less hassle for me personally. also have traveled into many other cities in UK, France, Amsterdam, Germany and found them easier to get into.

OK, it's sort of a pain to get into and out of:
a. in that you can't get to the city center directly
b. you do have to walk, with luggage, over bridges (with steps) to get to your residence if you take a vaporetto or the alilaguna
c. there's really nothing romantic or exotic about the vaporetto, in that it's utliltarian transport.

That said, it is a unique place. You're not going to see anything else like it.

BTW, the last time we left, we sprung for the water taxi to the airport. It was worth every penny.

I am a guru hater.

I hate Florence, too hot, too full of tour parties.

I hate Barcelona.

Etc, etc.

But after 42 years of being in denial. I went to Venice for the first time last October, it was cold, wet and windy......

It is the most beautiful place on earth.

Just a word to add for OP: when you are ready to go to Venice, the best advice we got was which area to stay in. We stayed in Dorsoduro, which a delightful neighborhood for sightseeing and wandering around. Not to forget trying (and loving) our first Aperol spritz at Bar da Gino,which became our favorite place to stop. We ate at tiny restaurants, loved the food and the TLC.

So when we finally made it over to San Marco, it was a big shock. I couldn't believe the masses of people herding their way through the basilica, ignoring the notices about being quiet and not taking photographs. The mosaics were beautiful, but we just wanted to escape. Much better when we found a cafe on the piazza to sit and have an Aperol, and listen to the competing orchestras in the various cafes around the piazza.

The big surprise in Venice? How quiet it was, with no cars, buses, taxis. It's a wonderfully scenic city.

Even if you find getting to Venice a pain, I would say it was well worth it.