IsabelleandRyan

I had pretty much decided on Venice/Sienna/Rome for a two week honeymoon. Now, I also am wondering about Vienna and Prague. For a 5-star hotel it seems to be nearly half the price in Vienna and Prague. From a little research I gather food and most things will be less expensive there? My fiancé has not ever been to Europe and definitely would initially choose Italy. We want to have a wonderful honeymoon and also get the best value.

Also, the trip will be during the last two weeks of September. We don't like to jump around to many different towns and hotels, much prefer to stay longer in each place.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

dutyfree

Personally, Italy is more romantic and has more to see and do?

IsabelleandRyan

Thank you!

FHurdle

I vote for Italy. You might want to consider renting an apartment in Venice or elsewhere. Eating in restaurants for two weeks can get tiring, and an apartment will allow you to save quite a bit of money, by eating a few meals in and just by being cheaper (and more comfortable) than a hotel.

maxima

I too vote for Italy.

When you say two weeks, do you mean 14 nights in Europe?
Figure out how many nights, your travel time, and how much time you want to spend in each place. When traveling between cities you should allow for at least a half day for leaving your hotel, travel time and then getting to a new hotel.

Do you really need a five star hotel? how about a 4 star hotel, the price difference may work for you and the differences are not that great in terms of amenities that you may not need/use/want. Venice hotels are probably the most expensive.

Fly into Venice and out of Rome. you can take trains between the cities. Flights from Venice often are very early morning, while from Rome you have more choices.

IsabelleandRyan

Thanks for the advice everyone! After spending way too much time looking at two options we have found apartments we love to rent in Venice and Florence. After a lot of consideration we are leaning towards staying in Florence and taking day trips to Siena and surrounding areas from there as we would prefer not to rent a car.

Then the last 5 nights we are staying at the Saint Regis in Rome. Fiance much prefers staying somewhere with a kitchen to a hotel as he is very specific about what he eats, and requires a lot of food because he is a big guy. It can become a big hassle on vacations to feed him often enough and as healthy as he likes to eat. So, we will do 10 or 11 nights in apartments and 5 in hotel.

Now, to decide on flights is my tricky thing. Our dates are a bit flexible, so I'm likely going to have to base it off of what dates the apartments are available as they are already booked for some dates.

Options are to go with a really cheap flight, $750 per person and have a really long day of travel (17 hours flying through Turkey) and 15 hours returning on Turkish Airlines this obviously is not ideal. The other option is $1100 per person through Dublin with a travel time of 11 hours through Dublin on AerLingus. I just can't decide if the $700 savings is worth sucking it up and having a horribly long travel day. Also, flying is quite uncomfortable for my fiancé as he is 6'7. I know it seems strange to be willing to spend a lot on accommodations but then want to save money on flights. Staying in really nice hotels/apartments is just something that is important to us, especially for the honeymoon.

My mom suggested we take a morning flight, Boston to London and stay the night there and then fly to Italy from there. This would cost more, and is just not ideal to me. She is very much anti-overnight flights.

Any insight on airlines and flights? I saw on AerLingus you can bid for first class/business class on some flights that have openings. There is no way I'd pay full price for an upgrade, but could see splurging a bit for more comfort. On the other hand, would prefer to save money on flights and have it towards the loading/activities. I keep going back and forth between what's easier, and the savings. Blah!

yorkshire

Easy--the 1100 flight will be worth every penny if your fiance is 6'7! Don't slog through Istanbul airport.
I am miserable when I fly and I am only 5'6". I still prefer overnight to get it over with.

BigRuss

Siena is a town in Italy. Sienna is a color, a Toyota or a Jude Law ex.

I'd avoid additional time on planes if I were really bloody tall, and I do so even though I'm not. Why torture the poor guy on the honeymoon, you have the rest of the marriage to do that.

IsabelleandRyan

Thanks for the feedback yorkshire. The actual time on planes is not significantly different, but the layover is. The 1100 also has much more convenient times as it arrives in Italy during the day rather than the less expensive one arriving late at night, so that makes it a better option. Fiance is used to working 18 hours through the night at times, so he's better at handling a day without sleep than I am. I think you are right about the shorter travel time being worth the money.

yorkshire

Fingers crossed that a gate agent will take a look at your hubby and give you an upgrade. I would not-so-subtly mention it was my honeymoon!

IsabelleandRyan

Yorkshire, I already have it in mind to wear a just married shirt for that reason and possibly just ask nicely about an upgrade when we get there.

msteacher

If you aren't already looking for this, the best way for you to save time is to make sure your flight is into one city (ie Venice) and out of another (Rome). You'll save both time, money, and energy by avoiding backtracking. Buon viaggio!

IsabelleandRyan

Thank you msteacher! We are indeed looking to fly into Venice, and out of Rome It's so fun to look at all these unique and beautiful apartments and villas online.

msteacher

Good for you. Yes, planning is half the fun. Enjoy!

IsabelleandRyan

In case anyone wants to distract themselves for a bit. Which would you pick for Florence? Maybe some of you have some better insight on location, etc. Of course I'm reading through the reviews....mostly I'm just indecisive

This was our favorite, but is booked. We could alter our dates and make it work though
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p6700521

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p628733vb

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/607143
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2871067
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2451227

IsabelleandRyan

And for Venice.

This one I love but ruled out because it has no reviews.

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p628733vb

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p419223vb
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/4075678
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2174230
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/5180261

IsabelleandRyan

For Rome I chose this hotel, but haven't booked yet. http://www.stregisrome.com

IsabelleandRyan

EDIT: FIRST linke in the venice post is wrong

ellenem

For so short a visit in Venice, I would not rent either of the two apartments on Giudecca. The apartments are lovely but you will need to take a vaporetto to visit most sights. And vaporetto service to Giudecca can be limited in the evening.If you were staying longer or have been to Venice before and want more seclusion, they might be a good choice.

IsabelleandRyan

Thank you so much for the input! I greatly appreciate that help.

Although somewhat basic I think we are leaning towards this one.
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2174230

For Florence after reading the reviews and cutting out a couple more I'm thinking the third one on that list. the second is so charming but there are no reviews and that makes me hesitant.