CatB

Hi everyone!

My darling and I got married last August. We knew we wanted to go to Italy and Spain for our honeymoon, but didn't want to be there in mid-August... Turns out we'll be going in July this year instead. It's still very hot, but that's life! Can't always get to pick your time off

So, we're in the process of planning... We're looking at 3 weeks of which 2 would be in Italy and 1 in Barcelona (not including travelling time).

Here's what we have so far:

1) Hubby absolutely want to see Rome (understandably), and I've found a cute apartment through ItalyPerfect.com:
http://www.italyperfect.com/rome-tra...t/dorotea.html

We would stay for 1 week... Has anyone stayed there before? I know it's going to be noisy, but we really don't mind. It's all about the experience on being "in the action" for us

2) Then, we were thinking on going down to the Amalfi coast... Here's the place we're "reserved", although it's not final yet: (SummerinItaly.com)

http://www.summerinitaly.com/eng/ren...p?codcasa=0078

Again, 1 week here too.

3) Now, we need to get to Barcelona! I've looked at a few options for travelling:
train (too long!), plane (cheap, but would like to avoid...) or BOAT (Rome-Barcelona over night)

As anyone here done the Boat-thing with Grimaldi? It's an overnight. I know it's much more expensive than a low-cost plane or even the train... but it's seems like it could be fun! I really don't know, so if anyone has feedback for this "mode of transportation", it would be really appreciated!

4) Barcelona We decided to be bold and rented an apartment through AirBnB. I read tons of review about the site, much negative, then again some positives. My main conclusion was DO YOUR HOMEWORK. So, we chose a flat that has 18 reviews... Hopefully it will turn out great! If not, we will research a few hotels with some available rooms, just in case. But the price and locations were right... so we risked it!

If anyone here has stayed at this place, feedback would be greatly appreciated!
http://www.airbnb.com/rooms/19552


So.... That's what we've got so far! We're total newbies at this, so please, any feedback would be greatly appreciated!!!!! The only part that's booked (officially) up to now is Barcelona. For the rest, we are totally open to suggestions

Thanks a million!

Catherine

danon

If you have rented the place in Barcelona already, the feedback might not be helpful.
I would not stay in that location .
Rambla is touristy and crowded .

CatB

Even with already having booked the place at Ramblas, I'm totally grateful for your feedback

Is the because you find it too noisy? I've gone only once to Europe and stayed 4 days in Barcelona near Catalunya Place at the top of Ramblas... It way quite a long time ago, so I don't remember it very well!

At the least, your feedback will help us in knowing exactly what to expect

danon

sorry, I don't wish to be negative, it is not my favorite part of Barcelona ( I am not a young person!).
Some here like it.

madamtrashheap

Location in Rome is good - easy walking distance to most things including good restaurants - and appartment looks lovely, although hard to tell the noise factor. Shouldn't be too bad, but inner city life has a certain buzz to it anyway.

Villa in/near Amalfi will be great if all you want to do is relax, enjoy each other's company and be mesmerised by the view. I haven't stayed outside Amalfi, ie in the hills, but I see there is public transport so you can plan a few day trips on the SITA bus (Positano, Pompei, over to Capri from the port, etc) if you want.

Barcelona - previous comments about noise will be spot on, but like you siad, at least you know what you're in for and can pack earplugs if you don't plan on getting into the Spanish way of life and staying out all night! And you're close to the Boqueria so can buy food fresh daily and wander over to the Gothic Quarter for tapas bars and restaurants. Plus you can get to Metro stops easily to reach other parts of the city, so as long as you're ok/prepared for a noisy neighbourhood, you'll love it.

CatB

Thank you danon and madamtrashheap!

Our original plan included staying for 4 nights in Florence... After looking for a bit and realizing the prices were a little steeper, we've edited Florence out.

I'm not certain we are making the right choice

Our plan used to be, in order visited:
Florence (4) - Amalfi (4) - Rome (5) - Barcelona (7)

Now, it's more:
Rome (6) - Amalfi (7) - Barcelona (7)

Are we making a mistake???

madamtrashheap

Well now, if you have time and money to spend in Florence then absolutely! Of course, this depends on your interests, but Florence can be a romantic place if you step away from the main streets and piazzas (sometimes even these are romantic, but I'm biased!). Amalfi for 7 nights is great if you want to stay in one spot and relax with the odd day trip, but you can still do a few trips and fit in doing nothing as well with 4 days. Florence apartments can be steep in Summer, especially in the centre of the city, and they go fast, but there are many so if you're inclined to put Florence back in, do another search or even consider splurging on a hotel for Florence only(Hotel Brunelleschi would fit the bill! But there are others which are very nice and not as expensive).

Didn't mention the Grimaldi boat as haven't had any experience with it, but I'm going to suggest that if you end up with Florence in the equation, you might want to fly out of Naples or Rome to Barcelona. As much fun at the boat may be, you'll probably be happy to have the additional time in Barca.

danon

Amalfi is also very expensive in the summer.
Seven days may be a long time.