European Honeymoon
 

Hi guys! I'm trying to plan a honeymoon to Europe for August 2016 for 14 days. From what I've read on here the consensus is not to try and pack to many stops for a 2 week visit. Neither of us are really big city people so I was kind of hoping to try and find some quieter places to visit in either England, France or Italy. Any suggestions? We enjoy the beach, countryside, shopping, history and wine ;). Any help would be greatly appreciated so I can at least know where to start -thanks!

For something as personal as honeymoon, I suggest you get some guidebooks and see which of the three appeal to you and your fiancé.

They are three very different countries with diverse charms. Then return here and ask specific questions. Just because someone else's honeymoon was wonderful does not mean you have the same interests.

I do agree that almost every time traveler wants to cram too much into their first trip. Plan on spending some time at cafe watching the world pass, it is highly instructive.

Good advice not to cram too much in and good to know what you like and don't like.

I will not tell you to go to cities, but want to point out that many cities in Europe have very human scale city centers. Often buildings in the city centers are still only two or three stories, very old stone, no high rises, and lots of plazas or piazzas and wide boulevards shaded by huge trees, with cafes all around and people sitting outside. In the evening, people stroll down lovely wide streets and in parks. Traffic may be busy, but many smaller cities do not seem hectic at all. Pick carefully and consider giving one a try for a day or two. Aix de Provence and Avignon for example, and Vicenza, Italy.

There are so many options and many travelers more experienced than me, but I will throw out some ideas. Look at some images and see if any have appeal. Other posters can suggest similar.

In England, Bath and surrounding areas like the Cotswolds are pretty, have a lot of history, not as hot as Italy in August. Perhaps also less crowded. Beaches?

Provence has beautiful countryside and charming villages, with beaches not far. Wine and food, a plus. Heat and crowds not a plus, but plan well and you can avoid or work around both.

A place you did not mention, but is often noted as one of the most beautiful small cities for food and beaches is San Sebastián in Northern Spain. Day trips and other places of great interest in Spain.

Tuscany and many other rural areas of Italy. Beautiful villages and Beaches on both coasts. Hot and crowded in some places, but great wine. Other posters are familiar with and can comment on other less touristy areas

The lakes in Italy.

Firstly, make sure your passport is OK :-)
http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/bride-b...11364010598436

Can you move August to June or July, it is just that the northern Europeans are on holiday from mid July to end of August and you will be fighting with the crowds in these 3 countries, and paying for the pleasure with higher rates.

Or be modern, go on your honeymoon before your wedding.

<<beach, countryside, shopping, history and wine>>

That's a generic list.

What do you really want? If you want to do a fly-and-flop, go to the Caribbean or Hawai'i because the beaches are better. The comparison isn't close.

Wine is available in any modern country. If you're wanting to go to wineries/vineyards, France and Italy (in Europe) will have more and better than the UK.

What kind of history? There's a ton throughout Europe because European tribes (which became or were absorbed into nations) have fought over the same turf for eons. The Loire Valley would hit both wine and history and it definitely is a countryside because it is a location in a country.

What kind of shopping? Italian leather, French cheese, English tailoring?