I am currently planning a 10 to 14 day honeymoon in Italy. My plan is to again see Florence and Venice, but to avoid any other larger cities. Does anyone have any suggestions about Italien "Honeymoonish" destinations? I am also interested in hotel recommendations in various areas. <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR> <BR>Scott

Scott, <BR>Iwould love to vacation there as well. <BR>How is June in Italy? Hotels seem very booked during that time.

Hello Scott, <BR> <BR>Whilst Sorrento and the other towns on the Neapolitan Riviera are not romantically remote, they are certainly stunning and romantic, and full of life and vitality. <BR> <BR>Which reflect very well the life and energy of a new marriage. <BR> <BR>Many people here have had wonderful and romantic holidays there, and can argue ad nauseum about the relative merits of Positano, Sorrento, Amalfi or Naples as your base. <BR> <BR>I would recommend the area, we loved it on our October 97 trip and will return someday. <BR> <BR>Kindest <BR>Kavey

Scott, Look at the Bella Italia below. <BR>I would try to include the Lakes and the coast in any north Italy itinerary. But first you must pick the number of days---big difference in 10 or 14. <BR>Let me know if you need help. <BR> <BR>BOB the NAVIGATORS’ FIVE FAVORITE ITINERARIES <BR>______________________________________________ __________________________ <BR> <BR>MAGICAL FAIRYLANDS: <BR> * Arrive and depart from Munich--14 nites--May thru Sep.--car travel <BR> * ITINERARY: Salzburg, Dolomites, Venice, Lake Garda, Bavaria <BR>============================================ <BR>BELLA ITALIA: <BR> * Arrive Milan, depart Venice--15 nites--car & train travel--April thru Oct. <BR> * ITINERARY: The Lakes, Ligurian coast, Tuscany, Florence, Venice <BR>============================================ <BR>CLASSIC ITALIA: <BR> * Arrive & depart Rome--12 to 14 nites--car & train travel, all year <BR> * ITINERARY: Florence, Tuscan & Umbrian hilltowns, Rome <BR>============================================ <BR>LA DOLCE VITA: <BR> * Arrive & depart Rome--12 nites--car & train travel--March thru Oct. <BR> * ITINERARY: Amalfi coast, Tuscany hilltowns, Rome <BR>============================================ <BR>OF ALPS & LAKES: <BR> <BR> * Arrive and depart Zurich--12 nites--train travel--June thru Sep. <BR> * ITINERARY: Berner Oberland, Lugano, Lake Como, Luzern <BR>============================================ <BR>These are merely intended to be sample itineraries. Every TRIP PLAN is unique <BR>and is designed to meet your personal travel style, budget, and preferences. <BR>________________________________________ <BR> <BR>BOB THE NAVIGATOR <BR>

The lake area is beautiful! I would recommend staying in Varenna on the east side of lake Como. It has beautiful views and would be lovely for walks and pondering your new life together. <BR> <BR>I loved Florence. There is much to see and do. We stayed at a hotel along the river which was nice. A bit of a walk to the train station but doable. Definatly check out the Boboli Gardens. Email me if I can help with anything else. Have a great time!

Depending on the time of year and your budget, I loved the Villa d'este in Lake Como.

Dear Scott, I spent my honeymoon just outside Sorrento at a hotel called La Cocumella. It was incredibly romantic. Some descriptions- A restored 19th cent. monastery. Each room unique, some with painted frescoes. An adjoining chapel with visiting musicians from around the world on many nights. Restaurant with outdoor terrace- wonderful food by candlelight. Fairy-tale gardens with orange, lemon, grapefruit trees, hundred varieties of fragrant flowers, swimming pool with afternoon lunches served poolside under the grape arbor. The hotel owns an 18th century teak sailing yacht which takes guests to Capri ( an alfresco lunch with pasta, roasted vegetables, wine, is served while docked at Capri). This does not cost extra. We had in-room massages while there that cost about 40$ U.S. I've heard there is now a health club which wasn't there when I stayed. It is right on the water. Do I have to go on? A can't miss choice for a honeymoon.

Bob gives some excellent itineraries. I'd for sure second the idea of going to the Italian Lakes, especially Lake Como, and to the Ligurian coast, especially Camogli.

My three picks for a romantic honeymoon destination are: (1) Cinque Terre, either Vernazza or Rio Maggiore - so beautiful and quiet - very romantic, (2) Sorrento or Positano - lovely too, with maybe a little more to do and, last, but not least (3) Varenna on Lake Como. Very picturesque and also very romantic. Just got back from all three places a week ago.

I have heard from friends that the Cocumella in Sorrento is fabulous, but if budget is important, try Villa Cimbrone in Ravello. A lovely hotel in the most beautiful place in the world. It is also small and intimate. Only drawback is that it is out of the way and makes day trips more difficult.

I just posted this on a query about agritourimo in Umbria. There were several honeymooners there during our visit.: <BR> This past summer we stayed at Fattoria Titignano (www.titignano.it) and adored it. It is located at the site of a medieval borge, halfway between Orvieto and Todi, high above a national park and Lago di Corbara. Absolutely stunning view.The food is sensational: wine and olive oil from the estate. Many cooking schools visit for the noon meal. They have rooms and suites available. It was a most memorable experience that I highly recommend.