Any thoughts on what the best spots in Northern Italy are for a honeymoon?

Should we fly to Paris first or Italy before taking a train to the next destination?

Thanks

You're going to have to give us more information than that. What time of year, first of all -- that could make a difference. And what is your budget? You can't beat a week at the Villa d'Este in Italy if you want to spend the money for it. And how long?
Do you want to see Rome or Venice or countryside or coast or all of it?

My first suggestion depending on your itinerary is to try for an open jaw flight -- fly into Paris and out of somewhere in Italy to save backtracking. But give us a little more to go on, please.

My apologies. i was trying to do too many things at once...

We're Leaving around April 10, staying a total of about 12-14 days.

Total budget not to exceed $10,000.

I probably want to go no further south than Florence, but excluding Venice since we've been there.

As far as what we'd like to see? That's where you guys come in. We've seen Florence, but only for a few days. Not nearly enough time to appreciate it's beauty. So that is definitely a preference.

Thanks again

Hi Jester,

I would start in Paris.

Do you have to go by train? There are easier ways.

That early in April is not good for the Lakes--that is a shame. I think I would do 3 destinations in that time. If Paris is a given, I would make the others the French riviera and Florence.

Don't have to go by train, but what are the reasonably priced alternatives?

Plane? How expensive is it? Do they leave from Paris?

c

Hi jester,

Go to www.whichbudget.com for a list of budget airlines.

www.volareweb.com will fly you from Paris Orly to Rome FCO or Venice for about 40E pp.

Am I the only one who thinks it would make more sense after the wedding to relax somewhere in Italy first (although admittedly the Lakes aren't great at that time of year) and then end in Paris and fly home from there?

That's been one of the things I've wondered about. Besides The Lakes, where else in Northern Italy might be relaxing?

Thanks for the great ideas so far.

Jester23,

May I ask why it has to be N. Italy and not Sicily or the Amalfi Coast?

Andre

Prefer Northern Italy for a few reasons. We've seen some of the Amalfi coast already as well as Rome. Also have seen a very little of Florence and want to spend some time there in addition to somewhere else in N Italy. On our honeymoon, we don't want to be jumping around too much.

Jester23,

In that case, given that you are travelling in April I would strongly recommend Sicily - so many great things to see and it should be a beautiful time to visit with all the wildflowers in bloom. There are cheap flights (starting at EUR 80 one way all in) from Paris to Palermo and/or Catania available on:
www.meridiana.it
April 2005 flights aren't loaded yet however.

Another option would be to see Andalucia, namely Seville, Cordoba and Granada - cultural treasures on the same level as Florence and with a much more pleasant climate at that time of year. Flights are more expensive, but you should be able to get decently priced roundtrip tickets (about EUR 300) on one of the carriers flying to Seville:
www.airfrance.com
www.aireuropa.com
www.iberia.com

Finally, do you ski? If so, perhaps that is an option as well - the higher resorts in the Alps remain open through the end of April.

Hope this helps,
Andre

Thanks much! I have a lot to think about.

Hi Jester,

My suggestion for 12-14 days is

Fly to Paris - spend 6-7 days.

Fly to Venice (Volare) - 2 days

Train to Florence - 4-6 days

Fly home from Florence (FLR), Pisa (PSA)or Venice.

Or fly into Venice and go in reverse.

Has anyone ever taken the train from Paris to Northern Italy? Is the view of the countryside worth it, or is it just a waste of time?