Going to Rome, Florence, and Paris for our honeymoon in December. Here's the itinerary I've come up with so far. (all times listed are best estimates)

Monday Dec. 21:
Flight to Rome that connects in Paris

Tuesday Dec. 22:
Arrive CDG Paris, France 8:35 AM
Depart CDG Paris, France
Arrive Rome, Italy 11:50 AM
- Private Car pickup and drop off at Hotel
o Empire Palace Hotel (around 1 PM)
1. Eat lunch and have espresso & gelato and Check into Hotel
2. Walk to Trevi Fountain
3. Go to Pantheon
4. Go to Piazza Novana
5. Stroll down Via del Governo Vecchio (shops, etc.)
6. Walk back to hotel to get ready for early dinner
7. Dinner at Ditirambo (Piazza della Cancelleria 74/75, 00186 Roma, 066871626) http://www.ristoranteditirambo.it/en/menu.html


Wednesday Dec. 23:
1. Go to Vatican City
2. Get Lunch
3. Coloseum
4. Visit Roman Forum
5. Shopping @ Via Andrea Doria
6. Dinner @

Thursday Dec. 24:
1. Borghese Gardens
2. Borghese Gallery
3. Shopping
4. Dinner @


Friday Dec. 25:
Take taxi to Train Station (First Class to Florence on EuroRail)
Arrive Florence
- Private car pickup and drop off at Hotel
o Hotel Bernini Palace
1. Walk to the Duomo and go to the top
2. Walk the Ponte Vecchio
3. Boboli Gardens
4. Dinner @ Trattoria Ponte Vechio Lungarno degli Archibusieri, 8-red, 50122 Firenze, Florence (Toscana), Italy‎ - 055 292289‎



Saturday Dec. 26:
1. Uffizi Gallery (reserve a month in advance)
2. See the David @ Accademia
3. Lunch @ Mercato Central
4. Farmacia SMN (Santa Maria Novella)
5. Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
6. Dinner @ Il Guscio

Sunday Dec. 27:
1. Walk through Mercato Centrale and get food for lunch
2. Walk to Fiesole or take #7 Bus
3. Walk around Fiesole
4. Dinner @ Cantinetta del Verrazzano on Via de Tavolini


Monday Dec. 28:
1. Half Day Trip to Pisa
2. Dinner @ anywhere we choose


Tuesday Dec. 29:
Take Taxi to Airport Florence, Italy
Arrive CDG Paris, France 3:00 PM
- Private Van pickup and drop off at Hotel
o Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg
o Walk to Eiffel Tower
o Dinner @

Wednesday Dec. 30:
1. Arc de Triomphe
2. Champ de elysses
3. Lunch
4. Louve
5. shopping
6. Dinner @
7. See Eiffel Tower at night


Thursday Dec. 31:
1. ANY SUGGESTIONS!?
Private van to Airport (CDG)
Depart Paris, France @ 4:00 PM
Arrive Atlanta, GA 8:30 PM



Having never been to Europe before, any and all suggestions or opinions will be welcomed and much appreciated! The only things that have been set in stone are our transportation and hotel accommodations. All sightseeing, day trips, and restaurant choices and shopping is all tentative and just things I have read about in the forums and thought that is what my fiance (soon to be wife) and I would like to do.


To give some background info on use - I am 26 and my fiance is 28, we are very active and would probably choose to walk 5 miles to see a sight than take a cab (weather depending of course!), we are on this trip for our honeymoon so we would like to have some romance to the trip but we both know that there is a lot we want to see and a lot to do in the 10 days we will be there.

In regards to food, I'm the type of person that will try anything once, maybe twice if I want to again, and I have a really strong stomach. My fiance on the other hand....she's a very picky eater compared to me - no meat (only chicken and seafood), no spicy food, she's not a huge carb person, and she loves to just snack all day rather than feast in one meal. That being said, our budget for food is probably going to be around 50-80 Euro a day (I'm just throwing a number out there, to be honest I have no clue how much we will eat, but I know it's good to have a ball park figure).

I did check on the city of Florence's website what restaurants will be closed on Dec. 25 - seeing as how that is Christmas I assumed the worst, but there were quite a few choices!

As well, another piece of info that might be useful is that my fiance and I are both Jewish, and while we don't celebrate Christmas, we do have an appreciation for all world religions and I know that some of the most beautiful churches are located in Italy...if anyone has some suggestions on places that we should visit and aren't listed, please suggest them!

Thanks in advance to everyone who takes the time to read this and helps me out. So far I've been doing all the honeymoon planning while my darling fiance takes care of the wedding details....I don't know who has it easier!!

Thanks again!

I would consider dropping Paris altogether. You have very little time there in any case, it deserves so much more. If you are looking for romantic, Venice is the place. There is nothing in the world like it.

Stuart Shapiro:

Get ready for an avalanche of opinions, comments, suggestons, etc (including mine when I get back from an appointment))

Stuart Tower

Congratulations on your marriage.

On your Wednesday in Paris, you might consider starting with the Louvre early, then shopping, then walking up the Champs Elysees later so you can see the Christmas lights. It gets dark fairly early at that time of the year so the lights will be on by 5:00 p.m. You'll get a great view of the Eiffel Tower and the city all lit up from the Arc de Triomphe.

On your last morning, you could walk in the Marais, the old Jewish section of Paris. (There are also some nice small shops there.) You won't have a lot of time since you'll probably need to be at the airport 2 1/2 to 3 hours ahead which means leaving Paris between 12 and 1 p.m., depending if your van is private or will be picking up other people. For comparison a taxi will cost between 45 and 60 Euros.

Enjoy. We loved Paris when we visited around Christmas.

Your time in Paris is extremely short (as many will soon point out to you). But since you mentioned everything is already booked...definitely consider moving the Louvre to morning as the above poster said and also be aware at how massive the Louvre is. You'll have to move through it rather briskly if you are short on time.

Maybe you could move some shopping to your first or last day in Paris to make a little room for exploring some other things around the city?

I missed the part that says you already booked transprotation, so taking Paris out of the equation is not an option. My other thought would be to take out FLorence and add the time to Paris, but if you already booked that train, so be it.

Stuart, I hope your bride to be is going to be OK having such a structured and planned-out trip. If she's a free spirit who prefers to wander and play it by ear, you are in real trouble!

Seriously, don't underestimate the value of planning some unplanned time. Running from site to site to try to keep on schedule can be nerve racking, not relaxing as a honeymoon should be. Good luck.

There's nothing wrong with planning your days, as long as you are open to changing them if need be. I agree that some of the days are exhausting, but I get the feeling you're trying to pack in as much as you can in a relatively short time.

If you can handle it, then do it. But don't push yourself unnecessarily. One of the best things to do in these cities is just to wander around and see what you find.

Will the Duomo be open for visitors on December 25 so that you can climb to the top? I'm thinking no because it's only one of the two HOLIEST DAYS ON THE CHRISTIAN CALENDAR and the notion of tourists tromping around a holy site during day-long mass seems a bit disrespectful.

Have you confirmed that the restaurant will be open on Xmas too? If the UK and Australia pretty much shut down on Xmas day, which they do, I'm thinking Italy would be a large boot-shaped ghost town.

With so little time in Paris, I might suggest dropping the Louvre altogether (unless this is an absolute must see for either one of you). Maybe you could take the time in Paris to focus on the romance...take some wine and cheese down by the Seine and soak up the atmosphere and plan your 5th or 10th anniversary trip to Paris!

As I suspected -- you ain't climbin' the Dome in the Duomo on Xmas (nor on the 26th). Every part of the Duomo is closed except the main cathedral.

http://www.operaduomo.firenze.it/eng...era/orari.asp?

The Boboli Gardens are closed: first and last Monday of every month. December 25, January 1, May 1.

I also think you need to do a little more research on what might be open on Dec. 24 and 25.

Three other things:

(1) Florence has a fantastic synagogue. Go visit it. http://moked.it/firenzebraica/ (that's the Italian site because it has a picture of the edifice on the main page; the English version doesn't).

(2) Pisa is a bit anticlimactic because you can't climb the Tower -- it leans too dang much. Consider Siena, which has a Duomo of its own that ranks up there with Florence's.

(3) Italians and French like their carbs and eat some of the best in the world. And their attitudes toward sitting and eating a nice meal at the end of the day is far different from what you find in the US. This is the vive la difference (bad French) version of travel.

Congratulations & I hope you have a great trip. It sounds like a pretty good trip to me, as long as you can go with the flow and not try to cram everything in that you've listed. Sure it's only 1 day in Paris, but since you're flying through there anyway why not spend a day. Better than just seeing the inside of CDG airport.

A couple of comments.

Train Rome to Florence. You say 1st class on EuroRail. If you're looking to save some $ here and there consider 2nd class. It's perfectly fine - much nicer than a coach airline seat, and arrives at the same time as 1st class - 90min Rome to Florence no stops. I have no idea what you mean by EuroRail. Is that a marketing co that will sell you tickets? If so then they are certainly doing so at a substantial markup. Again, save your $ and simply buy tickets when you get to Rome. Private car in Florence - not really necessary, and probably more hassle than using a taxi. The taxi queue is right outside the station (closer than any private car will be able to park) and it'll be 10Euro or less to just about any hotel in the compact, central Florence. If you like seeing your name on a sign board then fine, but more than once I've spent more time searching for my special ride than it would have taken me to hop in a taxi and already be at my hotel. Private car at FCO is a good idea - there are several services that are frequently recommended here on Fodors.

Mercato Centrale may be closed - that would be unfortunate as I love getting food there. There's also the San Lorenzo market - street booths with leather, fabrics, etc, etc. - not far from the Accademia.

When did the Leaning tower of Pisa close? I was there in 2007 and went up then. Has something changed? You can book a tour ahead of time online.

Vatican & Colosseum day. That's a lot to fit in one day, especially the very short days of late December. You may want to confirm what time both open, then pick the earliest as your 1st of the day. While you can take bus (or maybe 2) from Colosseum to Vatican I'd recommend just grabbing a taxi - it'll save you some hassle. Strolling in Rome is great, hoofing it a long distance when time is limited is not.

Last time in Rome I took a tour of both the Colosseum/forum/palatine & the Vatican/St. Peters. The former was great because it brought to life the ruins of the Forum. The latter wasn't necessary. I understand that you can now book Vatican museum tours directly through the Vatican website - that may gain you early, no-line entry to the museums. I'd expect there to be crowds in Rome during the Christmas holiday - maybe not as much as Easter or summer, but likely crowds (& waits unless you make arrangements).

Stuart...as I said, there would be no lack of opinions and suggestions...your own built-in travel agents. I can only add a few thngs:

The walk UP to Fiesole is quite steep...we took the bus up one time and walked down, with gorgeous views at every turn. You can catch the #7 bus at Piazza San Marco.

To compund what several posters said...relax a bit...being too structured can take away some of the romantic spontaneity of being in a foreign country. Strolling the streets you'll come across one resto after another..most with menus posted..take your pick when you come across a cozy place at prices that won't force you to mortgage some of the children you will soneday have!...you've alread made some reservations...good...but where you've left blanks, venture forth!

Big Russ's suggestion to visit the handsome Moorish-domed Tempio Israelitico in Florence only a few minutes from the Duomo is one to be heeded...I wouldn't want you to miss seeing it. The interior and the internal museum are classic as is the exterior. From the Duomo, aross from the marvelous golden Baptistry doors, take Via Degli Oriuolo through Piazza Salvemini, then continue on Via Pietraplana to Via Carducci and the large San Ambrogio Church...you will see the tall Templo on your left. The last two times we were there a police van was parked in front, manned by two oficers. This is probably still a fact of life as it is all over Europe.

The old ghetto of Rome is the location of the major in-town sinagoga...visit, and don't be dismayed by the armed guards at front and back. There is a frequent tour of the sanctuary with the history of Jewish Rome...well worth taking.

Happy you're giving time for a daily gelato...I love just thinking about it, as we will be in Florence and Venice for an umpteenth return visit next month. There are some Blue
Ice, fans on board here, and I'm one of 'em...close to your Via Veneto hotel in Rome, there's is a Via Sistina leading to the Spanish Steps, and there it is!

I wish you could have time to see Venice...truly a most romantic place..but you guys are so very young..there will be many more opportunities....omayn!

<i>Mazel Tov, l'shana tova and Zay Gezint</i>..and happy travels!

Stu Tower
[email protected]

You can climb the Leaning Tower, but you can only make a reservation up to 45 days in advance.

FWIW, I wouldn't climb the tower on a rainy day. (I'd go to Siena instead.) I don't have a fear of heights, but walking on down-sloping wet marble would make me nervous. If the weather is severe enough, the tower will be closed. In any event, you wouldn't want to spend much time on top in the rain. If you go, be sure to arrive early enough to check any bags/backpacks you'll be carrying. They're not allowed in the tower.

http://boxoffice.opapisa.it/Torre/index.jsp

I agree with the comments that you'll just be skimming the surface in these cities, but 9 days in three of my favorite destinations still sounds like heaven to me. Mazel Tov!

I think your trip is way too ambitious given a couple of factors

1) in Dec the days are very short and many monuments/museums etc operate on shorter hours
2) the holidays will make days with little to do
3) on a honeymoon you want to relax - not race from one checked off item to another

You simply cannot do the Vatican and ancient Rome in one day. It is possible to whip through St Peter's (but not the museums) and the hop a cab to the Colosseuma nd do that. But you won;t have much time for the Forum - which is enormous and takes a couple of hours to explore even the most important sections.

And the idea of the Louvre and shopping in one afternoon is scary. The Museums itself can take days. Granted, you can go in and see a few items - then head for the shops - but you won;t be seeing Paris. I would stick with Rome and Florence and really see some of each city.

SO much good advice! To be honest, I was a little to worried that I planned to much. We are both very free spirited and don't usually follow an itinerary on our other vacations but I figured this was our first time to Europe and I think I got a little over zealous! Also I didn't really plan on shorter days too! That's a great point! I've made some changes to the itinerary now - please note, all transporation and lodging is reserved already. None of the restaurants are reserved nor do I have tickets for the museums yet - I've tried my best to pair all sightseeing to the same part of town but if you notice I made a mistake please let me know!

Here's the revised trip plan:


Tuesday Dec. 22:
Arrive CDG Paris, France
Depart CDG Paris, France
Arrive Rome, Italy
- Private Car pickup and drop off at Hotel
o Empire Palace Hotel (around 1 PM??? maybe customs takes longer?)
1. Eat lunch and have espresso & gelato and Check into Hotel
2. Walk to Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps
3. Go to Pantheon
4. Walk around Piazza Novana
5. Walk back to hotel to get ready for early dinner
6. Dinner at Ditirambo (Piazza della Cancelleria 74/75, 00186 Roma, 066871626) http://www.ristoranteditirambo.it/en/menu.html


Wednesday Dec. 23:
1. Go to Vatican City (Get tickets early!)
2. Get Lunch
4. Shopping @ Via Andrea Doria
5. Dinner @

Thursday Dec. 24:
1. Coloseum
2. Lunch
3. Borghese Gallery
4. Shopping
5. Dinner @


Friday Dec. 25:
Take taxi to Train Station
Arrive Florence
- Private car pickup and drop off at Hotel
o Hotel Bernini Palace
1. Walk the Ponte Vecchio and see town
2. Dinner @ Trattoria Ponte Vechio Lungarno degli Archibusieri, 8-red, 50122 Firenze, Florence (Toscana), Italy‎ - 055 292289‎



Saturday Dec. 26:
1. Uffizi Gallery (reserve a month in advance)
2. See the David @ Accademia
3. Dinner @ Il Guscio

Sunday Dec. 27:
1. Walk through Mercato Centrale and get food for lunch
2. Visit the Duomo
3. Farmacia SMN (Santa Maria Novella)
4. Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
5. Dinner @ Cantinetta del Verrazzano on Via de Tavolini


Monday Dec. 28:
1. Walk thru Mercato Centrale
2. Day trip to Fiesole – take Bus #7 and walk back to see the views
3. Dinner @ anywhere we choose


Tuesday Dec. 29:
Take Taxi to Airport Florence, Italy
Depart Florence, Italy
Arrive CDG Paris, France 3:00 PM
- Private Van pickup and drop off at Hotel (Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg)
o Walk to Eiffel Tower
o Shopping
o Dinner @

Wednesday Dec. 30:
1. Arc de Triomphe
2. Lunch
3. Champ de elysses
4. Walk along Seine River
5. Dinner @
6. See Eiffel Tower at night



Thursday Dec. 31:
1. Louve
2. Shopping (if enough time)
Private van to Airport (CDG)
Depart Paris, France
Arrive Atlanta, GA


As you can see I've taken a few things off the list, I need to give myself a reason to return to these cities right!?! Stuart, I definitely plan on having at least 1 gelato a day!

J62, thank you for the good advice. I just hear that Rome is such a great place to walk around but if we really want to see the sights, we will really need to hitch a ride.

All of the things I have planned are really just a guideline...for all I know, we might get off the plane and just tear up the itinerary and wing it! While we do have a list of "MUST See's" we always have a list of MUST DO's that take priority - trying new foods, exploring the city, and
taking it all in.

So excited to get my taste of living "la vida dolce"!

Thanks again for all the advice! Keep it coming!

On your last day, does your plane depart at 4pm or are you planning on leaving the city by 4pm? How much of the Louvre do you plan to see? I really don't see your last day working out, especially if your plane takes off at 4pm.

If you are interested in seeing the Roman Forum, you still might be able to squeeze it in on the same day as the Colosseum. Then have a late lunch, then Borghese Gallery? It will be a busy day, but you could write it down on your list as a secondary thing if you have time.

Also, you mention early dinner...dining in Italy and France is a bit later than our standards. Not sure if winter is different as I've only been to these countries during the fall/summer, but I think others on here would have that answer for you.

If you want to do something really unique on Christmas eve, do the midnight mass at the Pantheon.