Grace

Hi Everyone--

I recently got engaged and now we're in the process of planning our honeymoon. We have two weeks to spend and we're thinking about going to Italy.

Does anyone have any suggestions on the most beautiful and romantic places to visit? We will be going in October 2003 and would prefer "water" views.

Any suggestions on Italy (or anywhere else in the world) would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Rex

You need to tell us a lot more - - why do YOU think you want to to go to Europe? And what makes you think you want to go to Italy in particular?

An "aquatic" Italy means three fairly different pictures to me - - and none is really a "beach" scene - - in the same way that Hawaii, or south Miami or the Caribbean would be. But then others might paint different pictures to you.

My three "water" images of Italy are (in my order of preference) - -

1. the Lakes - - the "heaven" of Lake Como, epsecially Bellagio, Menaggio, Varenna and Villa Balbianello. Garda is also special as well as Maggioer (can't tell you about Maggiore, firsthand). Lovely to look at, and boat on. not a swimmer's place.

2. the Amalfi coast - - too cool for a real beach getaway in vacation, but the villages, stuck onto the sea side cliff edges is much of the appeal.

and

3. Venice - - jewel of the sea - - but its special romantic serenity has less to do with the water - - and more to do with the fact that there are no streets (at least none for vehicular traffic).

All three could fit into a two week trip - - though most people want to at least include a little bit of rome or florence (or both), and five destinations might be too rushed,

Whatever your choices, congratulations on the decision to begin your new life in marriage.

and...

Best wishes,

Rex

Janda

Italy is the perfect choice. Venice is magical and so very romantic. The art treasures in Florence are fabulous. I suggest Sorrento and the Amalfi coast. it just doesnt get any better. I here Ravello on the Amalfi coast is a great honeymoon destination. October is a great time as there arent the huge crowds and the heat.
Farm Holidays are very popular. We stayed at the Castello di Luzzano which is in northern Italy. We loves it and were able to feel more a part of Italy, than a tourist.
Wishing you the very best trip possible.
I have been to Italy only 2 times but I will be happy to share any info I can.

monique

We honeymooned in Italy last August and had the best time. We spent three weeks on a fast pace that many people wouldn't want for a honeymoon, but we loved it. The 'water' was my favorite part; we went to Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast, and loved them both.

Mike

Rex- When you say the Amalfi Coast is too cool, do you mean the water or air temp?

Marsha

We have traveled to Italy in October and it was terrific for touring; however, the sun bathing was not always great--it fluctuated. For a great romantic spot, stay in Positano at the Covo dei Saraceni or at another hotel. The drive down the Amalfi Coast is gorgeous--also from here go to Sorrento (shopping is great), Capri and Pompeii. In Rome there is a lot to see but this may be your stepping stone to the Tuscany Region. You can fly from Rome to Pisa and rent a car to drive thru Tuscany--don't miss the tree lined walled city of Lucca and drive along the coast--the Maremma area in Grosseto is very uncommercial with rocky coastlines. Since you like water views you'll have to end in Venice.
Another suggestion, from Switzerland the Bermini Train loops around the glacier fields in the Alps of Switzerland and terminates in the Lake Region of Italy--views are staggering--from there you can go into Venice or wherever.

Marsha

Spelling--its Bernini not Bermini Express Train.

Marsha

Let's try it again--Bernina

sandra

honeymooned in italy for 2 weeks also. our choices for water views: 1 - varenna on lake como is heavenly. very romantic and relaxing with gorgeous views..2 - the cinque terre, especially vernazza...3 - venice! an absolute must. very romantic. so romantic it lured my then boyfriend to propose after 6 years! and then we went back for our honeymoon!

congrats & have a wonderful trip!