I am leaving for 12 day my honeymoon on Oct. 17th!! We are starting in Positano, at the San Pietro and then driving to Rome to stay at the Hassler. Then we are taking a train to Florence to stay at the Grand. Then we drive to Venice to stay at the Cipriani on the island of Guidecca. Basically we have not made any definite plans for the days b/c we are hoping that the concierges will be able to help us in terms of what we should be seeing, where we should eat, etc. I know certain places that we need to see but is this a bad idea? The hotels are all very reputable and I hope that the staff can help us. Any thoughts?

Marisa <BR>There may be issues I'm not aware of, but why drive from Florence to Venice, unless it's to see some countryside? <BR>Train is easier, and you have to give up the car just outside of Venice anyway. <BR>However, try either way to visit Siena as well, even if only for a day trip. <BR> <BR>You are certainly staying at luxurious properties. Last October I visited the Cipriani and had dinner there. It is indeed an unforgettable place, even down to the private launch that takes you back and forth to a stop near San Marco. <BR>I know you will be on a honeymoon and don't want to plan every minute, but <BR>if you're going to museums in Florence you should order museum tickets in advance so you won't waste any time standing in any long lines for the Uffizi or the Accademia. You can order them now, or have your hotel do it on arrival. <BR>Venice is a place to walk, by design. Lack of design actually, it's a magical maze. I recommend the Streetwise Venice map which is pocket-sized, easy to read, and all the map you'll need, and you WILL need a good map. <BR>If you want any more suggestions on Venice or Florence, ask here or email me. Have a wonderful time.

Elaine, <BR>Thank you so much for your response. The reason we are driving is b/c my fiance thinks that it will be more relaxing. What I did not mention is that we have a driver. We will definitley not be driving. We would spend the best part of our trip lost in the car. We will absolutely get street maps. <BR>Thanks again.

Marisa, <BR> <BR>You certainly have a wonderful trip planned! Storybook - really! A few suggestions, although I'm sure the concierges at each of these wonderful hotels will give you all the help you need. <BR> <BR>Having a driver is great so that you can stop at towns along the way (e.g., Verona and Mantova) - which I highly recommend... <BR> <BR>In Positano, Le Sireneuse is a fabulous hotel where you can have a drink or dinner. The San Pietro is not in the town itself but it's a short ride from Positano. I never got the chance to go to a restaurant in Sant'Agata Sui Due Golfi, called DOn Alfonso 1890, which as gotten rave reviews. Also, the town of Ravello is beautiful, with wonderful pottery, views, and the Villa Cimbrone. <BR> <BR>Lunch at the top of the Eden, outdoors overlooking the city, is breathtaking and, although I'm not a museum person, the newly opened Borghese Museum (very close to the Eden) is worthwhile. (Combining the 2 events is not a bad idea and I assume the Hassler can get you tickets to the museum...) <BR> <BR>Although Enotecca Pinchiorri in Florence is reported to be one of the best in Italy (and it certainly is great...), I also enjoyed a simple, fun meal at Ringo's Bar (on the other side of the Arno - make a right after getting off the Ponte Vecchio). It says "hotdogs and hamburgers" outside, but don't let that scare you! (haha) Ringo stands behind the counter and cooks for you - adding his specialties as he goes along. I was introduced to this place by an American who visited Florence 17 years ago and never left! <BR> <BR>And my favorite restaurant in Venice is Al Covo. Owned by a couple, he's Italian and she's from Texas originally - the food is wonderful and there's no standard menu since it depends upon what's fresh that day. <BR> <BR>Congratulations on your wedding and have a wonderful trip!

Hi Marisa, <BR> <BR>It does sound like a wonderful trip. Actually we found train travel quite relaxing, but I imagine having a driver is even better. <BR> <BR>Judging from your hotels, price is not a big issue in your travels. You should definitely have dinner at Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence. We enjoyed their Grand Tasting Menu which amounted to something like 4 hours of eating with a dozen or so courses. Yes the courses were small. It was an absolutely incredible dining experience. I've never been to a Michelin 2 Star restaurant before, and I can honestly say it was the most amazing meal I've ever had. <BR> <BR>In Venice we had a fantastic meal at Da Fiore. Its a little tough to find this place, and you absolutely must have a reservation (we got ours about 2 weeks in advance, I e-mailed the hotel and asked them to make it for us). We had shrimp and porcini risotto which had the most incredible flavor. I'm a good cook, and make a mean shrimp and wild mushroom risotto, but I can't match this. I had turbot baked with a potato crust with a sauce reminiscint of hollandaise, but lighter and flavored with basil. It was so delicate it enhanced the mild flavor of the fish without hiding it. <BR> <BR>I agree with Elaine, you should make your Uffizi reservations via the web in advance. There was a 90 minute line when we went there at 3:30 in the afternoon. <BR> <BR>I'm sure the hotel staff will be able to help you make reservations or get tickets for various things. But I still found it very helpful to have done a fair amount of research in advance. In Italy it is too easy to be disappointed because things are too crowded to get in, or closed on an odd day or odd time. You should try and figure out what your "must-sees" are, and find out the opening hours and days so you can plan your days. You can probably do it on the fly, but I think it helps to know what you want to see. <BR> <BR>have a wonderful honeymoon, and congratulations! <BR> <BR>--beth

Has anybody stayed at the Grand in Florence? <BR>And...on another note, is the gelato really is good as everyone says it is??? <BR> <BR>Thanks! <BR>

Yes,the gelato is as good as everyone says it is. Choose mel-o-ne and you'll soon find out. <BR><BR>Also, I vote for Don Alphonse 1890, a half hour from Positano, as Marissa says. <BR><BR>Ask the concierges at all these hotels for advice--they know the very best places in the area, and can make reservations for anything--last minute. <BR><BR>You are starting at the top and I hope you stay there always!! Good luck.

Marissa, <BR> <BR>I am leaving for my 2 week honeymoon on the 18th of October and doing the almost the exact opposite trip!. I am starting in Venice with side trips to the islands (Burano, Murano and Torcello) and Verona. Then on to Florence with a side trip to Siena and Chianti area. After this we go to Postiano and the whole Amalfi coast area. Then we finish up in Rome. <BR> <BR>The Gelato is wonderful - I know of one place in Rome that has gelato to die for - it you want the name e-mail me and I can look it up at home. <BR> <BR>With the exception of renting a car to get around the Chianti area, my fiance and I are taking the trains. I've been to Italy a number of times and driving can be a big challenge (this coming from someone who learned to drive in Manhattan!) <BR> <BR>Good luck and congratulations. <BR> <BR>Alicia <BR>

Does anyone know how to order tickets for Uffizi on the Web?