Italian Honeymoon Recommendations
 

I am getting married on June 9th 2007, and I am currently planning our honeymoon to Italy for the following two weeks.
I am interested in three locations, Venice (3 -4 nights), Rome (3 -4 nights), and the Tuscany area (2 - 3 nights). I am working with a full travel time of 12 days, taking two days for flight in and out of San Antonio Texas (Open Jaw flight), roughly from June 10th to June 21st.

I would like to know if anyone can recommend any flights from the US to Italy. Currently, we will arrive in Venice, then take a train to the Tuscany Region and then train to Rome for a flight out.

As for the Tuscany Region I am debating a location and was hoping for some help. I have read good things regarding Montecatini and Siena; however, I still need some help planning a sucessful trip as far as transportation (will I need to rent a car), hotels, and location. I was hoping to relax and enjoy everything the country side had to offer, some what of an escape before arriving in the much busier city of Rome. Any recommendation regarding this location would be greatly appreciated.

Does anyone see a need for me to arrive in Rome first and leave from Venice, just wondering.
I am working within a moderate budget, as it is until about a month ago I had cancelled this particular honeymoon because of money problems. Thankfully I just got hired by a good company and should be able to spoil my Wife to be a little. I have not found flights for less than 1300 per seat, and hotels seem to range from 150+ euros per night. I am currently assumming anywhere from $4000 - 5000 USD for flights and hotels. Thank you for all the help, and if you need anymore information please let me know.

On a side note, does anyone know a good site or information to learn more about Wine, specifically wine that is available in Italy. I live Texas, and wine is not a major commodity however, I would rather have a better understanding before traveling to Italy. Thank you.

Hi Ira,

I recommend flying into Venice and out of Rome.

For Tuscany, I suggest staying in Florence and taking a bus to Siena for a day.

Check www.kayak.com for airfare.

How fancy do you want your hotels? There are nice B&Bs for under 100E/nite.

((I))

I was thinking getting traditional hotels, nothing to big in both Venice and Rome, but something similar might be nice in between. Any recommendations.

In Venice, I'd recommend LA CALCINA, which has some lovely rooms facing the old shipping canal. It's about a 15 min. walk from Piazza San Marco.

In Rome, we just stayed at ALBERGO DEL SENATO, which is right across from The Pantheon. The rooms can be small even by European standards, but the service was very good, and the hotel has a lovely rooftop bar. The hotel has some 6th floor suites with small balconies overlooking the Piazza della Rotunda and the Pantheon. And the location is outstanding- very walkable to most of the major sightseeing attractions.

In Tuscany, we stayed at RELAIS FATTORIA VIGNALE in Radda. Town is really tiny- a handful of streets- but the hotel, which is on both sides of the main street in town, is really lovely, and has gorgeous views from the annex rooms overlooking the Tuscan countryside. Also the swimming pool overlooks olive groves and lemon trees. It was really stunning. The hotel is about equidistant from Florence and Siena ( roughly 40 minutes), so for a few nights, it makes a very good base for touring the surrounding area.

That will be a wonderful trip. I suggest you spend time at www.slowtrav.com for hotel suggestions and tons of info about Tuscany. I too suggest a flight into Venice and home from Rome, but I would have car for 3 days in Tuscany to really see it well.
Good luck !

You have a good plan for your honeymoon.

As far as allocating your days, just remember that on your first day in Europe, you will be fighting jet lag. We always end up on evening flights, so its kind of like cramming all night for a final exam. It does not feel good.

I suspect that with any flight that you get, you will have to change planes somewhere. Just be carefull before you buy separate tickets. If you buy two tickets and miss the connection it is your cost, if you buy one ticket then the ticket issuer must get you to your destination with out additional cost to you.

The are wine books for Italy. I recommend that you check Amazon.com.

Venice first, Rome last.

Rooms in Rome and Venice are more expensive then average. Please understand hotels get stars for swimming pools and elevators and onsite food. Some two star hotels might be acceptable. Research hotels thoroughly.

Congratulations.
Have a good marriage
and enjoy the honeymoon.

you must visit Montecatinni. It's like Carmel CA in Italy. Stay at the Villa Gaia on top of the hill over looking the city.

Thank you for all the different advice.

What would you all recommend the best place to stay for a quiet get away: Florence or a small city like Montecatinni. I realize its all depends on personal preference.

What are some good experiences in different towns and environments.

I am probably going to rent a car and travel around differnt cities in the area, but what would be the best place to stay for about 2 to 3 nights.

To familiarize yourself with Italian wine, you can do no bettr than buy the book, Vino Italiano by Joe Bastianich.

You might want to consider taking a night or two away from Venice and adding it to Tuscany, but it really depends on what you are looking to do. If you add more time to Tuscany, it will give you a chance to relax and explore the countryside as well as Florence.

Locanda Orseolo (www.locandaorseolo.com ) in Venice is very popular with honeymooners. Reasonable price for Venice. That's where we are staying for our honeymoon next month.

We are staying at a B&B in Florence, Relais Grand Tour. www.florencegrandtour.com

I've seen a number of recommendations for staying in Fiesole instead of Florence on this site and others - a bit more laidback, but close enough to daytrip into Florence.

I would just keep checking on flights over the next couple months. That's what we did. Prices fluxuate quite a bit depending on oil etc. That price sounds awfully steep.

I agree about Vino Italiano, it is exhaustive. However, maybe a little much if you are looking for a brief introduction.

Check out these websites for info on wine and Tuscany:

http://www.italianwinemerchantstore.com/index.html

http://www.ciaodarling.com/italy/toscana/default.htm

www.idyllicitaly.com

mw2006, thanks for the information, I will look into all the different information. By the way, Contratulations and good luck on your up coming honeymoon.

If you don't mind me asking, who did you end up booking a flight with?