OK wise Fodorites, we are trying to plan our honeymoon for April 25-May 5 next year and are becoming increasingly confused. So we're looking to you for help. Here's our story:

We are getting married on a beach in the carribean. We'll spend a week there, mostly before the wedding, but then would like to change scenery. Our original thought was the Amalfi Coast...we knew it wouldn't be hot that time of year, but some things we've read here suggest it will be downright cold, as well as foggy and generally not pleasant. So we are reconsidering that option...

The french countryside also appeals, and cooler weather there wouldn't bother us so much, but we're worried that the scenery won't be as lush, geen, pretty etc as it would be if we saved that for another time of year. And we're told that's a very rainy time as well.

In short, we're looking for a place with a little culture, a lot of wine and great food. A very nice hotel and maybe some spa treatments thrown in, and we have ourselves the perfect honeymoon.

We've both traveled a bit, but the only Europe trips we've done together are barcelona and the costa brava, paris, and london (this board was fundamental for each of those trips, so thanks again for that!) So we'd prefer not to repeat those.

Any suggestions for a confused soon-to-be bride?

Many thanks as always!
Shannon

What do you mean by "the French countryside?" That could be anything from the Alps to the Riviera to Normandy and Brittany to the Pyrénnées to the Loire to........you get the idea. The weather will be very different in different locales.

But for what it's worth, the countryside I usually see in April-May in the Dordogne is incredibly lush and green, with all the fruit orchards budding or in bloom, some afternoon showers, warm afternoons, and slightly chilly evenings.

If you want good information about weather, it would be helpful to say exactly which French countryside you might be looking to spend time in.

Also, I'm no expert on the Amalfi Coast, but "downright cold" in April-May doesn't sound right to me.

I agree with StCirq's assessment of the weather on the Amalfi coast. I'm not sure if it's ever "downright cold" there, as where I'm sitting now it's a mere 8 degrees Fahrenheit outside! How about Florence or Rome or a split between the two? Some spa time in Tuscany should fit the bill, and the countryside should be pretty green by that time.

Best wishes,
BC

Thanks for the quick replies!

The places in the French countryside we have been discussing so far are Provence, Burgundy and Bordeaux...probably not all in one trip, but all as likely candidates.

Also, on the weather in Amalfi, I've read messages here suggesting that the highs can be in the 50s, and lows in the 30s. Not cold to my native Wisconsin blood, but not at all acceptable to my Texan fiance. We also read that the winds are bad that time of year making ferry travel difficult or impossible and that things like the Blue Grotto on Capri will likely be closed to us.

Thanks again for the replies...looking forward to reading more.

Perhaps this will help:

http://www.gct.com/gcc/general/defau...114827#climate

According the "wunderground.com", my online weather resource, the average temperature in Naples in April is 65 Fahrenheit, in May it's 73 Fahrenheit.

BC

Hi Shannon,
Go for Burgundy!
We had such a nice weather last april-may that the café terraces in Dijon were full of dijonnais
Otherwise it can be rainy but never cold.
http://www.kodakgallery.fr/BrowsePho...id=43499444733 to give you an idea...

Congratulations and happy travels!
corinne

Hi sls,

>....a place with a little culture, a lot of wine and great food.<

I second StCirq's suggestion of the Dordogne.

My trip report might give you some ideas.

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34676645

Photos at http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...&y=-pla2au

Also look up "Stu Dudley" in the "search this forum" box.

Have you considered Paris or Venice?

Sicily - the Grand Hotel Villa Igiea in Palermo or the San Domenico Palace in Taormina. The weather will be warm enough to sit outside and probably even sunbathe during the daytime, but a little too chilly to eat dinner outside.

How about Tuscany? nice scenery, wineries ad fab food and some unusual places to stay in.

Tuscany may have bad weather then, though. I suggested Sicily as it should be reliably warm & dry in the daytime.

Thanks again for all of the responses! You all have shown once again why this board is so incredible. We're thinking on all of the suggestions and will no doubt be back soon to get detailed suggestions on whatever area we choose.

Just came across this post and I'd add the south of France (part of Provence) would suit your specs but I wonder how much time you'll be wasting getting to Europe from the Caribbean? Would be curious if you'd share the island you'll be on and where you live.