ree878

Hi everyone. My fiancé and I are trying to plan our honeymoon, and what should be a joyful time, is becoming pretty stressful. We are getting married on 7/18 and will be leaving for our honeymoon right after. I am a teacher so the only time I can travel is in the summer.
Here is the situation. We have both traveled a bit, but never much in Europe. Neither one of us have ever been to France or Italy. Our travel agent has us on a trip with the following itinerary:

Paris: 4 nights
French Riviera: 3 nights
Italian Riviera: 3 nights
Lake Como: 3 nights

Neither one of us is overly excited about the Riviera part so instead we were thinking of the following:

Paris: 5 nights
Rome: 4 or 5 nights (also a trip to Pompeii)
Lake Come Area: 3 or 4 nights

Many people are telling me that Rome is dirty, way too crowed and unbearably hot. Now we live in New York City so we are used to hot and crowded. I just feel that Rome would be an amazing place to see.

I am sorry for such a long post, but I just want my honeymoon to be phenomenal! Any thoughts, help, ideas, or information would be so greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Marie

ncounty

I totally agree with limiting your areas to 3 and those are three great places. I would say that Pompeii is not terribly close by as an excursion but if you really want to see it, go for it. I think 4 nights is enough for Rome if you are not figuring Pompeii in that time. Lake Como is a spectacular honeymoon spot to end the vacation! You will have done two of the grandest cities in the world and then unwind in incredible beauty. I would recommend staying in Varenna at the Hotel Cipressi and do day trips from there. You might do one day or night in Milan to fly out of. If you had enough time in Milan, I recommend a day trip to Bergamo and visiting the museum Ambrosiana.

bobthenavigator

I like the first plan better for a honeymoon but with only 3 destinations. You pick which Riviera destination, but I would do 5-4-4 and fly home from Milan.

ncounty

I think we were all agreeing on 3 destinations those being Paris, Rome, and Como. I thought they had eliminated the French Riviera. What was your impression, bobthenavigator?

shormk2

I would say it depends on what your priorities are (outside of being on your Honeymoon and enjoying your time together!)... Rome is amazing and is very Romantic, but it's much more of a city and not quite as "relaxing" as the Riviera; it truly depends on what type of honeymoon you are looking for. Another option may be to head to Florence and Tuscany instead of the Riviera... just some thoughts. Again, if you tell us what type of traveling the two of you generally like to do together and what is most important (outside of the usual honeymoon activities )we may be able to give you better direction.

bobthenavigator

I would stay north and enjoy water destinations in the summer months.

ira

Hi Marie,

Congrats on your wedding.

If I were going on a honeymoon, I would

Fly into Florence FLR or PSA - 4 nights, Daytrip to Siena
OR
Fly into Rome - 4 nights, daytrip to Orvieto or Ostia Antica (ancient ruins)

Train to Venice - 3 nights

Fly www.myair.com from Venice VCE to Paris ORY - 6 nights in Paris.

Fly home.

Enjoy your honeymoon.

ncounty

That is a good point, Bob. Staying north and staying cool. That was my primary factor in choosing where to go in Europe last August which is why I chose Lake Como. Paris, then Venice, then Lake como would be a nice itinerary that may be cooler. I am told even Milan can be brutally hot in the summer but it was lovely when I was there. BTW, you helped with advice when I was here seeking it for the Lake Como trip last August, thanks!

ree878

Thank you all for your wonderful thoughts and ideas. I hear what you are all saying and that is part of the reason why am so confused. In planning this honeymoon we have "almost" gone to the entire world. We picked Paris because we thought it would be romantic, but still offer us things to do and see. Both of us agreed we could not sit on a beach and gaze into each others eyes for 14 days. We were trying to combine a little relaxing, seeing some amazing sights and being able to travel easily. We are big walkers and would definitely enjoy hacking around and getting "lost". A lot of people have mentioned Tuscany. I don't mean to sound stupid, but everyone keeps saying how wonderful Tuscany is and I am not sure what one would do there. I think I am putting a lot of pressure on myself because I feel my honeymoon must be perfect. That is one of the reasons I reached out to this board. I find the people on here to be amazing. You guys are so knowledgable and well travelled.

Again many thanks!!
Marie

shormk2

Florence is in the Tuscan Region and has amazing museums, art, the duomo, other churches, etc that I think are just as beautiful and wonderful as any other European city- it also isn't as big as Rome and you is easily walked- I also happen to think the food in Florence (and the rest of Tuscany for that matter) is FAR better than the food I've had in Rome (and I've eaten at some really nice places)... as far as the smaller towns in Tuscany, I think that is where you really get a feel for the region- take a cooking class together, tour the vineyards, drink wine- maybe have a glass too many!- and enjoy each other... I don't know you and I could be wrong, but I think you'll find there's plenty to see and do in Tuscany...Last bit of advice, if you're with the right person, your honeymoon is going to be perfect no matter what- relax, enjoy, and what you don't see this time, plan to do for an anniversary. Best Wishes.