You're far too picky, go to some cheap motel, stay in your room, have an elegant dinner, go back to your room, have an elegant dinner, go back to your room.... think of the money you will save!

Ira, a quick look at Villa St. Michelle and its pretty impressive. Some beautiful pics of Florence that say a thousand words.. OK, I think we should have to see a bit of Florence. : )

Now, what about Lake Como? I shall have to explore that idea.

Rome, I don't mean to suggest I dismiss it. More interesting are the comments that seem to put Rome and Venice on a par as far as pace and congestion. Is that true? Maybe I need to research Venice more. The photos, and webcams, of course, never seem to show the congestion.

My husband and I went to Venice and I have to agree it is overrated. Expensive and people are not as friendly as Florence. I will find the web site I used for Florence and send it... used to be charmingflroence.com but is has since changed. I have a few hotels that were incredible - and reasonable ! The food was wonderful, the people fabulous. They have a great market on the weekends which are good for all types of things - esp leather. There are walking tours of the city that offer spectacular views (again, I will check my book and tell you the name of the book - fits in your back pocket and is wonderful). You can also take day trips from there - to Siena, Bologna, etc. I have been to Florence twice for long weekends and never tire of it, its food, wine, people and scenery !

mlh, thanks, that would be appreciated.

I have to say I am surprised at the overall reaction to Venice as a destination. Of course, the reason for my question is that I wondered if it would be worthwhile to stay 10 days. My typical vacation is 10-14 days, as I find 7 days to short. I don't usually 'eurotrip', my term, ie., string destinations together. It is interesting to me that virtually everyone suggests doing that, particularly on a honeymoon. Hmmm.

As far as Paris, I have only been there on business and overnight en route to Africa. Although I found Africa far more interesting, I didn't get to experience Paris with a lover. I am sure that would make all the difference, but since I have been there, don't want to consider it for a honeymoon. Go figure.

<<Slower pace, I presume? Fresh air? Scenic vistas?>>

Yes, yes, and yes. and even more than that... world-class architecture (Villa Balbianiello), world-class restaurants (Villa d'Este), and delightful shopping, boating, and oh... I babble on.

Villa San Michele? Yes, yes and yes. Excellent suggestion, ira...

And don't let ANYone talk you out of Venice... unless you would also be talked out of all the other great tourist destinations in the world - - where a lot of other DO, indeed, congregate. Unique? You betcha. Uncommon? as a five-leaf clover.

Definitely go to Venice, it is truly magical. My hubby and I stayed there for part of our honeymoon last May. We adored it. There is no other place like it, it is like being in a postcard.

Saying that though, I dont think I would choose to spend 10 days there. We also went to Assisi in Umbria and fell in love with the Umbrian countryside. Its a wonderful place. I would spend maybe 1/2 the time in Venice, and half the time in a quieter place. Rex always gives good advice, any suggestions he has would be great!

Best of luck and congrats on your upcoming wedding!

"little evolved from those of cavemen and women..." WHAT?

For ease of travel, why not visit Rome for a few days either upon arrival or before leaving Italy? Rome is a wonderful historic (and modern) city and really much different from Venice. I love Rome, but then, I am a big city person.

Venice is romantic (provided you aren't there in the heat of the summer). You will love it. Be sure to spend some time outside your room and defintely venture to the areas beyond St. Marks (while St. Marks is magnificent, the surrounding area is touristy). There are also the islands of Murano and Burano nearby or Padua about an hour away. There is plenty to keep you interested in Venice for at least 5 days. That leaves 5 other days for Rome as I mentioned or a few days in Florence which is easily reached from Venice en route to Rome by train or vice-versa.

The Amalfi coast is OUTSTANDING but
a bit out of the way from the itinerary you have planned - but in 2 weeks, it could be done.

Trifle yourself not, boxer12, over the drool and incoherent ramblings that come out of the mouth of a misanthrope.

Why does everyone congratulate newly or soon to be wedded couples?

It's insincere courtesy, while you do not wish them any harm, and do indeed want them to be happy, you're largely indifferent. If they were to divorce, you would not be heartbroken, I'm sure.

Harsh criticisms aside, it's quite obvious that the original poster has done very little research prior to starting this thread. Ira, Rex and others, you are almost being too kind with your advice, considering how little research the original poster has obviously done.
My advice to original poster Jim is to go to library or local bookstores, get some books on Italy and start reading. Also do a few google searches! Then, come back with your questions.
You also seem to make snap judgments, i.e., you say were underwhelmed by Paris, yet you later say you were only there overnight on business.

Thank you all for the best wishes! I think its sweet.

I think I shall propose (to my lovely and highly evolved fiancee)an early checkout from Venice to go for a couple nights in Amalfi then back to Rome for a couple nights.

But what about Florence?

then again, maybe go direct to Capri for a few nights to get our groove on, then jet up to Florence for four or five, then Limo (so we can keep our groove on (sorry to be so vulgar M_K...not)) around to various towns for sightseeing, then jet to Venice for a few romantic evenings, then waste ourselves for a few days in Rome before "Arrivaderci Roma."


Next question, is that too much traveling for our honeymoon?

Hmmm...This is getting difficult and will require a lot more planning than I anticipated.
: )

m_kingdom: It may be insincere courtesy, but let's face it, ANY sort of courtesy on your part would be welcome.

boxer: I have to agree with Howard. You haven't done much work on this trip, and now that it seems you're going to be in more than one place, well, you're just going to have to.
On the one hand, you say you've never been to Italy before. On the other, you are dismissing good advice from people who have. So stick your nose into a bunch of travel guides in some depth and you'll soon be able to draw some conclusions on your own.

I truly appreciate everyone's advice. I have spent hours on the internet and you see that in spite of it, I am not set on a plan. There are just too many factors to just give me the logistics of a proposed trip. I appreciate the links and specific suggestions the most, especially from other honeymooners. I welcome any additional thoughts. That's all for now.

My wife and I spent a week in Florence and a week in Venice. Neither stay was long enough to see all we had wanted, but our interests are heavily into art, architecture, and history. Florence has all three, with great cuisine, and shopping that many praise (my wife is not into shopping!), but is a bit hectic because of all the traffic. Venice, while compact, has untold riches to explore, and should be even more pleasant if M_K is not going to be there.

On a two week honeymoon, I would suggest you limit yourselves to two destinations, or you will lose too much time to packing and moving.

Boxer, congrats on your upcoming wedding! I personally love Venice...have only been once, for two short days, but am planning for a week there in Sept. I don't think 10 days is too much, and especially on a honeymoon, wouldn't want to be packing and moving every few days. But if you think 10 days is too much, what about spending a few days around Bolzano? I'm considering that as our stop after Venice. Looks like beautiful scenery, very relaxing. Just another idea for you to consider!

Anne

Thank you Anne. Any favorite links to that area?

Thanks for your input Cleveland...I was beginning to think I was crazy not wanting to jitterbug around Italia.

I found a nice looking hotel in Florence, in the city center area, called HOTEL MONNA LISA A GREAT HOTE. It is not rated anywhere I can find, but pics look elegant and quant. Anyone know of it? (I found it on travelocity if you want to look at it.) Its about $350 USD a night. Is this a good area for elegant restaurants, museums, shopping?

Sounds more expensive than necessary for Florence... but it's your money.

Not that there is anything wrong with this... but the attacks that you have not done much research, Jim... are coming from the fact (I think) that you are thinking out loud and posting here simultaneously...

I get the feeling that your problem is not that you haven't done any research... you need to spend one hour laying out to your fiancee some of the stuff that has moved you the most...

and then start ASSIMILATING...

Hi boxer,

As Rex suggests, it is time to start focusing.

Venice, Amalfi Coast and Rome is too much.

Did you read my trip report? We spent six full days in Florence with an additional 5 days for daytrips.

Just what is your budget?

For a "hopelessly romantic" hotel in Florence, I highly recommend the Hotel Torre di Bellosguardo, although it books up way in advance. It's an old palazzo up on a hill with beautiful gardens and pool with a FANTASTIC view of Florence and the Duomo. I can't think of a more perfect place to honeymoon.
Best wishes!
Marcy