Some other posts
Kathy
Honeymoon in Italy
Hello,
the other half finally popped the question and we have set the date for July next year. We are looking at honeymoons now. There is the option of doing the Carribean / Maldives thing, but I would like a leisurely break in Italy I think. Perhaps Rome / Florence / Venice or maybe Sicily? Anybody any experiences they'd like to share?
Thanks
Clubman
Honeymoon in Italy
Would thoroughly recommend Sicily or Sardinia or southern Italy more generally (the latter particularly if you intend to do a fly/drive - e.g. Adriatic coast, Puglia etc.) if you like nice beaches, dramatic scenery, historical/archaeological sites, good food/nice wine (at affordable prices!), a generally laid back pace of life combined with the chaotic hustle & bustle of the larger towns and cities as is the norm all over Italy, friendly locals (notwithstanding the Cosa Nostra etc. myths and, generally these days hidden, realities). Learn a few words, or better still sentences, if Italian before you go if possible. As ever, speaking a little of the vernacular often adds to the enjoyment of your trip or at least keeps the locals amused. La Corte in the Powerscourt Centre, D2 is running language and food courses at the moment as far as I know which sounds like the business and better craic than listening to a boring old Linguaphone tape! Read some of the general and travel books recommened by the Rough Guide to get some orientation.
There was a topic about Sicily here a while back but I can't seem to find it now. This one deals briefly with Sardinia.
Diamond
Honeymoon in Italy
Italy is a fabulous place to visit - we went last year & stayed 3 nights in Rome - took train down to Sorrento (beautiful journey via Naples) stayed for 1 week during which took board to Capri - beach at Amalfi fabulous - then back up to Rome for last night. Wine, food et al fabulous.
Only caution it will be very hot in July - all the locals leave the cities & head to their beach homes. Other than that enjoy.
Ciao
endowed
Re: Honeymoon in Italy
For me, Tuscany was one of the nicest places I've ever visited. For a few pointers, check out
Definitely "mucho hotto" in the summer though.
Ella
Honeymoon in Italy
Congratulations.
Just a few thoughts, honeymooned in Austria and it was fabulous. Took a day trip to Venice which was also very enjoyable.
Only telling you this in case heat is an issue for you. The weather for us was like a good summer here.
Able to do things like visit Salzburg and attend a Mozart recital, see Krimml waterfalls (highest in Europe I think), go to Vienna, take cable cars, travel on a spectacular train ride through mountains to Zell am Zee which was unforgettable (have promised myself a trip back someday), walk on a glacier and lots more.....
We took a big trip every other day and just lazed around on the others, worked really well.
Hope your honeymoon is great and gives you memories to cherish for the rest of your life. You've probably guessed I loved mine - just as well because I did not enjoy my wedding day at all, too much pressure.
As I said just wanted to give an alternative if Italy in July is too hot (ours was also July).
Regards, Ella.
Spacer
As Diamond has said, the locals will clear out of the cities in July and August to escape the heat. During these months therfore, the price of city accommodation falls quite sharply so if you can stick the heat for a couple of days, it's a good time to visit.
Conversely, the cost of accommodation in the mountain and sea resorts is at its peak in these months but worth the extra if you want a relaxing break.
Personally, I'd recommend the Tuscan countryside. While self-catering villas here are a popular option, they can work out quite expensive if there are only two travelling. The standard can also be hit-or-miss. They rarely have air-conditioning for example.
My preferred option is to stay in countryside hotels that have swimming pools, air-con, etc. The ones that are close to towns but not remote offer the best of both worlds - peacful when you want it with the option of a choice of restaurants, etc when you feel like it. The Magic Of Italy brochure contains some great ideas and locations. However, if you're travelling independently, there's a load of them to be found on http://www.venere.com/ (www.venere.com/) which I've used on numerous occasions.
Aer Lingus fly directly to Bologna from where it's easy to get a train to either Florence or Siena. From there you'd need to hire a car. Try
www.autoeurope.com It's a very user friendly site.
Sorrento has been mentioned also and while it's very beautiful spot, I found it over commercialised and not very typically Italian. To be frank, it's a bit of a Sunshine Home to aging English tourists. I saw Cliff Richard when I was there and he fit right in - it's a Cliff Richard kind of place.
Bottom line though is that it doesn't really matter where you go in Italy. You'll have a wonderful time regardless.
rainyday
Registered User
I echo the recommendations for Tuscany. I found there to be a pleasant breeze if you find an elevated location up in the hills a bit, so the heat wasn't too much of a problem.
NathanielStarbuck
Registered User
I'd add my recommendation for Tuscany. Honeymooned there ourselves.
We stayed in a nice hotel in Siena first, then for the rest of the time we rented a little cottage near Radicondoli.
Loved the hill towns and Siena. Not too mad on Florence.
SeamusG
Registered User
Honeymoon
Had a fantastic 3 week honeymoon last year and perfect holiday after the stress of the wedding! We spent the first week 40mins South of Florence in LaDoccia. Drive up to the villa a bit hairy but breathtaking the view when you wake up in the morning.
[broken link removed]
2nd Week near Murlo near Siena also very pretty but a bit more touristy compared to first week.
www.boscodellaspina.com/
3rd week got a flight to Sicily Catania for €70 return
www.meridiana.it/ and it was fine. Stayed in Taormina and Syracuse.
Overall 1st week was the best place but Italy is great whereever you go.
