Year after year, thousands of honeymooners choose Italy for the most romantic trip of their life. They go for gorgeous views, delicious food, iconic sites, and incredible vineyards. But it can be overwhelming planning a honeymoon in Italy. There is so much to see and do that many couples decide to travel to different cities.
I’ve put together various versions of the following itinerary for first-time visitors to Italy because it does a fantastic job of highlighting some of Italy’s loveliest cities in a logical, quickly followed plan. This 2-week itinerary can be modified to meet your desires and timeline. As it is, you will experience the best that Italy has to offer. Immerse yourself in the romantic beauty of Venice, the incomparable charm of Florence, the energy of the Eternal City, and the luxury of the Amalfi Coast. Here is my Perfect Honeymoon in Italy.
Day 1: Fly to Venice for Honeymoon in Italy
You will be met at the airport by your private driver, who will whisk you to the romantic first hotel of your trip. I recommend the Aman Venice, St Regis Venice, or the Bauer Palazzo. All are stellar hotels located on the Grand Canal and have incredible views of St Marks. Today is to unwind and relax after all the time you spent planning the wedding. Spend a leisurely day marveling at the view from your balcony facing the Grand Canal. In the afternoon, leave the map in your room. Then, get lost in Venice! Walk the narrow, winding cobblestone streets. You will discover the pure heart of Venice by meeting its people and finding little out-of-the-way boutiques and cafes. Don’t worry, Venice is pretty tiny, you won’t stay lost for long.
Day 2: Venice
Spend the day exploring the lesser-known islands of Venice. Take your wallet because these islands are a haven for artisans. And they are happy to sell their hand-made wares. Consequently, you will leave with tons of one of a kind souvenirs so leave some room in your suitcase.
Plan to experience authentic Venice and avoid the crowds on the islands. Set off in a private speed boat, heading for the island of Murano. It is home to some of the most amazing pieces of blown glass works that you will find anywhere! After an afternoon of shopping, sail to Burano. Stroll the colorful streets and shop the shops for delicate lace. Next sail to Torcello, the earliest center of civilization in the estuary. Immerse yourself in Italian history in Torcello. Cathedral with period mosaics and Santa Fosca remain to remind you of the glorious past.
Day 3: Venice
Start with a private tour of the city. Next, wander St Mark’s Square and marvel at the Doges Palace. Spend the afternoon imbibing in excellent wines and delicious treats. The Rialto bridge’s food market is widely known for its Italian produce and homemade pasta. Don’t miss the Bacari wine bars. Sample their famous Cicchetti dishes; you won’t be sorry! Of course, you can’t miss doing a gondola ride. It is a must for all first time visitors to Venice. Float down the Grand Canal as you awe at the sheer beauty of Venice. Fall in love with the city and Italy as a gondolier serenades you with Italian ballads.
Day 4: Venice to Florence
You will be picked up at your hotel by your private water taxi and escorted to the train station for your journey to the heart of the Renaissance, Florence! Check into your new hotel and familiarize yourself with the surrounding area. I recommend the Plaza Lucchesi, Bernini Palace, or St Regis Florence. Thread your way through the picturesque, cobblestone streets on your way to the Piazzale Michelangelo. This overlook has the loveliest view in Florence.
Day 5: Florence
Today you will be exploring splendid Tuscany by Vespa. Enjoy a carefree ride along tree-lined roads and by the riverside to catch breathtaking views of the city. Test your driving skills as you navigate the busy streets, pause to visit inside one of Florence’s oldest churches, and continue out into the open Tuscan countryside with your new-found skills. Take to the narrow country roads surrounded by rolling landscapes only seen in postcards, admiring castles and villas along the way. The tour culminates with a break to delight your palate with quality local produce. With views over the surrounding landscape, you will visit a famous winery and enjoy a guided tour of their cellars. You will learn the secrets of wine and olive oil making. Ride back into town with memories of your morning or afternoon spent stepping back into the Italian lifestyle of the ’60s.
Day 6: Florence
Start the day with your small group tour of the historic center of Florence, including skip the line reservations to the Accademia to view Michelangelo’s sculpture of David. After lunch on your own, head to the stellar Uffizi Gallery. Discover the artistic delights housed in the museum. Enjoy an overview of the most famous paintings on show and see masterpieces by Renaissance Masters such as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Simply unparalleled in terms of architectural splendor as well as the incredible Renaissance art it houses, the Uffizi Gallery is a must-see on anybody’s itinerary.
Day 7: Florence
Today you will dive deep into Tuscan culture when you learn how to cook a traditional meal in the heart of Florence! The first stop is grocery shopping in the central market. Guided by the chef, you will be picking up the ingredients for your lunch: butchers, bakers, and farmers provide fresh local ingredients. You will learn how to distinguish the highest quality and how to bargain! After this the fun market visit, you’ll enjoy a delicious tasting of typical products. Finally, you get to create your meal. Your chef will guide you as you make fresh homemade pasta, sauces, and a dessert. The best part, you will eat what you have made. Don’t forget to select the perfect Chianti to go with your delicious lunch.
Day 8: Florence to Rome
You will be met at your hotel and escorted to the train station so that you can make your way to the Eternal City, Rome! After arriving in Rome, you will be met by your private driver and escorted to your new hotel. I recommend the Inn at Spanis Steps, St Regis Roma, or the Baglioni Hotel Regina. Explore Rome on foot; this is the perfect city for people who like to wander. Need a pleasant reprieve from the noise and crowds? Visit the Villa Borghese; it is home to a lake, temples, fountains, statues, and several museums. A great way to explore is by rental bikes. Next, head down a long flight of stairs to Piazza del Popolo. It is the perfect place to grab lunch, have a drink, and do some first-class people watching. Continue your stroll by heading down via Babuino for a visit to one of the world’s most famous squares, Piazza di Spagna, which sits at the base of the Spanish Steps. From there, make your way to the Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most dramatic monuments. Don’t forget to toss a coin into the fountain. Legend says that tossing a coin into Trevi Fountain will guarantee that you will one day return to the eternal city. Grab a gelato before heading back to your hotel.
Day 9: Rome
Today you will be exploring Ancient Rome! Begin your tour on Oppian Hill, one of the famous “Seven Hills” that offers excellent views of the Colosseum. Walk down the hill taking in the surrounding vistas towards the Colosseum. Here we skip the line and fast track past the crowds. As you explore the remains of this beautiful Amphitheater, your official guide will bring the scene to life with exciting recollections of days long ago. Imagine Gladiators fighting for their lives in front of baying crowds.
Moving on, you will make a short stop at the Arch of Constantine. From here, go to the most famous of Rome’s hills, Palatine Hill. Have your camera ready for the superb views of the Forum and Nero’s Circus Maximus, which is where the chariot races took place. Then, down to walk along the Via Sacra. Your tour ends with a visit to the temple where you will find the altar dedicated to Julius Ceasar.
Day 10: Rome
Today is all about exploring the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter’s with your private guide. View the beautiful works of art, which inhabit the museums. The sculptures and paintings are a sight to behold. After the visit to the Museums, you will be taken to the renowned Sistine Chapel, the official residence of the Pope in Vatican City. Get a taste of the architecture and art which has gone into making the Sistine Chapel what it is today. See the gorgeous Sistine Chapel Ceiling covered in art, including The Creation of Adam and many more pieces by Michelangelo. Then, visit the renowned St Peter’s Basilica. Venture inside the Basilica and find yourself lost in the fantastic architecture and artworks which have gone into bringing this magnificent building to life. See the beautiful altar which sits above the resting place of the tomb of St Peter himself.
Day 11: Rome to Amalfi Coast
You will be met by your private driver and escorted to the train station for your trip to Naples. From Naples, you will be whisked to the Amalfi Coast by limousine. (There are lots of towns that comprise the area, we will find the right one for you) Then you will check into the final hotel of your trip. I recommend the Eden Rock Positano, Le Sirenuse (featured in our Honeymoon like Reese Witherspoon), or Belmond Hotel Caruso.
Day 12: Amalfi Coast
Enjoy a day between culture and the scents & flavors of the typical wines of this region! Visit of the ruins of Pompeii, buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The ruins are nearly intact. Discover what life was like for the ancient inhabitants of the town. Then take a guided tour of vineyards on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. Stroll through the Campania Ars Vinearia. Afterward, Mediterranean lunch accompanied by Falanghina, Lacryma Christi, Aglianico, and many other wines. Do nothing with the rest of your day. Bask in the Mediterranean sun on one of Amalfi’s gorgeous beaches.
Day 13: Amalfi Coast
Jump on your private speed boat and head to gorgeous Capri! On the way to Capri, you will stop for swimming and snorkeling in the warm Mediterranean Sea. Then, you will make a stop at the Blue Grotto. Lunch at the Da Paolino Restaurant (known as the ‘Lemon Trees’ restaurant) in Capri is an absolute must! Soak up the sun and sample Limoncello as you sail back to Amalfi.
Day 14: Amalfi Coast
Your honeymoon in Italy has come to an end, sorry. It’s time to make your way to the airport in Naples. Your private driver will meet you at your hotel to drive you back to Naples. It’s time to start dreaming of where you will be going for your First Anniversary! Italy is the perfect destination for a dream honeymoon. If you follow my Perfect Honeymoon in Italy itinerary, you will see the top sites and not feel rushed or overwhelmed. What would you change about this itinerary?
Comments