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Posted: 10/24/2004 7:51:19 PM EDT
Honeymooning in Italy in December.
I wanted to go to a nice warm beach (in the Caribbean) and drink free booze and eat free food at an all inclusive joint. The ultimate in lazy vacations. But she wanted to make things complicated. Oh well, I better start getting used to having things HER way.  Anyway, I don't know shit about Italy. It will only be a week, so we can't do too much. Probably Rome, maybe a couple days in Florence (or would Venice be better?). Sooo, tell me all you know. What to do, where to stay, what to eat, etc., etc.? Yeah, I realize it's late to start planning, but I'm still in denial about this whole wedding thing. Plus I'm a procrastinator. |
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Posted: 10/24/2004 8:04:44 PM EDT
[#1]
All inclusive? You think the country is a big resort? Sounds like you'd happier at a Carribean resort or Club Med.
I dont know much about upscale tourism, I always do it backpack style. But dont make it an either/or situation with Florence and Venice. "Get both", as the feller said. |
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Posted: 10/24/2004 8:07:55 PM EDT
[#2]
What to eat in Italy on your honeymoon:
Duh! try PIZZA PIE, and take your digital camera! |
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Posted: 10/24/2004 8:09:28 PM EDT
[#3]
I lived there for two year. I will be out of town and away from my computer until Thursday. Venice wasn't my favorite place. Seeing the canals and gondolas was cool, but I found the food poor, services over priced, and the people less than hospitable, although if you could speak Italian they were much friendlier.
Rome and Florence are both nice, though they will be chilly in December. Sienna is a great side trip from Florence. Perugia, Italy's chocolate capitol in Umbria is also quite beautiful. I haven't been to a more romantic country - and I have visited around 30. I'm jealous. Buy an Eyewitness Guide book. They have tons of pics and recommend pretty good food/hotels. The pics are key as they let you pre-screen your events. There is also a section on food specialties of the different regions so you can tell what the best local flavors are. |
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Posted: 10/24/2004 8:09:32 PM EDT
[#4]
As an alternative, see if you can get to Pompeii. I saw it when I was a kid and it is one of the most vivid memories I have.
CW |
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Posted: 10/24/2004 8:11:45 PM EDT
[#5]
Rome is AWESOME !!! It's a really great old city, that you can really enjoy by just walking around all day. The Vatican is amazing (remember no shorts or short skirts for the wifey), and Rome is generally a very romantic city.
There are tons of decent small hotels with great locations, and tons of great restaurants. Pick up a Fodor's or Frommer's guide - they give really good recommendations. When I was there with the fiancee about seven years ago, we stayed at a small place close to the forum romanum (sp?) - walking distance to lots of stuff. We then took a train (1st class is cheap, and the trains are pretty nice) to Venice and spent a few days there, and we both really liked it. Venice is pretty touristy and expensive, but it's also really charming and nice - but I've never been to Florence, so I can't say whether Venice is nicer or not. (If you decide to take a train, one thing I learned: do NOT be polite or nice when you stand in line to buy tickets - if you don't shove and push and cut in line, you will NEVER get to the ticket window  ). |
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Posted: 10/24/2004 8:18:28 PM EDT
[#6]
No, I wanted to go to an all inclusive resort at a beach (in the Caribbean) and she wanted to go to Italy. I didn't mean to imply that I wanted to go to an all inclusive joint in Italy, I doubt anything like that exists. |
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Posted: 10/24/2004 8:19:38 PM EDT
[#7]
You must not be very intimidating in those wooden shoes. I never had any trouble at train stations except from gypsies trying to pick pocket some friends at the Roma Termini. |
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Posted: 10/24/2004 8:22:50 PM EDT
[#8]
I WISH I had been wearing some good 'ol steel-nosed clogs that day - some Italian groins would have been most unhappy!!  I dunno what it was - maybe a day before some local holiday or something, but the ticket lines at the main Rome train station were a zoo. Literally people just shamelessly kept cutting in line in front of me, and pushing and shoving - until I realized that my northern european rule-following nature would just have left me standing there all day without a ticket. Once I started playing the game myself, it was actually pretty easy - so maybe I'm just too passive to stand in an italian line, or maybe it was something weird that day. Who knows? |
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Posted: 10/24/2004 8:28:56 PM EDT
[#9]
Enjoy Rome, see the historic sites. |
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Posted: 10/24/2004 8:29:50 PM EDT
[#10]
Go to Jamaica. You'll have a horrible time. If your new marriage can survive that, you can be
sure you'll be together for life btw...CONGRADULATIONS!!! |
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Posted: 10/24/2004 8:34:28 PM EDT
[#11]
Aw jeez. I went back an edited my post because of the confusion. When I said I wanted to go to an all inclusive resort on a warm beach, I MEANT in the Caribbean. I didn't think I had to be specific since the trip is in December. |
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Posted: 10/24/2004 8:38:56 PM EDT
[#12]
In between Rome and Florence is Cinque Terre. The most beautiful place on Earth. Italian Riviera. If you don't go, you are a fool.... images.google.com/images?q=cinque+terre&hl=en&btnG=Google+Search Please. Trust me. Research this. |
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Posted: 10/24/2004 8:48:34 PM EDT
[#13]
Been a couple of times, December isn't the best time of year to go. Bring a jacket and umbrella's!
I would suggest going to Rome since there is more to do and see there and than take 1-2 day train trips up to Pisa/Florence and if you like smog and the smell of raw sewege " Venice ". |
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Posted: 10/24/2004 10:04:54 PM EDT
[#14]
Italy was the best place I ever went while I was in the Navy. We moored in Naples , i went to Pompei, monte casino and Rome. Rome was Incredible, between the ruins and Vatican I was overwhelmed. I would love to go back.
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Posted: 10/24/2004 10:05:55 PM EDT
[#15]
Ferrari factory in Maranello.
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Posted: 10/24/2004 10:06:37 PM EDT
[#16]
Went 2 years ago to venice, rome and florence. I would recommend spending the most time in Florence. It is a great city for couples to explore. Venice is quite small, and Rome is kinda big and dirty. Florence is a good size. Southern coast along the Riviera is also very nice
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Posted: 10/25/2004 8:16:43 AM EDT
[#17]
Italy is a nice country for a honeymoon. Very beautiful, good food, lots of history, and the people are nice too. A friend of mine vacations there 1-2 times a year and he seems to like the Amalfi Coast (near Naples). Pompei is also supposed to be great. Your new wife will have big bragging rights with her friends if you do Italy. Many people there speak English but you might want to pick up a little bit of Italian before you go.
For a general sort of guidebook I like "Lonely Planet". There might be some good web travel sites too. GunLvr |
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Posted: 10/25/2004 9:51:58 AM EDT
[#18]
We went last spring, a very good time, I really loved Rome. We were there for 6 days. Feel free to IM me with any questions you might have, I would be glad to pass on some good information to you.
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Posted: 10/25/2004 10:12:46 AM EDT
[#19]
Rome is a must see, particularly the Vatican. St. Paul's is asesome - make sure to go up into the dome.
We also enjoyed the Amalfi coast, including Pompeii. The Italian part of Switzerland is nice. |
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Posted: 10/25/2004 10:12:58 AM EDT
[#20]
Something no one has said yet is that Italy during the winter is and can be pretty nasty, cold
and rainy. +1 for Jamaica or something similar. If you want some sun and warmth. 
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Posted: 10/25/2004 7:56:06 PM EDT
[#21]
Even if you usually consent to see one church/cathedral in each country you visit...you ain't seen nothin baby, until you've seen the Vatican. Simply awesome. Take a guided tour in english, it's worth it. If you eat pizza, look for a brick oven in the restaurant, because nobody makes it fresh like the real thing done in a brick oven AND you will never, ever, have a worse pizza than a frozen Italian one if they aren't made on site. When you get to Venice, do not take a gondola during the day. Your wife will call you an idiot the rest of your life. But do take a motoscaffi (?) skiff/taxi around the outside of Venice; it's an interesting little cruise and gives a sense of scale that's hard to get otherwise. Then gondola at night. In Florence, make reservations at "Il Latini" restaurant, for the food, the service, the atmosphere, and the attention the owner gives you. BTW...do not fail to pass on the fact that you are newlyweds. The Italians eat that stuff up. I wasn't as impressed with Pompei as some here are, but if you go, pick up the little guidebook that has clear plastic overlays of the buildings and scenes you will see; it shows what you see now AND what it looked like when first built. great souvenir. If you go to Capri, go all the way to the town of Capri at the very top. I enjoyed a cold Peroni with my kid down at the harbor, but the wife said I missed seeing the chi chi sights in Capri proper. The Blue Grotto may be on my top 5 list of tourist rip-offs (and I live in Florida!) And last ... if you can visit the village of Positano, you will remember it the rest of your life. Hope you both enjoy :) Stay safe
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Posted: 10/25/2004 9:12:29 PM EDT
[#22]
Rome, Venice, Tuscany.
Venice and Tuscany are romantic. It's your honeymoon. You're only going to get one shot at this. |
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Posted: 10/27/2004 7:42:34 AM EDT
[#23]
Thanks guys. AR15.com never fails to be a fountain of knowledge. I've been busy, but I'll probably IM some of you over the next couple days if you don't mind.
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Posted: 10/27/2004 7:44:29 AM EDT
[#24]
My wife talks about going to Italy all the time. It drives me nuts. I have had thoughts of buying her a one way ticket.
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Posted: 10/27/2004 7:48:30 AM EDT
[#25]
One of the most interesting places ive ever seen. I was 15 when i was there 23 now, when i close my eyes i can still see it. i was all over Rome and Sicily(sp?) you will have a real good time |
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Posted: 10/27/2004 7:50:17 AM EDT
[#26]
I was stationed in Naples for a couple of years - a lot of people avoid the south (a lot of people avoid the south in this country too) - because of the random crime.
Know this: If you sleep with your mouth open, someone will try and steal the fillings out of your head. Don't wear any jewelry, don't leave anything in the car, don't lock the car (thieves consider this rude), and don't allow anything of value to leave your firm grasp at any time. Other than that - Pompei is a must see. Always ask for a bottle of the house vino when at dinner - and always compliment it. Always keep your wallet and passport in your front pocket. Always throw your elbow back and to the left at nose level if someone sneaks up to your right side and starts talking to you (vice versa if they come up on your left). And always go with the Heineken over the Peroni. Oh and one more thing: most of the hookers (Riccioni) are packing sausages. |
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Posted: 10/27/2004 7:50:30 AM EDT
[#27]
Hotel Bernini ( i think i spelled it right, he's a famous sculptor) its pricey, but it over looks a beautiful fountain, and is quite romantic...or so Ive heard as Ive never been there....pics were nice though
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Posted: 10/27/2004 7:52:26 AM EDT
[#28]
Don't forget to thank some of them for their help in the WOT.
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Posted: 10/27/2004 7:53:04 AM EDT
[#29]
Cinque Terre IS one fo themot beautiful places on earth. I went there last year and had an absolutely wonderful time! Also check out Capri and Sorrento, both of which can offer you a great starting point to get to Pompeii. Rome is a wonderful city, and Florence has the Ufitz, which has an absolutely amazing collection of art. If you are interested in art and the renaissance, then the Ufitz is a must as it gives, in my opinion, the best presentation of what was so striking about the renaissance, showing pieces from the 12th century up to the 17th. Venice is magical, although it is not necessary to spend a good deal of time there, no more than perhaps a day or two. You can easily walk it in a day, and make sure to take a slow gondola around the canals. Have a wonderful trip, and I strongly suggest picking up Rick Steves Travel book on Italy. He is fun, irreverant, and actually travels to the places he writes about every year, so it is pretty up to date. He finds all the cool non-touristy stuff to do. Have fun |
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Posted: 10/27/2004 8:16:04 AM EDT
[#30]
And the Ghey post of the day award goes to... |
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Posted: 10/27/2004 8:19:07 AM EDT
[#31]
HAHAHA Perfect Dolomite. I did'nt read into that post. Now that I read it that is flippin ghey.
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Posted: 10/27/2004 8:20:39 AM EDT
[#32]
Well, Cincinnatus instigated it in all honesty. (Always wondered about that guy)
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Posted: 10/27/2004 10:01:18 AM EDT
[#33]
Consider a few days in Capri. As an island off of the mainland, its a little like the Carribean. Granted December is not the warmest month, but its still temperate. IM me if you'd like more details.
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Posted: 10/27/2004 10:09:09 AM EDT
[#34]
Damn, how in gods name can you compare a beach resort and Italy. Europe has soo much history, art, architecture, culture!!! You can booze it up and lay out anytime, Italy is something to behold. I would reccomend Florence, Rome, Pompeii, Venice at the very minimum. The only problem you have is you can spend a week alone in anyone of the cities I mentioned. A nice town by the water near Rome, where I've stayed before, is called Lido di Ostia. Beautiful place. We have a house in Bari, so I've spent my time there. Enjoy, I'm JEALOUS!!!! I'll be there in Jan. |
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Posted: 10/27/2004 10:19:47 AM EDT
[#35]
Ferrari factory in Maranello.
the factory is in modena. the test track is located at maranello. i spent 3 days in rome and still did not get to see al that i had on my agenda. it's a pretty nice place, as large cities go. |
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Posted: 10/27/2004 10:57:02 AM EDT
[#36]
I have to admit, I'm a very simple man with very simple tastes. I'd prefer a beer to a $20+ glass of wine any day. I'd rather have a burger than $100+ gourmet meal and my idea of the ultimate meal is a nice big slab of dead cow with a potato side dish. I'm also pretty laid back and operate on a slower pace than some folks. I'd rather lay on a beach or spend time in the mountains than visit historical joints. BUT, since I'm going, I'll try my best to have a great time and get the most out of the experience. Actually, my IDEAL honeymoon would have been a week long carbine class at Gunsite or Blackwater. Nothing is more romantic than sending 1000 rounds downrange. |
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Posted: 10/27/2004 11:01:18 AM EDT
[#37]
In that case, refrain from using a spoon and fork to twirl your spaghetti into a fist sized mouthfull - and skip all the Chef Boy-ar-dee jokes
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Posted: 10/31/2004 8:50:34 PM EDT
[#38]
Ok, an update. Given the time contraints and the budgetary concerns this is the schedule: Fly to Florence, spend 3 nights, train to Rome, spend 3 nights then back home.
Plane tickets are bought so this is set, but the rest is up in the air. So, with that in mind, what spots are a must see? If there are any nice places close to Rome or Florence, I wouldn't mind a drive, but with only 3 days in each city, I'm sure I'll be missing a lot of good stuff. Any particular hotels that you really liked? Which ones to avoid? Also good restaurants. We've been reading the books and speaking with friend who have been there, but any suggestions would be great. I'm sure each person has had a different experience and I'm sure everyone has their favorite spots. Unfortunately we are limited by our schedule, but maybe in the future we can go back and hit a couple more cities. |
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Posted: 10/31/2004 8:53:44 PM EDT
[#39]
In denial about the whole wedding thing? I hope you mean that it isn't going your way, because if you are upset about GETTING married, you MAY (SEE ALSO: WILL DEFINITELY) have BIG problems down the road. |
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Posted: 10/31/2004 8:56:18 PM EDT
[#40]
With 3 days in Rome I think you'll want to spend it all there. If I'd had more time when I was there, I would probably have spent an entire day that the vatican (the basilica, going up in the dome, the vatican museum, etc). One thing I've found to be useful is to take a bus tour (with some local tour company) on the first day - that way you get an overview of the city, and a rough idea of where things are (and distances) and can decide what to spend more time on for the rest of that day and subsequent days. If the weather is nice, jsut walking around Rome, past places like the Trevi fountain, the Spanish steps, old churches, ruins, the Forum etc is a great way to spend an entire day. If I had more time in rome, I'd definitely also have gone to the catacombs (those may be a short trip outside the city - I haven't been since I was a little kid, so I could be wrong). But I remember those being pretty cool and interesting. |
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Posted: 10/31/2004 8:58:40 PM EDT
[#41]
It was just a joke. Sorry I forgot the:
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Posted: 10/31/2004 9:00:27 PM EDT
[#42]
I think we're definitely going to try to get to the catacombs. It sounds very interesting and right up my alley. |
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Posted: 10/31/2004 9:03:04 PM EDT
[#43]
Just don't accidentally get locked in there after hours and have to spend the entire night in the catacombs with the lights out Happened to my grandparents! Talk about a Halloween story. 
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Posted: 10/31/2004 9:05:26 PM EDT
[#44]
How many did it take till you determined that it was most?
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Posted: 10/31/2004 9:11:09 PM EDT
[#45]
I've never been to Rome but I spent three days in Florence. It is a cool city but way expensive. Make sure to buy her a piece of jewelry on the Ponte Vecchio. It will pay for itself many times over, trust me.
You must see David in the University museum and of course go to the Uffizi(sp?). Hit these up right before lunch time or you could be waiting in line for an hour or two. Both time at lunch we just walked right in. Walk the river. When we went there happened to be a festival going on with a fireworks show at night and art work floating down the river. Very romantic. There is a palace and gardens on the other side of the river that was cool. Of couse go to the duomo. It's fun to people watch too. Basically half of what you see are young Italian men on scooters smoking and talking on their cell phones. Have fun. |
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Posted: 11/1/2004 12:41:30 AM EDT
[#46]
ghey? tjmz is a woman. |
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Posted: 11/1/2004 5:53:49 AM EDT
[#47]
Well, that explains that! |
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Posted: 11/1/2004 6:18:41 AM EDT
[#48]
Well, first thing anywere in Northern Italy is damn cold in December! Brrrrrrrrrrr!
Were to go? Okie dokie… I dropped my son off on his romantic trip with his beloved a couple of years ago in Italy… I was going anyway and he won't drive in Italy! Were to stay? I like Lake Garda; very classy area. Salo or Riva have good hotels. In December you can go sking in the hills around the lake, look up Monte Baldo, near Malcesine. Just up the road is the MUST DO for a Honeymoon! VERONA! Romeo and Juliets place… lovely city and easily reached by train from Lake Garda. Next stop was Venice… truly gorgeous place! It's an easy day trip by train from Garda to, and now the canals have been dredged it don't smell. Visit St Marks and the Doges Palace and don't forget you Blini at Harrys Bar. For a trip don't go with the expensive private hire motor boats and gondolas, get a Giorno 'Day ticket' for the Vaporettos, the local water buses, I took the wife for a trip along the Grand Canal at night and she still talks about it. When your there visit Murano for the glassworks and Burano for the lace and the Rialto for the shopping. A trip across to the Lido, 'Talented Mr Riply' is nice, the hotels are nice to if you can stretch to them. I didn't find Venice very expensive as long as you eat away from St Marks Square. Andy |
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Posted: 11/1/2004 7:50:24 AM EDT
[#49]
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Posted: 11/1/2004 7:57:51 AM EDT
[#50]
St Peter's basilica
Colloseum Those are probably the absolute must sees of Rome. If you've got time take a little side trip to see the Leaning Tower. |
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