So you’re getting married and you’ve always dreamt of spending that dream honeymoon in Italy? After more than 10 years of traveling back and forth to Italy, and after having seen some of the most romantic destinations in Italy in almost all seasons, it is safe to say I can help you put together the ultimate Italy honeymoon itinerary.
I will do my best to make this an easy-to-follow guide, split by days, including a map, and also travel tips you will find helpful while traveling throughout Italy.
So, without further ado, here is a great honeymoon in Italy itinerary option for you to consider.
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How To Plan The Perfect Italy Honeymoon – Italy travel tips
When it comes to traveling through Italy, there are some useful tools I always keep close, together with some things anyone should know:
Renting a car for your Italy honeymoon
Should you rent a car in Italy or can you make it by public transportation?
The answer to that question depends a lot on your preferences, your travel style, but also the destinations you choose to visit.
While Northern Italy can be easily explored by train or bus, there are still some smaller villages outside of the beaten path that can be much easily reached by car. Southern Italy, on the other hand, doesn’t have so many connections, and when you want to have an efficient vacation I would strongly suggest renting a car.
There are so many myths about driving in Italy, but if I could drive on the Amalfi Coast and in Puglia, so can you.
Here are a few tips and things to have in mind when driving in Italy:
- you can drive with any EU-issued license, and if you are coming from the US you will need to obtain an International Driving Permit before you leave home.
- expect a manual car – especially when you want to rent a car on a budget, you should expect a manual car.
- have your parking skills challenged – parking in Italy is an experience in itself, especially in places like Rome, Naples, or even Milan. Italians park their cars very close to each other, and sometimes cars even touch each other!
- choose a small car – the smaller the better, especially when you will want to explore hidden countryside villages. Roads are narrow and paved with cobblestone.
- ZTL – especially in Northern Italy, make sure to be aware of the “Zona Traffico Limitato” – Limited Traffic Areas. Basically, these are areas where you cannot go with a car in a certain timeframe, and if you do, you will get fined.
- don’t leave your valuables inside the car, and make sure to always book insurance.
If you have decided that renting a car is the way forward at least for a part of your itinerary, my go-to destination for the best prices is DiscoverCars.
It is a great aggregator that will help you find and book the best option for renting a car during your trip, helping you save up to 70% on your car rental. They have a pretty good cancellation policy that would give you options in case your flight or travel plans change.
Traveling by train in Italy
During my time spent in Italy for my studies, but also when I was there for work or as a tourist, I would take the train a lot. That’s mostly because I was in Northern Italy, where train connections are great between larger towns, and not only.
Here are a few things worth knowing when you choose to travel by train in Italy:
- make sure to validate the ticket for the regional trains before you get on.
- it sometimes can be faster than going by car, especially when you choose to travel by high-speed train.
- make sure to know the name of the train station you leave from and want to get to – most towns, especially the big ones, have more than 1 train station, and they aren’t so close to one another.
- during my stay there, there were plenty of strikes that would interfere with the normal schedule of trains. However, there are less frequent and it never happened to be affected by one while traveling as a tourist.
Book your tickets in advance, especially for fast trains, since prices tend to increase the closer you get to the date of your trip.
To do that, you have 2 options:
- Bookaway is an aggregator that will show you all the options for train tickets and buses, allowing you to book at the right price. Book your ticket here!
- RailEurope is good for booking rail passes at great prices. You only book once and forget about that for the whole trip. Book your pass here!
Is Italy good as a honeymoon destination?
As one of the most romantic destinations in the world, Italy is perfect for a normal vacation, or an unforgettable honeymoon.
With so much on display, there’s literally something for any type of traveler out there: from beautiful cities, romantic getaways, day trips in the aesthetic countryside, breathtaking mountains, art galleries, history-packed towns, delicious food, and less popular towns.
Add all the stunning luxury hotels set in ancient villas tucked away between the Tuscan hills, or overlooking the blue sea on the Italian Riviera, and you’ll have the recipe for the perfect honeymoon.
Is Italy expensive to visit Italy?
The answer to that question depends a lot on the way you choose to plan your vacation, and how much time you spend there.
Italy can be for any type of budget, without having to sacrifice a lot.
Getting around is easy and affordable no matter if you choose to rent a car or travel by train or bus. Mix hotels with apartments or privately owned houses, and you won’t have to break the bank.
What part of Italy is the most romantic?
I couldn’t possibly choose one part of Italy as the most romantic: Venice with its narrow canals and gondolas, the Tuscan countryside with the vineyards, Florence as the capital of art, Rome and the Vatican City, the picturesque Lake Como, unforgettable Amalfi Coast, and Ravello, and all the hidden gems in Puglia.
When To Honeymoon In Italy?
The perfect time for a honeymoon in Italy, no matter the destination, would be anytime during spring or fall.
I never suggest visiting Italy in the peak season (especially during July and August) because that’s when all destinations are packed with tourists, prices skyrocket, and the temperatures are not so pleasant for sightseeing.
Spring and fall come with affordable prices, breathable weather, and destinations without the crowds.
Winter in Italy is not a bad idea either, especially when you choose to explore some of the stunning destinations below Rome.
What to Pack for Your Honeymoon in Italy
Depending on the season you choose for visiting Italy, and also the means of transportation, you should aim to pack light. Even if you will be spending 10 days or more exploring Italy, you can easily plan for a light packing list.
When you travel during early spring or late fall, bring clothing that can be used as layers, in the morning or evening.
Don’t forget to pack a fancy dress (a silk dress is so easy to carry and so stylish), a hat (the perfect photo prop and useful on hot days), some comfortable shoes you can walk a lot in (I don’t suggest you bring high heels, the streets in Italy are not made for those), a maxi dress, some statement shades, and a cashmere sweater for the evenings.
I always bring sunscreen and insect repellent, and you should too, especially when you are planning to spend time in nature.
10 Day Honeymoon Itinerary – classic itinerary
Day 1 – 3 Milan and the Lake Como
The easiest place to land, no matter where you are traveling from, is at one of the Milan Airports. A huge international hub, perfectly linked by train or bus to the train station, I think Milan is the perfect start for your Italy honeymoon itinerary.
What to do and see
Many might not agree, but my humble opinion is that you don’t have much to do and see in Milan, apart from the Duomo di Milano.
Sure, Milan is an iconic Italian city, and the fashion capital, but there are many more romantic places only a short trip away.
My suggestion is to book a stay at one of the romantic hotels in the Lake District. Choose popular destinations at Lake Como, stay in a romantic Italian villa in Belaggio, Varena, or head for Lake Lugano, or Lake Maggiore.
Spend your days moving from one idyllic villa to the other, sail along the lakes, and admire the unforgettable landscape. Stroll through the lush gardens at Villa del Balbianello, a 16th-century masterpiece, let yourself be seduced by the Botanical Garden at Hotel Villa Cipressi, set on different levels overlooking the water, or go hiking on one of the many trails dating from Roman times.
Recommended tours and activities worth booking for your stop at Lake Como:
- Go on a wooden-boat private tour and enjoy one of Italy’s most romantic destinations with an aperitif – see more here!
- Experience a wine tour and taste fine wine paired with local delicacies while admiring the breathtaking view of Lake Como – see more here!
- An experience for foodies: go on a walking tour of Como and taste some of the best local dishes – see more here!
- Go all the way for your Italian honeymoon and book a scenic luxury helicopter tour – see more here!
- Or simply sail at sunset, sip Prosecco, and enjoy some delicious food, in the middle of the lake – see more here!
Where to stay for your epic honeymoon in Italy
Since you’re spending a special vacation in Italy, here are some amazingly unique hotels you’ll want to book right away:
- Hotel Belvedere in Bellagio – a beautiful hotel hosted in an old villa, set in the perfect location, offering an infinity pool, and a SPA. See more here!
- Bike&Active Hotel Il Perlo Panorama in Bellagio – rooms with breathtaking views, and a stunning terrace from where you can enjoy your breakfast or a glass of wine at sunset. The hotel provides a shuttle bus from the ferry. See more here!
- B&B Villa Costanza in Blevio – an old villa with an infinity pool and a dreamy balcony overlooking the lake. See more here!
Day 3 – 5 Tuscany – Florence, and the countryside
Getting from Lake Como to Tuscany isn’t difficult, no matter if you travel by car or train.
Set your home base in Florence, or choose one of the smaller pretty towns tucked away in the Italian countryside.
What to do and see
Let yourself be seduced by the hilltop medieval towns, go wine tasting in San Gimignano, see David in Florence, climb to the top of the Florence Duomo, shop for souvenirs on the Ponte Vecchio, drive through some of the most picturesque landscapes, and spend hours learning about the Renaissance at the Ufizzi Galleries in Florence.
Other romantic experiences to have in Tuscany:
- Go on a hot air balloon flight over the rolling hills and above vineyards – see more here!
- Admire lush vineyards, olive groves, and stunning views, on a horseback ride in Tuscany – see more here!
- Ride a colorful Vespa and discover some lesser-known places around Chianti – See more here!
- Visit 2 vineyards in Chianti and taste 10 types of local wines on a day trip from Florence – see more here!
Where to stay for your epic honeymoon in Italy
In Florence, or just outside the city, in a small village away from the crowds, or in the heart of one of the most famous Italian towns, here are the perfect honeymoon hotels in Tuscany:
- Il Salviatino in Florence – what dreams are made of! Set in a Renaissance villa, with stunning interiors and a picture-perfect garden, this hotel is perfectly set in quiet location minutes away from Florence. See more here!
- Hotel Santa Maria Novella – set within walking distance from the main attractions in Florence, and also from the train station, this hotel has an impressive interior and a stunning rooftop terrace that offers a great view over the city. See more here!
- Castello di Casole – a historic hideaway that offers all the modern wellness facilities you could dream of, in a castle with over 5000 years of history. See more here!
- Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco – the ultimate luxury destination, for an unforgettable honeymoon in Tuscany, set in the Val D’Orcia, where you don’t have to worry about a thing. See more here!
Day 5 – 7 Rome
Rome has so much to offer that spending only 2 days exploring the Ancient city could never be enough, but with only 10 days in Italy, you can at least scratch the surface.
For sure one of the major cities to add to any itinerary, Rome can be both charming and insightful.
What to do and see
I put together a Rome bucket list experiences post that will help you tick off all the major attractions in town and hidden gems. From the Vatican City with the Sistine Chapel, the impressive gardens, the stunning view from St. Peter’s Dome, and its catacombs, to tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain, stepping on the footprints of gladiators at the Colosseum, or enjoying a glass of wine in Piazza Navona, Rome will surely keep you busy while exploring its ancient streets.
Follow the cobblestone streets to Trastevere and enjoy a romantic dinner, or go on a romantic getaway only a short train ride outside of town, at Tivoli.
Book all the best things to do in Rome, in advance, so that you can skip the lines and don’t waste precious time out of the day.
Where to stay for your epic honeymoon in Italy
Choosing the most romantic hotel in Rome can prove to be challenging, with so many great options on display. However, here are my top 3 choices, based on location, facilities, and viewpoints.
- The Vista Rooms & Terrace – with beautifully designed colorful rooms, located just a few steps away from the Pantheon, this hotel has a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy your breakfast with an amazing view. See more here!
- Buonanotte Garibaldi – a hidden oasis in Rome, where you can hide from the crowds and enjoy the old villa and its charming interior garden. See more here!
- Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel – set on a hilltop, surrounded by lush gardens, this luxury 5* hotel is everything you’ve dreamt of for your honeymoon in Italy. See more here!
Day 7 – 10 The Amalfi Coast and Capri Island
There’s simply no place more romantic and more beautiful than the Amalfi Coast!
You can spend here months, weeks, or only a few days, and you will still want to come back. I’ve included the Italian Riviera as the last stop on your Italy honeymoon itinerary because I always like to save the best for last.
Check out my comprehensive guide for a honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast and plan your trip accordingly!
Check out also these beautiful places where to stay in Positano, on the Amalfi Coast.
Italy honeymoon itinerary – hidden gems to add to your itinerary
Venice
Sure, Venice might not be such a hidden gem and is one of the most popular Italian destinations. However, I haven’t included it in my original itinerary, and you can consider adding it when you have extra time.
Don’t skip the iconic private gondola ride, take the water taxi and head to the colorful island of Burano, sip a Bellini at the famous Harry’s Bar, cross the Ponte Dei Sospiri, and visit the Dodge’s Palace.
Plan your trip with this complete 2 days in Venice itinerary!
South Tyrol
The South Tyrol is such a charming place, where you could easily spend your whole honeymoon. Perfect for nature lovers, you can come here during winter for some skiing, extreme sports, and even thermal water SPAs in Cortina D’Ampezzo.
Outside of this season, spend your days hiking through the Dolomites, exploring beautiful castles (such as the Trostburg Castle, Roncolo Castle, Mareccio Castle, or Monteleone Castle), or tasting some of the best wines in the region.
Other stunning natural landscapes that shouldn’t be missed out on are Lake Resia (with the church tower as the only remnant of Old Curon), and Lake Braies with its crystal blue waters.
In the region, you can stay in a castle, or at a luxury SPA hotel:
- Castel Hörtenberg
- Schloss Hotel Korb
- Schloss Paschbach
- Alpenpalace Luxury Hideaway & Spa Retreat
- Relais & Chateaux Hotel Castel Fragsburg
- Miramonti Boutique Hotel
Verona and Lake Garda
Directly linked to the tragic love affair in Shakespeare’s play, Verona offers so much more than Juliette’s balcony, and can easily make it on anyone’s Italy bucket list.
The red-brick Gothic castle in the center of the town, the Arena di Verona where plenty of music shows take place, Piazza Bra with countless restaurants and shops, Via Giuseppe Mazzini where you can find the high-end stores, are only a few of the things worth doing in Verona.
From there, it is easy to go on a day trip to Garda Lake and spend an afternoon on a boat cruise from Sirmione.
Bologna
Famous for its vibrant food scene, tall towers, and countless arches part of the UNESCO World Heritage, Bologna is a destination any foodie will love.
The city can be extremely fun since it’s an important university hub but it is also a place packed with history.
Spend one perfect day in Bologna with this easy-to-follow itinerary.
Puglia
One of my absolute favorite places in Italy, Puglia is becoming a hot spot with every year that goes by and attracts so many more tourists than it used to.
So, if you still want to take advantage of the empty streets, medieval towns with stone houses, delicious food and wine, and unique hotels, this is the team to head for Italy’s heel.
Alberobello with its trulli houses, Ostuni – the white town set on the top of a hill, Martina Franca with the narrow cobbler stone streets and the colorful doors, or Polignano a Mare with the grotto restaurant – a place that should be on anyone’s bucket list.
Plan for the perfect Puglia itinerary with my comprehensive guide!
Not to miss activities for your Italy honeymoon
Take a cooking class and go on a lemon tour on the Amalfi Coast
Charter a boat along the coast for sunset in Positano
Go wine tasting in the Tuscan countryside
Zip through the countryside on a Vespa
Have dinner in a cave (in Polignano a Mare)
Wander the Via dell’Amore on the Cinque Terre
Other Italy Travel Resources
- Choose the best Italy subscription box idea for when you don’t travel
- Read the best books about Italy, with the action taking place in Italy
- Make the best traditional Italian gifts for Italy lovers
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