14 Day Italy Honeymoon Trip Itinerary end of July :-)

Looks good to me! We are following your same path from Florence to Rome with a stop in the Amalfi Coast. Last time we went to Florence we also wanted to visit Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa, so we booked the Best of Tuscany all day tour (like 12 hours) with the tour company Walk About Florence, they provided a large air conditioned bus that took us to all three places and stopped at an Organic farm where we had lunch, it was a pretty awesome day. I know many will say you can do it yourself, and most of our trips we do, but once every few days on the trip we just want to let someone else do the planning and we just show up. After listening to some RS podcast we decided to use a private car service to get from Naples to Sorrento as the train has been described as not that safe. I know some will say no big deal, but there will be 4 of us with luggage and we just don't want to deal with something that might be sketch. We are also using a private car service to get around Amalfi on one day, and taking the train from Sorrento to Pompeii on another day.

Buy your train tickets at least 30 days in advance to get the best price. The Trenetalia website is super easy to use.

Looks good with 2 concerns:
1.) Rome is nothing like NYC, it is really not a modern city at all. You are basically not allowing enough time for Rome sites to be seen. if you are ok missing those and she has already been I guess you can make it work BUT
2.) One of your main objectives of relaxing on the Amalfi Coast is not met, there is no relaxing and really no Amalfi Coast at all in your plan. I see 3 days in nearby Sorrento which all except for 1 you have filled with day trips to other areas which are worth doing but is not meeting your goal at all. Since you are rushing/short changing Rome anyway maybe you should skip it entirely and fly out of Naples giving you 2 more nights for the Amalfi Coast to actually see it and relax there.
If you want to see Pompeii and Capri, you need 5 nights plus for the Amalfi Coast region as a minimum.
This makes the overall plan more relaxing especially at the end and eliminates some travel time.

Your original plan if you really like moving around and seeing different things can work for some that travel that way but I guarantee it will not be relaxing at all and not very honeymoon like ; you will return home and need a vacation from your vacation.

Letizia - Thank you for the feedback! I hear you on the train from Naples to Sorrento, really good to know and I will look into the "Walk About Florence"

mreynolds - Thanks for the insight and the honesty! Its really appreciated. So I hear you on the Rome, Maybe we will add in another day since we really only have 1 full day and the others are travel days. We may have to cut a day somewhere else or ill see if I can add even more days on the trip :-). I know we are trying to pack a lot into this. In terms of Sorrento, I suppose its not truly the Amalfi coast plus with the day trips it may not be that relaxing. Where would you recommend? Revello? Positano? Would you still recommend heading out to Pompeii or Capri if we add another day to Amalfi?

Hi Dan,

I did a 2 week trip with my boyfriend (we are also from NYC), and just like you flew open jaw from JFK to Venice, and then returned from Rome to JFK. This was awesome as we did not have to backtrack!

We did Venice (2 nights)- Florence (3 nights...with 1 day trip arranged from our hotel to do a day in Chianti)- Cinque Terre (2 nights)- Amalfi Coast (4 nights)..we based in Positano which I would highly recommend, and then a day on Capri and a day up the Coast as well on boat tours- then Rome (3 nights). It was the perfect mix of everything and I have pages of notes and tips, and also the best hotel to stay at in Florence(!) and if you choose Positano as your base a great place to stay there. None of it broke the bank. PM me for anything.

Thanks Kapri I will hit you up on PM!

I will post a new itinerary soon, thinking drop a day in Florence, home base in Positano instead of Sorrento. Add in one more day to Amalfi and add on one more day to the trip to add an extra night in Rome

Dan, I think the heat and in some places the crowds are going to slow you down or you will just want to relax a little more / have a nice meal here and there / sleep in since it is your honeymoon, etc...
Keep in mind everything in Italy moves at a slower pace so things can take more time, the further you go south, the more this is true.
Make sure to bring with you both an empty nice waterbottle, there are places in each city you can fill with fresh water for free and you will want to stay hydrated.

Of everywhere in Italy for a Honeymoon, I cannot think of a better place than Positano but that is a very personal opinion.
Sorrento has advantages logistically though, especially for doing day trips so not really a change I would want you to make without adding or changing some of the days.
Positano being so small could really be a zoo in August though, you have the foreign tourists but then added to that in August are all of the Italians that live in the cities like Rome that escape for vacation to the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento being much larger could better handle the crowds I would think.
They both have great views, Sorrento feels a little more like a big resort town and has more to do, Positano a small village that unfortunately retains little of it's village heritage due to tourism influx but still has a charm and romanticism about the town and it's extremely unique stairs in place of roads. I think it leaves a less positive impression on those that only see it as a day trip destination due to the crowds.
Of your 2 day trips for this region, both are excellent so it is hard to cut either. Of the 2 I think Capri is more of a must see if you are in the area and on honeymoon but Pompeii you may regret not going there. Pushed to make your plans work better I would skip Pompeii ; stay in Positano and do the day trip to Capri via the ferry from Positano to Capri. It will also be HOT in August and at Pompeii you will be very sun exposed so for me cutting it in August is easier than another time of year. Capri even on a hot day will have breeze I imagine, the chair lift to Ana Capri while there is a must do.
You should plan a do nothing just go to the beach and explore Positano day, in addition to another day to go further down the coastal road via bus to Priano, Amalfi and Ravello ; this does not even include seeing Sorrento at all which you might want to do on another day.

I think one day trip from Florence is good, no real need to do 2 and for 1 option Siena would be my top choice and a very enjoyable day and may by you a day for Rome. It also cuts Florence a little short, I think you need at least 2 full days for the city of Florence sights themselves ; as you probably realize there is much too see and too little time to see everything you might want in Italy all in 1 trip. There is no harm in leaving something for a return trip ; maybe your 5th anniversary?
You are trying to squeeze in 4 different regions plus day trips into your timeframe.

Your time in Rome partially depends on if you want to see the Vatican / St. Peter's or not. I of course recommend it but not seeing it if your wife has been already and you are ok without including it definitely saves time as it is a little away from anything else and takes the better part of a day to see.
If you really want to see the uniqueness of Rome, stay in the ancient center (near the Pantheon) ; it will feel more like an open air museum to you than a modern city in this area. The August timeframe for Rome can change the city a little as the locals leave town making it feel more touristy and less authentic so I have heard in August than other times of the year.
Ideally I would flip the whole trip and start south and work your way up, Venice feels touristy all of the time so August won't matter there.

Congratulations on your upcoming marriage! Italy is certainly a place for young (I assume) lovers . . . but us older lovers too! Flying into Venice and then out of Rome is an excellent plan. That way you head from North to South with minimum backtracking. Look into Naples as your departure airport - it might work for you (haven't done it so don't take my word for it).

I am in Italy every July and August. Remember the heat and humidity in NYC last summer? That's what you will find. BUT the Italians have a wonderful custom of the RIPOSO every afternoon. Go back to your hotel, take a long nap and miss the really bad heat of the afternoon. Lots of places close up anyway between 1:00 and 4:00. Plan dinner for about 9:00 or 10:00 for a cooler experience.

Any chance you could squeeze an extra day and night in Venice? This is a city where you don't just look at the art and history - you actually step into it. It's busy during the day with cruise ship tourists but early in the morning and after 5:00 the city is such a beautiful place to meander around. Do the touristy things in the morning, take your riposo and then head out for a magical evening. Finish with a vaporetto ride up and down the Grand Canal. Now that's romantic!!!

Florence may be your problem city. It sits in a bowl. The heat and humidity are oppressive. Add to that the thousands of tourists and it may not be where you want to be on this trip. Siena - hilltop and glorious. The train ride from Venice to Florence is about 2 hours. There's a train about every hour. Do that in the afternoon as a way to escape the heat. Add another hour and a half by bus to Siena (don't take the train, it doesn't go close enough to the medieval city). I'd stay in Siena rather than Florence. You'll want to return to Italy many times, you can do Florence then.

I love Sorrento. It's a great home base for your time around the Bay of Naples. Check out the Hotel il Nido (ilnido.com). It's above the city with a spectacular view, great restaurant and free transport to and from the city. I stay there for a week every year. Affordable, comfortable and oh so charming. The bus to the Amalfi Coast stops right in front of the hotel. Sorrento has great shopping (clothes, spices, inlaid wood, ceramics) and wonderful seafood restaurants (especially down by the bay - literally at the edge of the water). Capri as a day trip in summer can be tricky. Get an early boat over and don't wait for the last boat home just in case you can't get on it! It is beautiful . . . and crowded. Pompeii is rough on the feet but oh so nurturing of the mind! Do it, just drink lots of water. There's a ferry service from Sorrento to Positano and Amalfi Town. It stops off of Capri in both directions for everybody to jump off and swim. Talk about fun!

For some reason I too keep thinking of Rome as a big city. That is, until I get there and find that I walk just about everywhere. It's actually more walkable than I find NYC to be. And much more interesting. If you get tired of the middle-ages, just turn left and you'll be in the 21st century. Turn right and you'll be in Imperial Rome. Go another block and you'll be surrounded by 18th century palaces. Don't forget Trastevere, just across the Tiber from Campo de' Fiore. People say that's where the Romans live. I tend to agree. I'm in Rome for at least 2 weeks and after 13 years I'm surprised how not bored I ever get.

Enjoy!

After listening to some RS podcast we decided to use a private car
service to get from Naples to Sorrento as the train has been described
as not that safe. I know some will say no big deal, but there will be
4 of us with luggage and we just don't want to deal with something
that might be sketch.

I just want to comment that the train described as "not that safe" is the Circumvesuviana, and many, many of us have taken it without incident. It is bare bones, doesn't have air con, and can be very crowded so it's lacking some nice creature comforts found on some other Italian trains. But for those of us unwilling or unable to pay private-driver fees, it has worked just fine.

That said, another train introduced within the past two years more specifically aids tourists shuttling between Naples, Ercolano, Pompeii and Sorrento. The Campania Express operates seasonally between mid-March and mid-October, and costs a little more than the regular Circumvesuviana commuter but with fewer stops and more comfort. The 2017 schedule is not out yet but this was the 2016 info:

http://www.napoliunplugged.com/campania-express-tourist-train-to-herculaneum-pompeii-and-sorrento

Kathy- Thank you for the information about The Campania Express, I will look into it as this seems like a great solution. For this short ride we don't need a fancy train, I am just more worried about safety and I know many have taken the Circumvesuviana just fine with no problems, just my own comfort level. With 4 of us the private car will not be that expensive and there are lots of different reliable companies offering this transfer.

With 4 of us the private car will not be that expensive and there are
lots of different reliable companies offering this transfer.

Yes, it's a little different situation with 4 people to absorb the price! If you intend to day- trip to Pompeii, the Express may still be a useful option of transport, though. :O)

Kathy- we actually are doing a day trip to Pompeii and this train looks perfect for that trip! OP- sorry to hijack, now back to you...

Thanks for the additional response mreynolds and the details! Seems like we may try to do a night or two in Capri then a few days in Positano. Doesn't sound like we can get away from the heat! I hear you on the day trip from florence, we will do one and it will probably be Siena

Thanks for the insight Robert, I could get used to Riposo haha. Seems like we have to decide whether we want to home base in Sorrento or Positano. Based on your insight and other posters, seems like we may spend a night or two at Capri instead of just a day trip

Thanks for the info about The Campania Express Kathy

Based on your insight and other posters, seems like we may spend a
night or two at Capri instead of just a day trip.

A wise decision. As with other tourist magnets which are overrun with day-trippers, being able to experience the island in the early mornings and evenings - before they land in and after they depart - will give you a different perspective. Same with exploring some corners which fewer than more of them go to. We stayed two nights and had a great time; got up to Anacarpi on an early bus, watched the kids skip off to school, and people drop by with fresh flowers for loved ones in the pretty little cemetery on their way to work. Shopkeepers called greetings to one another as they unlocked doors or set out their wares for that day's visitors, and a few elderly citizens tottered slowly through their morning strolls. By midday, the piazza and shopping streets were too crowded for comfort and so we moved on.

If you make the puff up to Villa Jovis from Capri town (highly recommended) you'll weave through narrow lanes hemmed by tall garden walls punctuated with entry gates, a few tiny shrines here and there, and overhung with flowering foliage. Not far from the ruins is a small bar/cafe - I believe it's called Bar Jovis, and seem to recall that its hours are the same as V.J.s - with an tremendous view that's a great place to reward your efforts with an adult beverage!

Hi Dan,

Congratulation! Now that’s the way you do a honeymoon.

My wife and I are returning to Venice for our 20th anniversary in early July and taking our daughters with us.

Here are my two cents.

July and August is the height of vacation season for Europe and I find that most European are more relaxed about time schedules when they are on vacation. Take your time, go at a slightly slower pace than what is normal for both of you. Second and third honeymoons are as wonderful as the first, so If you don’t get to everything, just remember you can return.

Now, I can’t comment on most of your itinerary, but for Venice I suggest a minimum of 2-3 whole days. It will take one whole day to learn to navigate, without being redirected by all of large guided tours. As you have only one whole day scheduled, I suggest limiting your sightseeing the top 2-3 sites you want to see. Go early in the morning or early evening. Leave the late evening for eating at a nice open air restaurant. As the others, have suggested try to stay out of the sun between 1-4 pm leave that time for resting. If you do decide to tour at thus hours I suggest waring a strong sun block, a hat that covers the back of your neck (from experience) and a Water Camel with a mist sprayer. The Water Camel is suggested for outdoor activities only. We don’t want it leaking on a priceless rug.

San Marco district is probably the most visited area in Venice. I found it to the most crowded and most expensive. Great for sightseeing at night and for a romantic Gondola ride.

Castello district is east of San Marco and I found to be less crowded the sightseeing more pleasurable.
It has beautiful public parks and gardens. Check out the small neighborhood churches. My wife and I would found ourselves alone and surrounded by master pieces that we could have reached out and touched.

Dorsoduro district is across the Grand Canal from San Marco. I find to be less touristy, more laid-back and found bottled water less expensive.

I have not explored the other districts of Venice, but hope to this summer.

God, bless you and your Fiancé.

Hi All,

First off thank you everyone for their responses. I took into consideration everyones tips and recommendations and we extended our trip!

Here is what its looking like:

Day 1 Jul 24th - Leave NYC for Venice at night

Day 2 - Arrive in Venice in Morning (Venice)

Day 3 - Full Day in Venice (Venice)

Day 4 - Leave Venice in Morning for Florence (Florence)

Day 5 - Tour Tuscany (Florence)

Day 6 - Full day in Florence (Florence)

Day 7 - Train from Florence to Naples- Naples to Sorrento (Sorrento)

Day 8 - Full Day in Sorrento (Sorrento)

Day 9 - Full Day Sorrento - Tour to Pompeii (Sorrento)

Day 10 - Leave Sorrento for Capri (Capri)

Day 11 - Full Day Capri (Capri)

Day 12 - Leave Capri then head to Ravello (Ravello)

Day 13 - Full Day Ravello (Ravello)

Day 14 - Leave Ravello for Rome (Rome)

Day 15 - Tour to Vatican City (Rome)

Day 16 - Full Day Rome (Rome)

Day 17 Aug 9th - Leave Rome for NYC

I would love to hear any transportation suggestions, any tours people loved in the above areas or some restaurants that we can't miss

Thank you in advance
Dan

It's fabulous that you were able to extend the trip. It's costly and time-consuming to get to Europe, and there are unending wonderful things to see there, so it's always best to stretch the trip out as much as you can.

If you wish to see the Vatican Museums, you really should spring for one of the early-morning tours that gets you in before the museums open to the general public. Many people like Walks of Italy's "Pristine Sistine" tour, but it is rather pricey--over 100 euros, I think. Someone else here mentioned Dark Rome's early tour, which is less expensive. Poke around on the Internet; there may be other options. Of course you should check out reviews on TripAdvisor or elsewhere, but the main thing is to get in there before it's so crowded that you can't see anything. (Google for pictures and you'll see what current conditions can be like.)

Other tours/experiences you should check into ahead of time because you probably will be too late if you wait to arrange them until when you arrive in Rome:

• Colosseum underground tour (sells out). Regular entrance to the Colosseum is subject to long lines, I think, if you don't buy tickets in advance.
• Vatican scavi tour (sells out)
• Borghese Gallery (limited capacity; must book a 2-hour time slot and arrive early)
• Domus Aurea (someone recently said this can be toured only on weekends)

And in Venice:
- Secret Itineraries Tour at the Doges Palace

I'm not sure about Florence, but see what your guidebook says about the Accademia and the Uffizi. I think those tickets may need to be bought somewhat ahead of time if only to avoid standing in line.

Since Capri is on your itinerary, see what your guidebook says about the Blue Grotto and proceed with caution.

Choose a lovely hotel in Sorrento and stay put. You will have more time to see more sights without the hassle of changing between 3 different locations. An extra night in Venice and Florence would also slow things down. After all, it's your honeymoon, so more about relaxing and being together than ticking off sights.

Day 1 Jul 24th - Leave NYC for Venice at night
Day 2 - Arrive in Venice (Venice)
Day 3 - Full Day in Venice (Venice)
Day 4 - Full Day in Venice (Venice)
Day 5 - Train from Venice to Florence (Florence)
Day 6 - Full day in Florence (Florence)
Day 7 - Tour Tuscany (Florence)
Day 8 - Train from Florence to Naples, then Naples to Sorrento (Sorrento)
Day 9 - Full Day to Positano (Sorrento)
Day 10 - Full Day to Pompeii & Herculaneum (Sorrento)
Day 11 - Full Day to Capri (Sorrento)
Day 12 - Full Day to Naples (Sorrento)
Day 13 - Full Day to Ravello & Amalfi (Sorrento)
Day 14 - Train from Sorrento to Rome (Rome)
Day 15 - Tour to Vatican City (Rome)
Day 16 - Full Day in Rome (Rome)
Day 17 Aug 9th - Leave Rome for NYC

Venice
St. Marks Cathederal, Doge's Palace, Friar Church, Rialto Bridge, Morning Fish Market near the Rialto, a trip up and down the Grand Canal. Gondola Ride in the day, at night, you don't see the beautiful buildings. Get lost! Skip the Gugenheim Museum, it is filled with Modern Art, which is not why I came to Venice.

Try a chichetti crawl by visiting different places. Each chichetti pub has their specialties, fried, sandwiches, etc. My favorite is Osteria al Portego. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187870-d1034685-Reviews-Osteria_al_Portego-Venice_Veneto.html Their Tiramisu is amazing!

In Rome, go to the Vatican early. Arrive at the Bourghese an hour before your scheduled entry time.