We will be in Florence in the middle of May on our Europe trip, which is partly to celebrate our 5th anniversary. Can you recommend some memorable, romantic options for the special day? We're open to all sorts of ideas. Unfortunately we can't go nuts $ wise, but for that day we are willing to spend more than our bare-bones daily budget. One thing though - I think we will probably go to the theater or orchestra in Vienna, and we can probably only afford one of those per trip. Thanks for your ideas!
Posted by
Oklahoma City, OK, USA
430 posts
Corey -- You rock.
My wife and I did a trip to Italy-Switzerland many years ago... and were in the Cinque Terre for OUR 5th Wedding Anniversary!
We were in Florence a couple of days later. We only had 2 'upscale restaurant' meals in Florence. Both were excellent, but I can only remember the name of one restaurant, the Tavern Bronzino. Service was exceptional. We ate on the patio, which was very nice.
The first poster is right -- the entire city is romantic...
A cheap thing to buy as a romantic keep-sake is leather or silk (down boy... not that kind of leather...). I'm wearing a belt now that we bought on that trip for about 8 Euro, and wore a tie a few days ago that we bought for about 7 Euro. Go shopping for a tie and scarf together -- then wear them on your anniversary next year -- can't get much more romantic than that.
And... in Vienna... I'd recommend the opera over the orchesta, opting for the cheap 1,50 Euro standing-room only ticket -- -- it is perfectly permissible for you to take any available seat you see after the intermission -- that will protect your budget and still infuse some culture. A second recommendation would be that if an opera doesn't interest you (or you don't like the one playing), go to a pipe organ concert in St. Stephen's Cathedral. I love the Vienna Philharmonic, but that isn't very unique to Vienna -- great Opera, and a gargantuan pipe organ, are.
Posted by
Piedmont, nc, usa
316 posts
Go to Fiesole (by bus) just at sunset. Climb up the hill and view the sunset. Absolutely beautiful. As the lights come on in Florence, you'll see the Ponte Vecchio reflected in the Arno. If it's open, have dinner at the Ristorante La Reggia which is right across from the best view. It's not quite as good and maybe a little more expensive than Ristorante Perseus at the foot of the hill but the view is incredible. Afterward, have a coffee in the pub at the bus stop or take the bus back to Florence for a gelato and a walk. If you haven't been to Florence before, the city itself is romantic. Maybe get your significant other to buy you a little something in one of the Ponte Vecchio jewelry shops....
Posted by
In the Mountains, USA
689 posts
I have my 10th anniversary "I'd marry you all over again" ring... and my 20th anniversary "I'd marry you all over again" ring - both from the Ponte Vecchio.... It may sound strange - but it was very romantic wandering Florence looking for those perfect rings. But do take the time to learn about the gold - so you make wise choices.
Then to add to that, spend the evening after dinner in the Piazza Republica - the street performers are amazing. The lights... The music... The scents in the air... doesn't get much better...