The Perfect Honeymoon: An Italian Journey of Romance

Day 2 - Explore the Off-the-Beaten Corners of Venice & Wine Bar Tour

The main attraction of Venice is simply being in Venice, so be sure to explore with or without a map. Venice is like a jewel box filled with treasures. You’ll find amazing artistic and cultural gems at every turn: hidden artisan workshops, forgotten piazzas, and historic places of worship. In the evening, enjoy a wine tour with an expert wine guide, who also happens to be a professional sommelier. The tour will give you a sneak peak into local life while you learn about traditional Venetian wines. Get a glimpse into the real Venice as you visit several enoteche (wine bars) off the beaten path in a less-touristy area of Venice. At each wine bar, your sommelier will select a few typical wines for you to sample. Your guide will share the history of Italian wines and its role the Italian culture. Regardless of your level of wine knowledge, this walk is both informative and fun.

Today, make the Basilica of Saint Mark be your first sight on your last full day. The most important church in Venice, the basilica houses relics of Saint Mark, as well as precious booty from Constantinople. The dark, mysterious and glowing space glitters with over 43,000 square feet of golden mosaics featuring biblical scenes. Other must-see sites include the Accademia Galleries, a museum filled with highlights of the Venetian Renaissance and the Doge’s Palace, the former seat of the Venetian government. You could also consider visiting the islands of the Venetian Lagoon. Murano—known for its glassmaking—and Burano—for lacemaking—are particularly interesting.

Take the train to Florence, where you’ll pick up a rental car and enjoy a scenic drive to your lovely romantic hideaway near Siena. You’ll spend three nights at this luxury Tuscan retreat. The historic property has been lovingly restored and offers all the modern comforts. Enjoy the picturesque setting of Tuscany’s gentle rolling hills. From this corner of paradise, you can view Siena’s cathedral and the iconic Tower of Mangia in the distance. The landscape has not changed since the Middle Ages. It is so quiet and peaceful here that you can truly relax and get away from it all!

Today you can visit one of the most scenic regions of Tuscany: the Val D’Orcia wine region. A scenic drive through this part of Tuscany is amongst the most breathtaking in the world, with postcard-like views! In this bucolic setting, gentle rolling hills are lined by cypress trees are dotted with pretty medieval towns. Your excursion to the Val D'Orcia region will focus on winery visits and wine tasting. Here you can sample some of Italy’s most well-acclaimed red wines: Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino. After your wine tour, consider a visit to the town of Pienza where you can take a stroll down the famed “Via dell'Amore,” (or Lovers’ Way), which offers sensational views of the surrounding countryside.

Spend the day relaxing or sightseeing—whether you want to slow down to the pace of the Tuscan countryside or visit the nearby cities of interest. Of course the most important city in the region is Florence, a must-see site on most Italy tours. This perfectly preserved epicenter of the Renaissance is a treasure trove of art and history—from the impressive neoclassical Duomo cathedral to Michelangelo’s masterpiece “David.” Be sure to try the Tuscan cuisine. You’ll find many trattorias and restaurants serving authentic recipes, hearty dishes made with the freshest ingredients.

This morning, you’ll arrive in one of the world’s most fascinating urban centers. This afternoon you’ll have a chance to visit some of the city’s most important sites. Start with the Pantheon, this incredibly well-preserved classical building shows the splendor of ancient Rome. Visit the Roman Forum, the site of the ancient city. As you walk through the ruins, you can visualize where houses and government buildings once stood, where roads intersected and where temples invited visitors to pray to the gods. It’s easy to imagine the daily life of Rome’s emperors, philosophers, and commoners.

Today you’ll enjoy a four-hour guided tour of the Vatican City. Led by a knowledgable scholar or an art historian, this tour covers the highlights of the Vatican. You will traverse the halls of the opulent Vatican palaces and visit the most important rooms of the extensive museums. Your docent will guide you through breathtaking Saint Peter’s Basilica, the most impressive church in the world. After the tour, you could wander over to the nearby Trastavere district—a colorful, working-class neighborhood that’s becoming trendy. Visit the church of Santa Maria, which features remarkable medieval mosaics. Ask a local where to go for authentic Roman food, like handmade ravioli or spaghetti alla carbonara with a rich egg and bacon sauce.

There is no other city in the world where the past visibly exists in the present. Rome is best enjoyed when you explore the neighborhoods by foot. Stroll over to the famous Trevi Fountain and toss in a coin—legend has it that this ensures your return to Rome in the future. Then head to the Spanish Steps, where crowds of locals and tourists alike gather to hang out, soak up the sun and watch the beautiful people. Also consider a visit to the Borghese Gallery in Rome’s main public park. Housed in a former cardinal’s mansion, this private museum is known for its world-class Baroque sculpture collection, including several Bernini masterpieces. The museum also features paintings by Caravaggio, Raphael, Rubens and Titian.

In the morning, take the train to Naples where your driver will meet you and transfer you to the Amalfi Coast. The drive in itself is breathtaking, as you travel along steep cliffs overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. You’ll be staying in Ravello, the most elegant spot on the Amalfi Coast. This hilltop resort town offers sensational views of the surrounding coastline. The best vantage point is from the “Terrace of Infinity” at the Villa Cimbrone’s lush gardens. Adorned with classical marble busts, this incomparable balcony overlooks the sea and the Amalfi Coast all the way to the mountains of Cilento. Here you can capture the ultimate honeymoon photos with a beautiful backdrop. In the summer, the nearby Villa Rufolo is a popular venue for festivals and concerts.

When on the Amalfi Coast, you must make an excursion to the sun-soaked Island of Capri. Just a short ferry ride away, Capri is a place of nature beauty and scenic splendor. The tiny but glamorous island is surrounded by the vibrant deep blue of the Mediterranean. Bougainvillea-covered whitewashed houses, cobblestone pedestrian streets, chic designer boutiques and stunning sea views give this island its special charm. Your day will be full of pleasant surprises whether you decide visit the Blue Grotto, take a leisurely walk, or just window shop. Whatever you do, be sure to include a visit to the Gardens of Augustus for an incredible view of the iconic Faraglioni Rocks that distinguish the scenery of Capri.

This is your day to plan the excursions or activities that interest you the most. You have the option of taking a private cooking class in Ravello, where you will learn the secrets to the Campania region cuisine. If you’re more inclined to spend a relaxing day at sea, then you can enjoy a private boat excursion along the Amalfi Coastline. You will discover the lovely hidden bays and secluded grottos found in this area.Stop for a swim under the waterfall in Marmorata and at the Pandora Grotto. When you return to Amalfi at the boat tour, enjoy a delicious meal at Lido Azzuro. This fine restaurant has a terrace that overlooks the port of Amalfi and specializes in traditional seafood recipes.

Today sees you leaving this remarkable country. Enjoy one last breath of fresh Amalfi Coast, and get ready to return home and begin your new life together.