Cities in Italy - recommendations?

glam70s

We officially decided last night that we'd like to spend one week in Paris, and one week somewhere in Italy, but we're not sure where.

We're looking for somewhere that has a lot of that old-world charm - somewhere that's great for just hanging out - going to little cafes, shopping, sight-seeing. We're not so much looking to see the tourist spots, we would more just like somewhere we can spend our days wandering aimlessly and experience the culture a bit.

It will be probably the first week of March (2011).. We're from Ontario, Canada so cold isn't a problem, but I certainly wouldn't object to somewhere a bit warmer!

What's your favourite city in Italy? What's the Amalfi coast like at that time of year?

AmoroAgain

My favorite city, hands down, is Florence.  It's got oodles of Renaissance charm, and is also a major train hub, so you could easily hit other beautiful Tuscan cities such as Arezzo, Sienna, and the Cinque Terre (though it will be very out of season for those at that time of year). It will probably be slightly chilly and a bit drizzly, but so, so worth it. 

glam70s

Thanks Amoro! I've heard a lot of good feedback about Florence. Any recommendations on places to stay?

smooth84

Absolutely Florence. The food and sights are amazing!! I can't recommend a hotel, but I would recommend eating at Yellow...such good and reasonably priced food. I can't remember the street but its in the ciy centre behind the Dumo..next to a restaurant/lounge called Angel( at least thats what it was called 3 years ago). Make sure you explore the other side of the Arno too!

AmoroAgain

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_cities-italy-recommendations?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:11Discussion:e369c2de-10c5-4f5d-aa0d-9d67a48eaba9Post:04f000c1-8107-46da-98d4-abcc19436cc3">Re: Cities in Italy - recommendations?</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks Amoro! I've heard a lot of good feedback about Florence. Any recommendations on places to stay?
Posted by glam70s[/QUOTE]

I've only stayed overnight there once, and that hotel, while having a very good breakfast and having great service, was just all around weird.  It was very... Italian renassaince mod.  If you can imagine. 

txex1996

I will rock the boat a bit.

Florence has some great art, but largely is a congested city. You miss quite a bit of Tuscan charm. Instead, you get a billion leather shops and goldsmiths with mass-produced tat. I would not skip it all together, but I would only invest a day or so. You can easily see all the sights by booking tickets to the major sights before you get there. If your heart is set, I last stayed in www.hotellascaletta.it. It is just on the other side of the bridge which drops the price and has old world charm.

I would actually recommend staying in or near Sienna (my absolute favorite Tuscan city) and taking a day trip to Florence, Arrezo, San Gimigiano, or any number of the other amazing villages in the area. On my honeymoon, we stayed in a private apartment on a working winery called San Fabiano and had a rental car to get around.

As you are looking for places to stay, I would use www.venere.com. It is a European hosted site and has the best prices. I have lived in Europe for the past 5 years and use this site often.

As to Cinqueterre, I did that on my honeymoon as well and loved it. That being said, we went in the summer. I cannot imagine going in March. The beauty of the villages are the vibrancy and warmth. There are very few points of historical or artistic interest. You simply wander around, hike, eat, and enjoy the sun.

glam70s

Thanks again for the feedback on Florence!

I've spent some time looking at photos of various cities and so far Rome seems to best suit the image I have in my head when I think "Italy", if that makes any sense. Does anyone have any feedback on Rome?

caitm730

I absolutely loved Rome. We also went to Florence, Venice and Sienna, but Rome was my favorite. There is just so much to do and it has so much history. It is very busy, so if you are looking for a quiet, romantic getaway, Rome isn't so great. We stayed at the St. Regis. It is an amazing hotel, but I'm sure it's not cheap. It was a part of our tour, so I don't really know how much it is. It is right near the Piazza della Repubblica, and the Trevi Fountain is within walking distance.

amagwire

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_cities-italy-recommendations?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:11Discussion:e369c2de-10c5-4f5d-aa0d-9d67a48eaba9Post:53342712-6f37-4179-bb4e-7ab9fd5fffeb">Re: Cities in Italy - recommendations?</a>:
[QUOTE]My favorite city, hands down, is Florence.  It's got oodles of Renaissance charm, and is also a major train hub, so you could easily hit other beautiful Tuscan cities such as Arezzo, Sienna, and the Cinque Terre (though it will be very out of season for those at that time of year). It will probably be slightly chilly and a bit drizzly, but so, so worth it. 
Posted by AmoroAgain[/QUOTE]

<div>Agree 100%. Of all the cities, Florence was my favorite.  I had so much fun and at least when I was there, everyone was very friendly.</div>

meredithl618

Have you heard about http://www.parisperfect.com and http://www.italyperfect.com? They rent apartments/homes for short term leases, which are great for honeymoons.

We're staying in an apartment in Paris for a week in May for our honeymoon.

becknuts

I would just say- do not go to Venice.  There are too many tourists and it will make your honeymoon not feel unique.

Florence was amazing.  I didn't go to the Cinqueterre but everyone I met on my European trip said it was their favorite place in Italy.

mjbustamante

My favorite part of Italy is the Island of Capri.  Amazing!
Loved The Tuscan area, in particular a little town called Montecatini, close to Florence.  Florence was nice, but I did prefer Rome.  However, if I could go right now, anywhere in Italy, I would pick Capri.  Amazing!

krlarentowicz

My favorite city in Italy was Venice,  I would definitley go to Venice.  It is a beautiful city that is so romantic.  The whole time we were In Venice I felt like I was in a movie.  I loved it and would reccomand anyone to go there, especially for your honeymoon.

amy727

Lake Como is beautiful.  It is so peaceful and there are a lot of bed and breakfasts there.  You also have a great view of the Alps.

kpasc

I would definitely say the Amalfi Coast is the best.

Florence is way too congested and far too touristy at any time of year.  It just doesn't feel unique anymore.  My fiance and I spent 5 days there and were bored out of our minds by the end.  There are a few day-trips that are possible, but I think your energy is best spent elsewhere.

I do think you should spend a bit of time in Rome.  Walk for a day.  You can skip the Colosseum if it isn't your thing, but head to the Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps.  The Fountain of Trevi is nice too but very touristy congested until about 1 in the morning.

AMALFI COAST is the big winner here!  I've been 3x, and I will keep going back!

I've always gone in May, weather is warm, nice for a coastal town, I'm sure March would be okay too, but I would pack a pair of pants just in case.

Sorrento is the biggest hub, lots of action, some fun nightlife, and a good base point if you are day-tripping (which is incredibly easy on the coast.)  You are about an hour from Pompei which is absolutely beautiful, very neat atmosphere, but you will probably only spend half a day there max.  

Positano was in the film "Under the Tuscan Sun".  It is much quieter, and very beatiful as well, very picturesque.  You can take a stroll through the town during the day, ducking into some art stores, cafes, tourist shops, etc.

Amalfi/Atrani are much further down.  Amalfi is less touristy than Sorrento, but more than Positano.  Atrani is a 20 minute walk around the cliff if you want something a bit more isolated.  Amalfi is beautiful at night, though there is not too much to do here, as it is quite small and very densely compacted into one street.

Capri - beautiful island.  Easy boat ride from Amalfi, Positano or Sorrento.  Lots of high end shopping up at the top.  Lots of nice walks you can do up to the top or down.  You can take boat rides around the island, or go to the Blue Grotto which is worth the trip!

For a week there is tons you could do on the Amalfi Coast.  I think in Cinque Terre (a lot of people think it is similar) you would get bored in a few hours... we did when we went.  Florence is okay, but really not much to see if you are just strolling around.  The biggest things are the Art Galleries and the Duomo, but the street life and people-watching is not amazing here like it is in Rome. 

If you do spend a few days in Rome, grab a good tourist map and just walk.  The historic centre is walkable, from the Forum, to the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Bocca Della Verita, Vatican City, Piazza del Popolo, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain.  You will be tired at the end but it is definitely worth it!