From social media I read a post, “So my future husband and I had to postpone our wedding until September 2022. Obviously we are going to Italy for our honeymoon, but not sure which part. Does anyone know of any romantic hidden treasures?”
My response: If you have to be directed to a hidden romantic treasure, it won’t be. You’ll be where someone else, someone you don’t know, who doesn’t know you, wanted to be. Do this yourselves and find romance on your own.
My advice for an Italian honeymoon:
Pick one ‘name’ destination, a Rome, Venice, Florence, Naples, Cinque Terre. It doesn’t matter which. Spend a few days there when you arrive. You’ll see some amazing things, and it lets you adjust to the jetlag and culture. You’ll figure out how to find a bathroom, order coffee and a spritz. (Romance comes easier after the necessities are met).
For the romantic part of the trip, a trip where you see ITALY – get out, into the countryside. Don’t look to Lonely Planet, Frommers, or Rick Steves (and definitely not Facebook!). I suggest a dart (or eyes closed finger drop) aimed at a map on the wall. Follow the dart. You’ll hit some little town no one has heard of. There you’ll find romance. Spend the rest of your time there. Get to know a few locals. Find a sagre, a festival, a performance. Hang out in the piazza. Make some lifelong friends. Visit the same bar again and again. Walk to the next village for dinner (preferably on a walking path through the forest), then return under the stars. Explore the village, walk its streets. Discover the natural treasures. Have a realtor escort you to some properties and tell you what it would take to live in the village you’ve chosen. Dream of what life would be like if it was forever Italia! Hire a photographer. You’ll be beautiful, and the light of Italy is amazing.
If you want to go crazy, throw yourselves a party in town before you leave. Food, wine, and music are a fraction of what is costs in the states. The friends you’ve made would love to celebrate your new life with you.
Find romance in each other, and in the Italian way of life. Dolce Vita.
Scary – yes – love and life are scary. Predictable – no love isn’t. Wonderful – it is what you make it.
When you return home, you’ll have something to tell your friends that they’ll understand “Venice was wonderful”. As you say that – you’ll lovingly glance to your spouse remembering the romance that was Italia. You will have found genuine romance. A love for each other, a love for Italy.
Experience passion for life. Be Italian.
I love this post. ❤️
You are a romantic. 🥰
What great advice.
Grazie Laura!
Good advice. It always puzzles me when people put questions like this on Facebook. We are going to Italy for 2 weeks, what should we see? Random suggestions pop up from people who don’t have a clue about your likes and dislikes.
As you say, do your own research, or none. Look for an adventure. You are sure to find one in Italy wherever you go.
Somehow my reply notifications stopped. Thanks Debra!
Great post Clark!
So, 2.5 years after your last visit – time to go again. Maybe next summer?
Oh Clark. This might be my favorite Eatalianos post yet. So wise. Sage, even. And beautifully written. What Americans don’t know if they haven’t yet experienced it is that the typical loving generosity of Italians – especially those outside of the jaded, popular tourist areas – is amped up even more when they learn that you are honeymooning newlyweds. Italians love romance – and are quick to embrace it with you and give you a deeply memorable VIP experience.
Hey Lee, Sorry I didn’t see this earlier. Thanks! Can you imagine getting married, honeymooning, (or just being in Italy!)? We have a common friend getting married in the near future. Maybe you and I could put some extreme influence on them… to do the right (italian) thing! In whatever form worked for them… Oh, and I have some castagna flour for you guys! Pizza?