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Italy

Absolutely Epic 14 Day Italy Honeymoon Itinerary

November 2, 2021 By admin

In this list you’ll find my favorite cities, hotels, restaurants, and activities to make your trip to Italy absolutely divine. From Lake Como to Lake Lugano and finally Positano, I have an Absolutely Epic 14 Day Italy honeymoon itinerary for you all. 

If any of you followed along on my Instagram stories, you know we had the time of our lives on our honeymoon. After waiting an extra year to celebrate our wedding like we always dreamed (thanks covid), we finally had our dream wedding and dream honeymoon. 

Since I love you all so much, I’m detailing every stop, our favorite locations, incredible restaurants, and more. Best of all, I’ll share some hot tips to avoid some of the travel headaches that none of us want. So follow along on my absolutely Epic 14 Day Italy Honeymoon Itinerary and enjoy!

How to read my Italy Honeymoon Itinerary

First, I’ll share our itinerary and how we traveled from place to place. Evan and I are not big resort people, and wanted to explore every nook and cranny of our cities, so there are lots of great stops for you in every location. 

Second, I will break down each stop: Lake Como, Lake Lugano, and Positano. From the gorgeous hotels we stayed in (plus some other great ones in similar locations), to our favorite restaurants, fun activities, and the best ways to get around towns, I got you covered babes. 

Next, I share our experience traveling during covid. Now, I’m writing this in October of 2021, and travel restrictions vary by country constantly. So please, do your research! Every country has different regulations and restrictions and you had best know them like the back of your hand before traveling. 

Last but not least, I’ll sum it all up with the hot tips for making your Italy trip the best vacation you could possibly imagine. 

A little note

We booked this Italy vacation to truly indulge in epic hotels, fantastic food, and ease-filled traveling. You can definitely find more affordable hotels, simpler restaurants, and cheaper modes of getting between towns – all of which I will share! 

Our Italy Honeymoon Itinerary 

  • Day 1: Fly to Italy, arrive on Day 2
  • Day 2 – 6: Lake Como 
  • Travel day 6: take taxi to Lake Lugano 
  • Day 6 – 9: Lake Lugano (staying on the Italian side of the lake)
  • Travel day 9: take bus to Lugano, then train to Milan 
  • Day 9: Milan 
  • Travel day 10: plane from Milan to Rome, train from Rome to Naples, private car from Naples to Positano
  • Day 10 – 14: Positano 
  • Travel day 14: private car from Positano to Naples, train from Naples to Rome 
  • Day 14: Rome 
  • Day 15: fly home 

Some travel tips getting around in each town 

We had quite a few travel days between locations, some quicker than others. One thing I wish we had done was more research on public transport between locations. After we arrived at the hotel, we learned there was a bus directly to our second hotel, and could have saved $100 on a taxi. The bus system in Italy and Switzerland is pretty incredible, and easily searchable on the google maps app on your phone. 

Lake Como:

The boat and ferry systems are definitely the fastest way to get around town, especially while crossing the lake. Tickets vary from about $6 to $26 each way, depending on how far along the lake you are traveling. There is also a bus system, which takes just slightly longer than most of the boats but is quite affordable. 

Luxury Holiday Guide to Lake Como 2021/2022 , Italy | Black Tomato

Lake Lugano:

We stayed on the Italian side of the lake in a small town called Cima. There was not a lot happening around our location outside of our gorgeous resort, but there was a bus that can take you along the lake all the way into Switzerland in just about 25 minutes, for about $3 each. If you do make it into Switzerland, there is a fantastic bus and train system throughout the region that is dramatically cheaper than taxis. 

Positano:

As Positano is a very small town, we walked everywhere. Prepare yourself to do some serious climbing if you’ll be walking around, though. We averaged 100 flights of stairs a day in vertical gains. Get between towns on the Amalfi coast, there are both ferries and a bus system connecting the towns. I highly suggest taking the public transport rather than renting a car. The roads are insanely narrow and windy and would have given me a heart attack to drive along. Additionally, there is virtually no parking available in Positano. 

Heygo - Amalfi Coast - Morning relaxing walk in Positano
Scenic Positano

Traveling from North to South Italy: 

We had quite a hellish day with a flight cancellation from Milan to Rome. Looking back, I wish we had instead taken the train from Milan (or Lugano) to Naples. It is a bit pricey and does take longer than a flight. But, you will not have the uncertainty of flight delays and cancellations, along with a scenic ride along the way and an easier mode of travel. 

Another thought, traveling across Italy does take time. If you instead focus your itinerary on closer towns, you won’t lose a day traveling like we did. All told, I’m so glad we did do both Northern and Southern Italy though. 

Final thought on our Itinerary

Last thought for you: I did not love Milan as a city. If I were to do it again, I’d skip it all together and instead go straight from Lake Lugano to Positano, and give myself two whole days in Rome on the back end of the trip.

Next up, I’ll break down each town, hotels, restaurants, and activity ideas. 

10 Best Things To See and Do In Milan (Italy)

Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como is a gorgeous lake in the mountains of northern Italy, just about an hour north of Milan (depending on where on the lake you are staying). 

How to get to Lake Como from Milan

We took a black car booked though Blacklane to get to our hotel in Menaggio. If you are staying in the town of Como or somewhere south on the lake, the train from the Milan airport will definitely be your most affordable option. From Como, you can take the ferry to any of the towns along the lake. 

Our hotel in Lake Como 

We stayed at the Grand Hotel Victoria in the town of Menaggio. This was hands down my favorite hotel of our whole trip. Built right on the lake, the Grand Hotel Victoria has both old world detail and modern building with every creature comfort you could imagine. Our room was modern and spacious while still being cozy, with a gorgeous view of both the lake and city. 

The Grand Hotel Victoria boasted the most incredible spa with two saunas, two steam rooms, and jacuzzi, enormous heated pool, multiple aromatherapy showers, and multiple lounge areas. We spent at least two hours here each day (partly because of the rainy weather we got!) and it felt so luxurious. I also loved that you did not need a spa treatment to get access to the spa area. 

Favorite Amenities of our hotel

I’m definitely someone who likes working out on vacation (gasp! I know). The gym at Grand Hotel Victoria really saved the day helping me get over jet lag with a good sweat sesh each morning. With our rainy weather, it was also nice since hiking in the mountains was not a safe option. If you also like a good vacation workout, this was a hard to find amenity that we adored. 

Another favorite part of this hotel: the breakfast buffet. All of our hotels provided complimentary breakfast, but the breakfast at Grand Hotel Victoria was unbeatable. In a glassed in dining room overlooking the water, you could have everything from eggs cooked any way you want, fresh pressed juices, gluten free goodies galore, seasonal fruit, and a display of baked goods that put the biggest smile on Evan’s face.

Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa - Lago di Como - Luxury Hotel in Lake  Como, Italy | Small Luxury Hotels of the World
The view from breakfast! How insanely gorgeous is this

Last thoughts on Grand Hotel Victoria

I would stay at this hotel again in an absolute heartbeat. It was truly the best service, perfect amenities, and delicious restaurant for breakfast, cocktails, or dinner. The only downside was that Menaggio did not have a great deal of nightlife and ferries stopped running at 8pm during the October schedule, so having dinner in other towns was not an option.

The Grand Hotel Victoria Opens in Menaggio Following a Complete Renovation
And one last shot of this beautiful hotel lobby at Grand Hotel Victoria

Other hotels in Lake Como to check out 

Hotel Belvedere Bellagio

Grand Hotel Tremezzo 

What town to stay in while on Lake Como 

We chose Menaggio because it was relatively central on the lake, had a great ferry stop, and had some highly rated restaurants. Menaggio is a smaller town, with not much of a nightlife outside of the hotels. So, if you want a bustling nightlife, I would suggest looking at Bellagio or Como as your home base. 

Also, many of the restuarants and hotels in smaller towns close for the winter, so depending on when you’re planning your trip, you may want to stay in Como which is the biggest town on the lake.

Where to eat in Lake Como 

Breakfast at Grand Hotel Victoria

Enoteca Cava Turacciolo 

Wine and cheese and chartceuterie: say no more. Hidden in a little side street in Bellagio, this wine bar really does feel like a wine cave with stone walls and a wine cellar surrounding the dining area. We popped in for a cheese and charcuterie plate and a glass of wine, and it was absolutely perfect. 

Enoteca Cava Turacciolo - 1st course wine pairing - Picture of Enoteca  CavaTuracciolo, Bellagio - Tripadvisor
The stone ceilings give Enoteca Cava Tuacciolo a cozy cellar feel

Lago Restaurant at Grand Hotel Victoria 

If you want a deluxe dining experience, I’d definitely check out this restaurant. Serving interesting and high end eats, it’s a splurge in a gorgeous location. We loved the prosciutto, mozzarella and melon appetizer, along with a surprisingly delicious side salad for me. 

Discover the Lago Restaurant of Grand Hotel Victoria in Menaggio
The dining room at Lago is divine!

Il Ristorante do Paolo 

Romantic vibes, fantastic service, insane wine list, and really good food, this place was a favorite. Dishes we loved: whipped burrata amuse bouche, seared scallop appetizer, roasted pike perch wrapped in prosciutto and basil 

Ristorante inTeatro 

Gluten free pizza! I can’t even tell you how excited I was to find this gluten free pizza. I dragged Evan to three different restaurants around Como that yelp said might have gluten free pizza until we found this spot. Thin and crispy gluten free crust, I could have eaten lunch here every single day. The regular gluten-filled pizzas also looked incredible. 

RISTORANTE CAFFE' TEATRO, Como - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number  - Tripadvisor
Ristorante in Teatro is a must-visit for pizza in Como

The Brothers Cafe 

A coffee shop meets cocktail bar, this spot was super cool. We popped in for an early afternoon coffee, but wish we could have stayed all day and enjoyed some of their interesting and unique cocktails. The decor and vibe inside is all kinds of cool. 

The cocktail bar at Brothers Cafe pumped out some seriously gorgeous drinks

Martinez Cocktail and Food

Stopped in here for appertivo on a rainy afternoon and it was perfect! Appertivo is essentially a pre-meal drink (aka cocktail hour for us Americans), and in Italy that often means you get free snacks with your drink. We didn’t have any food here, but the ambiance was romantic and the drinks were delicious and cheap! 

Gelato at La Fabrica del Gelato 

My favorite gelato on our whole Italy Honeymoon Itinerary. The flavors were so rich and creamy, that perfect balance of sweet but not overpowering, and so many options! Pistachio, vanilla, and chocolate were our favorites.  

My favorite gelato in all of our 14 day Italy Honeymoon Itinerary!

Gelateria del Borgo 

Truthfully, there will be a lot of gelato on this list. But this spot was so good! Located in Bellagio, they had so many cool flavors along with the classics. The chocolate was that incredibly rich and decadent dark chocolate I’m always searching for. 

Gelateria al Borgo is another epic gelato option in Lake Como

Activities in Lake Como 

Our favorite thing to do while on Lake Como was exploring the towns along the water! We loved walking around the gardens of Varenna, strolling the streets of Bellagio, marveling at the town of Como and the hundreds of restaurant options. 

Explore Bellagio’s picturesque streets

Some other towns/sights to see include:

  • Explore the gardens at Villa d’Este (I so wish we had done this!!)
  • Enjoy a spa day at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo (we tried to do this but they were too full booked to allow outside spa bookings)
  • Hiking – check out these trails. Unfortunately, we had too much rain during our stay, causing most trails to either too dangerous in the mud or deemed unenjoyable without heavy gear.
  • Last but certainly not least would be a boat tour. My one regret of Lake Como was the weather wasn’t clear for the iconic boat tours.
Lake Como boat tours
Above all else, the boat tour is the epitome of Lake Como leisure
Hotel, spa and wellness center with pool at Lake Como in Bellagio - Grand  Hotel Tremezzo
The spa at Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Lake Lugano 

The stunning Lake Lugano is a lake just to the north and east of Lake Como. Lake Lugano sits in both Italy and Switzerland, with the large Swiss town of Lugano sitting right at the middle of the lake. We stayed on the Italian side of the lake in a small town called Cima. While I loved our hotel, finding a hotel on Lugano in the town of Lugano or in one of the larger Swiss towns would have enabled some more daily explorations on foot. 

Lake Lugano - Life in Italy
Lake Lugano is truly breathtaking!

Our hotel on Lake Lugano 

We stayed at the brand new ARIA Wellbeing Resort and Spa, in the small town of Cima. When I say brand new, I mean this hotel just had their soft the month before our arrival! This is a luxury boutique hotel with just 15 suites with sweeping views of the lake. With ultra modern rooms, palatial decks, and huge bedroom suites, it was quite the experience to stay here. 

32-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels, TV
The rooms were incredibly modern and spacious

What we loved: the spa! Because of the rainy weather, we became quite the spa people after this trip. Hosting two saunas, a steam room, ice room, indoor pool, vanishing edge outdoor jacuzzi, and lounges overlooking the lake, this was another incredible spa experience.

Featured Image
The pool and spa at ARIA Wellbeing Resort & Spa

Another favorite feature was the cocktail bar! The bartender Lucca became our best friend and crafted unique new cocktails for us throughout our stay.

The ARIA also has access to its sister hotel just down the slope, Parco San Marco, which hosts five deluxe restaurants, another two pools, tennis courts, and a beach club with water sports center. Having access to these restaurants made it feel like we had a lot more options than a boutique hotel typically would. 

ARIA WELLBEING RETREAT & SPA - Hotel Reviews (Porlezza, Italy) - Tripadvisor

Other hotels to check out 

Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola 

THE VIEW Lugano

What to do in Cima

The main downsides of this resort was that it felt a bit isolated. If we had better days, it would not have mattered as much since there was paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming in the lake, plus the beach club to spend the day reading in the sun. Because we got a bit of rain and cold weather, it did feel like there were fewer activities around our hotel without some traveling. 

I had hoped to do a long bike ride along the lake, but most of the ride is on a very narrow winding road shared by two way traffic, which would not have been ideal. All that being noted, I still loved this hotel as a beautiful place to relax and recharge and enjoy some luxurious accommodations. 

Lugano Stand UP Paddle (Agno) - 2021 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go  (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

Restaurants we loved on Lake Lugano 

The lake itself is a huge and has dozens of cool towns along it, so this is by no means an extensive list of the best restaurants along the water!

La Masseria

First stop on our Lugano food tour, this restaurant set the bar high. It’s a cozy little spot with gorgeous lake views, celiac certified meaning almost the entire menu was gluten-free friendly, plus incredible service. We loved the pesto pasta, filet mignon, and bittersweet chocolate mousse (I dream of this). 

La Veranda

Also located on the Parco San Marco resort, this spot was lively with a great dinner selection and wine list. We loved the roast chicken from the grill menu and the fluffy gluten free bread as a starter.

Dessert is always a good idea

Activities in Lugano 

Most of our activities were at the resort, but we did do a day trip to Lugano that we loved which you can read about below!

Parco San Marco 

ARIA Wellbeing Retreat & Spa shares facilities with their sister resort, Parco San Marco. Parco San Marco is a much bigger resort (115 rooms vs. 15), so having multiple restaurants, pools, a second spa, and a huge beach club felt like a great addition. 

We loved spending time down at the Parco San Marco Beach Club that overlooks the lake. There are beach chairs, a full service cocktail bar with gelato, and a boathouse with rentals for everything you’d need to explore the lake.

Private beach, beach bar
Before winding down for the night, make sure you soak up some sun at the beach club

Stand up paddle board on Lake Lugano 

We rented stand up paddle boards at Parco San Marco beach club (about $22/hour each) and paddled along the glassy lake. It was something I will never forget and highly recommend!

Day trip to Lugano, Switzerland 

I think I need to plan a vacation just to Switzerland after this glorious day! We took the bus from our hotel (there’s a stop literally at the bottom of the hotel!) to Lugano. It was only about $3 each and takes just 20 minutes. 

Activities in Lugano 

Lakeshore trail 

There is a fantastic lakeside walking path that stretches for almost 2 miles along the lake in Lugano. If you want a scenic stroll to see mountains, city, and lake, it’s definitely the place to do it. 

Lugano Walk Trail - Ticino, Switzerland | Pacer

Monte San Salvadore

This Mountain rises about 2,700ft above Lugano, right from the edge of town. Either hike up the mountain or opt to take the Funcolare (like a vertical trolley) to the top – it’s about $30 each way per person. The views from the top are insane! Soak in 360 degree views over the lake, town, and mountains. 

A 360° panorama from the Top of Monte San Salvatore
Arrive at the peak of this mountain for incredible 360 degree views

Hiking around Monte San Salvadore

There are a half dozen hikes along the ridge of Monte San Salvadore. Evan and I did the ridge hike from San Salvadore to Carona. It took a little less than an hour each way through forest and overlooking farmland and lakes. You’ll climb down on the way there, and get a nice climb on the way up. 

Well earned views after our hike

Parco Ciani

Parco Ciani is a huge city park in the middle of town, filled with museums, ice cream stands, and lakeside greenery to fill a whole day. We strolled through the park in the late afternoon (to work off all the ice cream), and fell in love with the ease filled energy and scenic views. 

Ciani Park | Switzerland Tourism

Where we ate in Lugano, Switzerland

Gabbani 

After this meal, pasta will never be the same. The vibe of this restaurant was equal parts old world charm, cozy bistro, and chic bakery slash pasta shop of my dreams. The Swiss have a cool concept called the “working lunch” which typically is a salad, entree, and coffee for just a few euros extra than a typical entrée. I ordered a gluten free pasta with bacon, salted brown butter, cheese, and fresh pepper that was amazing, and Evan had the most decadent white truffle pasta ever. 10/10 would recommend!

Evan’s $50 truffle pasta that was worth every penny

Grand Cafe Al Porto 

Another spot that came highly recommended was this hotel restaurant! We peeked in and it looked perfect for a mid-morning pastry and coffee or long lunch. Definitely check it out if you’re in town!

Historic Grand Café Al Porto | Lugano, Switzerland | Life Out of Bounds

–9 Gelato 

After lunch we just *had* to get a gelato and this place did not disappoint! Super creamy, rich texture, plus tons of flavor options, I would for sure come back here. Make sure to save some room for a scoop or two.

Milan 

We spent a quick day in Milan – we had some great finds for food and exploration, and also struck out on some. Didn’t love our hotel, so instead I’ll share the highlights below. 

First stop: Sbunda Panini

This place came highly recommended as some of the best paninis in town. Now, in Italy “panini” really just means sandwich, unlike our American version where it’s always a hotel grilled sando. There are dozens of combinations here with meat, cheese, spreads, and veggies. Evan got the Number One with prosciutto, asiago, spicy sauteed greens and chili oil. Unfortunately, there were no gluten free options.

Next stop: Da Zero 

Italy had lots of gluten free pasta options, but it was much harder to find gluten free pizza options. Da Zero was my second pizza jackpot of the trip. With a thin crispy crust and seriously seasonal and local toppings, I was stoked on this place. If you’re traveling with gluten eaters, they will be equally in heaven as the legit pizzas looked incredible. 

Milano. Menu e prezzi di Da Zero che apre una nuova pizzeria in Brera

Positano 

Second to last on our 14 Day Italy Honeymoon Itinerary was Positano. A small town tucked into the cliff along the Amalfi coast. There are a number of gorgeous towns along the Amalfi coast to visit, so you could definitely spend at least a week here adventuring to each of them.

Where to Stay in Positano 

After a long travel day, arriving at our hotel felt like a little oasis. We stayed at Hotel Buca di Bacco, which is right in the heart of town down near the beach. Most of the hotels in Positano are quite pricey, and even the 4 and 5 star hotels have an old world charm to them. We loved the incredibly expansive deck that overlooks 180 degree ocean views, complete with a full table and two lounge chairs. 

The rooms have a lot of character – colorful tile floors, intricately patterned headboards, rainbow chandeliers and bright fuscia couches adorned our room. Sleek and modern were not exactly the buzz words I’d use to describe this place, but it felt just right in the energy of Positano. 

Buca di Bacco offers a free breakfast buffet overlooking the water, which was good! But to be honest, after the incredible food options at Grand Hotel Victoria in Lake Como, it did pale a bit in comparison. 

Best attributes of this hotel: walkability, unbelievable views, expansive deck, convenient location, very nice staff. 

Other spots to stay in Positano 

Le Sirenuse – fancy as can be but looked unbelievable 

Covo de Saraceni – if we had come here in the summer we would have stayed here for the pool

Hotel Villa Franca – at the very top of Positano, this seems like one of the newest hotels in town, and most modern feel from the photos 

Favorite restaurants in Positano 

We found some serious eats here in Positano, and the food here was by far the best on the trip. That being said, it was also the most expensive! We splurged for some fine dining and I am so glad we did, but be prepared for some pricier restaurants in this part of Italy. 

Ristorante Max 

This first restaurant in Positano really set the bar high. Evan swooned over the homemade pasta (they make almost ten different types each day!). I had a gluten free pasta that was delicious – though I did have to ask for it cooked longer. Personally, I find the Italian take on “al dente” with gluten free pasta can end up a bit too crunchy, so I always ask for the pasta well done. 

The highlight of this meal was undoubtedly the seafood soup. It was HUGE and easily could have split just that between us two. The sauce was flavorful, the seafood was perfectly cooked, my mouth is drooling just thinking about it. 

Il Ritrovo Positano 

After a lovely hike up thousands of stairs through the city to Montepertuso, we happened upon this restaurant that may have been manifested in my dreams. Bright white walls, dramatic ocean views, and a bakery section to blow your mind, this place was divine. The food was incredible! Try the seafood or locally made pastas here. Lastly, don’t forget to leave room for Torta Caprese, a flourless almond chocolate cake that is famous in this part of Italy. 

Il Ritrovo Restaurant | Il Ritrovo Restaurant

Ohima Restaurant 

We loved this spot so much we came back for lunch AND dinner. The indoor seating is the coolest vibe, with wine fridges lining two walls, mood lighting up the yin yang, plus impeccable service. The servers here were equal parts attentive, intuitive, and freaking hilarious. And the food! THE FOOD! We loved the grilled octopus, pumpkin soup, and BBQ pork ribs. 

Ohima Brasserie in Positano is rated so highly and the food looks amazing-  can't wait to have a primo, secondo, and more at this hot spot th… | Food,  Positano, Menu

Casa E Bottega Positano 

Following a few days of eating all the rich decadent meals, discovering this little healthy hideaway was a godsend. Casa E Bottega is a restaurant and cafe, along with a shop that sells ceramics, linens, art, and fresh produce. We popped in for breakfast and both got the poached eggs in stewed tomatoes. This spot is definitely worth a visit!

Le Tre Sorelle Wine Bar 

Wine is always a good idea, especially in Italy. On our last night, we discovered this little wine bar for some wine tasting before our dinner reservations. They have quite the selection of local wines, along with wines from all over Italy. The coolest feature was the automated pouring stations along the wall in 50ml, 100ml, and 150ml pours. 

Wine Bar & Shop in the heart of Positano - Le Tre Sorelle Wine Room

Casa Mele

Last on our Positano gastronomical tour was Cassa Mele, and it was truly the grand finale. Perched at the top of the town, we loved the intimate atmosphere and open view right into the kitchen. This felt like the most intricate of all of our meals, and definitely would consider it fine dining. We loved: grilled octopus, sous vide egg with white truffle, gluten free ragu with ricotta, and the lamb. 

Ristorante Casa Mele in Positano, Centro | Book Online

Activities in Positano 

Positano Home Cooking 

Two of our best friends did this cooking class in 2019 and rave about it to this day. After we got to experience it, I absolutely feel the same way! Hosted by Peter, a chef who has worked in Michelin star restaurants across 14 countries, this was a night I will NEVER forget. 

Peter sources all of his ingredients locally, using only biodynamic farmed produce, the most sustainable meats, line caught fresh seafood, and impeccably sourced olive oils, truffles, and spices. This cooking class was equal parts wine tasting (thanks to his 10,000 bottle wine cellar), ingredient education class, and cooking techniques. 

How much do you actually cook?

After expecting a lot of manual labor, I loved that we didn’t actually have to do all that much cooking! Of the six courses we ate, we only actively prepared maybe two of them, and Peter and his staff did much of the rest.

Of course, you could get more involved and help prepare more dishes, or ask any and all questions that come to mind. I actually loved just getting to hear about the preparation, ingredients, and techniques rather than slaving over a stove all night. 

It is not a cheap evening, coming in at two hundred euros each. But, we did had a six course meal, tried thirteen different wines (the wine is unlimited!), and had a four hour evening that I will truly remember forever. 

If you do one thing from this Italy Honeymoon Itinerary, I would take Peter’s Positano Home Cooking Class. 

Amalfi Coast Boat Tour

We booked an Amalfi Coast boat tour with Blue Star tours and it was so much fun. Start the day with a pickup at the docks on Positano. Next, you’ll tour along the coast towards the town of Amalfi, stopping along the way to swim in aquamarine waters and see jaw dropping hotels built right into vertical cliffs. 

Another option along the way is to do a tour of the Emerald Lagoon. It was cool to see, but honestly, a little bit underwhelming and quite small. If your boatmates aren’t dead set on it, it’s very okay to skip. 

Ravello

Around lunch time, we stopped in Amalfi for 3 hours to explore. Evan and I booked it to the bus station and journeyed up the mountain into Ravello. Ravello sits at the top of the ridge overlooking the Mediterranean. A small town in comparison to Positano or Amalfi, but filled with ceramic stores, art galleries, and quaint shops, it’s pretty incredible to see. 

With only about an hour to explore, we chose to tour the gardens at Villa Cimbrone. Let me tell you, if Evan and I ever plan a third wedding, I think it would be at this garden. It’s filled with statues, sprawling lawns, rose gardens, and insane views from the top of the ridge down to the ocean. Definitely worth a visit if you geek out on beautiful properties. 

Hotel Villa Cimbrone - Ravello - Amalfi Coast - Italy

Amalfi 

We didn’t have long in Amalfi, but did a quick tour through the main street and popped into La Perla Restaurant for a fresh seafood lunch. Set back from the main street of town, La Perla had delicious food with a quiet ambiance away from the crowds. 

Rome

We only had about a half day in Rome, and we spent just about the whole time eating! Which was of course, the ultimate goal. 

Time Out Rome | Things to do, Best Restaurants and More

Where we Stayed in Rome

Centrally located in front of the Piazza della Bocca della Verita, 47 Boutique Hotel Roma was the perfect spot to adventure from. We loved the modern rooms, high ceilings, and the spacious flower-lined balcony that overlooks the city. If you can stay on the 5th floor, it’s definitely worth it to get the deck! 

This image may contain Furniture, Chair, Terrace, Human, Person, and Flagstone

Restaurants in Rome

Mizios Street Food

First up on our Roman eating tour was Mizio’s street food. Located on a quiet side street, this place is truly a hole in the wall. But don’t let appearances fool you, the paninis here were absolutely delicious. Choose from over a dozen meat and cheese combinations. Without gluten free bread options available, but I just ate the meat and cheese inside! 

Tonnarello

For dinner, we made reservations at Tonnarello thanks to an Erin Lives Whole recommendation. This spot was amazing! Request to sit inside if you can – it’s very cozy, almost cramped, but the ambiance is lovely and romantic. What we loved: gluten free pesto pasta, Nonna Nadia pasta, and the roast chicken (our fave!). My favorite part was our meal plus three glasses of wine only cost about $50. 

Frigidarium Gelato 

Last on our food tour was of course some Gelato. This spot came highly recommended, and for good reason! The flavors were decadent and interesting, and they even offered a chocolate shell in dark or white chocolate. 

Traveling during Covid 

As I mentioned first off, do your own research!! Requirements change constantly and are different for every country. 

We took out trip the first two weeks of October 2021. At our time of travel, Italy required all travelers to have a negative covid test 72 hours before arrival. Additionally, all visitors had to show proof of vaccination, or would be subject to a five day quarantine with additional testing. We are happily vaccinated so we could skip that step. 

Pre-travel requirements

Prior to travel, our airline (American Airlines) sent a list of the requirements. I highly recommend downloading the Verifly App to upload all required documentation and expedite the check in process. Even as we completed all requested items, we could not check in online for either our departing or returning flights, so budget some extra time at your airports for check in. 

Another item to note: any country that your flight connects through will likely also have covid travel requirements. We connected through London and had to fill out additional UK Passenger Locator forms

These are the requirements we had to provide and forms to complete:

  1. EU Passenger Locator form for each flight 
  2. UK Passenger locator form for our layover through London 
  3. Negative Covid test – at the time of our travel an antigen, PCR, or were all accepted
  4. Proof of vaccination
  5. All information on every hotel location along our trip 

If you are still with me, we made it to the end! Below I’ve listed some of my top travel tips to make your Italy vacation as seamless as possible.

Travel tips

  1. Do your research. Covid restrictions, vaccination requirements, and travel planning are all very necessary if you’re visiting new countries as of 2021 (when I’m writing this!). Spend some time making sure you understand exactly what the current requirements are before booking or embarking on your trip. 
  2. Make restaurant reservations wherever you can. Plan ahead and book dinners so you don’t have to waste time wandering trying to find an open table 
  3. Carry your vaccine card with you at all times, or have a digital version accessible on your phone. Most restaurants required proof of vaccination to dine inside, as well as many of the hotels and activities 
  4. Wear comfortable shoes! I know this sounds silly, and you may want to be looking fashionable, but make sure you have good walking shoes. We clocked almost 20,000 steps a day during this Italy Honeymoon Itinerary. I bought these On Running shoes for our trip and they saved my feet while still looking chic.

Want more travel guides? Check out some of my other favorite locations to visit:

San Diego Restaurant Guide

Edna Valley Guide

Sedona Bachelorette Itinerary

California Road Trip Honeymoon

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Travel Tagged With: honeymoon, Italy, Travel

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