Dreaming of an Italian Honeymoon but overwhelmed with planning? Don’t worry, I got you!! A few of my friends were in the same boat so I figured I would write this (hopefully) helpful post. I’m going to assume if you’re going for your honeymoon, you’ll be there at least 7 days and I built these itineraries based off that. It’s so important to me when I’m on vacation to find a balance of seeing as much as I can, without feeling like I’m running around every day. A lot of the itineraries out there already are too much for me, personally. If there’s more than 2-3 cities in 7-10 days, no thanks. Anyways, here are two different itineraries for you to consider. The vibe of the first itinerary is Tuscan countryside, beautiful mountain scenery, and culture. You may pick option 2, instead, if you want to experience the Italian coastline, epic sightseeing & of course, culture.
Day 1-2: Arrive & Explore Milan
Depending on where you’re coming from, you’re probably going to be exhausted. Take this day to get adjusted, relax and check into your hotel! Since you’re in a city, transport won’t be an issue. Grab an uber or taxi from the airport to the city center. If you fly into MXP airport, you can take a 40-minute train ride or about a 45-minute drive into the city center. Spend the next day wandering around the city center and discover why this city is a hotspot for architecture and history, foodies, photographers, artists and fashion!
Where to Stay:
4-star hotel options:
- Vico Milano – A boutique hotel only 1 minute away from the nearest train station. Stay here if you want a B&B feel, as they only have 7 rooms. They also have a nice speakeasy style bar, a gym, and breakfast is included. Check out their Instagram!
- The Square Milano – Right in the heart of the city center, check this out if you want a more sleek, sophisticated stay with a rooftop lounge and excellent food!
Airbnb options:
- Flat for 2 – 81, 4.98 star reviews! Located in the heart of Milan, walkable distance to all the main attractions and also to public transport.
- Chic studio – 138, 4.88 star reviews! Also located in the heart of Milan with free cancellation and a mini kitchen! This place is sooooo cute!
- Central Milan & free breakfast – 735, 4.92 star reviews! This one is a true authentic B&B Milan experience, in the heart of the city, with free cancellation.
Day 3-4: Lake Como
Getting to Lake Como from Milan should not be an issue, as there are 64 direct trains a day. Honestly all you need to do is type “Lake Como” into your google maps and depending on where you are in Milan, you’ll see the best train options for you. It should be a short train ride and super affordable! (~$10 per person).
I’m sure you’ve seen Lake Como on your Instagram by now but if not, it’s one of the most beautiful lakes in Northern Italy, surrounded by amazing mountain landscapes. Go on the lake on a boat for a day, go for a hike, wander around the towns and enjoy the fresh air!! It gets quite busy in the summer (as does all of Italy). I recommend skipping the summer months in general, if you can. September or May would be a perfect time to visit Lake Como when the crowds die down and prices will be better. There are so many towns and places to stay here. There are endless restaurants and entertainment options, you could even end your trip here if you want. There’s certainly enough to keep you busy.
Where to stay:
4-star hotel options:
- Hotel Asnigo Cernobbio – A gorgeous pool overlooking the lake, complimentary breakfast, amazing bar and restaurant, this hotel looks STUNNING and a perfect place to relax.
- Sheraton Lake Como – Calling all Marriot rewards members! It looks like if you want to actually use your rewards here, they only work on certain days.. however, this hotel pool looks incredible and would be a great option for anyone that wants some familiarity from the Marriot franchise while you’re in a foreign country.
- Hotel Griso – Hotel sul Lago di Como – Personally, I’d pick this one if I were to pick a hotel. It’s located right near the town of Lecco, which is a popular Lake Como destination. They have a great page on their website that lists a lot of things to do nearby (linked here). They also do free breakfast and would be extremely easy to get to.
Airbnb options:
- The lakefront penthouse – 31, 4.97 star reviews. A penthouse in Italy, located right in front of a coffee shop? Say no more. #1 in my books.
- Cosy house with stunning lake view! – 493, 4.93 star reviews – this place is an absolute steal! Its so affordable and has beautiful views! 5 – minutes outside of the city center so stay here if you want to escape the city just a tiny bit but be close enough that you can take a quick uber or taxi!
- Stone House from 1500 – such a charming, stone house that has a nice outdoor patio for you to enjoy!
- Loft & Spa – 98, 4.9 star reviews. This one is simple. There’s a hot tub on the rooftop of this Airbnb with views of Lake Como. You also get access to the spa and indoor warm water pool. It looks truly dreamy.
Day 5: Tuscany
*To get here, take the train from Lake Como to Florence*
Notice I only put 1 day here in the title? Thats because from day 5 and beyond, you should stay here, relax and drink all the wine!! There is no end date in sight. Again, Tuscany gets super crowded in the summer, and I would avoid it if possible. If you can’t avoid going in the summer, you can at least go to some of the less touristy cities in Tuscany.
Where to stay:
4-star hotel options:
- Hotel Salviatino – affordable luxury hotel dating back to the 15th century, set in the rolling Tuscan hills just outside of Florence! There are 40 rooms here, a bar, restaurant, spa and pool! This place looks absolutely incredible and I could see myself drinking wine here all day.
- Villa Mangiacane – another smaller luxury hotel with beautiful views of Florence! They even offer cooking classes here and the pool looks dreamy.
- Marignolle Relais & Charme – a charming countryside estate also located in the foothills of Florence. Breakfast is included and the price is a steal!
Airbnb options:
- Tuscany Farm stay – Do you see those two people having a picnic in the pictures? That could be you.
- Stay in this entire villa – this one may be a little overboard. You probably don’t need 8 bedrooms but I couldn’t not put it in here. Its SO gorgeous and it’s your honeymoon… so why not. Look at that gym!! It looks like it should be a lifetime away from Florence city center but its only 6 miles!
- Countryside House – stay on an organic wine and olive oil farm! This place is conveniently located super close to a bus stop so you can easily get here from Florence (its only 8 miles away). I would personally pick this one, because of the authenticity and homemade organic wine!
Option 2: Rome, Sorrento (& Capri)
Day 1-4: Arrive & Explore Rome
This itinerary may be biased because out of all of these places, Rome is the one I’ve been and can speak very highly of. I’ve always heard people say that Rome is a city of Romance … (it IS where Lizzie McGuire realized she loved Gordo…) but I felt like I truly understood that when we were there. Around EVERY single corner is something new to look at, and you’re looking at this architecture that dates back to second century BC. It’s truly remarkable, very humbling, full of life and unbelievably cheap cocktails and pasta. There are many obvious things to do in Rome like The Colosseum, The Spanish steps, Trevi Fountain, The Vatican. Make sure you don’t overwhelm yourself with too many of these things, because you need time to relax and truly enjoy some apertiifs. For seeing those major attractions, make sure to get tickets in advance, which you can do here. For more Rome recommendations, check out my Rome blog.
Where to stay:
B&B Options:
- Biancagiulia Bed & Breakfast – I can personally speak to this one, and our stay here was amazing. It’s close to the train station if you need it but we ended up walking everywhere we needed to go. It’s located just outside of the main center, making the price unreal. I think we paid ~$70 a night in May 2022.
- Navona My Home – located right in the heart of ancient Rome. They serve breakfast with your stay and donate a portion of their proceeds to a nonprofit for rare diseases. We love to see that!
- Wellness Home Rome – Explore all day and come home to your own private Turkish bath, right in the heart of Rome. This place looks incredibly relaxing, they have free breakfast and welcome drinks upon arrival.
Day 4 - beyond: Sorrento
If you’re looking for the Amalfi coast, Positano vibe but don’t want to deal with the crowds and prices, Sorrento is your place! It’s also just a short bus ride away from the epic Amalfi coastline towns, so if you really wanted to do a day trip, it’s totally doable. In my research on Sorrento, it sounds like they have amazing food and culture. It’s a big enough city to keep you busy for a few days but it’s not so big that it’s overwhelming. I think 4 days or more would be perfect here, especially knowing you can do day trips to the nearby towns and also the island of Capri!
To get here from Rome, simply hop on a train, which will take roughly 2.5-3 hours. Remember, google maps is your friend and makes it super easy to find train stations near you, while providing step by step instructions on which trains to be on/when to get off! If I can figure it out, so can you! Remember your route and take the train back to Rome when it’s time to leave 🙁
Where to stay:
- Grand Hotel Capodimonte – Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea with 5 waterfall pools, amazing chefs, this is a gorgeous, unique and luxurious place to stay.
- Grand Hotel Riviera – another 4-star luxury hotel facing the Mediterranean with unforgettable views, located within walking distance to the city center and has its own beach access!
- Hotel Cristina – this hotel is in more of a private, residential area, surrounded by olive trees. It has a pool and is still within walking distance to the city center! A great mid-range option.
While you’re here.. an absolute can’t miss in my opinion is a ferry ride to Capri. You can also choose to spend the night there or just do a day trip!
There you have it! Drop your questions in the comments below & let me know if you’re booking Italy this year!! – Alysa
This information is awesome! I have been to Italy for my honeymoon but these itineraries and travel information makes me realize that I need to go back again to see all of the wonderful things that I’ve missed! Another fantastic blog!
Thank you 🥹❤️❤️❤️
This is very well written and extremely informative.
Excellent research and enticing destination!
Excellent research and enticing destinations! I’m in 🙂
Sounds like a plan to me
Do you have any plans to go back to Italy? If so, can I please join!? It sounds amazing!! Also, thanks for the helpful article!
Hello Paul
Wouldn’t you like to know
OMG! makes me want to get married again after 30 years of marriage! Plan my trip Alysa!