Explore Italy and Fill Your Itinerary
Italy has the perfect combination of bustling cities and scenic countryside, which is why it has become a very popular honeymoon destination. But how to get the most out of your trip? In this feature, travel editor Issy Chamberlain outlines some of the best accommodation and romantic attractions to make your trip as memorable as possible.
TREVILLE POSITANO, AMALFI COAST
The iconic oasis, situated overlooking the crystal blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, stands as one of the world's leading and most distinguished hotels. The location offers a timeless glimpse into a historic era frequented by icons such as Elizabeth Taylor, Laurence Olivier, Leonard Bernstein, and Madonna. With just 16 individually designed suites on the property, this celebrated retreat provides guests with a rare blend of privacy, history and artist immersion – showcasing the cosmopolitan glamour and a full commitment to Franco Zeffirelli's long artistic legacy. Guests looking to unwind can also indulge in self-care and relaxation at La Traviata Spa overlooking the sea, which recently introduced a new cold water immersion therapy.
Check out the website for more information: https://villatreville.com
The iconic oasis, situated overlooking the crystal blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, stands as one of the world's leading and most distinguished hotels. The location offers a timeless glimpse into a historic era frequented by icons such as Elizabeth Taylor, Laurence Olivier, Leonard Bernstein, and Madonna. With just 16 individually designed suites on the property, this celebrated retreat provides guests with a rare blend of privacy, history and artist immersion – showcasing the cosmopolitan glamour and a full commitment to Franco Zeffirelli's long artistic legacy. Guests looking to unwind can also indulge in self-care and relaxation at La Traviata Spa overlooking the sea, which recently introduced a new cold water immersion therapy.
Check out the website for more information: https://villatreville.com
IL SALVIATINO, FLORENCE
Florence's historic Il Salviatino adds another layer to Italy's rich tapestry of cultural hideaways. Hidden within vibrant Italian gardens in the foothills overlooking Florence, this location is the perfect escape for newlyweds. The venue holds 39 beautifully restored rooms and suites, including the newly unveiled Duomo View Suites, along with the Aquae Vitali spa within the original greenhouse and the prestigious Giacomo al Salviatino restaurant, sister to the legendary Giacomo Milano. The property's new Sunday brunch transforms the historic lounges into a lively banquet, complete with flower arranging, crafts and wine tastings, creating a modern-day salon honouring the villa's artistic past.
To book your romantic getaway, visit: https://salviatino.com
Florence's historic Il Salviatino adds another layer to Italy's rich tapestry of cultural hideaways. Hidden within vibrant Italian gardens in the foothills overlooking Florence, this location is the perfect escape for newlyweds. The venue holds 39 beautifully restored rooms and suites, including the newly unveiled Duomo View Suites, along with the Aquae Vitali spa within the original greenhouse and the prestigious Giacomo al Salviatino restaurant, sister to the legendary Giacomo Milano. The property's new Sunday brunch transforms the historic lounges into a lively banquet, complete with flower arranging, crafts and wine tastings, creating a modern-day salon honouring the villa's artistic past.
To book your romantic getaway, visit: https://salviatino.com
RHINOCEROS ROMA, ROME
Bringing together luxury and art, we have the prestigious Rhinoceros Roma; it's a bold reimagining of hospitality where art and design seamlessly converge. Alda Fendi (founder of the Fondazione Alda Fendi – Esperimenti) transformed a historic building near Trastevere into 25 designer apartments dotted around an avant-garde gallery space. The hotel has a unique destination, offering an immersive artistic experience that goes far beyond traditional hospitality. The gallery spans six floors, intertwining indoor and outdoor spaces, with terraces and light-filled atriums, and launched a new exhibition this year.
For more information, please visit: https://rhinocerosroma.com
Bringing together luxury and art, we have the prestigious Rhinoceros Roma; it's a bold reimagining of hospitality where art and design seamlessly converge. Alda Fendi (founder of the Fondazione Alda Fendi – Esperimenti) transformed a historic building near Trastevere into 25 designer apartments dotted around an avant-garde gallery space. The hotel has a unique destination, offering an immersive artistic experience that goes far beyond traditional hospitality. The gallery spans six floors, intertwining indoor and outdoor spaces, with terraces and light-filled atriums, and launched a new exhibition this year.
For more information, please visit: https://rhinocerosroma.com
MASSERIA, PUGLIA
The Italian honeymoon dream isn't complete without these next two locations. Why not escape to this tranquil region and stay at two of the most stylish homes in the area, Masseria Pistola and Masseria Petrarolo. Masseria Pistola, is a chic ten-bedroom estate overlooking the Canale Di Pirro Valley and comes with private gardens, in-house chef, and exquisite interiors, to make it a perfect multi-generational retreat. Masseria Petrarolo, its sister property, is a nine-bedroom converted farmhouse amid olive groves and vineyards; it features two pools, a rooftop with Adriatic views, a tennis court, a hammam, and a kitchen garden where a resident chef crafts bespoke menus. With expansive dining areas and intimate lounges, this farmhouse is an idyllic Puglian escape.
For more information on this luxurious destination, please visit: https://masseriapetrarolo.com
The Italian honeymoon dream isn't complete without these next two locations. Why not escape to this tranquil region and stay at two of the most stylish homes in the area, Masseria Pistola and Masseria Petrarolo. Masseria Pistola, is a chic ten-bedroom estate overlooking the Canale Di Pirro Valley and comes with private gardens, in-house chef, and exquisite interiors, to make it a perfect multi-generational retreat. Masseria Petrarolo, its sister property, is a nine-bedroom converted farmhouse amid olive groves and vineyards; it features two pools, a rooftop with Adriatic views, a tennis court, a hammam, and a kitchen garden where a resident chef crafts bespoke menus. With expansive dining areas and intimate lounges, this farmhouse is an idyllic Puglian escape.
For more information on this luxurious destination, please visit: https://masseriapetrarolo.com
FILLING YOUR ITINERARY
You've selected your accommodation, but what to do while you're there? Italy is bursting with rich culture, busy towns and quiet countryside, so the world is your oyster! But do you want to avoid people for the whole honeymoon? Or maybe have a mix of quiet days and packed-out ones. If you want a quiet trip then we'd recommend going in the spring or the autumn, it's ideal for weather and has the least crowds. If you aren't worried about lots of people and want to feel the extent of the Italian heat, then July and August are the months for you!
VISIT WINERIES IN TUSCANY
Assign half a day to take a tour of the famed Chianti wine region complete with visits to wineries, where you'll taste a range of wines and dine on olives, cheese, cured meats and bruschetta – divine!
EXPLORE THE VATICAN IN ROME
The Vatican City is iconic for a reason and should definitely be on your to-do list for Italy. Tours take around three-hours and will change your perspective on architecture and art. The Pope also addresses the crowds every Wednesday and Sunday morning in St Peter's Square, so make sure you're there for this memorable moment!
TAKE A COOKING CLASS IN SICILY
Cooking courses, by standard, are very romantic things to do with your partner and, when combined with the natural pull of Italy, you are on to a winner. You'll learn how to prepare a traditional four-course meal, to then sit down and enjoy it with wine, coffee and limoncello! Classes are typically in a small-group format, so you won't be overwhelmed with other honeymooners.
AND SO MUCH MORE!
You'll never run out of gorgeous corners to explore when visiting Italy, it's one of Europe's most beautiful countries for a reason. If the above hasn't interested you, then why not check out tours of Mount Etna, the site of a volcano with fertile soil, making some of the best vineyards in Italy. Or what about a day trip to Verona to see Juliet's balcony from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Or for our fitness fanatics out there, why not head to the Amalfi Coast for the Path of Gods hike. If you feel the sea calling to you, book on to a pirate ship boat tour with lunch and music. There are countless things to do when visiting these lush lands, all you need to do now is book your plane tickets.
