Special places & best times to go! 

By Carrie McDougall

The Informed Traveler

With its rolling green hills, bright colors of fall and white beauty of winter, Vermont is a beautiful place to get married.

Once the planning is over and your special day has come and gone, it’s time to relax and head off together. In each issue of Vermont Bride, I’ll write about special places around the world where you can go on your honeymoon.

Italy

Italy is a favorite of honeymooners. The Eternal City of Rome, Tuscany, Venice, Sicily, the Lakes Region and the Aeolian Islands are just some of the popular places to visit. From the Mediterranean resorts, amazing food and wine, history, art, music and shopping to quiet towns to relax in, wander and explore, Italy has so much to offer. If you have Italian family and friends who cannot make it to Vermont for your wedding, you might consider having a second ceremony in Italy or a post wedding party there.

Sicily

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean. Over the centuries, it was conquered by many groups who made their mark on regional cuisine, architecture and history. From the Greeks, to the Romans to the Moors, all left lasting influences on the culture. Sicily has lovely beaches, quaint towns and cities, scenic beauty and wonderful wine.

Best time to go:

Year round. Sicily has sunny and mild temperatures in the high 60s and low 70s from November to April and temperatures in the 80s the rest of the year. Price wise it is best to go in January, February, September and October.

Tuscany

Tuscany is the land of the Renaissance, with its beautifully photographed rolling hills, vineyards, farmland, olive groves and delicious food and wine. Some of its best known cities and towns include Florence, Lucca, Pisa, Siena and San

Gimignano. Here you will find some of the most beautiful art and sculptures by Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Botticelli, Bernini and more.

Best time to go:

May, September and October, when the weather is cooler and there are fewer tourists. The busiest and hottest times are June to August.

Venice

Venice is a place like no other––a city surrounded by water with canals and narrow streets and bridges. It is a city for walking or taking water taxis and gondolas. Its islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello have beautiful Venetian glass, lace, colorful houses and a historical church. Venice also has excellent seafood and risotto, not to mention pasta.
Best time to go: April through June and September to November. July and August are hot, humid and full of tourists. Carnival can be fun, but crowded and takes place in February.

The Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is known by its scenic coastline and houses perched on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean. Its towns include Positano, Ravello, Praiano and Procida. These towns also have beautiful beaches, excellent food, wine and specialty drinks. Day trips from here can include Sorrento, Capri, Naples and Pompeii.

Best time to go:

April to June and September and October. July is hot, humid and crowded and Christmas is festive but cold.

Rome

Rome has amazing history, architecture, art and so many food choices. It also has many romantic spots and works by

Renaissance artists, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican and of course, the Sistine Chapel. It is easy to walk around to most of the city’s famous spots. Rome is also a great city for shopping.

Best time to go:

May, June, September and October. July and August are hot, humid and crowded with tourists.

Italy is a wonderful country to visit––full of romance, excellent food, and has something for everyone including the Alps, lakes, beaches, the Mediterranean Sea, ancient history, art and architecture, and there is nothing like Italian cuisine, which varies per region. There are so many other great spots such as Sardinia, Umbria, Val D’Aosta (great for a ski honeymoon), La Marche, Milan and more. Italy is truly a honeymoon paradise.

Also be sure to read Carrie McDougall's "Informed Traveler Vermont! " from the Fall 2011 issue of Vermont Bride Magazine.

Vermont Bride Magazine - Vermont's Most Trusted Wedding Resource Since 1990

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