Must-Do Excursions in Italy
Italy's captivating beauty encompasses a diverse tapestry of landscapes, from the picturesque coastlines of the Amalfi Coast to the rolling vineyards of Tuscany and the timeless grandeur of its historic cities. I highly recommend this lush landscape for ANY romantic getaway or honeymoon [hello Roman Holiday!] As a knowledgable travel agent, I personally know Italy offers exceptional immersive experiences, spanning from art and architecture to renowned wine and cuisine [it’s truly the best!]. As one of my premier destinations, I have planned several romantic honeymoons throughout Italy and I have curated this impeccable list of excursions for my honeymoon couples seeking deep exploration of this pivotal country in Western civilization's history.
Here are five immersive experiences we adore, certain to captivate any traveler’s interest:
Burano is known for its brightly colored houses, which were traditionally painted in various vibrant hues to help fishermen identify their homes from the sea.
Trastevere, which means "across the Tiber," is known for its narrow winding streets and medieval buildings, but it also has a surprising connection to Hollywood. The famous director, Martin Scorsese, used Trastevere as a filming location for several scenes in his movie "The Great Beauty" (La Grande Bellezza), which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2014.
Mount Etna, located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is constantly changing its landscape.
Pompeii, the ancient Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, provides a remarkable glimpse into daily life during the Roman Empire.
Island Discovery by Boat: Murano and Burano
Embark on a half-day journey through the Venetian Lagoon's captivating islands, departing from St. Mark's area aboard a comfortable motorboat. Witness the artistry of glass masters on Murano during a captivating glass-blowing demonstration [truly unique and a perfect souvenir to take home!], followed by a scenic voyage to the vibrant streets of Burano, adorned with charming rainbow-colored houses [perfect instagram photo opp].
Evening Gastronomic Stroll in Rome's Trastevere
Explore Trastevere, Rome's chic bohemian enclave, adorned with ivy-coated buildings and cobblestone streets. Indulge in a food tour showcasing the neighborhood's finest bakeries, delicatessens, and wine bars. Conclude the tasting journey with a romantic trattoria experience, savoring different pastas paired with local wines before enjoying classic Italian gelato. My favorite? Carbonara with house red wine from any of the local restaurants - bonus points if you sit on the cobblestone streets and people watch!
Mount Etna Food & Wine Lovers Walking Tour from Taormina
Ascend 1000 meters above sea level to explore the breathtaking Etna territory. Delight in the views and flavors of the region's finest vineyards and farms, indulging in wine tastings, artisanal cheeses, organic produce, and handmade pastas. Hot Tip: Bring drawstring or elastic waist pants… you’ll thank me later!
Cooking Class & Lunch on the Pope's Farm
Explore the Papal Palace in Castel Gandolfo, offering stunning vistas of Lake Albano, including its museum and private quarters. Experience a cooking class on the Pope's farm, meeting the chef and enjoying antipasti and prosecco, followed by crafting a delectable lunch with freshly harvested ingredients. You’ll be able to take these memories home with you and re-create the dish over and over for date nights!
Private Guided Tour of Pompeii with Skip-the-Line Tickets, Light Lunch, and Wine Tasting from Sorrento
Unearth the remnants of ancient Pompeii, including its thermal baths, streets, bakeries, and forums once bustling with Roman life. A visit to Pompeii is essential for all travelers, particularly history enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the past with skip-the-line access, a light lunch, and wine tasting. As a history nerd, this is a stop that truly resonates with you.
