Top 10 honeymoon destinations: Italy

October 23, 9:01 AMWilmington Wedding Planning ExaminerJennifer Zambri-Dickerson

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The Colosseum
AP Photo / Alessandra Tarantino

The charm, culture and artistic landscape of Italy draw thousands of honeymooners to its Mediterranean shores each year, making it possibly the top Honeymoon destination in the world. Rich in history, speckled with gorgeous architecture and full of activities, it could take years to explore the entire country. Since most of us do not have years to wander this mountainous peninsula, choose a few key areas and get ready to enjoy the romantic atmosphere.

While summer weddings are quite popular, Italy is very crowded that time of year and also very hot. The best times to honeymoon here are from April to June and September to October when there are fewer visitors and mild temperatures. August is out of the question as the entire country goes on holiday for most of the month and many hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions are closed.

There are festivals year round in all parts of the country, which is a great way to experience the Italian culture. Check out Carnevale in Venice during the month of February which is full of street parties, fireworks and masked balls. April is the time for an abundance of religious observances and parades. Music lovers will enjoy Florence’s Maggio Musicale Fiorentino in May with authentic Italian tunes, operas and concerts. Jousting matches, art festivals and even a living chess game are just a few other highlights throughout the year.

No matter how much time you have to visit Italy, do not miss Rome, Venice or Florence. Rome in particular is the city with the most artistic monuments and historic locations. The Colosseum, built in 72 AD, is a must see as well as St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, which is the largest church in the world. The Trevi Fountain is the most famous and likely the most beautiful fountain in Rome. Toss a coin into the water for good luck. And the Pantheon, built more than 1800 years ago originally as a pagan temple, is a spectacular sight.

Venice is a small city where seemingly, time has stood still. You will not see many cars or modern buildings here as the city is surrounded by water. Transportation is either on foot or by boat. No honeymoon would be complete without a romantic Gondola ride through the city. The ornate and complex architecture of St. Mark’s Basilica is a great place to snap a few photos. Doge’s Palace is also both visually and historically interesting; this is where the Venetian Republic was ruled during the 14th century.

In the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is an art lovers dream. Home to works by Leonardo and Michelangelo, Donatello bronzes and the Botticelli smiles, Florence is dripping with Italian culture. Take tour of the Galleria degli Uffizi and the Accademia galleries. Then go for a leisurely stroll across Florence's famous Ponte Vecchio, also known as "old bridge." This medieval bridge is a gorgeous photo spot, plus you can wander through the local shops along the way to pick up authentic Italian arts and crafts. You can also take a variety of day trips from Florence; travel to Tuscany for a wine tour or Pisa to see the Leaning Tower.

If you have a few weeks to spend, there are plenty more sights to see. Naples is full of fascinating archaeological treasures. The city of Pompeii, which was destroyed and partially buried by a volcanic eruption in AD 79, is a great place to see some amazing ruins. Milan is the industrial capital of Italy with some fascinating art museums and cathedrals. Or take a trip south to the island of Sicily to see Mt. Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe.

A longer stay makes for a more relaxing trip to Italy. There is so much to see and do, you will not want to miss anything. But even if you can only stay for a week, you will definitely not miss out on the cultural charm and scenic views which are found everywhere. Just remember to pack a camera and your sense of adventure. This is truly a trip of a lifetime.

For more info: Contact Honeymoon Specialist, Mindy Gilbert via email at mindy@myvacationlady.com or by phone at 732-418-0819. You may also visit the My Vacation Lady web site.