Brimming with cultural, historic and scenic charms, one thing’s for sure: another way to say “romantic holiday” is “Italy”.
Italy has always inspired romance. Indeed, few experiences are quite so perfect as sipping chinotto with your loved one at a terrace restaurant overlooking the Bay of Naples, while the scent of Sicilian lemon blossom and wisteria fills the air. Or strolling down an ancient cobbled lane in Rome with your partner as you both grapple with the big decision of the day: cioccolato or pistachio gelato? There are so many Italian experiences that are made for two, and these are some of our favourites.
A Gondola Ride In Venice
Just imagine floating along the Grand Canal with your beloved (image: Getty)
In a sea of romantic possibilities, this one tops the list. Choose your moment—sunset is beautiful—and settle in with your loved one as you’re steered gently through the historic canals of Venice, surrounded by the stunning Baroque buildings along the ancient waterways. Disembark at a snug little restaurant and enjoy a candlelit dinner for two while dining on the region’s finest fare.
Your Very Own Italian Villa
Channel your inner Clooney with a romantic getaway to Lake Como that George and Amal themselves would covet (image: Getty)
If you’re after a holiday with a little more privacy than you’ll find at the big hotels, browse through the tempting array of properties from Interhome. The Swiss-based company has been providing European holiday house and apartment rentals for 50 years, and you can book your Italian home-away-from-home through Flight Centre. The only challenge is deciding what kind of romantic getaway you’re looking for. Somewhere cosy in the Italian Alps? Within celebrity-spotting distance of George and Amal Clooney on Lake Como? Or perhaps in a clifftop villa on the stunning Amalfi Coast? Decisions, decisions.
Road Trip Through The Tuscan Countryside
Take your partner's hand as you cruise along the winding roads of Tuscany (image: Getty)
It’s just you, your partner, and that adorable red Fiat. There’s nothing like the freedom to take any road you choose or getting to know the locals as you explore markets, hamlets and vineyards in the Italian countryside. Make yours a foodie holiday and taste the delights of the region’s best gourmet produce at your leisure.
And The Dream… An Italian Wedding
There's no better excuse to visit Venice than for a destination wedding (image: Getty)
It’s one of the most magical days in your life, so you need a fairytale backdrop. With Italy’s abundance of art, architecture, culinary treats and stunning landscapes, it’s easy to see why the land of la dolce vita is just perfect for a destination wedding.
Flight Centre Travel Expert Erin Kuter specialises in wedding and honeymoon packages for couples wanting to tie the knot in stunning overseas locations.
“We act as wedding planner and guest coordinator as well as arranging all the travel,” Erin says.
If a stylish wedding in Italy is your big dream, you certainly don’t need to do it all yourself. There are plenty of experts to help you celebrate your togetherness in the country that loves to love.
As for your photography, a destination wedding calls for not only experience but something money can’t buy: local knowledge. Enter Travelshoot, a specialist destination photography travel service, connecting clients with a local photographer who has incredible technical skill as well as insights into the ins and outs of their city. Founder Sarah Pearce says Travelshoot handpicks their photographers based on these two criteria.
“For example, in Florence, our photographer knows of a hidden cathedral on top of a hill where you can see Florence from a fresh angle. Only a local would know it.”
And what makes Italy so special? According to Sarah: “Italy has some of the world’s most grand and beautiful old architecture that makes for the most stunning wedding photos.”
italy honeymoons
