Italy

WHERE TO STAY:

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  Hotel La Scalinatella: La Scalinatella is an intimate hotel with the feel of a private villa boasting terraces with panoramic ocean views. Luxurious and peaceful, you won’t want to leave! Room rates include breakfast. Opt for a room with a partial sea or full sea views.

  Address: Via Tragara 8-80073, Capri
  Tel: +39 081-837-0633.
  Fax: +39 081-837-8291.

  E-mail:
  Web site:
  
  
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  Hotel Caruso: The Hotel Caruso, with its breathtaking views of the Gulf of Salerno, has attracted celebrities such as Greta Garbo, writer Gore Vidal, and former first lady Jackie O. Her namesake suite, the Jackie O, is the hotel’s most luxurious, complete with a private pool. All guests are free to enjoy the most dramatic infinity pool on the Amalfi Coast. As an additional perk, the hotel’s fishing boat will provide free tours of the rugged and picturesque Amalfi coastal cliffs.

  Address: Piazza San Giovanni Del Toro 2, 84010 Ravello-Amalfi Coast.
  Tel: +39 01 852-67890 for reservations, 1 (800) 237-1236 toll free

  E-mail:
  Web site:
  
  
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  Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni: Romance abounds in this little town tucked into the mountains of Italy’s Lake District. Ask for a room with a lake view balcony, and spend your time relaxing by the hotel’s waterside terrace or walking amid the fragrant gardens.

  Address: Via Roma 1, Bellagio 22021-The Lake District
  Tel: +39 031-95-0216
  Fax: +39 031-95-1529

  E-mail:
  Web site:
  
  
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  Westin Excelsior: The Westin Excelsior redefines luxury from its prime location in central Florence overlooking the Ponte Vecchio and the Arno River, and just steps away from the Uffizi museum. The hotel, formerly a palace owned by Napoleon Bonaparte’s sister Carolina, is furnished with 19th century antiques, walnut furniture and neo-classical frescoes. The high-ceilinged guest rooms and terraces overlooking bustling Florence allows you to relax and take it all in.

  Address: Piazza Ognissanti 3, Florence 50123
  Tel: +39 055 271-51
  Fax: +39 055 210-278

  E-mail:
  Web site:
  
  
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  Hotel Gritti Palace: Occupying a prime location on the Grand Canal, Hotel Gritti Palace was built in 1525 as residence of Doge Andrea Gritti. A leisurely stroll from Piazza San Marco, the palazzo awards rare views of Santa Maria della Salute. Guests can expect luxurious treatment and excellent service. The corner room doubles on the second and third floors may not be as large as some other rooms, but they do offer balconies overlooking the canals. Ernest Hemingway fans may consider splurging for the chance to stay in his “home in Venice” suite.

  Address: Campo Santa Maria del Giglio, Venice 30124
  Tel: 800-325-3535 (US) or +39 041-79-4611 (Italy)

  E-mail:
  Web site:
  
  

HONEYMOON TRAVEL TIPS:

• When to Go:
  April-June and late September-October are great options for travel to
  Italy. You will miss the summer tourism rush of July-mid-September.
  Avoid August if possible, when it’s uncomfortably warm, and most Italians go on vacation. Try to avoid the high season of June through September when prices will be higher.

• Climate:
  In the summer, it is warm all over Italy. South of Rome, temperatures can be in the 90s during the day, with the evenings comfortably cooler. Winters in Northern Italy are cold with rain and snow, but during summer months are typically in the mid 70’s.

• Currency:
  The Euro is the official Italian currency. The easiest way to get cash is through an ATM machine; however they often charge fees for
  International transactions. Bank of America clients can avoid the fees by withdrawing at Deutsche Bank branches while in Italy.

• When touring the large cities, beware of pickpockets. Be especially on your guard if approached by the small Gypsy children selling flowers or knickknacks.

• To call Italy from the United States, dial:
  011+ Italy country code 39 + city code + local number

• To call from one Italian city to another, include a zero before the
  city code.

• To call the US from Italy, dial:
  001 + area code + number

• Make international calls from a public phone when possible, as hotels will charge higher rates.

• Italy is six hours ahead of United States Eastern Standard Time.

• In bars and cafés, you will notice different prices listed for food whether it is served al banco or à tavola. À tavola prices will be three to four times as much, as you’re paying for the privilege of sitting down and being served, as opposed to standing at the bar.

• For sit down meals, you will find a service charge of anywhere between 1-3€. Often a 15% tip is automatically included in the bill. Ask if you are unsure.

• Tipping is customary in Italy. 15% is often automatically included in your restaurant bill. Taxi drivers also expect 15% of the fare.

• Electricity in Italy is AC and varies from 115-220V. If you are carrying electronic devices, you may want to bring a transformer and adapter plug with you.

• Basic Italian:

DON’T MISS:

Rome

• St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, the world’s smallest sovereign independent state, where you will find Michelangelo’s masterful sculpture, the Pietà

• Stop by the Sistine Chapel to see the frescoes that were the result of 4 years of Michelangelo’s labor.

• Rome’s Colosseum remains the greatest architectural legacy of ancient Rome. Opt for a tour to get the most out of your visit.

• Visit The Pantheon, considered an architectural wonder due to its perfect dome.

• Stop by the Trevi Fountain and throw a coin in as you make a wish!

Florence

• No visit to Florence would be complete without seeing the following sights:

• Michelangelo’s masterpiece David in the Galleria dell’Accademia

• Uffizi Gallery- bursting with paintings and sculptures, you won’t want
  to skip the Uffizi, particularly Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” and
  “Primavera”.

• Il Duomo- one of the world’s largest churches. It is well worth the
  463 step climb to the top for the panoramic views of Florence below.

• Il Ponte Vecchio (The Old Bridge)- the last remaining medieval bridge
  spanning the Arno River, it is famous for its goldsmith and jewelry
  shops.

Venice:

• Piazza San Marco:
  St. Mark’s Square was the heart of Venice in its heyday as a seafaring
  City. Now it is traffic free, and visited by Venetians, tourists and pigeons, throughout the day. Sit, relax and sip an espresso as you indulge in an Italian tradition of coffee and people watching.

• The Grand Canal:
  Take a romantic gondola ride down Venice’s Grand Canal and enjoy the Gothic palaces and historic churches that line the way.

Amalfi Coast

• The dramatic island of Capri offers sweeping views, narrow winding streets, and white washed villas. The rugged landscape makes for few sandy beaches; therefore you must pay to visit the swimming beaches, for example Bagni Nettuno. For 15€ you can sunbathe amidst the scenic cliffs and enjoy the use of a cabana, towel and deck chair. The more adventurous can swim from here into the Blue Grotto, but this is only recommended after 5:00 when the boats no longer visit and if there are calm seas.

• The Blue Grotto:
  Charter a boat from Capri to a breathtaking and romantic cavern whose refracted light creates a stunning blue effect.

• A visit to Pompeii from the Amalfi Coast is well worth a day trip. Life 19 centuries ago comes to life thanks to the city ruined by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The most elegant ancient villas that are not to be missed are the House of the Vettii, with its courtyard, paintings and fresco-decorated dining room, and the House of the Mysteries.

Bellaggio-The Lake District:

• Explore one of the prettiest towns in Europe by venturing into the village’s crooked, often steep, cobblestone streets. Wander along the lake shore which blossoms with flowering shrubbery, or soak up the sun’s warmth on the Bellagio Lido beach.

• Car ferries sail across the lake to Cadenabbia on Lake Como’s western shore, where you will find Villa Carlotta, famous for its serene gardens, bursting with exotic, frangrant flowers.

ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS:

Rome

• La Terrazza dell'Eden: Located in the Hotel Eden, La Terrazza boasts some of the finest cuisine in Rome and provides a panoramic view of Michelangelo's St. Peter's dome. The menus change to reflect seasonal ingredients.
  Address: Via Ludovisi 49, Rome 00187.
  Tel: +39 06-478121
  E-mail: LaTerrazzadellEden.Roma@lemeridien.com
  Web site: www.edenroma.com/en/laterrazzadelleden

Florence

• Trattoria Cibrèo: This Mediterranean style restaurant is known for serving some of the most exquisite, innovative dishes in the city, including sformatto, a potatoes and ricotta soufflè, and a delicious flourless chocolate cake.
  Address: Via dei Macci, 118r, Florence.
  Tel: +39 055-234-1100.

Venice

• Antico Martini: Founded in 1720, Antico Martini serves exquisite dishes in an elaborate, chandelier-adorned environment. If visiting during the summer, ask to be seated in the outdoor courtyard, where you can dine al fresco and enjoy the black tagliolini with zucchini or the smoked wild duck. The restaurant also boasts an extensive wine list with more than 350 choices.
  Address: San Marco 2007, Venice 30124.
  Tel: +39 041-522-4121.
  E- mail: info@anticomartini.com
  Web site: www.anticomartini.com

The Lake District

• Ristorante Al Veluu: For panoramic lakeside views, try the charming Al Veluu, complete with fireplace and large windows. Much of the produce comes from the restaurant's own garden, and both the butter and cheese are local and homemade. Try the champagne sauce risotto al Veluu.
  Address: Via Rogaro 11, Tremezzo 22019.
  Tel: +39 03-44-40510.
  E-mail: info@alveluu.com
  Web site: www.alveluu.com

Ravello

• Caruso Restaurant: The al fresco dining at the hotel's terrace restaurant provides dramatic views of the Amalfi coastline, and serves up exquisite, traditional Neapolitan dishes.
  Address: Piazza San Giovanni Del Toro 2, 84010 Ravello, Amalfi Coast.
  Tel: +39 089 858 801 to book reservations for more than 10 people; otherwise, book online.
  Web site: www.hotelcaruso.com

DESTINATION WEDDINGS:

• Coming Soon!