Welcome to TierOne Travel’s “Best Romantic Destinations” series, where we will be highlighting the most romantic places to travel for couples, as recommended by our own experienced travel agents!
Next up in our series is Italy, a dream getaway with so much to explore, as recommended by our lovely TierOne Travel Consultant, Kennedy Barth.
Read on to learn about why Italy is the perfect romantic travel experience for you and the one you love.
The Most Romantic Places in Italy
Why Italy for romance?
Italy is a romantic paradise with incredible food, fantastic wine, unspoiled countryside, mountains, lakes, and sunny beaches! This means it’s always in demand with something that will capture the heart of all travelers, and is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway with your sweetie, no matter what mix of activities you’re looking for.
Here are 6 destinations in Italy that seem like they were truly made for romance.
When you’re ready to book, a TierOne Travel consultant will be more than happy to help you plan your dream Italian getaway!
COVID-19 Travel Restrictions
Italy is currently in a state of emergency until April 30, 2021 (extended from January 31) due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are requiring all visitors to isolate to 14 days upon arrival. Italy has also limited the countries whose residents can visit and at this time Canada is not included. However, this just means you have more time to plan your perfect dream Italian vacation with your TierOne Travel consultant for when the world opens again!
See the most updated information about the COVID-19 entry requirements for Italy here.
Best Time to Visit Italy
The best months for traveling in Italy are from April to June and mid-September to October. During these months, temperatures are typically comfortable, countryside colours are lush and vibrant, and attractions aren’t too overcrowded, except around Easter. From July through to early September, the country’s popular spots are usually swarming with travellers!
Rome
When you think of romance in Italy, you probably think first of Venice or Tuscany. But Rome, with its hidden cafes, ivy-covered alleys and beautiful lookouts makes for a very romantic setting as well!
When in Rome, Vatican City is unmissable, especially when you’re looking for romantic experiences. The Sistine Chapel, Gardens of Vatican City, and St. Peter’s Square are all beautiful must-see attractions! See a performance at Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, one of Europe’s finest amphitheaters where you can witness the opera and ballet performances. Don’t forget to toss coins in the Trevi Fountain! There’s special significance to the number of coins to throw into the fountain. One coin means return to Rome, two signifies a new romance, while the third one is for marriage.
One of the most fun and romantic things to do in Rome is hiring a Vespa and exploring Rome together, just like in the movies. Ride around the Colosseum, fountains, and narrow streets of Rome – who knows what hidden gems you will come across.
Amalfi Coast
Italy’s Amalfi Coast boasts a classic Mediterranean landscape, a perfect blend of natural and cultural wonders and is the ultimate destination for romance. Though it can be crowded, the Amalfi Coast boasts spectacular beaches, temperate weather, towering cliffs, idyllic villages, lush gardens, and magnificent vistas. The Amalfi Coast isn’t just one spot; there are plenty of different towns and villages, each of which has its own unique character and appeal. No matter where you choose to explore, you are guaranteed to have an amazing and romantic adventure with your other half.
The Amalfi Coast is not an easy destination to get to, but it is well worth the journey. The beautiful drive has winding roads next to cliffs that drop off 100+ feet down to the Mediterranean. A lot of travellers decide to hire a driver to get them there so they have no need to stress about the drive and can sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Capri
Capri, an island in Italy’s Bay of Naples, is famed for its rugged landscape, upscale hotels, and shopping, from designer fashions to limoncello and handmade leather sandals. Capri is one of Italy’s most memorable destinations with turquoise seas and cinematic piazzas. The region is home to some of Italy’s most luxurious hotels and restaurants.
One of its best-known natural sites is the Blue Grotto, a dark cavern where the sea glows electric blue. It is the result of sunlight passing through an underwater cave. It is also one of the country’s top spots for hiking, with well-marked trails full of incredible views and scenery providing the chance to escape the coastal crowds.
The best way to get to Capri is by sea. Ferries depart from Naples and Sorrento. During the summer months, high season, there are ferry routes departing from Positano, Salerno, and Ischia. For most of the year, vehicles are prohibited from embarking for the island, except for residents.
Check Out These Romantic Italy Tours
Florence
Florence is a perfect combination of world-class museums, stunning sights and delicious food, making it an idyllic romantic destination for honeymooners, anniversary celebrations and glamorous getaways with that special someone. With long walks on cobbled stone streets, breathtaking architecture, sunsets over the Ponte Vecchio, dreamy riverside views, sharing gelato and candle lit dinner dates, there’s no limit to the romance.
There are so many things to do in Florence, such as taking a boat ride along the Arno river, and visiting Piazzale Michelangelo, which is a perfect spot to watch the sunset and watch the city light up. You can drink some wine, and enjoy a picnic together and climb to the top of the Duomo for an incredible 360-degree view of Florence! You can explore the countryside on a vespa or even from the sky in a hot air balloon! That is just a few of the amazing things you can enjoy in this beautiful city. It’s clear to see that Florence is a magical city that just radiates effortless romance.
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre, or “Five Lands” is a rugged coastal region in Northern Italy. It is composed of five charming, cliffside villages of pastel-colored homes. A single railway line and network of hiking trails connect the villages, and the whole region is a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area is known as the alleged birthplace of pesto, focaccia, and limoncello!
If you’re looking for mountains and sea, delicious local Italian food at reasonable prices, a chilled-out vibe, lots of things to do, and romantic vistas at every turn, Cinque Terre is your perfect destination for a romantic retreat. Each of the five village has its own personality. Whether you are looking to spend your holiday hiking and exploring or sitting on a balcony overlooking the Ligurian sea and drinking wine, each of the villages is beautiful in its own way, so you can’t go wrong no matter what village or villages you decide to visit.
Lake Como
Lake Como provides one of the most picturesque sceneries in the world. It’s no secret that Lake Como is one of the world’s top locations for romance. The entire perimeter of Lake Como is studded with charming villages and towns. The most popular destinations are Bellagio, Varenna and the city that gives its name to the lake, Como!
Charming towns and villages with colorful houses and lazy little harbors will leave you breathless. The beaches in Lake Como are the perfect place to relax during summer days, and in some cases, you will have the opportunity to go sailing, windsurfing or even paragliding.
Located in the north of Italy, near Milan, this lakeside paradise has been a popular destination since the times of the ancient Romans and more recently Lake Como had made headlines as being George Clooney’s favourite getaway destination.
Venice
With its historical canals, gondolas, and winding streets, Venice is considered one of the most romantic cities on earth. Even those who hate romantic cliches can’t deny Venice’s unique and captivating atmosphere. At the height of tourist season (the summer), Venice might seem a bit overwhelming. To avoid the crowds, a great thing to do is to stay away from the center of the city and head to some of the outer islands, like colorful Burano and Morano.
However, there are ways to stay in Venice and find some peace and quiet. One of the best (and most romantic) options is to get a map and explore the less crowded hidden gems within Venice. Away from the well-known tourist attractions, you will find many quiet and picturesque canals and paths to wander and experience the magic of Venice together. With iconic museums, amazing palaces, quaint historic town squares to explore, and endless gelato to eat, it is obvious why so many people visit Venice.
Recommended 30 Day Itinerary
Rome – 5 Days
Arrive at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport
Must See Attractions :
- Colosseum
- Roman Forum
- Piazza Venezia
- Jewish Quarter
- Pantheon
- Piazza Navona
- Vatican City
- Spanish Steps
- Trevi Fountains
Must Do Activities
- Experience Rome’s nightlife and some of the city’s best food in Trastevere a funky, bohemian area.
- Marvel at the Sistine Chapel ceiling and wonder around Vatican Cities museums and gardens.
- Go shopping at Via del Corso.
- Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain.
- Rent a Vespa to take a tour around the city in style.
- Take a dip and in a thermal bath.
- Experience an amazing opera and ballet performance at Teatro dell’Opera di Roma.
- Pack a picnic and enjoy views overlooking Rome in the Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) on top of the Aventine Hill.
- Enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner on one of Rome’s many rooftop restaurants.
Amalfi Coast – 4 Days
You can get to the Amalfi Coast from Rome on the train with Trenitalia directly from Rome to Naples. The trains traveling directly from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale run often. From Naples, you can catch a ferry, a local bus or hire a driver to get to the Amalfi Coast.
Sorrento is a great hub for your Amalfi Coast adventure!
Must See Attractions:
- Villa Comunale, Sorrento
- Vallone dei Mulini, Sorrento
- Hike the Path of the Gods
- The small village of Positano
- Duomo di Amalfi, Amalfi
- Villa Rufolo, Ravello
- Palazzo Cimbrione, Ravello
- Pompeii
Must Do Activities:
- Drink limoncello
- In summer, enjoy a swim in the aquamarine water
- Experience lively Sorrento nightlife
- Enjoy Positano’s great beaches like Spiaggia del Fornillo and Spiaggia Grande
- Take a boat tour in Amalfi (summer)
- Hire a guide to take you around Pompeii
- Try pizza in Naples
Capri – 3 Days
Hydrofoils to Capri depart from Naples’ Beverello port, situated almost directly opposite Piazza Muncipio. The boat ride takes approximately 40 minutes.
Ferries to the island depart from the nearby Calata Porta di Massa, connected to Beverello by shuttle service. The journey by ferry takes 50 to 80 minutes.
Must See Attractions:
- La Piazzetta
- Gardens of Augustus
- Punta Carena lighthouse
- Faraglioni Rocks
- Blue and Emerald grottos
Must Do Activities:
- Spend the day at a beach club
- Go on a boat tour
- Watch the sunset at the Punta Carena lighthouse
- Go shopping in Capris historic center
Florence & Tuscany – 6 Days
Getting to Florence from Capri takes just under five hours if you decide to take the train from Naples, which is the fastest way to get to Florence.
Must See Attractions:
- Piazza del Duomo, Florence
- Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence
- Ponte Vecchio, Florence Uffizi Gallery
- Florence Galleria dell ’Accademia
- Florence Giardino di Boboli, Florence
- The Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Guinigi Tower, Lucca
- St Martin’s Cathedral, Lucca
- Piazza dell’Antfiteatro, Lucca
- Piazza del Campo, Siena
- Gothic Renaissance Duomo Cathedral, Siena
- Visit Bagno Vignoni
Must Do Activities:
- Attend a cooking class
- Climb to the top of the dome for amazing 360-degree views of Florence
- Visit Michelangelo’s David
- Hike up to Piazzale Michelangelo to experience a beautiful view of Florence
- Take a boat trip along the River Arno
- Take a picture holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Wander through Lucca’s cobblestone streets
- Climb to the top of the Torre Mangaia
- Sample wines, olive oils, and cheeses
- Book a wine tasting tour
- See Tuscany from a different perspective on a hot-air balloon ride
- Enjoy the hot springs in Bagno Vignoni
- Go on a biking tour of the countryside
- Tour Vineyards & olive groves
Cinque Terre – 4 Days
Cinque Terre is best reached by train. Trains leave from Florence’s station about twice an hour and reach La Spezia train station about two hours later. Once at La Spezia, you’ll have to switch to the 5 Terre Express train, a fast train that runs every 15 minutes and connects all five villages.
If you want to hike the trails to all the Cinque Terre villages, it is suggested having 1 full week in Cinque Terre.
Must See Attractions:
- Church of San Giovanni Battista, Riomaggiore
- Nessun Dorma, the most famous restaurant/bar in Cinque Terre, Manarola
- Punta Bonfiglio, a short uphill hike, with fabulous views and a great place to watch the sunset, Manarola
- Manarola is most famous for wine production. Hike up to the grapevines on the slopes above the town
- Visit the Oratorio dei Disciplinati di Santa Caterina church in Corniglia
- Visit the famous Church of San Francesco in Monterosso
Must Do Activities:
- Sunset kayaking tour with wine and aperitivos by the sea
- Tour local vineyards and sample locally made wines
- Sunset boat tour
- Enjoy dinner at a Cave restaurant
- Indulge in Gelato by the sea
- Taste test pesto & focaccia
- Drink limoncello at the local lemon orchards
- Enjoy the beaches in Monterosso
- Cliff jumping in Riomaggiore
- Shop the vintage stores in Corniglia
- For amazing views of Corniglia, hike up to Santa Maria panoramic terrace and see the whole town from above.
- Go wine tasting in Vernaaza
- Relax on the beach in Monterosso
Lake Como – 3 Days
Take trains from Cinque Terre to get to Lake Como. You may also get there by buses from Milan and other major cities.
Must See Attractions:
- See Bellagios town square, Piazza San Giacomo
- Basilica di San Giacomo
- Villa Serbelloni
- Bellagio Viewpoint, perfect location for watching the sunset
- Chiesa di San Giorgio, Varenna
- Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista, Varenna
- Villa Cipressi, Varenna
- Villa Monastero, Varenna
- Villa Mylius Vigoni, Menaggio
- Piazza Garibaldi, Menaggio
- Church of Santa Marta, Menaggio
- Church of San Carlo, Menaggio
Must Do Activities:
- Go paragliding over lake Como
- Relax on beautiful beaches
- Visit the lakeside promenade in Bellagio
- Take ferries to get from village to village
- Take a boat tour
Venice – 3 Days
Take the train all the way from Lake Como to Venice. Or you could drive, driving is fastest if you’re willing to drive or hire a private driver!
Must See Attractions:
- Visit Piazza San Marco and the Basilica San Marco
- Walk across the Rialto Bridge
- Tour the Doge’s Palace
- Take a trip to Burano
- Head to the island of Lido
- Check out Murano Island
- Basilica Di Santa Maria Della Salute
Must Do Activities:
- Visit the markets, like the Rialto Market
- Climb the Campanile di San Marco
- Go on a classic venetian Gondola ride
- Guided walking tour
- Get a photo of the most photographed bridge in Venice The Bridge of Sighs
- Dinner along the Grand Canal
Conclusion
Italy is the perfect place to have a romantic getaway. From ancient ruins to unforgettable views, relaxing on beaches and pushing yourself on breathtaking hikes, Italy is an amazing adventure that will be even better when experienced with your loved one.
About TIERONE TRAVEL CONSULTANT: KENNEDY BARTH
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Kennedy is a new agent to Tier One Travel. She is a recent SAIT graduate and studied Travel and Tourism. Kennedy lived in London England for two years and traveled through Europe during that time. She was also able to spend a month in Asia exploring India, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.
Contact KENNEDY:
EMAIL: kennedy.barth@tieronetravel.com
Direct: 403-216-1659
Office: 403-216-2450
Toll Free: 877-599-9346
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