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Via Appia, Italy: Off The Beaten Path

Written by Iulian Milcomete on . Posted in Adventure, Inspiration, Italy.

 

Within reach of Rome’s city center, the Via Appia is a gentle stroll along the oldest and longest road of the ancient republic. Stretching from Rome down to Brindisi, the Appian Way is a picturesque path, mostly cobblestone, lined with cypress trees, ancient architectural ruins, and quaint scenery.

 

© Ioana Catalina E | Dreamstime

 

Constructed in 312 BC and named after the wealthy and powerful magistrate Appius Claudius Caecus, the Appian Way was originally purposed as an army supply road for the empire. As time went on, the road expanded; many tombs were built here (as bodies were forbidden from being buried in the city center) along with family homes and catacombs. Perfectly cobbled stones create a path to connect these stunning structures, and they exist practically unchanged from over 2,300 years ago.

 

Although the road reaches a total of roughly 348 miles, the most visited portion (Via Appia Antica) is within the first mile in Rome, in the Parco Regionale dell’Appia Antica. Starting at the Catacombs of San Sabastiano, follow the path to a string of ruins and houses, each more charming than the previous. An easy walk, this route is great for family strolls, especially on Sundays when the road is closed to vehicles.

 

Featured image: © Ioana Catalina E | Dreamstime

 

Fronteira Palace

Fronteira Palace, Portugal: Off The Beaten Path

Written by Iulian Milcomete on . Posted in Adventure, Inspiration, Portugal.

 

The Fronteira Palace, also known as the Palace of the Marquesses of Fronteira, is a prestigious estate with sweeping gardens and a warm red mansion, standing proud above the greenery. A unique property famous for its 17th century azulejo tiles, the Fronteira Palace is one of the best kept secrets in Portugal.

 

With over 13 acres of land in the heart of Lisbon, the Fronteira Palace offers spectacularly manicured topiaries, ornate fountains, statues, and a 16th century chapel. The most impressive part of this estate however, is the use of vibrant blue tiles along the bordering wall of the garden. Take time to notice the intricate designs, as well as the use of contrasting color; the varying designs can be attributed to both Italian and Arabic influence.

 

Built in 1640 for the first Marquis of Fronteira, Dom Joao de Mascarenhas, the palace was intended as a hunting pavilion for the Marquis and his friends. Inside you’ll find a stunning Battle Room with exquisite tile work showcasing the 8 episodes of the Restoration War; in the Dining Room, visitors can find a well-preserved art collection that includes paintings by Domingos Antonio de Sequeira. The palace was built in the Mannerist style, but features Baroque decoration, a fashionable contrast of the time.

 

It has been kept in the family of the Marqueses de Fronteira for thirteen generations and is still a private residence of the family today. Guided tours are necessary for viewing the inside of the home.

 

Featured image: © Luca Quadrio | Dreamstime

 

Villa Doria Pamphili

Villa Doria Pamphili, Italy: Off The Beaten Path

Written by Iulian Milcomete on . Posted in Adventure, Inspiration, Italy.

 

The largest landscaped park in Rome, Villa Doria Pamphili is a stately 17th-century villa with lush adjoining gardens. Wander through the estate, admire the meticulously trimmed hedges, and find yourself lost in a dreamworld of luxury in Italy’s capital. Constructed by the noble Roman Pamphili Family in 1630, the property has expanded over the centuries, growing in grandeur and status.

 

The first stop you’ll make as you head into the estate is at the entranceway; the “Arch of the Four Winds” stands in all its blush-colored glory with carved archways and statues for stylistic representation. This grand entrance commemorates the former Villa Corsini which used to stand in its place before the french bombardment in which it was destroyed.

 

Moving into the property itself, visitors have much to explore. The Casino del Bel Respiro (“small villa of good breath”) sits comfortably in its baroque elegance; white washed walls with powder blue shutters, this country residence has an angelic aura amidst the landscape.

 

The grand villa stands adjacent to the Secret Garden, a lush manicured garden with swirling hedges and treasured embellishments. Look for the fountains, statues, chapel, and carved architecture to peak your curiosity. If you’re still longing for adventure, follow the gentle waterfalls that lead from the picturesque pond and stop at every fountain on the property; there are seven!

 

With a heritage of nobility and status, the Villa Doria Pamphili has the history, beauty, and character that is both charming and significant to the Monteverde area.

 

Featured image: © Giuseppemasci | Dreamstime

 

Sligachan River

Sligachan River, United Kingdom: Off The Beaten Path

Written by Iulian Milcomete on . Posted in Adventure, Inspiration, UK.

 

On Scotland’s Isle of Skye, a land of myths and legends, it’s no surprise that even an unassuming body of water such as the Sligachan River has a tale of its own. Most often identified by its stone bridge that from a picture looks like it could be from almost anywhere in this mountainous stretch of the United Kingdom, the waters that run beneath it are said to have magical properties.

 

The legend begins with Scotland’s greatest fighter, the warrior woman Scáthach. When the Irish warrior Cú Chulainn heard of her might, he set out to challenge her in battle. Scáthach accepted the challenge, even knowing she would be facing some who was half god. This battle raged on for weeks, shifting and changing the landscape in its wake, until Scáthach’s daughter couldn’t take it anymore. Uathach ran to the river and wept in distress.

 

Sligachan Bridge

© Bob Raymakers | Unsplash

 

Faeries heard her cries and appeared, advising her to wash her face in river to be bestowed the knowledge of how to stop the battle. Uathach did as they said and what she needed to do immediately dawned on her. She rushed back to her home and prepared a delicious meal, making sure the scent of it could reach Scáthach and Cú Chulainn. Once the warriors could smell the meal, they realized how hungry they were and agreed to take a break to eat. It wasn’t until after they devoured the meal that they realized that by eating in her home, Cú Chulainn had become Scáthach’s guest. And both their rules of hospitality forbade them from fighting with a guest.

 

Even though Uathach gained knowledge from the Sligachan River, it’s now said to grant eternal beauty, which opens up a variety of interpretations of “beauty”. Whatever the interpretation, one is granted this gift by submerging their face in river for seven seconds. You must put your face in the river itself, not bring the water up to you. And you can’t wipe up the water after, you have to let it dry naturally. Though the waters of the Scottish Highlands are far from warm at any time of year, it seems like a small price to pay for eternal beauty.

 

Featured image: © Inigocia | Dreamstime

 

Abbey of San Galgano Interior

Abbey of San Galgano, Italy: Off The Beaten Path

Written by Iulian Milcomete on . Posted in Adventure, Inspiration, Italy.

 

One of Tuscany’s most famous monasteries lies in beautiful ruins: the San Galgano Abbey. Sitting in a golden field with cypress trees dotting the property, the Abbey of San Galgano holds onto its Italian Gothic-Cistercian architecture, if only by the bones. With soaring archways and sweeping views, this ancient monastery is a picturesque spot to explore and reimagine history.

 

As history tells, Italy’s noble knight Galgano Guidotti left his life of wealth to live as a Cistercian monk in 1180, following a series of dreams and religious visions. To signify the abandonment of his status, Guidotti struck a rock with his sword, creating a real-life Excalibur. The sword-in-rock is preserved in a chapel at the nearby Montesiepi hermitage. Four years after his death, Guidotti was named Saint Galgano for his life of charity.

 

Abbey of San Galgano Exterior

© Bubutu | Dreamstime

 

In honor of Saint Galgano, the Cistercian monks built the Abbey of San Galgano in Siena, which was later devastated in 1300 by Giovanni Acuto’s troops. By the end of the 14th century, the abbey was the only structure left of the monastery.

 

Today, with it’s roofless walls and 13th-century style, the abbey is a breathtaking piece of architecture. From the tall nave with its soaring windows to the addition of the rose window still standing, the ancient structure is a vista to behold.

 

Featured image: © Marco Saracco | Dreamstime

 

The village of Santa Maddalena, Italy and the Dolomites mountain range in the background covered in snow

5 European Winter Vacations

Written by Iulian Milcomete on . Posted in Inspiration.

 

With the Alps winding their way through a sizable chunk of the continent, you’re spoiled for choices when it comes to winter vacations in Europe. Even those who don’t typically thrive in a snowy environment like the Alps will be mesmerized by all the region has to offer. But if you really would like to avoid seeing a single snowflake as much as possible, don’t be quick to write off a trip to Europe entirely. It may not be the Caribbean, but there are still wonderful experiences to be had in the northern hemisphere’s coldest months.

 

Snow-covered town of Grindelwald in Switzerlands Bernese Oberland, an ideal spot for winter vacations

© Muhammad Fadhli Adnan | Dreamstime

 

1) Bernese Oberland, Switzerland

 

Home to some of the most postcard-worthy imagery of the Alps, the Bernese Oberland is the epitome of European winter vacations. This is one of the best places in the world to embrace the snow, whether you’re looking for a bucket-list ski trip or prefer to unwind aboard cogwheel trains that will carry you to some of Switzerland’s most famous peaks. Even for more casual strolls you’ll have to bundle up, but the castles and lakes you’ll encounter will be well worth it. Every night you can retire to towns like Thun or Grindelwald that ooze old-world charm and delve into pots of luscious cheese or chocolate fondue alongside a roaring fireplace.

 

Skier in the foreground with the snowy Dolomites of Italy in the background

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2) Dolomites, Italy

 

Only in Italy could a place like the Dolomites go relatively overlooked. The Dolomites are a section of the Alps that’s well-known by hikers and adventure travelers, but are oft-forgotten by most visitors who flock to renowned areas like Rome or Venice. This jagged landscape sparkles in the winter when it’s dressed up with a coat of fresh snow, and you can choose to embrace from a distance in a cozy lodge or up close on the slopes. There are few better places in the world to try your hand at snowshoeing to uncover sceneries that are equal parts serene and stunning. The proximity to such Germanic countries like Austria and Switzerland will also be felt through the cuisine, with spätzle and beer frequently sharing menu space with tagliatelle and wine.

 

Port in Gran Canaria of the Canary Islands, one of the best winter vacations in Europe to escape the cold

© Zdeněk Matyáš | Dreamstime

 

3) Canary Islands, Spain

 

Spain is known as a land of sunshine and, come wintertime, the Canary Islands are no exception. As the place with the most sunlight hours in all of Europe and springtime temperatures through the coldest months of the year, Northern Europeans flock here for milder weather as their homes get bogged down with snow and rain. Though it can often get a little too cold to enjoy the beaches of the Canary Islands to the fullest in the winter, there are plenty of other adventures to be had.

 

It’s up to you if that means summiting Mount Teide in Tenerife, windsurfing off the coast of Fuerteventura or sipping wine from the volcanic grounds of Lanzarote. Just know options won’t be and scarce, and you should end any day by taking in the dazzling light show that appears overhead each night, as the Canary Islands are home to some of the clearest skies in the world for stargazing.

 

Christmas market in Austria

© Sborisov | Dreamstime

 

4) Austria

 

Austria is a relatively small country, and any location has the capability for splendid winter vacations. City-dwellers will thrive in Vienna and Salzburg, roaming through Christmas markets and medieval streets. These cities are also a haven for foodies who might like to fill their bellies with warm, hearty cuisine such as schnitzel, goulash and apple strudel. And for those who prefer to flee the bustle of cities, there are countless lakefronts and mountainsides lined with rustic lodges for as calm or as active of a getaway as you’d like. All in all, it’s also a cheaper alternative to wallet-busting Switzerland.

 

Street in London at night with some Christmas lights

© Alexey Fedorenko | Dreamstime

 

5) London, United Kingdom

 

If mountains and snow aren’t your thing, the capital of the United Kingdom may entice you. With notoriously cloudy skies and spotty rain showers year-round, people don’t tend to plan a trip to London based on the weather. The Palace of Westminster, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge, to name just a few, look the same on winter vacations as they do in the summer. If anything, they earn the benefit of smaller crowds in the off-season.

 

Winter temperatures in London are pretty mild compared to some of the other options on this list, which means crawling from pub to pub at night isn’t too frigid of an endeavor. And if you do happen upon a day where the weather outside is truly frightful, wander your way through any of the countless museums the city has to offer. View Egyptian mummies and the Rosetta Stone in the British Museum, admire a variety of art forms at the Victoria and Albert Museum and end your day at the Tate Modern, which also has a sweeping view of the city from its iconic pillar.

 

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Cable car glides above the greenery of Casa de Campo with Madrid city buildings such as Plaza Mayor in the distance

Casa de Campo, Spain: Off The Beaten Path

Written by Iulian Milcomete on . Posted in Adventure, Inspiration, Spain.

 

El Retiro may be Madrid’s most visited park, but Casa de Campo is its largest at roughly 4,257 acres, roughly five times the size of New York City’s Central Park. This sprawling bit of land was a hunting ground for exclusive use of the royal family for centuries, until 1931 when the Second Spanish Republic formed handed ownership over to the city. A key area in Francisco Franco’s Siege of Madrid, remains of bunkers can still be found there today.

 

Fountain of water sprays high up from Casa de Campo’s lake with Madrid buildings peeking up out of trees in the background

 

It’s easy to spend an entire day without ever leaving the grounds of Casa de Campo with the abundance of activities it has to offer. The park maximizes its use of the massive space, home to not only a sizable boating lake and an outdoor pool, but also an aquarium, a cable car and an amusement park. The winding trails are perfect for biking and jogging, or simply taking a leisurely stroll. Some lead to hilltops where you can see monuments like Almudena Cathedral and Palacio Real peeking out of the trees just across the Manzanares River.

 

And while El Retiro tends to be a bustling with a decent amount of tourists, Casa de Campo is more laidback and ingrained in the community. You’ll find locals of all ages enjoying tapas or a drink at one of the restaurants near the lake as the sun sets or hosting various events at the pool throughout the summer.

 

9 Relaxing Vacations Throughout Europe

Written by Iulian Milcomete on . Posted in Inspiration.

 

By its nature, travel whisks you away from the stressors of everyday life. However, some vacations are certainly more relaxing than others. While waking up bright and early to tour the Vatican before the crowds flood through the doors in Rome or hopping from sight to sight in Paris are enriching and unmissable experiences, those destinations aren’t the best fit for when all you want to do is unwind with the bliss that is a clear schedule for the day. These relaxing vacations throughout Europe provide you with everything you need to destress, from top-notch spas to impeccable dining amidst whatever landscape brings you the most serenity, be it snowy mountains or sparkling blue ocean.

 

Sprawling view of green hills and cypress trees surrounding a stone villa in Tuscany, one of the most relaxing vacations throughout Europe

 

© Sborisov | Dreamstime.com

 

1) Tuscany, Italy

 

Step out onto the balcony of your old stone villa hotel with a glass of some of the finest wine in the world in hand, and drink in the endless expanse of green hills and cypress trees of Italy’s countryside. In Tuscany, pure relaxation goes hand-in-hand with unforgettable cuisine. By day you can lounge poolside or get that massage your back has been begging you for, and by night you can dig into homemade pasta or Florentine steak. Whether you stay in the Chianti or Val d’Orcia regions, there will be plenty of easily accessible vineyards and charming villages.

 

Golden sandy beach on Naxos, Greece with crystal clear water and a boat a rugged land in the distance, perfect for relaxing vacations © Lukaszimilena | Dreamstime.com

 

2) Naxos, Greece

 

With sandier beaches than Santorini and an absence of the roaring nightlife found on Mykonos, Naxos is the serene jewel of Greece’s Cyclades island chain. Meander through white-washed villages, take a dip in crystal clear ocean or charter a yacht for the day and let the waves gently rock you. End each day with a stunning sunset overlooking a harbor and a divine seafood dinner.

 

Stone wall in the foreground with rolling green hills, fall foliage and quaint stone buildings of the Cotswolds in the background

 

© Andrew Roland | Dreamstime.com

 

3) The Cotswolds, United Kingdom

 

With rolling hills and quaint stone towns that epitomize rural England, the Cotswolds are the countryside gem of the United Kingdom. The quiet and stillness of the region alone is enough ease the tension from your shoulders. Your accommodations here a less likely to be an extravagant resort, and more likely to be a cozy cottage with a roaring fireplace and vibrant outdoor garden. As a region full of thriving farm land, most of the cuisine unbelievably fresh, and a pint in a charismatic pub is the perfect capstone to any day in the Cotswolds.

 

Sandy beach and crystal blue waters with greenery and a colorful town perched on cliffs in the background on Spain’s Costa Brava, one of the most relaxing vacations throughout Europe © Oleh Panasenko | Dreamstime.com

 

4) Costa Brava, Spain

 

If you’re yet to check Barcelona off of your travel bucket list, you may choose to spend a couple days familiarizing yourself with the larger-than-life monuments Antoni Gaudi imagined before setting off for the nearby Costa Brava. Once you’ve fled the bustle of the Catalonian capital, inhale the crisp sea breeze flowing in off the Mediterranean. There are no shortage of hidden gems to be uncovered along this stretch of coast that extends to Spain’s border with France, from sandy coves to tiny fishing villages.

 

Bright blue lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains with green grass and a wooden cabin leading up to it in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland

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5) Bernese Oberland, Switzerland

 

You don’t have to wait for sunny summer weather for relaxing vacations. Switzerland thrives in the winter as its mesmerizing landscapes of castles, medieval towns and iconic mountaintops become dusted with snow. To help keep you warm, there are no shortage of cabin-cozy mountain resorts throughout the Bernese Oberland with an abundance of wellness offerings such as yoga, massages, saunas and hot tubs. There’s no need to rush around as you’re never far from glistening lakes or roaring waterfalls, perfect for a scenic stroll.

 

Sunrise on Portugal’s jagged Algarve coast, one of the most relaxing vacations throughout Europe

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6) Algarve, Portugal

 

From the Douro Valley to Madeira, Portugal as a whole is synonymous with relaxing vacations, but its Algarve region takes the prize in tranquility for its golden coastlines and array of resorts equipped to pamper you to your heart’s content. It’s also one of the top golf destinations Europe, if you like to unwind by teeing off to the soft beat of ocean waves. You may wish to sleep in as much as possible, but even if you’re not an early riser, it’s well worth it to wake up before dawn at least one morning and watch the sun creep up from the horizon and bathe the Algarve’s emblematic rock formations in soft orange hues.

 

Rear view of a woman in a white sundress and hat strolling through the lavender fields of Provence with her arms outstretched from her sides

© Sorin Colac | Dreamstime.com

 

7) Provence, France

 

The calming scent of lavender wafting from the rows of purple surrounding you in Provence’s emblematic fields is a treasure for your senses. While Provence is most known for its lavender fields, there is plenty more to this region that make it one of the most relaxing vacations throughout France. The small stone towns will enchant you, the bouillabaisse will delight your palette and the local rosé will relieve you of any stress you could possibly have left. Provence is also the perfect place to brush up on your art history, with former studios of Cezanne and Vincent Van Gogh found in Aix-en-Provence and Arles, respectively.

 

Boats in a harbor with a stone town in Croatia’s Dalmatian Islands in the background

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8) Dalmatian Islands, Croatia

 

While Croatia’s mainland is perfect for trails bursting with waterfalls and adventures inspired by Game of Thrones through fortress cities, the Dalmatian Islands are the ideal place to prop your feet up and put all your cares in the world aside. Electric blue waters are always well within reach, ensuring you’ll have a fantastic backdrop no matter what sandy spot you choose to lay out a towel on. And if relaxing to you means letting loose in pulsing clubs, Hvar’s nightlife has got you covered.

 

Green grass and fall foliage in the foreground with a lake and mountains in the background in Austria’s Lake District

© Jojjik | Dreamstime.com

 

9) Lake District, Austria

 

The backdrop to some of The Sound of Music’s most memorable scenes really is as majestic as the film would lead you to believe. Austria’s Lake District is full of awe-inspiring mountains, lakes, castles and flower-speckled fields that are easy to explore at your leisure. You may choose to stay in the cultural hub of Salzburg and simply take day trips into the region, or you may choose to embed yourself deeper by staying somewhere like the lakeside fairytale town of Hallstatt.

 

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View across a green pond of Borgo Medievale Turin, a small medieval village of stone walls and towers

Borgo Medievale Turin, Italy: Off The Beaten Path

Written by Iulian Milcomete on . Posted in Adventure, Inspiration, Italy.

 

On the banks of the Po River, Borgo Medievale Turin transports visitors to the days in Piedmont of drawbridges, courtyards, and knights in shining armor. As an open-air museum, and nestled within the Valentino park, families can wander through the gardens, along the decorated alleyways, and into a world not far from a fairytale.

 

The Medieval Village was originally created for the Italian general exhibition in 1884; it sought to recreate the atmosphere of a Piedmontese town in the 15th century. Within the fortified walls, the narrow streets are lined with artisan shops and the occasional restaurant to explore; both have animated workers ready to explain their craft and its relevance to the history of the region. From the paper mill to the farrier’s laboratory, from the bakery to the church, there are so many nooks to find!

 

An old wooden crucifix with a medieval gate in a stone wall in the background

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The focal point and main attraction of Valentino park and Borgo Medievale Turin is the grand fortress. With a paid ticket, you can head up the hill, and into the castle to view the armor, weapons, and furnishings that were common of the Medieval times in Italy. From there, head to the “Garden of Delights,” where you will find lush flowering plants, medicinal herbs, and aromatics that will make your senses swirl with delight!

 

Depending on your pace and how much time you like to spend in noticing the fine details and craftsmanship of the quaint village, families could easily spend a full day within Valentino park. With so much to do within the incredible architecture, don’t forget to meander down to the Po for a restful retreat with a riverside view.

 

Featured image: © Marco Saracco | Dreamstime.com

 

Young couple holding hands crossing the street with the Vatican in the background

7 Italy Honeymoon Destinations

Written by Iulian Milcomete on . Posted in Inspiration, Italy.

 

From glowing sunsets over the undulating vineyards of Tuscany to candlelit dinners serenaded by the gentle waves brushing the Amalfi Coast, everything about Italy screams romance. Every step through cobblestone streets of grand cities like Rome and quaint towns like Bellagio will open journeys that leave you more and more enamored with not only Italy, but also with your new spouse. While any trip to this land is nothing short of magical, these Italy honeymoon destinations highlight some of the country’s greatest offerings for all different types of newlyweds.

 

Trevi Fountain lit up at sunset in Rome, one of the most popular Italy honeymoon destinations

© Andrey Omelyanchuk | Unsplash

 

1) The Big Three

 

It’s not without reason that Rome, Florence and Venice make up Italy’s famous “Big Three” of hotspots. Rome is a historical wonder hailing from one of the most powerful empires of all time, with evidence of this found in massive stone monuments around every corners. Florence captures the essence of the Italian Renaissance as home to some of the most known art pieces in the entire world. And Venice’s network of canals navigated by elegantly crafted gondolas never ceases to amaze.

 

Visited in tandem, these three cities not only act as the perfect introduction to Italy but to Europe as a whole. The Colosseum, the Duomo and the Grand Canal are some of the biggest bucket list sights to see across the entire continent and you can witness them all over number of days. And you certainly won’t be short on amazing dining experiences. The allure of these cities not only pulls in travelers, but also some of the top culinary talent in the world.

 

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2) Amalfi Coast

 

While most Amalfi Coast visitors spend only a few nights in Positano before rushing off to somewhere else in Italy, you could easily spend your entire honeymoon here. And there are definitely advantages to a slow journey through this region. You could take the time to stay for a few nights onthe island of Capri, and enjoy its serene evenings once the day-trippers have departed. You could spend some time in the less active but incredibly scenic village of Atrani, or you could take in the world-class cuisine and sweeping views from the clifftop town of Ravello. Whichever vibrant towns you choose, find yourself a beach chair and a bottle of limoncello to enjoy your endless days in the sun to their fullest.

 

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3) Tuscany

 

Tuscany is one of the best Italy honeymoon destinations for newlyweds who want a very leisurely vacation. This region isn’t about flittering from one monument to the next; it’s about taking in everything around you at any given moment, whether that’s the cuisine or the beautiful scenery. No matter where you decide to stay in Tuscany, you’ll be ensured plenty of romantic and delicious dinners paired with some of the best wine in the world and stays spent laid out by the pool or strolling through vineyards together.

 

Maybe one or both of you have been to Tuscany and loved everything about it, but are looking to journey somewhere new. In that case, consider Piedmont. It has delectable food, renowned wine and stunning countryside, yet rests a little further off the beaten path for truly unique experiences.

 

The town of Tremezzo on Lake Como, in the Lombardy region, one of the most relaxing Italy honeymoon destinations

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4) Lombardy

 

Milan, the fashion capital of the world, also serves as the capital city of Lombardy. Each year, it draws visitors with its high-end shopping, refreshing aperitivos and intricate architecture. But those who aren’t into the posh essence of Milan will still find more than enough in this region to fall in love with. Lombardy is equally famous for its myriad of glistening lakes lined with colorful towns, the most popular being Lake Como. When you feel you’ve gotten your fix of Lake Como, you could easily continue to lounge lakeside by skipping over to the even more laidback Lake Maggiore or Lake Garda.

 

If you’re looking to throw some adventure into the mix, the Lombardy region serves as a perfect gateway for the Italian Alps. This also makes Lombardy one of the ideal Italy honeymoon destinations to round out a winter wedding, whether you wish to ski your way down the mountains or snowshoe through them.

 

Jagged portion of the Dolomites in the background reflected in the turquoise Lake Carezza

© Riccardo Chiarini | Unsplash

 

5) The Dolomites

 

For the couple who has spent countless hours together in the mountains, look no further than the Dolomites for a thrilling honeymoon. This range encompasses the most popular part of the Italian Alps, known for its jagged peaks and turquoise lakes. There are a wide variety of hiking trails and ski slopes available for adventurers of all skill levels. If you’re really looking to get your hearts pounding, consider taking advantage of the scenic rafting, climbing or even paragliding opportunities. And when you’re ready to let your heart rate come back down, you will be able to retreat to one of the many mountain resorts where you can unwind with massages at the spa or a drink by the pool.

 

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6) Sicily

 

Those who have never been to Sicily are still very familiar with its distinct Italian cuisine. They say that the easiest way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, and if you and your spouse share this sentiment you should definitely consider making Sicily one of your Italy honeymoon destinations. Sample Italian favorites like Sicilian-style pizza, arancini, and cannolis in the land where they originated, all while being spoiled by luxurious coastlines and awe-inspiring ruins. While Sicily may not be as well known for its wine as Tuscany, you could choose to spend a day tasting varietals born from the volcanic soil of Mt. Etna.

 

Bright blue water on the left with golden sands on the right and rocky greenery in the background at a beach in Sardinia, one of the most luxurious Italy honeymoon destinations

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7) Sardinia

 

Sardinia, Italy’s lesser-known island region, is a beach paradise with golden sands and crystalline waters everywhere you go. Not nearly as heavily trafficked as Sicily or the mainland, Sardinia is where the two of you can retreat for the utmost tranquility and pampering before returning to your regular lives. One of the best ways to experience Sardinia is by taking to the sea surrounding it. In a single day you could hop off and snorkel, sail to some smaller islands just off the coast or even reach Corsica, a French island known for its cliffside towns and fabulous beaches.

 

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