Falling in Love with Italy on Our Honeymoon
When my husband and I first tossed around the idea of spending our honeymoon in Italy, it felt like a dream just out of reach. Wouldn’t it be too expensive? we thought. To our surprise, Italy turned out not only to be more affordable than expected, but also one of the most rewarding trips we’ve ever taken.
Milan: A Grand Beginning
picture taken while walking the outside of the Duomo in Milan
We started our journey by flying into Milan, one of the most budget-friendly airports in northern Italy. The city was the perfect introduction—majestic yet approachable. Standing beneath the soaring spires of the Duomo di Milano left us awestruck, while evenings were filled with pasta, wine, and wandering through lively neighborhoods. Milan’s excellent train system made exploring effortless and set the tone for the rest of our trip.
Venice: Unexpected Magic
Next, we boarded a high-speed train to Venice. I’ll admit, I was hesitant at first. With its reputation as a tourist trap, I worried it might feel more like a theme park than a city. But Venice surprised me. We stayed in a cozy, family-run inn at the city’s center, where days were spent sipping spritzes by the canals and nights dining slowly at local gems like Antiche Carampane. The staff welcomed us as friends, and wandering Venice’s winding alleys at dusk felt like stepping into a secret world.
Florence: Culture at Every Corner
From Venice, we continued south to Florence, where history, art, and energy collide. This city doesn’t sleep, museums, piazzas, and trattorias buzz from morning until midnight. It’s not the place for a quiet stroll, but if you’re craving vibrant culture and endless things to see and do, Florence is a dream. For us, every moment, from gazing at Renaissance masterpieces to savoring Tuscan cuisine, was unforgettable.
Cinque Terre: A Coastal Finale
We ended our honeymoon with four nights in Cinque Terre, a collection of five pastel-colored villages perched on the Ligurian coast. Staying in Riomaggiore, we spent our days hopping between towns by train, tasting fresh seafood, lounging on beaches, and exploring remnants of old forts. It was the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, and the slower pace made it an idyllic conclusion to our trip.
Why It Worked for Us
Looking back, what made this honeymoon both affordable and memorable was timing and priorities:
Shoulder Season Travel (May): Visiting outside peak summer meant fewer crowds, shorter lines, and pleasant weather—all at lower costs.
Trains Over Planes: Italy’s rail system connected every stop, saving both money and stress.
Personalized Choices: Instead of splurging on nightlife or luxury shopping, we invested in food, art, and slower experiences that matched our style.
Final Thoughts
Italy gave us everything we dreamed of, romance, culture, food, and adventure, without breaking the bank. Travel is deeply personal, and for us, prioritizing authentic moments over flashy ones made all the difference. If I had the chance, I’d return in a heartbeat.
