Lake Como and Venice, Italy Honeymoon Guide
We've been lucky enough to visit Italy and experienced first hand the magic, romance, and enchantment of this one of a kind place. We're also always on the lookout for popular destinations for European honeymoons. So Italy is always on the radar and is one of those places that makes you feel small in the best way possible. From the rolling hills of Tuscany, where you cannot believe the beauty in front of you, to the remarkable amount of history in a place like Rome, where you can feel the energy of lifetimes past... there's no wonder why Italy makes up one of the most popular destinations for European honeymoons. Today we're lucky enough to have White Ivory Photography here today to share some of her favorite pieces of popular Lake Como and magical Venice. We'll let her take it away, but first, don't forget to check out the following, some of our recent fave honeymoon features:
Honeymoon outfits for every type of getaway
After the honeymoon: at home session
Portugal / Santorini / Iceland honeymoon guides
LAKE COMO
My Italian getaway with my little family was primarily spent in Lake Como and Venice. We arrived through Milan airport and made our way to Lake Como, upon arrival in the land of love. This being our second visit here, we could not wait to settle into a quaint Air BnB that we rented in the small and beautifully quiet principality of Moltrasio.
Lake Como is wonderful but definitely busier, so we personally welcomed a quiet area. Moltrasio is a hop skip and a jump away from Cernobbio, Torno, Como and more by way of the water taxi (definitely our preferred method of getting around!). You get to sit back, relax and enjoy the mist coming off the back of the boat. And...oh my favorite part...take pictures galore!
Walking around various areas of the lake was one of our favorite past times, while discovering old vestiges and hidden waterfalls. Listening to sounds of birds chirping and watching the locals go about their daily business. It's so quaint and romantic there, I just didn't want to leave!
The food is divine. We indulged in home made pasta, meats and vegetables, fish and Miascia (a cake typical to the area). In addition to the fabulous cuisine, the cappuccino’s just taste so much better in Italy.
Here are some of the attractions and eateries that we stopped and enjoyed the local delicacies:
ACCOMODATIONS
Lake Como Apartment “La Madonnina” – Moltrasio
RESTAURANTS
La Veranda inside Hotel Posta, Moltrasio
ATTRACTIONS
Chiesa di san Vincenzo, Cernobbio - a stunning church in the heart of historic part of town
Garden walk through the garden called the the Giardino della Valle, Cernobbio - a surprising garden oasis and this article has great tips
Historic Church “Santa Tecla” in the village of Torno
Waterfall in Moltrasio - info here
Como Cathedral, Lake Como
Villa D'Este, Cernobbio (know for it's lavish weddings too!)
VENICE
Our departure from Lake Como led us to Venice, where we travelled about 4 hours by car. We drove from the mainland on a narrow strip of highway, which led us to the island of Venice. The anticipation of historical sights that we could see on the horizon was thrilling. Venice is a must see, a once in a lifetime destination. It being our first visit to Venice, we explored so many regions of the island. Every corner we turned was filled with a sense of awe and excitement. Our visit was at the end of March, which is an ideal time to go. We were blessed with beautiful weather and is considered quieter time of the year and well past the high tide period.
Indulging in gelato was a daily occurrence, as it is impossible to resist. The beautifully designed gelato counters are too enticing to resist. The Italian food is abundant ranging from pasta, pizza to seafood and wonderful meats and salads. It was a delicacy for the palette.
The highlight for my 8 year old son was our visit to the Biblioteca di San Barnaba, as seen in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
A march to the top of the stairs to see the iconic Grand Canal was simple breathtaking and a high point for me. Saint Mark's Basilica and Santa Maria della Salute were equally remarkable attractions. The architectural detail of these churches is beyond words. I wonder if images can even do them justice.
We also opted to stay in an Air BnB in Venice. We love the thought of being able to cook for ourselves and experience what it's like to live with the locals. Our apartment was ideally located in the San Polo commune, not far from the San Stae station (explanation of Venice neighborhoods here).
Of course, let's not forget the iconic gondolas. They are everywhere and they are every bit as beautiful as I imagined, draped with velvet and tassels. How they float romantically down the canals.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Air BnB in the center of Venice
RESTAURANTS
Ristorante Pizzeria Due Colonne
ATTRACTIONS
Grand Canal
Santa Maria della Salute - gorgeous Roman Catholic Cathedral
Biblioteca di San Barnaba - also from the set of Indiana Jones!
San Giorgio Maggiore - intricate 16th Century Benedictine Church
Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
Ca' d'Oro - museum and palace on the water, incredible!
Piazza San Marco
Doge's Palace
Photography: White Ivory Photography
