Honeymoon Inspiration: Grand Tour of Italy
“Enjoy your romantic honeymoon!” are words many of us will have heard, or even shouted as we wave off the newly-weds.
But what do we mean by ‘romantic’, what images does this conjure? Is it sun, beaches and palm trees or unique and captivating cities? Is it magical and picturesque scenery, mountain peaks and sparkling lakes, fabulous views from summer terraces, elegant boutique hotels and the luxury of First Class travel?
Ask anyone to name a romantic city, I’d bet most would have Paris, Venice, Florence and Rome in their list. Ask them if they would like to experience them all in one trip, and not many would turn you down!
So let me take you through the Grand Tour of Italy to reveal why these places are so tantalising; a luxury honeymoon which captures the quintessential Italy, contrasting the Eternal City of Rome, Renaissance Florence and the romanticism of Venice.
Those of us who honeymooned abroad may remember the anti-climax of standing in the busy airport queuing up to check in your luggage, tired and reminiscing about your wonderful wedding day, but also worrying that your luggage may get lost!
Rail holidays let the magic of the wedding day continue. Your holiday begins as you stroll into the beautifully restored London St. Pancras station, no checking in 3 hours before! Board, sit back, relax and watch the countryside swish past. Travel through France, pass undulating Swiss countryside to arrive in the attractive lakeside city of Zurich with plenty of time for a romantic dinner.
Each day brings new surprises as you drink and chat with fellow passengers. Your Grand Tour takes you through the soaring mountain peaks of the Gotthard route, before arriving at the beautiful city of Florence. Immerse yourself in the culture of Italy’s renaissance capital with visits to the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio or the celebrated Duomo.
Then onwards to Rome, sure to feature somewhere on your list of romantic places, it will not disappoint. Rome has something to tantalise all tastes, seemingly round every corner of this most magical of cities. A stunning array of sights from the Vatican City to the Trevi Fountain, the Coliseum to the Spanish Steps and make sure you experience Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the
Sistene Chapel.
Your enchanting rail honeymoon continues to the unique and captivating city of Venice, where you can be mesmerised by its serenity and sheer beauty. Enjoy a walk at dusk through the myriad of canals and bridges when all the crowds have gone home. From St. Mark’s Square to the Rialto Bridge, a gondola ride on the Grand Canal, Venice is a very special place to relax and enjoy wonderful food, excellent wine and an abundance of photo opportunities to enhance any wedding album.
Your journey home is just as special, through the stunning Alps and on to the pretty town of Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva. Marvel at the spectacular setting, between sparkling lake and breathtaking mountains. And why not make one final stop in Paris – another perfect destination for newly-weds – before you return home?
Weddings are unique and very personal, so too are holidays by First Class rail. Planet Rail itineraries are tailor-made to meet your wishes and fulfil your dreams of an enchanting honeymoon with a personal touch, exquisite hotels and some of the world’s most romantic cities. That’s how I experienced it, and I hope you can share the same magic that I did.
Guy Saunders
Director, Planet Rail.
