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If it is real romance you're looking for, why not go to the place where romance and seduction began…Viva Italy! What other land on earth can boast of such romantic places as Rome, Florence, and Venice? It's like writing your own romance novel! Dream of a red, velvet-lined gondola that escorts you to your ceremony at either an elegant 17th century villa with beautiful gardens or a chapel overlooking the lake. Or- picture a mountain ski town where chalets and sleigh rides are status quo. There is so much to experience and see in Italy- just look at what other incredibly beautiful and historic options await you!
After a perfect runway landing in Rome, get ready to enjoy exploring this 'Eternal City'. You will definitely want your trip to include the Forum, Colosseum and St. Peter's Basilica. Later- take in the breathtaking sites of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and explore the ancient catacombs on the old Appian Way. This experience is so incredibly romantic that your lover may just say, "Ti amo tanto-Voi sposari a mei" which means, "I love you, will you marry me" again and again without even thinking… And after you have immediately responded, "Si,Si,Si", you'll definitely want to shop the designer boutiques along the elegant Via Condotti.
You will also want to experience the short jaunt past the hilltop towns of the Latium and the Umbria, known as the 'green heart of Italy' while continuing in to the hills of Tuscany with its snow-capped mountains (the Tuscan Appennines), lush countryside, hills and a long sandy coastline with offshore islands. Here, you will definitely want to visit medieval Siena, famed for its Palio horse-race. If there is still time, try doing lunch at a café on the fan-shaped Piazza del Campo before dashing off to Florence. Here, imagine a wedding at a 14th century Palazzo in Tuscany or Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, a 14th century hilltop church or gaze at at each other in the Piazza della Signoria, the Cathedral and Holy Cross Church. Later on, savor this place to shop for finely crafted hand-made Italian leather and 18k gold jewelry in the famed Santa Crose District. Don't miss the chance to also lunch at the Trattoria le Cave di Maiano near Florence. Dine outside on marble tables, then meander through tier upon tier of fig trees - it's where the picnic scenes of A Room With a View were filmed. And who can forget Pisa- grab the camera for this Leaning Tower of beauty!
Maybe you'll enjoy a leisurely drive to Verona, Shakespeare's city of Romeo and Juliet as well as the 'Two Gentlemen'. Here you will see the Roman Arena, and for you lovers, the balcony of Juliet. Then hop in your antique Alpha Romeo for the short drive to magical Venice for some unique sights and sounds!
In this incredible town you'll want to grab your honey and you're off on a beautiful canal cruise to St. Mark's Square in an incredible velvet-lined gondola. Then entertain your wedding in the elegant 17th century Palazzo Cavalli's Great Hall near the Rialto Bridge that overlooks the Grand Canal; or see the Byzantine Basilica, the magnificent Doges' Palace. For fun - you can then experience some glorious glass-blowing at a Murano glass factory. Don't spend too much time peeping in those windows because you will want to discover some of the other islands in the lagoon and perhaps enjoy some of the local fresh seafood restaurants- all with that wonderful Venetian charm!
Next, enjoy a morning drive along the Adriatic coast to the Roman town of Ravenna. Take into consideration the incredibly beautiful Church of St. Apollinaris in Classe with its superb Byzantine mosaics. Then on to mystical Assisi, perched on Mount Subasio and overlooking a peaceful Umbrian landscape. Try embarking on the Basilica of St. Francis with its fresco paintings depicting the life of this much revered and beloved saint.
Get an early start if you head towards this Roman favorite - 'Campania Felix' which is the highlight of the Isle of Capri, where sea views are completely unmatched! Jump on the ferry and sail across the Bay of Naples to the island of the Emperor Tiberius. Perhaps you still have energy to burn, take a sneak peak at the Anacapri with its magnificent views and visit the charming white-washed villa of Dr. Axel Munthe. Finally, you'll collapse in each other's arms back in lovely Sorrento for the night.
If you haven't had enough you must see the excavations at Pompeii. Here you will see a city preserved by lava from Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD, and the evidence of early Roman culture. Picture this, your snowy white dress blowing in the wind as you glide down the aisles of a romantic 14th century church on top of a hill in the Tuscany countryside amidst these Roman ruins. Then, reach for the others hand, and head back to your villa in Chianti country for a night of love and Italian wedding bliss! Ciao!
Click here for our full list of legal requirements to get married in Italy!
This article was contributed by Karen Hohlen.
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