I need some help

I have a friend from work, a male friend to be exact, who is super in love with his girlfriend and will soon be proposing to her. They are dating long distance and he & I talked alot about dealing with that, since I did it with my Italian husband. So anyway, when the two of them were discussing the possibility of marriage, he asked her where she wanted to go on her honeymoon. Guess what she said? Yep - Italy.

Of course, I always told him if he wanted to plan a trip to let me know - I would be happy to supply him with info. They will be spending a whole month (!!) there and I was trying to think of suggestions as to where to go. I have been blessed with traveling frequently to Italy, but unfortunately, I've never had a whole month at a time and there are alot of places I haven't seen. He sent me an email the other day requesting info so now I need some help! I know many of you live and travel in Italy extensively, so I thought you might give me a few suggestions or links to pass along to him. (and those of you who have travel-related businesses, don't think for one second I will forget about you!)

They have never been abroad so of course they should do some main tourist cities. But since they will be there for a month, they also have time to hit the countryside and see charming villages or other, less popular regions. What do you think?

First on my list is Venice. I heard some quote the other day that most people only spend 1 day in Venice. CRAZY! It is such a romantic city and deserves so much more time than just a day. Yes, it can be ridiculously touristy, but once you hit St. Marc's square and ride the gondola, run the opposite way from all the crowds. There is such an interesting vibe that can be found if you really look. Where locals are happy to share their city's history with you. where prices are not so outrageous and you can see the local inhabitants making their traditional crafts and foods. I was telling my husband the other day, that we really need to explore the islands (there are SO MANY) - even he, an almost local, hasn't visited many of those.

Also, in the Veneto - I really like Verona. It is a lovely city with an awesome Roman arena and Juliet's balcony (which isn't really real.. come on you knew that, and that's not it, I just like that window). The castle is cool to visit and I found the atmosphere low-key with really pretty buildings. The Euganean Hills around my husband's hometown are also beautiful with so many little towns and a ton of Venetian villas. Or you can venture up north and hit the Alps - I mean come on - romance in the mountains!

Then you certainly can't miss out on Tuscany. Florence, Sienna, San Gimignano, Volterra (I loved Volterra), the Chianti region, etc. Romance is always in the air in Toscana. Rome. Bologna. Ferrara (a town which the Italian says is very sexy. don't know if that is true or not). the Cinque Terre. Positano. areas of Sicily, Calabria, and Le Marche - ugh, I have to stop. There are so many wonderful things to see and do in Italy. How do you condense it down to one month of romantic traveling? I have asked him some basic questions about what they'd like to do but I don't think they know much about Italy and what it has to offer.

So, I need your help. Can you share any general Italian links you refer to from time to time? What about places you have visited that might be a bit off the beaten track but are so beautiful and romantic no one should miss them? I would love to help him surprise his bride with the trip of a lifetime. Wouldn't you?

Aww... young love. bridging the miles and language barriers and making it work. so sweet.


More later...