Travel to Italy- Advice Needed

[sap483]

One of my dearest friends is going to Italy on her honeymoon. I believe she is visiting Rome, Venice and Florence. As her bridal shower gift some of the other bridedsmaids and I wanted to get her something like a dinner or tour or spa treatments that she and her new DH could enjoy while there. She had mentioned in passing that she saw a Chianti tasting tour that looked nice. So we thought about getting her that, but she went ahead and booked it on her own. So, now we''re back to square one. Any suggestions?

 

[Matata]

How about paying for a private tour of one of the museums. We used this site http://initaly.com/flrrmlnk.htm to arrange for a private guided tour of the Uffizi and it was spectacular.

 

[Elmorton]

Matata, that''s a fabulous idea. The museums in Florence are AMAZING, but if I remember correctly, most are only in Italian. I would have been lost in the Uffizi if I hadn''t been guided around by a friend who was studying art history in Florence.

And if you want a small gift to slip the certificate in, I swore by the Florence Citypack that Foder''s writes. It was really good for sliding in a purse and really easy to read for quick access.

 

[ladypirate]

If she''ll be in Florence for a few days, what about getting her train tickets to go visit another town in Tuscany for a day? Sienna, Lucca, and the Cinque Terra are some beautiful spots that are not too far (maybe a couple hours on the train at most).

 

[sap483]

I was wrong about where she is going, she''s going to Florence, Cinque Terre, Lake Como and Venice- so only Northern Italy. The museums in Florence sound like a good idea. Do you think I could get them a guide that speaks English?

 

[Elmorton]

Sap, Matata''s link provides the info for booking a private tour at several museums - and yes, the guides will speak English.

 

[ladypirate]

Date: 3/27/2008 2:21:41 PM
Author: sap483
I was wrong about where she is going, she''s going to Florence, Cinque Terre, Lake Como and Venice- so only Northern Italy. The museums in Florence sound like a good idea. Do you think I could get them a guide that speaks English?

Oh I''m so glad she''s going to Cinque Terra! It''s SO beautiful. There''s a FABULOUS restaurant in Vernazza right on the main square looking out on the water. Yum! Lake Como is beautiful as well.

Another idea (if you think it would be appropriate) is to get them some travellers cheques that they can use for spending money on whatever they like while they are there. If you get them something specific, they may feel obligated to do it instead of having a more fly by the seat of their pants vacation.

 

[Haven]

I''m so jealous! I always wanted an Italian honeymoon, but we''re marrying in July so it''s way too hot to go to Italy then.

I have no advice, just green envy. I hope they have a fabulous honeymoon, you''re so sweet to take such care in finding a great gift.

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 3/27/2008 6:20:04 PM
Author: ladypirate

Date: 3/27/2008 2:21:41 PM
Author: sap483
I was wrong about where she is going, she's going to Florence, Cinque Terre, Lake Como and Venice- so only Northern Italy. The museums in Florence sound like a good idea. Do you think I could get them a guide that speaks English?

Oh I'm so glad she's going to Cinque Terra! It's SO beautiful. There's a FABULOUS restaurant in Vernazza right on the main square looking out on the water. Yum! Lake Como is beautiful as well.

Another idea (if you think it would be appropriate) is to get them some travellers cheques that they can use for spending money on whatever they like while they are there. If you get them something specific, they may feel obligated to do it instead of having a more fly by the seat of their pants vacation.

Ooooh, I had to weigh in too as Italy was where we honeymooned. I loved Como; probably my favorite since it isn't as touristy and quieter than other city's; it is so romantic; what lucky friends and how sweet you want to get them something. I also like the idea of travellers cheques in Euro's. We were just in Europe and we thought we brought enough euro's but the euro traveller's cheques came in handy to get more euro's at AMEX office and they are easier to change to cash if they don't use them. Count me in as green w/envy too. hehe