DIARIES
Discover travel and honeymoon tips from one recently married couple.
After enjoying a month of post-wedding bliss, Nicole Kraft and Michael Lax departed on a two-week trip of a lifetime throughout Italy. Desiring a cultural and explorative honeymoon adventure complete with plenty of delicious fare, the pair stayed at five different properties to experience the sea, city, and countryside as they traversed throughout the European destination.
Destination #1: Amalfi Coast
Since neither Nicole nor Michael had been to Italy, the couple felt it was the perfect place to begin their married lives together. “We loved the idea of starting in the Amalfi Coast and having a beachy, boutique-feeling intro to our trip,” reveals Nicole. “We wanted to relax and just relish in being newlyweds!” The duo chose to stay four nights at Palazzo Avino in Ravello, a stunning five-star hotel in a central location near beautiful gardens, the town square, and restaurants that became some of their favorites: Villa Maria, Belvedere Restaurant at Belmond Hotel Caruso, and Mimi Bar Pizzeria – “so authentic, charming, and delicious,” shares Nicole. Her newly minted husband agrees, “We could have stayed there for weeks!”
Wanting to explore the scenic Amalfi Coast, the pair took a few day excursions to fully enjoy the area. “Our favorite day of the trip was the one spent in Positano,” confirms Nicole. “It started with a sunrise drive on the winding roads and was filled with gorgeous weather, the best sightseeing, lots of walking, and great food and drinks.” While visiting the cliffside village, they also took part in an Italian cooking class and enjoyed happy hour with picturesque views. Their next outing was spent exploring the island of Capri. “Nobody tells you how to get around after being dropped off via boat,” explains Nicole, so the couple spent a lot of time leisurely strolling and shopping. “We had lunch and laid out by the beach at La Fontelina Beach Club, which was gorgeous and such a fun scene!”
Destination #2: Rome
Following their seaside escape, Nicole and Michael traveled north to the capital of Italy. “We loved the idea of experiencing the deep history in Rome,” affirms Michael. They stayed for two nights at The Inn at the Spanish Steps. “The service was amazing – I would definitely recommend it,” says Nicole. “The staff members were so sweet and even upgraded us to one of their luxurious apartments.”
Since historic sites were a main factor in visiting the ancient city, the duo took a half-day guided walking tour of the Roman Forum as well as the famed Colosseum. To ensure the best viewing experience, Nicole suggests, “Get there early to beat the crowds!”
With so many incredible Italian restaurants at their disposal, the newlyweds naturally spent most of their time sampling the delicious eateries. Just as they did in every destination on their honeymoon, Nicole and Michael discovered local favorites by speaking with other visitors, as well as the locals themselves and the hotel concierge. They had their most favored meal of the entire trip at La Botticella in the Trastevere area of the city, enjoyed sandwiches for lunch at Pane e Salame near the famous Trevi Fountain, and savored delectable chocolate and espresso con panna gelato at La Romana.
Destination #3: Tuscany
For the final part of their honeymoon, the newlyweds explored the picturesque region of Tuscany. The first leg of their Tuscan experience was spent at Il Borro, an exquisite property in a restored medieval village complete with artisan shops filled with handmade leather goods and delicious restaurants. “It really feels as if you’ve stepped back in time,” shares Nicole. “The food was amazing too! We had such a memorable dinner at Osteria del Borro, and the breakfast spreads were unbelievable.” Since they rented a car, the couple made sure to drive through the breathtaking Val d’Orcia region to explore the nearby towns. “Our favorite was Pienza,” divulges Nicole. “We had the best lunch at this little spot called La Buca di Enea – I legitimately dream about the ribollita soup!”
Before traveling to Florence – the capital city of Tuscany – the couple enjoyed a one-night stay at Castello del Nero. “It was totally different than Il Borro – luxurious and stunning,” states Nicole. “We wanted to sit out at the gorgeous pool for days!” With some rest under their belts, Nicole and Michael ventured to “The Birthplace of the Renaissance” for three nights at their final accommodation, Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1. “It’s a boutique property and the rooms are small, but that didn’t bother us because the location was so central,” expresses Nicole. “We were walking distance to everything.” Starting most days with almond milk lattes, croque madame sandwiches, and pancakes at Ditta Artigianale, they spent most of their time in the city exploring by foot. “We basically walked the entirety of the city! It’s the best way to explore and see everything,” she adds. “We even got to witness a wedding at one of the gorgeous cathedrals.”
All in all, Nicole and Michael wouldn’t change a thing about their honeymoon vacation – except maybe slowing down and relaxing more. “We both have a hard time sitting still,” smiles Nicole. “We just love to explore and take adventures!”