Honeymoon in Italy: Rome, Venice or Florence, where to stay

Honeymoon in Italy: the search comes up again and again among newly married Algerian couples, usually with one simple question. Rome, Venice or Florence? All three cities suit a trip for two, and high-speed trains even let you combine them. What really shapes your stay is the neighbourhood you sleep in. Here, city by city, is where to stay, a few addresses worth knowing, and how to book your hotel in Italy and pay in dinars.

Rome: the Eternal City for two

For a first trip to Rome, the easiest choice is the historic centre, within walking distance of the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain. You see the city on foot and can easily head back for a rest between walks.

Just to the north, the Tridente starts at Piazza del Popolo and runs down towards the Spanish Steps: this is where Rome's grand romantic hotels are. Two examples: Hotel de Russie, on Via del Babuino between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps, known for its terraced garden; and Hassler Roma, at the top of the Spanish Steps by the Trinità dei Monti church.

Prefer a neighbourhood with character? Trastevere, on the right bank of the Tiber, is a maze of cobbled lanes climbing towards the Janiculum hill. On a tighter budget, the Via Nazionale area near Termini station is still central: Hotel Artemide, for instance, is there, with a rooftop restaurant.

Venice: sleeping on the lagoon

Venice is divided into districts, the sestieri. For a night facing the lagoon, aim for the area around St Mark's Square: the Danieli, on the Riva degli Schiavoni, is just steps from the square.

For more quiet, look at Giudecca island, across the canal. Hilton Molino Stucky is there: a shuttle boat links it to St Mark's Square, and its rooftop pool opens in summer.

Watching your budget? Mestre, on the mainland, is part of the municipality of Venice. It is linked to the island by the Ponte della Libertà, by road and by rail. You sleep in Mestre and spend your days in Venice.

Good to know: on certain days, Venice charges an access fee to day visitors. Travellers staying overnight are in principle exempt, but the exemption is not always automatic and you may have to register online. Check the calendar and the procedure on the city's official website before you go.

Florence: art on both banks of the Arno

Florence's historic centre, on the right bank of the Arno around the Duomo, lets you do everything on foot.

The Oltrarno, "beyond the Arno" on the left bank, feels more intimate: Palazzo Pitti, the Boboli Gardens, Piazza Santo Spirito and craft workshops. On the riverside next to the Ponte Vecchio, Hotel Lungarno looks straight onto the Arno.

Combine the cities by train, and end in Naples

Italy's major cities are linked by high-speed trains: Milan, Florence, Rome, Naples and Venice are all served. A honeymoon can therefore take in two or three cities without a car. If you arrive late or leave early, book a hotel near the station for that night.

To finish your trip by the sea, there is Naples: the Grand Hotel Vesuvio, on Via Partenope, faces Castel dell'Ovo on the Gulf of Naples.

Which city should you choose?

• Rome, if you love walking from one monument or piazza to the next.
• Venice, for the unique atmosphere of the lagoon and canals.
• Florence, for art, in a city that is easy to explore on foot.
• All three, if you have about ten days and travel by train.

Visa and payment: what to know

Visa: in principle, Algerian citizens need a Schengen visa for Italy. Check the current requirements and the list of documents, including those about accommodation, with the Italian consulate or the official visa service provider before you apply. Nreservi does not sell any visa service.

Payment: from Algeria, you pay for your hotel in Italy in dinars, by BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our Telemly office, with no bank card needed. Living abroad? You can also pay online by card, and your voucher is sent to you once payment is made. For the details, read how to book a hotel without a bank card.

Before you book: ask whether the city tourist tax is included or payable at the hotel. And mention that you are on your honeymoon: some hotels take it into account on arrival, though not all of them do.

Frequently asked questions

Rome, Venice or Florence for a honeymoon? Rome for its monuments, Venice for the lagoon, Florence for art. With high-speed trains, you can also combine two or three cities.

Where to stay in Venice on a small budget? In Mestre, on the mainland: it is part of the municipality of Venice and linked to the island by the Ponte della Libertà, by road and by rail.

Do we need a visa for a honeymoon in Italy? In principle, yes: a Schengen visa. Check the current requirements with the consulate or the official provider before you travel.

Can I pay for my hotel in Italy in Algerian dinars? Yes. From Algeria, you pay in dinars by BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our office; from abroad, online by bank card.

Is the tourist tax included in the price? It depends on the offer: check when you book, or ask our team.

Nreservi, online travel agency — 1st floor, 116 boulevard Colonel Krim Belkacem (Telemly), Algiers Centre — +213 540 28 40 40.