With its unsurpassed historical sites, diverse terrain that includes rugged mountains, sandy beaches and undulating hills, plus exceptional culture and cuisine, Italy continues its reign as one of the top overall destinations for American honeymooners. And while couples could feasibly spend a month traveling around the country and still not scratch the surface, there are three can’t-miss honeymoon locations in Italy that newlyweds should make a priority on their upcoming trip.

Rome

Rome is truly one of the world’s greatest treasures. It’s a destination brimming with thrilling experiences around every corner and should be the first stop newlyweds make when coming to Italy.

For starters, the city is filled with ancient wonders and relics of the past that have withstood the test of time. Get your history fix and explore iconic sites like Vatican City, Villa Borghese, the Pantheon, or the Colosseum. For a different kind of excursion, stroll the quaint streets of Trastevere, a historic neighborhood that mesmerizes with its old world charm, narrow cobblestone alleyways and striking town squares like Piazza Santa Maria.

Drop your bags at Hotel Piranesi, one of Rome’s finest boutique hotels. Enjoy a fantastic location close to Piazza del Popolo and many of Rome’s top sites. The property features elegant rooms plus a gorgeous rooftop terrace with stunning views of the entire city.

Venice

This remarkable city – seemingly conjured up in a fairytale – stands out as one of the world’s most fascinating and unique destinations. Constructed in a lagoon and featuring countless bridges, canals, and pedestrian-only passageways, plus stunning architecture, Venice is simply enchanting.

It should also come as no surprise that Venice ranks as one of the world’s most romantic destinations. Embark on a relaxing gondola ride along the canals, enjoy dinner al fresco at one of the city’s many fabulous restaurants, or simply get lost in the maze-like streets and come across your own discoveries. Piazza San Marco remains the hub of the city with historic St. Mark’s Basilica dominating the view. The City of Bridges is also home to great shopping and theater experiences and has easy access to other nearby islands and villages.

Stay at Hotel Giorgione, a romantic and beautiful property set in the heart of Venice. Enjoy well-decorated rooms with 18th century furnishings, a charming courtyard and well-conceived breakfast nook.

Tuscany

The Tuscany region of Italy beckons honeymooners with its gorgeous landscape, plethora of historic sites and postcard-perfect towns. As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is an ideal place to begin your Tuscany honeymoon thanks to its renowned museums and galleries. For a most romantic experience, stroll through the well-manicured Boboli Gardens before making your way down to the Ponte Vecchio around sunset.

Meanwhile, complete with a marvelous cathedral, pedestrian-only avenues and famous Palio horse race through the cobbled streets, Siena could be one of the most authentic destinations in all of Italy. Lesser-visited Lucca is a striking walled city that boasts wonderful churches, public squares and restaurants. Overall, Tuscany features miles of vineyards and lovely medieval hilltop villages, making for a terrific destination to go hiking, biking, or indulge in food and wine tasting.

Book a room at Hotel L’Antico Pozzo in San Gimignano, one of Tuscany’s most delightful hilltop towns known for its medieval towers. This exquisite property is set in a 15th century palace and features spacious rooms, canopied beds and terrific views of the village.

Brandon | co-founder of Traveler’s Joy

Brandon often found himself purchasing generic wedding gifts for friends and family who shared his passion for travel and preferred a once in a lifetime honeymoon experience. In 2004 he co-founded Traveler’s Joy honeymoon registry to help couples take the honeymoon of their dreams. After having his own honeymoon in northern Wisconsin and Zanzibar, he and his colleagues live vicariously through the couples that use Traveler’s Joy to have an unbelievable honeymoon. When Brandon isn’t researching new honeymoon spots, cycling, gardening, or working, you’ll likely find him on the back porch with family and friends cooking BBQ or playing with his daughter. Brandon spends his time in Wilmington, Delaware and Durham, North Carolina.