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Old Street in Rome, Italy credit: Katarina_B/iStock
Rome, Italy
Even before Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck drove off into the sunset on their moped in the 1953 classic love flick Roman Holiday, Rome had wormed its way into the hearts of romantics worldwide.
At every vista, every piazza and every fountain, there’s inspiration for the romantic in all of us.
As well as admiring such classic monuments as the Colosseum and St Peter’s Basilica, you can explore the Seven Hills, watch the world go by from the Spanish Steps, or sip Chianti in tucked-away piazzas.
A lovers’ break also wouldn’t be complete without soaking up the beautiful views of the fabled Trevi Fountain, a Baroque masterpiece and eternal symbol of love.
Gelato in hand, stroll by the fountain of the Four Rivers at Piazza Navona. Don’t forget to throw in a coin and make a wish.
Though Rome has an energetic buzz about the place, urban sanctuaries away from the hubbub are never far off. Spend a late afternoon taking a stroll along the Tiber river and from the bohemian centre of Trastevere up to Janiculum Hill. The city vista at the crest – especially at sunset – is a view that could make any heart flutter.
You don’t have to be a pilgrim to appreciate the stunning approach to St Peter’s Square, the Via della Conciliazione, especially at night, when the Basilica is cast in warm light.
Take in the surroundings, turn back around to the Borgo Pio that surrounds Vatican City, and have a candlelit dinner at one of the restaurants.
Finally, it’s not uncommon to see lovers stealing kisses at Pincio gardens, while gazing over the magnificent Piazza del Popolo in Villa Borghese, Rome’s most popular park. Even lovebirds of the feathered kind dance flirtatiously upon the Pincio balcony.
So, if you’re looking for somwehere to profess your deepest affections come February 14, the only difficulty you’ll have is narrowing down your options. You haven’t lived until you’ve loved in Rome, as they say.
See: rome.info
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Lake Louise, Canada
Skate through the arches of a sculpted ice castle on a frozen lake, framed by the Rocky Mountains. Then, walk through the snow to a frozen waterfall and a momentous glacier.
When your toes get chilly, head inside for a hot chocolate by the window in the adjacent Chateau hotel.
Lake Louise may be just as beautiful in summer, but the snow gives it that romantic edge. Plus, you get to ski. And where there’s ski, there’s après ski. And it’s not just skiing – ice skate hand in hand whilst surrounded by stunning snowy peaks and mountains or immerse yourselves in the warm waters of the Banff Hot Springs nearby, while the stars shine above your head.
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Burgtheater at sunrise, Vienna, Austria credit: bluejayphoto/iStock
Vienna, Austria
Wander the cobbled alleyways around St Stephen’s Cathedral or take a romantic boat ride on the Danube, Vienna has much to offer the romancing couple. With stunning palaces and arcade-lined courtyards there is plenty to do and see on your stroll and don’t forget to stop at one (or two) of the heurigers – wine taverns – for a bite to eat and some wine accompanied by traditional Viennese Schrammel music – try the areas of Grinzing, Nussdorf or Sievering. If you really want to splash out book a romantic candle-lit dinner on the Giant Ferris Wheel but be warned it isn’t cheap – €345 for a 3 course meal plus wine for two.
See: wien.info/en
Fisherman’s Bastion, Budapest, Hungary credit: stock_colors/iStock
Budapest, Hungary
Often referred to as the Paris of the East, Budapest will not disappoint with it’s wide leafy boulevards and elegant architecture you’ll soon see why it developed such a reputation. As with Vienna, there is always a cruise on the Danube, ensure you glide past the magnificent Parliament Building – loosely based on the Palace of Westminster here in London, take a walk up Gellert Hill (warning it is a bit of a climb so you could take a bus) to the fairytale-like Fisherman’s Bastion with fabulous views over the city and stroll along the Danube – the best bit is between Chain Bridge and Margaret Bridge. There are plenty of bars and restaurants along the way and after your stroll, no visit to Budapest is complete without a visit to one of the many spas – try Szechenyi Baths and Pool which boasts 15 indoor baths and 3 outdoor pools.
See: visit-hungary.com/budapest
Paris, France
With its striking setting of historic monuments and scenic bridges, plus its beautiful locals and rich food, there is nothing that isn’t romantic about Paris.
Strolling along the Seine, sharing a crêpe, walking hand-in-hand through a museum and kissing under the Eiffel Tower – they’re all the clichés. But you should also try taking a bottle of red and cheese to the Pont Des Arts at sunset. Views from the quays of the Île St-Louis are fab.
See: parisinfo.com
Click the next page for our final pick of romantic cities and breaks
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Yorkshire Dales, UK
You haven’t really visited the Great British countryside until you’ve experienced the tumbling green Yorkshire Dales. And what’s more idyllic than staying where some of the best classic British books have been set?
For extra romance, book yourself and your other half into a log cabin with a hot tub and a roaring fire to return to after days spent hill-walking, having hearty pub lunches and maybe even a spot of saucy wild swimming.
Click the next page for more romantic cities and breaks
Paris, France
With its striking setting of historic monuments and scenic bridges, plus its beautiful locals and rich food, there is nothing that isn’t romantic about Paris.
Strolling along the Seine, sharing a crêpe, walking hand-in-hand through a museum and kissing under the Eiffel Tower – they’re all the clichés. But you should also try taking a bottle of red and cheese to the Pont Des Arts at sunset. Views from the quays of the %u2028Île St-Louis are fab.
See: parisinfo.com
Venice, Italy
A city of endless winding canals, its unique landscape gives Venice a magical quality seen nowhere else in the world.
The Queen of the Adriatic has a slew of romantic offerings bound to wow your lady- or manlove.
Drift by spectacular Renaissance-era statues and buildings on a gondola, walk hand-in-hand along narrow streets and through picturesque squares, and sample culinary delicacies of the Veneto, like risotto and prosecco. That’s love.
See: venice-tourism.com
Montmartre, Paris, France credit: dennisvdw/iStock
Paris, France
With its striking setting of historic monuments and scenic bridges, plus its beautiful locals and rich food, there is nothing that isn’t romantic about Paris. Strolling along the Seine, sharing a crêpe, walking hand-in-hand through a museum and kissing under the Eiffel Tower – they’re all the clichés. But you should also try taking a bottle of red and cheese to the Pont Des Arts at sunset. Views from the quays of the Île St-Louis are fab.
See: parisinfo.com
Street in Venice, Italy credit: ArtMarie/iStock
Venice, Italy
A city of endless winding canals, its unique landscape gives Venice a magical quality seen nowhere else in the world.The Queen of the Adriatic has a slew of romantic offerings bound to wow your lady- or manlove.Drift by spectacular Renaissance-era statues and buildings on a gondola, walk hand-in-hand along narrow streets and through picturesque squares, and sample culinary delicacies of the Veneto, like risotto and prosecco. That’s love.
See: venice-tourism.com
If Valentine’s isn’t your thing but you still want to visit one of these beautiful cities, come to the TNT Travel Show on March 4th 2017 – with exhibitors like Italy on a Budget, Expat Explore, Busabout and Topdeck you could find yourself in one or more of these cities for a fraction of the price everybody else paid – register for free entry.
Venice, Italy
A city of endless winding canals, its unique landscape gives Venice a magical quality seen nowhere else in the world.
The Queen of the Adriatic has a slew of romantic offerings bound to wow your lady- or manlove.
Drift by spectacular Renaissance-era statues and buildings on a gondola, walk hand-in-hand along narrow streets and through picturesque squares, and sample culinary delicacies of the Veneto, like risotto and prosecco. That’s love.
See: venice-tourism.com
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