With Valentine’s Day here already, many of us will be thinking about how we can show our loved ones how much we care. And surely nothing can be more special than spending quality time with one another in a romantic location. Whether it’s a candlelit dinner in a cosy restaurant, where you while away the hours reminiscing over a bottle of the local wine or walking hand-in-hand, taking in stunning surroundings that make your heart sing, our carefully crafted itineraries are perfect for treating the one you love on a special occasion.
Here are five of our favourite romantic getaways to get you inspired.
Rekindle the romance by following in the footsteps of the two most infamous, star-crossed lovers: Romeo and Juliet. Regarded as the city of love, Verona was the inspiration for Shakespeare’s iconic story of two yearning hearts. The writer himself described it as ‘fair Verona’, and it remains just as beautiful today. As well as visiting Juliet’s house and its 13th century honey-coloured stone balcony, you’ll have ample time to wander the streets, which are rich in Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
If Verona doesn’t leave you utterly enchanted, as you explore the beauty of the surrounding landscape on our Bolzano, Verona & Venice Ride, we’re sure you’ll fall in love. Cycling river paths backed by dramatic mountain vistas, you’ll reach the sparkling gem of the region, Lake Garda. Then, concluding your trip in Venice, take a gondola to discover the intrigue of this unique floating city, where the gondoliers’ songs will leave their final romantic charm.
This region of picturesque rolling landscapes, covered by rich, green vineyards and dotted with enchanting castles, provides the perfect setting for a romantic retreat. Our Gourmet Walking In Burgundy’s Vineyards tour takes you from the meandering country lanes and peaceful woodland trails to historic medieval towns and cities, such as Nuits-St-Georges, Dijon and Beaune, where the famous wine and delectable, world-renowned cuisine invite you to pause and share a moment together. Hunt for truffles, sample exquisite, local cheese, or enjoy the comfort of a warming Beef Bourguignon, pairing each tasty delight with the region’s prestigious Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines.
When alpine areas are blanketed in snow, there’s something truly magical about them, just perfect for a couple’s romance. In the Dolomites region, the 360-degree viewpoints are mesmeric: vistas of pristine white alpine meadows, traditional wooden huts and limestone peaks stretching far across borders from Italy to Austria.
Revel in the fun of trying a new winter sport together, whether it’s skiing, tobogganing or snowshoe hiking. Coming in from the cold, the glow from rosy cheeks provides a memento of your new shared adventures. Staying at the Ciasa Salares on your Winter Activities In The Dolomites trip, you can warm up in the sauna, steam room or outdoor hot tub before sampling their outstanding, locally sourced cuisine. Then, discover the Cheese Room or the Chocolate Room to add one final extra special touch to this tantalising getaway.
Like something out of a storybook, the scenery as you cycle through Bavaria on our Lakes and Mountains of Bavaria Cycling is nothing short of spellbinding. Discover King Ludwig’s fairytale castles, set in the foothills of the Alps, as your route winds through medieval towns, around lush meadows and azure blue lakes. The swimming opportunities are so inviting, they’ll be hard to resist. Setting you on the pathway to love, your return trip takes you along Romantic Road, where the fantastical beauty of this unique area will leave you in awe.
They say Italian is the language of love and full immersion into local Tuscan life on our A Taste of Tuscany Self-Guided Walking is sure to send sparks flying. Enjoy dreamy walks through the soul-stirring landscape of Tuscany, and its ancient chestnut forests, vineyards and olive groves. Take a dip in the thermal baths of Bagno Vignoni, just as the Romans did. Then enjoy wine tastings and a speciality local cooking class that will ensure the romance of this trip leaves a lasting impression.
To discover more romantic getaways, please get in touch with our team.