Love is in the air! With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, we’ve rounded up seven of the most romantic destinations in Europe guaranteed to take your clients’ breath away. In this article, you'll find all the information you need to plan the ultimate romantic getaway for your clients, including top romantic activities, where to stay, and even where to eat. Whether they’re looking for a cosy city break or to spend the occasion somewhere a little warmer, these European escapes are sure to set their hearts aflutter.
Is there anywhere on earth more synonymous with romance than Paris? From its picturesque, winding streets to its quaint cafes, the city itself exudes an air of romance.
Picture the scene: two people taking a stroll along the Seine river at sunset, enjoying a glass of champagne over flirtatious conversation, or stealing a kiss beneath the Eiffel Tower. Easy to imagine, right? Paris is so closely associated with romance that it has earnt the moniker ‘the city of love’, and your clients will surely fall head over heels with this timeless destination – more so, with each other – should they choose to visit.
To make the most of their time in Paris, suggest your clients swing by one of the city’s many world-class museums (the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay) or take in a show at the famous Paris Opera. For those with a taste for the risqué, Crazy Horse promises an unforgettable night of entertainment, with an added benefit: the Eiffel Tower serves as a stunning backdrop to the burlesque club, with an ideal photo point located immediately outside of its door. Alternatively, your clients could reach the tower in under 15 minutes on foot to watch as it sparkles on the hour, every hour, up until 1am.
Second only to Paris in its affiliation to all things amorous, Venice is a top choice for travellers seeking a romantic getaway. The city’s small size serves as an intimate environment for couples to explore: narrow, maze-like alleyways conceal secret bars, trinket shops and delectable delights such as zaeti and Venetian pinsa, while classic landmarks such as the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Basilica are considered perfect spots for a quick photo opportunity. For an unforgettable and unmissable romantic experience, book a gondola tour for your clients well in advance – make it even more special by pairing it with a lunch or dinner experience (we’d recommend an evening tour plus dinner!).
Romantic escapes typically conjure up the thought of sepia-drenched, sun-kissed destinations – but even foggy London has its charms.
Wrapped up warm and strolling arm-in arm, your clients will adore ambling through the beautiful Hyde Park, the largest of the four Royal Parks and just a stone’s throw away from the upscale Corus Hotel. Here, guests can indulge in some sweet treats over afternoon tea, enjoy traditional British meal at the brasserie, or share a moment over drinks at the bar. The hotel is well-situated in relation to public transport, which can get your clients to top sights such as the London Eye in half an hour – book their tickets in advance to guarantee a front-row seat (and bird’s eye view) to the UK’s capital in all of its shimmering glory.
If your clients are seeking somewhere a little warmer for their escapade, look no further than Barcelona. With daily averages of around 16° C, the Catalonian capital is hardly sweltering, but offers a comfortable alternative to decidedly cooler destinations in Europe. Besides, there one thing for sure: temperatures will rise once the sun goes down, and the city transforms into a hotbed of late-night entertainment.
Spain is the birthplace of flamenco, both a form of music and a style of rhythmic dance. Passionate and evocative, flamenco is a powerful display of emotions ranging from love to sadness, wrapped up in sensuality – your clients won’t be able to tear their eyes away, and may even be inspired to take on a class themselves. Meanwhile, La Rambla, the city’s famous boulevard, is peppered with excellent bars and restaurants in the midst of their service – be sure to recommend restaurants serving Paella Valenciana, considered to be the most authentic iteration of the dish. (Top tip: for a fun and romantic activity, why not suggest a paella cooking class?)
When it comes to choosing a place to stay, Ocean Drive Barcelona is a beautiful place to relax and unwind, as well as an ideal base for your client’s romantic weekend. Located in the Eixample district, guests are surrounded by public transport options and a plethora of tourist sites and activities. Keeping in with the nautical theme, your clients could set sail to one of the oldest wine regions in Spain – after all, what could be more romantic than a luxury sailboat adventure, followed by a wine tasting between sweethearts?
COPENHAGEN
Copenhagen is an enchanting and romantic destination for tourists, filled with charming cobblestone streets, picturesque canals, and an abundance of stunning architecture. Your clients could take a romantic stroll through Tivoli Gardens, enjoy a candlelit dinner in one of the city's many stylish restaurants, and finish off the night with a relaxing boat ride through the city's canals before returning to the quayside Admiral Hotel to rest their heads. This heritage-listed, 18th century hotel is conveniently located close by to popular landmarks such as the Royal Danish Playhouse, the Gefion Fountain and the world-famous Little Mermaid statue, though is a worthwhile stop in its own right: with its elegant, modern kitchen and a fantastic wine cellar, your clients could while away the hours over dinner and drinks. A reservation at SALT restaurant promises to please, as here is a masterclass in Danish gastronomy, with a menu which changes every five weeks in relation to the seasons.
Monte Carlo is the epitome of romance and luxury, making it a popular destination for couples. The Mediterranean Sea and the French Alps provide a stunning backdrop for this glamorous destination, where your clients can take a romantic stroll on the famous Monte Carlo harbour to admire the luxury yachts whilst enjoying the sea breeze. Elsewhere, they can indulge in some of the world's finest cuisine, take a spin on the dance floor at one of the district’s exclusive nightclubs, or even try their hand at gambling at the famous The Casino de Monte-Carlo for a thrilling and elegant experience.
With its beautiful setting, luxurious atmosphere and endless opportunities for romance, it's no wonder why Monte Carlo is a favourite destination for couples looking for a romantic escape. Suggest a stay at the 5* Hotel Hermitage, an exclusive and timeless property in possession of its very own Michelin-starred restaurant.
Finally, Amsterdam is a fun and romantic destination for Valentine's escapes. The city is full of charming canals, picturesque bridges and colourful houses, each contributing to the Dutch capital’s lovely ambiance.
For those on a budget, Amsterdam offers a wide variety of inexpensive activities for couples: your clients may choose to explore the city by bike (choose a tandem for extra cuteness!), sample sweet treats from a selection of bakeries and chocolate shops, or even visit the famous flower market to pick up the perfect Valentine's day gift. If your clients are looking for a place to stay, the Leonardo Royal Hotel offers great connection to a range of sights (the nearest metro station, Overamstel, can be found right outside the door), though the property’s onsite sauna may tempt guests to stay indoors a little longer.
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