Europe has some stunning cities, bello Italian architecture, wunderbar Austrian attractions and delicieux French cuisine - all the ingredients you need for a romantic getaway! February 14th is Valentine's Day, a time when lovers everywhere share a special meal or romantic weekend together. Some of the most romantic cities in Europe include Paris, Vienna and Venice, so we offer a few suggestions for things to do if you are planning a surprise Valentine's Day in Europe for your partner or spouse.
Let's start with the city of Paris, said to be one of the most romantic cities in Europe. As beautiful as the city is by day, it is truly magical after dark when the landmarks are lit up. You can skate hand-in-hand beneath the lights of the iconic Eiffel Tower - how romantic is that!
Indoor attractions include the Louvre, where you can admire the sculpture Venus de Milo, Correggio's painting of Venus and Cupid with a Styr and Veronese's The Wedding at Cana artwork. Why not visit the Wall of 'I Love You's' (Le Mur des Je T'Aime), a huge artwork in the Place des Abbesses in Montmartre? The wall is covered with declarations of love in 250 languages!
Book a table in the stunning Le Train Bleu restaurant in the Gare de Lyon station, which is frequently featured on the big screen. The beautiful frescoes and gilded moldings cover the walls and ceiling and are set off by glittering antique lights. The perfect romantic evening can be enjoyed at the opulent Palais Garnier Opera House, the setting for the novel/musical The Phantom of the Opera.
It's hard to surpass Paris for Valentine's Day in Europe, but we'll try!
For history, opulent grandeur, wonderful cuisine and perhaps a flurry of snow, the former Habsburg palaces in Vienna, Austria provide an amazing city to visit on a romantic Valentine's Day getaway.
Dine like royalty at the Restaurant Korso with rich Austrian cuisine such as veal with creamy savoy cabbage or lobster gratin. Take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride around the city sights or book tickets to hear the famous Philharmonic Orchestra perform at the splendid Musikberein.
The 'Eternal City' of Rome is a wonderful destination to whisk your partner away to on a surprise treat for Valentine's Day in Europe. With over 2,000 years of history and some of the world's most famous landmarks, there is plenty to see and do.
Stay at the beautiful Cavialieri Hotel and enjoy European-style afternoon tea surrounded by Tiepolo paintings. The Vatican Museums are a wonderful place to spend a day. Alternatively, explore the Baroque quarter, walk the cobbled streets of Trastevere, and don't forget to throw coins in the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return! Valentine's Day brings out the romantic side of this great city and is most definitely the best time to visit Rome for love-struck couples.
Berlin, Germany is a more off-the-beaten-path romantic city in Europe but it's a great city for shopping and sightseeing by day and dining in cozy cellar-bars after dark. Enjoy a leisurely cheese fondue in the contemporary Ars Vini sharing intimate conversation over a bottle of sweet German wine for an unforgettable romantic trip.
Glide romantically along the canals of Venice in a gondola or get lost together in the narrow alleyways that are so typical of this historic city. Once a wealthy trading center where East meets West, it has a rich legacy of palaces, churches, artworks and museums.Explore the stunning Piazza San Marco and dine by candlelight on gourmet Italian cuisine. Few places are more suited to romantic getaways than this historic canal-city which is perhaps why it is such a popular place for proposals! The romantic ambiance of this unique cultural haven makes Valentine's Day one of the best times of year to visit Venice
February can be chilly for those wanting to celebrate Valentine's Day in Europe, but on the plus side, there are fewer crowds, cheaper flights and great deals on car rentals at this time of year.
You may want to invest in a luxury car to wow your loved one, especially if you plan to propose! Imagine arriving at the State Opera House in Vienna in a Rolls Royce Phantom, or driving around the illuminated sights of Paris after dark in a BMW 650 Convertible with the heater on full power to keep you cozy! Browse our luxury fleet guide and allow yourself to dream a little!
If you prefer not to drive in a foreign city, book an English-speaking, chauffeur-driven car to pick you up from the airport and take you on your private tour around one of these romantic cities in Europe. It's not as expensive as you might think! Call us today toll-free at 1-888-223-5555 to make your reservation, or easily request services online in three, easy steps.