Mr ESLT and I use any excuse to take a trip – birthday, Christmas, anniversary, the fact it’s Tuesday etc. Valentine’s day is usually a prime one. However, this year Mr ESLT has to work (booo). Therefore the likelihood is we will simply become ships that pass in the night for the whole week. But thanks to the lovely folks at eShores, who sent us a delicious Italian and French-inspired food hamper, we got to cook up a storm in our recently finished kitchen. We popped the cork on a bottle of wine and had a wonderful early Valentine’s day celebration.
Whether you buy into the whole Valentine’s day sentiment or not, it’s always nice (and healthy for your relationship) to spend some quality time with your partner, especially if you both live busy lives, as we do. We both work full time, have active social lives, travel extensively and write this little old blog. Therefore, our ‘treat’ night was very welcome. We ate great food (even though I do say so myself), drank a tad too much and reminisced about some of the most romantic destinations we’ve visited over the past 12 years (jeez…where have the years gone?)
The Places We Love
Travel has always been important to us (and is more than likely to always be). It’s a joint passion we share. From our first trip to Florence a mere three weeks after meeting to our last jaunt to New York a couple of weeks ago, every trip has been special. But some really stick out in our memories of having that something special (that je ne sais quoi, if you will). Whether it be the place, the things we did, what happened or simply because we were in a ‘good’ place as a couple. Here they are and why we think they are the perfect romantic destinations. Cue the old photos………
Rome
We visited Rome early in 2009, primarily because we got super cheap flights (around 4p each!). Therefore, we had no real preconceptions or expectations. yet from the second, we arrived until the second we left we loved every second. It really is an open-air museum and the perfect place to wander around hand in hand with your significant other. Around nearly every corner you will find another amazing building, monument or church. Rome is somewhere we would love to return to see if our love of the city is just as strong as it was over a decade ago (even though we already know it will be). Our recommendations of things to see, do and eat include:
- An audio tour of the Colosseum
- Throw pennies into the Trevi fountain (and make a wish)
- Sit on the Spanish Steps and watch the world go by
- Eat all the gelato, pizza and pasta possible
- Visit Vatican City and marvel at The Vatican and Sistine Chapel
Venice
Our trip to Venice cemented the fact that Italy is our favourite country – why? Because Venice is where we got engaged back in 2010. It had been somewhere we’d wanted to visit for ages. Therefore, when Mr ESLT surprised me with a birthday trip, I was over the moon. Then when he got down on one knee whilst there, it was the cherry on the cake. Hence the reason why we consider Venice to be one of, if not, the most romantic cities in the world. For five days we wandered around the on cloud nine, excitedly making plans and exploring the narrow streets of what’s not just a romantic city but a unique one too. Here’s what we loved and what we recommend for your romantic getaway:
- A gondola ride along the canals
- Walk over the Rialto Bridge
- Visit Doge’s Palace (including Bridge of Sighs)
- Take a tour of Saint Mark’s Basilica (don’t forget the roof)
- Take a ferry and explore San Giorgio Maggiore, Burano and other neighbouring islands
Paris
Turning 30 is a big thing. Therefore when I turned 30 back in 2013 (urgh was it really that long ago?) I wanted to celebrate in style. Mr ESLT did not disappoint and booked us an amazing trip to the City of Love – Paris. Having never visited before, we were eager to see if it was as romantic as it’s depicted in the movies. I can wholeheartedly confirm that it is. We had a great time exploring what the city has to offer, shopping and eating at some fabulous restaurants. Paris is a large city and one that I feel we only scratched the surface of. However, we did all the ‘biggies’ (our recommendations are below) and we have a long list of things we’d like to do when we return.
- Go up the Effiel Tower and drink champagne at the top
- Take in a show at The Moulin Rouge
- Climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe
- Marvel at the Sacré-Coeur
- Take the metro to Disneyland Paris (for kids and big kids alike)
Planning Your Next Romantic Getaway?
Are you thinking of or even in the process of planning your next romantic trip? Maybe it’s a belated Valentine’s holiday or a birthday break for your loved one. Perhaps Rome, Venice or Paris sound like a contender? Maybe all three do? If so, check out eShores 10 night Ultimate Romantic Holiday package which incorporates all three cities. It really does sound like a dream romantic getaway!
- [AD -GIFTED] Thank you to eShores who provided the wonderful food hamper in exchange for this post. Opinions, thoughts and amazing memories – all my own!
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