If your last romantic getaway was more ‘never again’ than ‘yours forever’, reconsider what you think is red hot in the destination department and delight your soul mate with a surprise romantic getaway, away from the crowds in 2019.
Delight comes from the unexpected and the same goes for romance. Ditch Paris for Tallinn, Venice for Verona.
Trips where you enjoy new experiences have become more important than seeing all the sights. In fact, the pressure of tick-the-box travel is inspiring travellers to look for travel experiences that remove them from their daily stresses – queues, crowds and routine.
What could be more important than spending time with a loved one and falling in love somewhere different like Rovinj in Croatia or Seville?
Here are some of the unexpected delights you could encounter in Europe’s new loved-up hotspots:
- Rovinj, Croatia
Stroll hand-in-hand through the labyrinthine streets of Rovinj’s Old Town when you join Trafalgar’s new Best of Croatia and Slovenia holiday. The Croatian city’s Venetian influences remain and are there to be admired when you’re not tasting the local produce at Valdibora market or visiting the boutique galleries in Grisia, Rovinj’s self-proclaimed Montmartre. Dive into Culture with Trafalgar and savour the delicious flavours of Istrian truffles during your visit, then enjoy the beautiful seaside setting of Opatija for romantic evening strolls.
- Verona, Italy
Cuddle up in the city that inspired Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet – the lovers’ balcony still an enduring feature of Verona’s cityscape, but we’ve got other ideas for romance away from the crowds. Ascend Lamberti’s Tower for magnificent views, explore the 1st-century Roman Arena and relax with a cappuccino in the expansive Piazza Bra. “The Ponte Pietra in Verona is a gorgeous stone bridge from Roman times. As romantic as can be, it’s a symbol of Italy’s lasting glamour,” says Chris Daley, Trafalgar Travel Director. Verona features as one of the highlights of Trafalgar’s Best of the Italian Lakes. Give in to the seduction of the beautiful landscape with your loved one on your arm.
- Lake Bled, Slovenia
Slovenia’s splendid natural landscapes are a boon for nature lovers, and this is nowhere better captured than amidst the splendour of Lake Bled. Admire the alpine waters of the lake against the backdrop of the cliff-side Bled Castle or ascend by cable car to Mt. Vogel for captivating views. Consider taking a boat trip to Bled Island. Climb the 99 stone steps to the 17th-century Baroque Church, once the site of a temple dedicated the Žlavic goddess of love. With Trafalgar, guests can combine their visit to Slovenia with a trip to Austria and Croatia, including the highlights of sharing a Be My Guest lunch with a local family in Hvar and staying overnight amidst the lush landscapes of Plitvice Lakes.
- Seville, Spain
Famous for all things flamboyant and Flamenco, the sizzling Spanish city of Seville is set in beautiful Andalusia. Think fiery Andalusian horses, the scent of orange blossoms and the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world. If it’s good enough for Spanish royalty, it’s certainly good enough your beloved. Trafalgar loves to share its Hidden Gems with guests and one of these is the Naranjas De Sevilla, a quirky corner store where you will find the city’s famous oranges transformed into all manner of produce, from wines, to iced tea, to jams.
- Geirangerfjord, Norway
Romance needn’t simply be quiet riverside strolls and fine dining. Outdoor enthusiasts can push the envelope with an exhilarating visit to Norway. Journey to the colourful ‘Capital of Fjords’, Bergen, and to Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. Take a trip up to Geirangerfjord on Trafalgar’s Best of Norway, Scenic Scandinavia and its Fjords and Nordic Adventure trips. You’ll have an opportunity to stay overnight on the shores of the Queen of the Fjords.
Celebrate your affection for your special someone in 2019 by giving them the gift of real ease, real joy and real connections – travel done the Trafalgar way.
With every detail taken care of, you can focus on spending time with your best friend and taking time to switch off and reflect on what’s important to you.
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