Travel the Romantic Cities of Europe

In Europe, romance is as much a part of its traditions as the centuries-old cathedrals, the collective royal heritage and the eons of its sometimes tragic history. But it's that very history and tradition, too, that's responsible for a huge inventory of romance and honeymoon product you will savor as you share that romantic legacy with your loved one.

One of Italy's most romantic cities is Florence-the home of poets and painters and the spawning ground of what must be much of the world's great art. Even today, it's a city where art and creativity are in the forefront of everyday life, a city of timeless beauty tailor-made for lovers. So, imagine honeymooning or sharing a lovers' tryst in the stunning 400-year-old Grand Hotel Villa Medici, an historical residence located in the center of Florence within walking distance of all major art sites and shopping locations. Here, the high-quality service meets the elegance of the interior's historical furnishings, with each of its 88 rooms and 15 suites showcasing original antique furnishings and tapestries. Wide windows frame Florence and the Tuscany landscape, while the rooms on the top floor-which have private terraces and are a must for honeymooners and lovers-overlook the captivating cityscape. Or, there's the Il Magnifico Suite, which has a large terrace and jacuzzi. The hotel's Sina Fitness Club is the perfect place for couples to relax, enjoy a sauna, a Turkish bath or work out in the gym, while the restaurant Lorenzo de Medici with its Tuscan cuisine, provides an excellent and romantic Florentine dining experience. The restaurant abuts the Conservatory, another dining experience with a modern interior and verandah leading to the garden and pool. Clients of both restaurants can enjoy warm summer nights listening to live music and tasting exquisite wines.

Venice, too, of course, ranks right up there as a city for lovers. It's here, after all, where you'll find the famous Bridge of Sighs where, local legend says, lovers will be assured eternal love if they kiss on a gondola at sunset under the bridge. Unfortunately, the name really came from the fact that this was a passageway that took prisoners into the palace prisons from which few returned and where the hapless victims looked out onto freedom for the last time with a sigh. Except for one, the famous Casanova who was arrested in 1755 for spreading antireligious sentiment and escaped 15 months after he crossed the Bridge of Sighs-now that's romance. Nearby, overlooking the Riva degli Shiavoni, just steps from Piazza San Marco, St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, the restored and romantic Hotel Danieli is made up of three interconnecting palaces. The main building, the 14th century Dandolo Palace, is Venetian gothic lavishly appointed with pink marble, stained glass, gold-leaf decorated ceilings, Murano glass chandeliers and antiques. The adjacent Casa Nuova building is a 19th century palace whose decor reflects a rich, Venetian baroque style. The building to the right of the central Dandolo Palace is the Danielino, dating back to 1948 with decor focusing on Old World charm. But it's the lagoon-view rooms-some of which have a balcony-that are beautifully decorated in Empire or Venetian style with romantic views of the Venice lagoon, another must for honeymooners and lovers. Directly overlooking the Grand Canal with an incomparable view of Venice and just a short stroll from the Piazza San Marco, the Hotel Gritti Palace has a well-deserved reputation as one of the most romantic hotels in the world, attracting elite guests such as the British royal family, the Duke of Windsor, the Princess of Monaco and a bevy of Hollywood stars all the way up to today's most popular celebrities. And it's not like this is a new thing for the property, considering it was commissioned in 1525 as the residence of the Doge of Venice-Doge Andrea Gritti-and was later used as the official residence of the Vatican's ambassadors to Venice. As one of the most celebrated hotels in the world, there's no better place to take advantage of a honeymoon program-what the hotel describes as, "a fairy tale honeymoon in magical, dreamy Venice." Couples are welcomed with a bottle of wine and a bouquet of flowers in their hotel room where they'll spend a memorable night in the intimacy of a richly decorated double room or luxurious jr. suite or suite. The next morning, they're awakened leisurely to a daily breakfast served-at their discretion-in room or in the Club Del Doge restaurant. Various tours-individual, group, walking, boat, guided-may be organized through the hotel concierge. Tour guides are available upon request and honeymooners can arrange for a late check-out at 4:30 p.m.

It wouldn't be right to exclude Rome, the Eternal City, in a Europe honeymoon review and we would certainly be remiss not to mention the Hotel Hassler, which has been recognized as one of the prime hotels in Europe for more than 100 years. With an unbeatable location atop the Spanish Steps, it's one of Italy's most luxurious with 82 rooms and 13 suites, all of which are elegantly furnished with antiques while equipped with modern leisure. The suites feature exquisite boiserie and frescoes, original paintings by the Titian and Tintoretto schools and the furniture is in original 18th century Louis XV style. The large bathrooms are finished in precious Italian marble and 23-carat gold-plated faucets. Fine Italian cuisine is available at Imago, the Salone Eva Restaurant & Bar, and the Palm Court Garden Restaurant & Bar during the warmer weather seasons. Beauty and wellness treatments are also available at Amorvero SPA. The Honeymoon package includes four nights in a luxury deluxe accommodation, daily buffet breakfast or room service, continental breakfast, a bottle of Prosecco (Italian sparkling white wine) in room upon arrival, daily fresh fruit in room, a special gift from the hotel's management from the Amorvero Home Collection, a romantic dinner at panoramic, Michelin-starred Imago, with Rome's most breathtaking views and creative Italian cuisine, plus guaranteed upgrade from deluxe to an exclusive grand deluxe double room.

Despite its recent financial woes, there's no place like Greece and the Greek Islands for a truly classic honeymoon experience and indeed, many of its island resorts were built primarily with romance in mind. At Cavo Tagoo Resort on Mykonos, for example, the overall seductive design screams romance and intimacy-everything from the infinity pool overlooking the blue Aegean Sea, to the chic, luxurious and comfortable rooms and suites, all designed to embody a contemporary minimalist island aesthetic while remaining true to the traditional character and architecture of the Cycladic Islands. All modern amenities and conveniences are provided to ensure an experience of utter comfort in an elegantly minimalist and relaxed chic setting, while excellent touches of luxury are added such as jacuzzi tubs and private pools. The Cavo Tagoo Spa is also designed with a focus on classic Greek beliefs and legends and has been ideally placed in a unique location immersed in Cycladean light, facing Delos, the birthplace of the mythical God of the sun, Apollo. Its mission, they say, "...is to fuse the latest in international spa trends with a simultaneous, traditional Greek approach to wellness and beauty in our award-winning treatments and products. The Cavo Tagoo Spa Experience is an indigenous journey of the six senses-see, smell, touch, hear, feel, and experience." Couples can also take tours to Delos, charter boats or rent cars for trips to the Mykonos town.

On Santorini, honeymoon and lovers will be mesmerized by the Andronis Luxury Suites, a breathtaking all-suite boutique hotel that sits high above the sea with panoramic views of a volcano or caldera soaring into the sky across the water. The property offers five different suite categories with the first three offering spacious living areas, separate bedrooms and private, seaview verandahs, while the exceptional suite category offers a jacuzzi and a jet pool, while the pool suite offers an infinity pool overlooking the sea. Needless to say, there's plenty of 21st century comforts and amenities including satellite TV, CD player, wireless internet and international telephony-all offered in a classical but timeless island setting. The onsite restaurant serves local cuisine with traditional recipes that include virgin olive oil, fresh vegetables, Greek herbs and succulent meats, blended with organic ingredients and elements of nouvelle cuisine to create a superlative menu-all washed down with some of Santorini's famous local wines, cultivated from the island's very own vineyards. There is also a special selection of international wines. Mare Et Sanus Spa, inspired by Greek nature and the healing power of the gods, offers massages and body treatments or even a complete Day Spa Program. Local ingredients such as propolis, tomato, cucumber, orange, fig, cinnamon and almond are all part of the spa's unique, different treatments that relax, rejuvenate and revitalize.

It's not possible to list European honeymoon and romance choices without mentioning Paris, the City of Light and Love, where romance fuses with culture. Which is why couples will enjoy celebrating the centennial of the Hotel Lutetia-a property that calls itself a "...modern-day reflection of the belle epoque and Art Deco periods; the embodiment of contemporary, stylish Parisian living." Nestled in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Pres, it's within walking distance of the Seine, the Musee d'Orsay, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the boutiques and designers' studios on the Left Bank. Views of the nearby Eiffel Tower can be enjoyed from many of the rooms and suites where the classic styling of the 1930s is combined with all the modern amenities. In fact, the sculpted Art Deco facade and welcoming statue of Gustave Eiffel, along with pictures of artists who once lived here, attest to the fact the hotel is full of artistic surprises. But while it's not a honeymoon or romance spot for everyone, it's ideal for couples who enjoy the arts. Even today, it's a meeting place for artists, writers and politicians, with the lobby boasting a lively edginess with displayed works of art by renowned contemporary artists such as Arman, Cesar, Philippe Hiquily, Perrin and Thierry Bisch. Surrounded by Art Deco architecture, period furniture, crystal chandeliers and the sounds of jazz music drifting through from the highly popular Lutetia Bar, this is a place truly immersed in a lively Parisian atmosphere.

But for those who want to honeymoon outside of the City of Light, there's a great option in sunny St. Tropez-the Chateau de la Messardiere, the 75-room and 6-suite Leading Hotels of the World property with a history that goes all the way back to the seventh century. Today, it's a beautifully restored, five-star beauty that sits near the beautiful French Riviera and combines traditional beauty with contemporary flair. It's a great honeymoon spot and for couples who want to combine a lovers' solitude with a little seaside fun. The different room categories offer a variety of views, but for the best romantic experience, book either the deluxe room with views from the terrace or the balcony to the countryside and the gardens, or even better, the Prestige Room with large private terraces and breathtaking views of the sea from the room and the terrace. The Chateaux spa offers a variety of body treatments and fitness equipment, but the truly pampering experience here is the gourmet restaurant Les Trois Saisons, reputed to be one of St. Tropez's best dining addresses and open evenings only. The hotel claims that the restaurant is "...the perfect venue for a romantic dinner for two or with friends," because Les Trois Saisons serves refined and creative Mediterranean-style cuisine in a truly exceptional ambiance. The restaurant's huge terrace offers sweeping views over the beaches of Pampelonne. The wine selection, by the way, is as sweeping as the panorama with over 400 wines and champagnes from France and the world over, with new wines being added every year.

There's still another take on a resort stay on the French Riviera with a relatively new property near St. Tropez-La Reserve Ramatuelle, a 23-room and -suite boutique hotel with an additional 12, 4- and 5-bedroom rental villas on site. It's the boutique aspect, of course, that lends itself to honeymooners or lovers, with each of the rooms and suites enjoying their own private garden or terrace. All of the modern amenities are included, of course, with drop-dead gorgeous views of the Mediterranean thrown in for free. The hotel's restaurant and bar promises "...meticulously flavored tastes of the south, that are subtly combined for pleasure, as well as health." But it's the spa here that's the real spoiler. It even includes a 6-day program designed to focus on the personal health objectives of the guest with the goal of achieving long-term health improvement and "...maximize the future life potential of each participant." Still another program is called Discovery Day, where guests get to sample the unique spa offerings, such as baleneotherapy, of their choice, exfoliant or wrap, a 50-minute body treatment, jet shower and lunch. Then there's the Creme de la Mere, which they say is exclusive skin care with the goal of relaxation and pure pleasure and includes two regenerating facials and body treatments.

For a truly fairy tale honeymoon, look no further than Europe's own fairy tale city-the beautiful and wonderfully preserved city of Prague in the Czech Republic. This is a city, in fact, that stands for many things-music and theater, Kafka and Mozart, beer and dumplings-but especially for its romantic, charming and unforgettable atmosphere. So what could be more romantic for your couples than booking into The Iron Gate Hotel & Suites, set in a 14th century building located in the heart of Prague's Old Town, in a picturesque, cobbled side street just steps from the famous Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square-the perfect choice for enjoying the wonders of Prague, in spacious, elegant and historical surroundings. The Iron Gate Hotel & Suites offers 43 unique rooms and suites, each with a different layout, view and decor. This beautiful landmark, set in the privacy of an inner courtyard with unforgettable atmosphere, is certainly one of the hidden gems in Prague. Most rooms and suites are decorated with original 14th to 18th century frescoes or painted ceilings and some Royal Suites even offer two bathrooms and a jacuzzi. Room and suite amenities include DVD player with a selection of over 80 DVD movies available free of charge, in-room Internet connection, minibar, alarm/clock radio, satellite and cable on 28-inch large-screen TV, ETRO Designer toiletries and luxury linens. The hotel has a 2-night Romantic & Honeymoon stay in one of its luxurious jr. suites or 1-bedroom Royal Suites. The program includes Mercedes car transfer from and to the airport or railway station, welcome drink, full buffet breakfast or breakfast served in the room, flower arrangements in the room, a bottle of Bohemian sparkling wine, coffee and tea service, as well as a romantic 3-course candlelight dinner.

Talk to Atlas Cruises & Tours at 800-942-3301 to set up a honeymoon or romantic escape to Italy, France or Greece.

By: Rick Shively
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