There’s still plenty of time until Valentine’s Day, so skip the last-minute bunch of flowers and plan ahead! On February 14, lovers all over the world will want to spend some romantic time together, making it near-impossible to book restaurants, or find hotel rooms and flights. What’s more, the money you save by booking ahead will leave plenty in your budget to splash out on a celebratory bottle of bubbly! Here is our guide to Valentine’s Day highlights in Venice, Naples, Edinburgh and the Dumfries & Galloway region.
Venice – Valentine’s Day in the city of lovers
Venice is the perfect place to spend Valentine’s Day with your loved one. Known as the city of lovers, you’ll find popular tourist attractions, but also plenty of charming nooks and crannies perfect for a romantic walk for two. The pearl of the Venetian Lagoon also offers gondola rides; for an extra-special atmosphere, you can request a serenade and a bottle of wine to share as you enjoy your cruise. Venice’s famous Carnival takes place over Valentine’s Day, meaning you can combine your romantic getaway with street parades, masquerades and balls. So, what are the must-see spots during your Valentine’s city break?
If you’re visiting Venice for the first time, don’t miss out on all the classic sights, like St. Mark’s with its breathtaking Byzantine mosaics of the Basilica, or the Doge’s Palace. Take a vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal to admire the Rialto Bridge, or take your other half for a sunset stroll along the Riva degli Schiavoni where you can admire the city’s lights at dusk. Great views are also available from the Fondaco dei Tedeschi department store’s terrace and the most romantic tower in Venice, Scala Contarini del Bovolo. It is also worth visiting the surrounding islands of Murano, Burano, Torcello and Lido, where you can enjoy the famous Baci pralines with a cherry inside which are given to lovers on Valentine’s Day.
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Naples and Positano – the romance of southern Italy
The south of Italy is always a good idea, and, during February, the temperature can reach highs of 14 degrees Celsius. If you love the atmosphere of dolce far niente, aka doing nothing, you will certainly enjoy your time here. Celebrate Valentine’s Day at one of the many romantic eateries in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre before exploring the underground Catacombs of San Gennaro. Monuments on the must-see list include the Duomo di Napoli cathedral, the Palazzo Reale di Napoli royal palace, Castel Nuovo castle and the Gesù Nuovo church. You should also allow a day to visit Pompeii and Vesuvius, situated just outside of Naples.
The perfect Valentine’s weekend can be spent at the colourful, atmospheric and extremely romantic town of Positano. Considered the most beautiful on the Amalfi Coast, this is an ideal destination for couples. Positano has plenty of small cafes and bars, charming apartments for rent, viewpoints of the shimmering coastline and quaint, colourful houses that will make Valentine’s Day unforgettable. The most beautiful panoramas can be seen from the local beach, but also from the viewing terraces at Viale Pasitea or Via Cristoforo Colombo. A great view also awaits diners at La Sirenuse hotel’s restaurant, where it is worth booking a table in advance for your Valentine’s Day dinner. On the menu you will find delicious local pasta with seafood, and lemon sorbet, for which this region is famous.
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Edinburgh – an atmospheric Valentine’s Day
The Scottish capital Edinburgh is one of Britain’s most interesting destinations and is highly recommended for Valentine’s Day! Although it is neither warm nor sunny here in February, Edinburgh is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Spend a romantic break for two in one of the numerous restaurants, book an apartment for a “galentines” trip with friends, or go alone for a fun blind date. The city offers everything you could wish for as a visitor – mountains and coastline, monuments and modern architecture, traditional pubs and elegant restaurants, all at your fingertips.
Walk The Royal Mile and soak in the atmosphere and the many monuments along it, including the Edinburgh Palace, the Scottish Parliament, St. Giles and numerous museums, including those dedicated to whisky. Don’t miss Edinburgh’s traditional backyards, including the spectacular Advocates Close, Dunbars and Bakehouse Close, and the mediaeval castle on the rock. It is worth going for a walk to Holyrood or Princess Park, along with a trip to the lookout at Calton Hill, known as the Acropolis of Edinburgh. Also in the town is the delightful Rosslyn Chapel with its Gothic bas-reliefs.
Dumfries & Galloway – fall in love with this majestic region
How about Valentine’s Day spent with your loved one in one of the most beautiful places in Britain? The lowland region of Dumfries & Galloway boasts a magnificent, undulating coastline with rocky shores and majestic cliffs. There are also sandy beaches, endless stretches of forests and open meadows waiting for you here.
Book a car and attraction tickets before you go!
It is an ideal destination for Valentine’s Day for anyone who loves nature, unspoiled landscapes and historic architecture. If you’re looking for a romantic extended weekend here, start by booking a flight to Edinburgh as it is only an hour and 45 minutes by train or 1.5 hours by car from the airport. The next step is to book accommodation in one of the local stone cottages.
If you don’t mind blustery weather, go for a walk with your loved one to admire the region’s famous cliffs, including Big Gairy, Black Gairy, Clints of Dromore and Palmallet Point. The nearby Mull of Galloway lighthouse is also a symbol of the area. Other great attractions here are Ellisland Farm, the picturesquely-situated former home of Scottish poet Robert Burns, the majestic Drumlanrig Castle, Sweetheart Abbey and Caerlaverock Castle. If you’re interested in Celtic culture then you can see Neolithic stone circles at Tornhouse and Cairnholy. For a romantic night walk, take your loved one to the Galloway Dark Sky Park, or during the day, o the picturesque hillside town of Moffat, famous for its artistic atmosphere and delicious toffee.
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Which will you choose this Valentine’s Day? Fascinating Scotland or cinematic Italy? Book your flights and accommodation today to enjoy the best attractions at great prices.
