The mainland surrounding Venice — the Veneto — is one of the overlooked corners of Italy. If you like Italy but don’t need world-class sights, the Veneto’s Verona is a joy, with its wealth of Roman ruins, 15th-century frescoes, and quiet, pedestrian-only ambience. For more information on the Rick Steves’ Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.

There comes a time in a married couple’s relationship when you have to take a break from the rigors of your jobs and family responsibilities. You need time to be together and reconnect, just like old times, to keep the fire going in your relationship.

Going away on a holiday takes a lot of planning and preparation. The most exciting decision would be where to go. Married couples like you assess your common dreams and interests, and the bonding starts right here.

One option would be to travel back to a place with sentimental value to both of you where you can relive wonderful memories all over again. Love will be lovelier this second trip around. Another option would be to go to a place you have never been before and discover new sights together. This would be one of the greatest adventures in your married life.

Three of the most romantic places any married couple would love to travel to would be:

photo credit: Raul DS

- Paris. Who wouldn’t fall in love with Paris? Known as the “City of Love”, it’s a dream destination for lovers everywhere. Your first stop would be to have your pictures taken at the Arc de Triomphe landmark which welcomes visitors into Paris. Three of the top sights a couple should see are the Musee de Louvre where Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo are displayed, the elevator ride up Eiffel Tower to view the outskirts of Paris, and the Notre Dame Cathedral with its romantic Rose Windows. A couple could hold hands and promenade along the nearby Siene River where you could dine in side cafés or have picnics in parks and gardens at the Tuileries near Louvre. These descriptions are nothing compared to the real experience of Paris in its entirety, day or night.

photo credit: brianburk9

- Venice. Who wouldn’t love a gondola ride down the Grand Canal to the tune of O Sole Mio? It’s one of the best moments to hold hands and gaze at each other’s eyes once more. Just as romantic would be a stroll through the Piazza San Marco, the most famous square in Venice where you could enjoy the fine architecture of old churches and partly-submerged buildings. You could dine at fancy Italian gourmet restaurants to your heart’s content. Those who are fascinated by Greece would love Santorini Island with its serene beaches and its villages nestled atop volcanic cliffs. Santorini has one of the most spectacular sunsets you could ever experience. If sunsets mean a lot to both of you, then this is the place.

photo credit: ndanger

- Hawaii. Who wouldn’t go head over heels about a second honeymoon in Maui or Kauai? Among all other top beach destinations like Bali, Maldives, and Mykonos, Hawaii remains the best-loved tropical paradise of all. A highlight would be taking a honeymoon cruise to see famous sights like Waimea Canyon, Wailua Waterfalls, Hanalei and Fern Grotto. Add to that other waterfalls, beaches, volcanoes, and rainforests which abound in the islands. If you both love watching a sunrise, the Magic Isle of Maui is to place to see it together.

Married life is all about enjoying days and nights and watching sunrises and sunsets together, be it at home or during your travels. It’s all in the moments.

From OffToEurope.com:

Renowned for its rich history, dramatic views, and food that will tantalise the most discerning of palates, Italy is one of the most visited countries of the world. Nestled in Southern Europe, Italy boasts depth of character unlike any other. This country is designed to be explored and there is no better way of doing so than with some of our recommended guided tours from our trusted partner Viator. Experience the spectacular scenes along the Amalfi Coast, discover the historic ruins of Colosseum in Rome, see St Peter’s Basilica in the iconic Vatican City, shop in the fashion capital Milan, and top it all off with a gondola ride in the beautiful water city, Venice.

Vatican Museums Walking Tour

Your jaw will drop at the Vatican Museum – Photo: Toshio

Skip to the front of the line and enjoy the amazing Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica on this three hour Rome walking tour. This personalised small group tour includes access to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel with an expert English-speaking guide as well as audio commentary.

Milan Half-Day Sightseeing Tour

The Milan Cathedral is one of the largest churches in the world – Photo: Cesar HV

Book this best selling tour to be guaranteed a place and entrance tickets to da Vinci’s Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie, one of the most famous art works in the world. This 3.5 hour tour of Milan also includes a one-hour walking tour of central Milan and admission to the Duomo cathedral and the famous La Scala theatre and museum.

Ancient Rome and Colosseum Half-Day Walking Tour

Rome’s magnificent Colosseum at night – Photo: licklecathy

Head to the front of the line for this incredible three-hour walking tour of Ancient Rome’s Colosseum and Palatine Hill. With English commentary and a small group (maximum 25 people) you can be assured you will have a memorable experience.

Florence Accademia and Uffizi Gallery Tour

Michelangelo’s statue of David – Photo: mtj8003

Skip to the front of the line and experience Michelangelo’s statue of David at Florence’s Accademia Gallery. This tour will get you fast access to the Accademia and Uffizi Gallery where you will have a guided tour with a local expert on Italian art and artists. If you don’t like queues we can highly recommend booking this tour.

Naples and Pompeii Day Trip from Rome

Pompeii’s ancient ruins are not to be missed – Photo: Toshio

Enjoy a full-day trip from Rome to Naples and Pompeii and experience the best in Italian art, history, archaeology and more. After visiting Naples most important tourist sites you will then be led on a two-hour walking tour of Pompeii by an English speaking expert. This day tour from Rome is highly recommended.

Rome Hop-on Hop-off Double Decker Bus Tour

The Roman Forum – Photo: juanRubiano

The hop-on hop-off double decker bus tour is a fantastic way to see the major sights in Rome in short period of time. All buses are open top and allow excellent views and photo opportunities. Buses are equipped with audio commentary in six different languages as well as friendly English speaking host onboard each bus.

Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade with Dinner

A gondola ride is a great way of seeing Venice – Photo: albireo2006

Experience an iconic gondola ride, complete with serenade, followed by dinner at Hostaria Ai Coristi Restaurant with this magical Venice gondola ride tour. This tour starts with a memorable 35 minute ride through Venice’s canals where you will be serenaded by your experienced gondolier. You will then enjoy a delicious Italian meal at a Venetian restaurant. Highly Recommended!

Pompeii and Amalfi Coast Small Group Day Trip from Rome

The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s summer playgrounds – Photo: napoli_centrale

Experience Italy’s amazing Amalfi Coast and historical Pompeii on this 13 hour day trip from Rome. Tour highlights include free time in Positano and a walking tour, a boat trip to Amalfi to have lunch and free time, a two-hour guided walking tour of Pompeii with a tour guide and great photo opportunities along the Amalfi coast.

From OffToEurope.com

Who needs Valentine’s Day to take their loved one away for the weekend? You shouldn’t need one special day to want to take him or her away to a romantic city. At any time of year these cities are some of the most romantic destinations in Europe.

1. Paris, France

Paris is one of Europe’s most popular romantic cities – Photo: Vincent Montibus

A great city to spend some quality time with the one you love. Take them up the Eiffel Tower and watch the sunset, walk through Tuileries Garden, the oldest in Paris on the bank of River Seine created in the 16th century, sit to have a picnic or stop for a coffee and croissant in one of the many café’s.

You may also want to take a walk up the Sacre-Coeur Basilica Steps, also visit the Notre Dame de Paris and a must is The Louvre museum, one of the largest in the world and the most visited, houses the Mona Lisa. Don’t forget to go the Paris Opera which shows classic ballets and operas.

2. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague Castle – Photo: Franz St.

This beautiful city is one of my favourites, possibly because my partner took me there for a weekend away. We walked up to Prague castle and admired the view of the city, then walked through the royal gardens and sat for a while. Also at the top with the castle is St Vitus Cathedral, which is so beautiful! Within the city we walked through Wenceslas Square, stopped to pick up a coffee and carried on up to the National Museum Steps. It was wonderful just sitting there, talking and watching the people go by.

Walking Along Charles Bridge was great fun, about half way along there are steps down to a small square, and just a short distance away is a water wheel. Heading over here you will find a bar fence with hundreds of padlocks on it, with initials and names of people “locking their love” for eternity. It was so romantic! Just around the corner from here you will find the most beautiful sight, John Lennon Wall, you will be able to spend hours reading what people have written.

3. Venice, Italy

Venice is a perfect city for a romantic weekend getaway – Photo: bekahpaige

This 117 small islands city just oozes with romance. On leaving the airport you can walk over to the docks and catch a water taxi to anywhere, for which you can actually buy a three day pass. My personal recommendation would be Murano Island as it is much quieter for romantic getaway.

A definite must see is the Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge which offers great views over the Grand Canal, then stop at one of the many small café’s along the river and watch the gondolas go by. One of the best Cathedrals to see if you only have time for one is the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. This huge cathedral has magnificent paintings and statues of angels and other religious figures. Head over to St Mark’s Square and see Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark, which has beautiful marble floors with animals and geometric designs. The upper order is made of gold, bronze and a large variety of stones with mosaic designs.

Behind the church is Doge’s Palace with beautiful rooms and décor, and you can also walk across the Bridge of Sighs into the prison cells and see carvings of the people that were kept here.

4. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam’s Singel Canal – Photo: joiseyshowaa

A great city to walk around, Amsterdam has many sights to offer lovers. Visit one of the many museums including the Van Gogh Museum which specialises in the artists work, the NEMO Science museum who’s building looks like a sinking ship and also Anne Frank’s House where she hid from the Nazi persecution at the rear of the building.

Walk across the Magere Brug Bridge, the most famous draw bridge in Amsterdam, which looks beautiful at night and walk along the bank of the river Amstel and stop off in one of the cosy coffee shops or restaurants for some romantic time together.

5. Berlin, Germany

The view from Berlin’s Kollhoff Tower – Photo: manganite

Being Germany’s largest city there are many attractions for you and your loved one to casually stroll through. Here you can enjoy a vibrant and diverse night life, going to some of the many bars and clubs here and dance the night away with your partner close to you.

Make sure you go to Museum Island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the dedicated art and antiquities district. A must see is the most visited zoo in Europe, the Zoologischer Garten Berlin, founded in 1844 and home to some of the most diverse species in the world.

6. Rome, Italy

The beautiful view from Basilica di San Pietro – Photo: Giampaolo Macorig

Rome is definitely in the romantic destination category. It’s one of those cities that is bursting with love. There are so many things to do and see that you will have a very fun packed weekend. Visit the Trevi Fountain where legend has it that if you throw three coins into the fountain it will lead to divorce or marriage! (I hope for the latter!). It is also wonderful to visit the fountain at night as it lights up and looks beautiful. You can also walk through the side streets and discover many small unique shops and maybe stop for some lunch or a cup of coffee while watching the people go by.

Stroll to the Colosseum and take a tour inside one of the greatest works of Roman architecture then admire the Arch of Constantine while making your way to Palatine Hill. The centre-most of the Seven Hills of Rome, according to the Roman Mythology, it was here where Romulus and Remus were found by the she-wolf that had kept them alive. Enjoy a typical Roman dish, Spaghetti Carbonara and play Lady and the Tramp, share some spaghetti and give your partner a cheeky kiss!

7. Bruges, Belgium

A lovely morning in Bruges – Photo: Wolfgang Staudt

The city centre is a World Heritage Site and when you visit you will see why. Most of the medieval architecture in intact so when travelling around the city you will feel like a part of history. Visit the Belfry of Bruges, the city’s most prominent symbol which was formerly a treasury. You can climb to the top and admire views of Bruges.

If you choose to go at the right time, you many be able to have a weekend at one of Bruges many festivals such as September Jazz, BAB-bierfestival (Beer Festival), Summer End Festival or Feest In’t Park, that would be a great weekend for you both to spend together.

8. Barcelona, Spain

Park Güell – Photo: Franz St.

Barcelona offers a wide variety of things to do for all lovers, from lazing on the beach watching the sunset with some champagne to wild water sports. You will always find something to do in Barcelona. Go on a sailing trip along the Costa Dourrada from Barcelona to Sitges and admire the beautiful views from the water.

Once back on dry land there are many delicious restaurants to eat in. Why not take some time to do a spot of shopping? Or why not go to Aqualeon, a safari and water park where you can see many animals such as tigers, elephants, lions and gazelles; and you can enjoy the dolphin shows, stroll through and admire tropical birds and even take a dip in one the many large swimming pools.

9. Budapest, Hungry

Budapest’s Buda Castle – Photo: march25/AnnaZ

Regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Budapest is definitely one to see with your loved one. It has some of the World’s most beautiful Heritage Sites including Buda Castle which was completed in 1265, on the southern tip of Castle Hill.

Hero’s Square which is dedicated to the Seven tribes that founded Hungary and is surrounded by the Museum of Fine are and the Palace of Art, which are also worth a visit. Enjoy the largest thermal water cave system in the world, Szechenyi Thermal Bath, which can be found in City Park, built in 1913, see the second largest synagogue in the world named Dohany Street Synagogue, which seats 3000 people and the third largest parliament in the world. The Hungarian Parliament building is one the oldest buildings and a notable landmark in Hungary, it is beautiful at night so you must go and take a look.

10. Copenhagen, Denmark

Nyhavn is a canal and entertainment district in Copenhagen – Photo: CGoulao

There are some wonderful romantic sights to see in Copenhagen. Visit the Winter garden at Glyptoteket, which houses one of the most extensive collections of sculputres from Danish, French and ancient art. Spend a night at the Opera, by having a romantic dinner and watching the sun set and city light up.

Head to Tivoli Gardens, which is the heart of Copenhagen and has many flowers of all colours of the rainbow and many benches for you to sit down and share a kiss. The final recommendation is to go to The Baroque Park, where you can stroll among the fruit trees and fountains and every Sunday afternoon, live jazz and classical music is played. The perfect end to the weekend.

So you have no excuse to not take your loved one away when there are so many attractions throughout Europe.

What do you think Europe’s most romantic cities or destinations are? Make a comment and let us and everybody know.

This guest post was written by Seetal Udeshi. Seetal is a budding author who is Editor of the Blog for Auto Europe Car Hire UK. When not writing, you’ll probably find her on a beach somewhere sipping a cocktail or five.

From NationalGeographic.com/blogs

Photographer: Carol Fletcher, Chicago, Illinois

The Camera: Nikon D80, 18-200mm lens set at 70mm