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Nothing says ‘I love you’ like ticking another country off your bucket list together, so this Valentine's Day why not spend some quality time with your other half and book a weekend getaway to somewhere a little different…
The small capital of Slovenia definitely doesn’t get the credit it deserves in terms of city break potential, but what it lacks in size it absolutely makes up for in character.
You may not have ever heard of it, which may be one of the reasons this place still has an original and romantic feel to it.
Wander cobbled streets of restaurants and shops, visit Tivoli City Park and of course take a stroll by the Ljubljanica River and see Triple Bridge. There’s also a National Gallery, National Slovenia Museum and Modern Art museum right on your doorstep.
Fancy something a bit active on your break? Ljlubjana is also right next to some of Slovenia’s best ski resorts, available as day trips or for your whole visit, why not make the most of the cold weather and hang out in the snow!
No visit to this great city would be complete without a trip to Lake Bled, go on a tour or hop on the local bus, just make sure you visit this magical little church in the middle of a lake, it’s truly like something from a postcard. The church gained its present Baroque appearance in the middle of the 17th century when the Chapel of Virgin Mary and the monumental staircase with 99 stone steps were constructed. Tradition still has it that the groom should carry his bride up all of the 99 steps in order to get married in the island church. There truly is nothing more romantic than sitting on your hotel balcony looking at the spectacular view of Lake Bled with the picturesque Julien Alps in the background.
Poland is cold, really cold. So if you’re a 'relax on the beach' kind of couple then maybe this isn’t the destination for you, but if snow boots, fluffy socks and escaping into various bars for a vodka shot sounds like your idea of fun, then let’s talk Warsaw.
This city is beautiful; the Old Town is one of the most picturesque places in the country and features so much history, the square nearby is filled with shops and restaurants and there are many churches and cathedrals to admire as well.
There are plenty of amazing museums to check out too, including the Warsaw Uprising, Royal Castle and even the Chopin museum. Just over the river is Praga, once a run down industrial town, now full of trendy bars, galleries, coffee shops and restaurants…seriously worth checking out.
Budapest is a city like no other in Europe; it has a vibe that you can’t quite find anywhere else, which makes it incredibly unique and beautifully romantic.
Perhaps one of its most famous landmarks is the Szechenyi Baths, the largest in Europe it features two thermal pools, plunge pool, steam room, sauna, massage rooms, potentially it’s a little slice of heaven.
Once you’ve done enough relaxing there is plenty of awesome architecture to check out around the city, including the Hungarian Parliament building, Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Castle, St Stephens Basilica, Opera House, Chain Bridge…you may need more than just one weekend to explore everything Budapest has to offer, Valentines Week anyone?
If you’re looking for somewhere to let your hair down together, make your way to one of the famous Ruin Bars, the most incredibly designed and interesting places you will ever stop for a drink!
A lot of you may be asking ‘Skipton where?!’ But trust us when we say this small English town in the North Yorkshire countryside is incredibly romantic, made truly a beautiful place to spend Valentines Day by the great hotels that surround it.
The Devonshire Arms just five miles from the town itself has a fine dining restaurant, beautiful countryside to take a walk and each room is decorated individually, from the relaxed double rooms to the ‘go all out’ suites, there’s something for everyone.
For one of the best views in North Yorkshire try the Devonshire’s sister hotel; The Fell, and wake up to rolling hills and an amazing breakfast.
When you manage to tear yourself away from your hotel head over to Skipton and visit the castle, take a walk along the canal, shop at some of the great local businesses and stop for afternoon tea at The Three Sheep Tea Rooms, traditional England at its best.
What could be more romantic than wrapping up in faux fur and cuddling up to someone you love under the stunning and mystical Aurora Borealis, or as it’s more commonly know; the Northern Lights?
There are a few hotels not too far from the capital city of Reykjavik that boast incredible views of the lights, even offering a wake up call throughout the night, should you want one, when the lights can be seen.
For a piece of absolute luxury this Valentines Day check out Hotel Ranga, just an hour from the capital city. If relaxing is your thing then be sure to visit the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa, the water here rises naturally from the ground, surfacing at an amazing 38 degrees C, heaven! Particular minerals in the water give it its intense blue colour and therefore its name.
Reykjavik itself is incredibly picturesque, houses and shops with different coloured roofs line the streets and the backdrop is a beautiful snow covered mountain.
Laugavegur is the main shopping street, featuring boutique and designer shops, or if shopping isn’t your thing then how about how about a visit to the Sun Voyager, the concert hall, geothermal beach or even whale watching?The choices in this beautiful city are endless.
Yes it will probably rain in February in Ireland, but you wouldn’t be having a truly Irish experience if you didn’t have a bit of rain, so enjoy it and make the most of the excuse to duck into every pub you see and get cozy next to the fire with a pint of Guinness.
Cork itself is a quaint little town, multicolored houses, brick streets, and lots of shops, oh and did we mention the pubs?
There’s also the architecturally fantastic St Fin Barre’s Cathedral that is a must see, as well as the City Jail.
Just 15 minutes drive from Cork is the famous Blarney Castle, take a walk in the grounds, explore the castle and most importantly, kiss the Blarney Stone! Once you’ve brought good luck to yoursevlves by kissing the stone, take a trip just 40 minutes in the other direction to the small harbour town of Kinsale, one of the truly most romantic places to visit in Ireland.
If you want to escape with the one you love this coming Valentine’s Day then get in touch today info@incredibleexperiences.co.uk
By Holli McCarthy
