Rome, Italy
travel,couples,romantic
Rome
By Meryl Cubley
Who said romance is dead? Inspired by the film 27 Dresses, we came up with 10 hot holiday destinations where romance is alive and well, starting with Rome.
We love it because... this capital city was made for love.
Do... explore the seven hills, watch the world go by from the Spanish Steps and sip Chianti in hidden piazzas that beg to be discovered.
Stay at... The Convent. Soak up the beautiful views of the fabled Trevi Fountain, a Baroque masterpiece and eternal symbol of love, from the terrace of this romantic 14th century convent. Three nights from £248pp, based on two people sharing a double room, including breakfast. Special free night offers are also available.
Florence, Italy
travel,couples,romantic,Italy
Florence, Italy
We love it because... the magnificent art and architecture nestled in the beautiful Tuscan landscape - this city will provide inspiration for romantics everywhere.
Do... walk along the Arno river, swoon among the spectacular palaces, galleries and museums, or explore exquisite gardens while enjoying the company of that special someone.
Stay at... The Old Townhouse, housed in a meticulously restored, late 19th century palazzo, with beautiful and generously sized bedrooms. Long-shuttered windows, swish bathrooms, polished floors, Persian rugs and oh-so-sinkable sofas for afternoon trysts. Three nights £205pp (all year) based on two people sharing a double room, including breakfast.
Istanbul, Turkey
travel,couples,romantic,Italy
Istanbul, Turkey
We love it because... of the stately palaces, mosques and cathedrals. Ottoman Constantinople, ancient Byzantium and pure Istanbul cool.
Do... sashay hand in hand among the chic and stylish population of this vibrant and sexy city.
Stay at... A\'jia. This stunning former 19th-century mansion is both peaceful and secluded. Situated on the Bosphorus strait of the Asian shore, access to the exciting hubbub of Istanbul\'s centre is via a glamorous speedboat - free to hotel guests. From €290 (£196) per night.
Prague, Czech Republic
travel,couples,romantic
Prague, Czech Republic
We love it because... of the horse drawn carriages, The Charles Bridge, magical views, winding cobblestone streets and charming gardens.
Do... soak up the opera at the National Theatre and the gorgeous Prague State. Take the waters at the old-fashioned spa at Karlovy Vary or take a peat bath at Mariánské Lázne - baby soft skin fit for an evening of love is guaranteed.
Stay at... The Four Seasons. Set on the banks of the celebrated Vltava River, the Four Seasons Prague is a classically elegant hotel providing highly personalised service. From €225 (£145) per night.
Venice, Italy
travel,couples,romantic,Italy
Venice, Italy
We love it because... it has more than 150 canals, 400 bridges and magnificent 16th and 17th-century palaces and piazzas. Gloriously romantic and seductive, Venice is truly a place to fall in love.
Do... glide in a gondola through quiet, narrow canals and beneath arched bridges, perfect for stealing passionate kisses. Discover tiny canal-side restaurants and dance the waltz in a moonlit and orchestra-filled St Mark\'s Square.
Stay at... Hotel Flora. A gem of a hotel with its own private courtyard. Intimate light-filled bedrooms are accentuated with antiques, damask tapestries and golden cornices. Three nights from £222pp
Paris, France
travel,couples,romantic,Paris
Eiffel Tower, Paris
We love it because... it\'s been long famed as the city of lovers. Paris will always appeal to those looking for love and romance.
Do... immerse yourself in the truly unique Parisian atmosphere that has inspired centuries of novels, paintings, photographs and films. French kiss on the bridge of the Seine River, atop the Notre Dame or the Eiffel Tower. Take a romantic evening passage through Paris on a glass boat and see the famous sights illuminated at night.
Stay at... Windsor Home Hotel. Chic and quirky and hideaway. Doubles from: €120 (£85). Or for the ultimate in luxury make like Carrie Bradshaw in Sex And The City and stay at the oh-so-glamorous Hôtel Plaza Athénée Paris.
Barcelona, Spain
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Barcelona, Spain
We love it because... of the charm of the old city, quiet seafront of Olympic Port, main beach in Barceloneta, and the hip Born and Raval areas.
Do... see Gaudi\'s work - it\'s a must, before finding serenity at Parc de la Ciutadella and rowing around the beautiful lake. Take a tango dance lesson for two before the festivities of the evening begin and feel the sensuality build between you.
Stay at... Boria BCN Hotel. Opening its doors in 2005, and originally a small 18th century palace, this is truly fabulous accommodation in a great location. From £137 per night for a junior suite.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
travel,couples,romantic,croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia
We love it because... it\'s a perfect seduction city with beautiful buildings, piazzas and quiet cloisters, positioned on the deep Adriatic emerald-green waters.
Do... explore by day, but ready yourself for the adventures to be had come nightfall. Enjoy the kaleidoscopic sunset while being circled by vertiginous walls, share tasty seafood morsels before dancing wildly at the many music bars dotted throughout the city.
Stay at... Pucic Palace, Gunduliceva. Doubles from £176.
Marrakesh, Morocco
travel,couples,romantic,Morocco
Marrakesh, Morocco
We love it because... it\'s incredibly atmospheric, exotic and completely out of the ordinary. A riot for the senses, prepare to be amazed.
Do... visit in winter - the best time to go. Sunbathe by day while admiring the snow-capped Atlas Mountains that hug the city. A hot-air balloon flight across the rose-hued medina is also a must, and really justifies the expense - £135 pp.
Stay... Noir d\'Ivoire, in the heart of the medina. Doubles from £134.
New York
travel,couples,romantic
Flat Iron Building in New York
We love it because... by day the opportunities for romance abound, by night the city that never sleeps: Sexual energy pulses through the Big Apple, giving it a raw and edgy feel.
Do... walk across Brooklyn Bridge in the snow or take a walk through Central Park and seek out the little summer houses - perfect for privacy. Go ice-skating at the Rockefeller Centre and be wowed by the view from the top of the Empire State Building.
Stay at... The Bryant Park Hotel. Ultimate in stylish accommodation amongst the fashion set. From £175 per suite per night.
