It’s that time of the year again when suddenly everything seems to magically transform into a big red heart: stores showcase the most luscious chocolates, florists sell bouquets of roses, and restaurants boast memorable candle-lit dinners. If you are looking for an escape from the standard Valentine’s Day celebration, your best bet is to hop on an airplane along with your significant other and head for distant lands.
Verona, Italy
”If you love someone, bring him to Verona”. This is the 2012 motto of Verona, the city of Romeo & Juliet. This year, the city of love has, indeed, dressed up in red, boasting a cycle of events tailored to the world of lovers. Throughout the week leading to Valentine’s Day, the streets of the most romantic city of Italy are adorned with red hearts and lights, bringing Valentine’s Day to life. To celebrate in the name of love, entrance fees to the home of Romeo and Juliet and Juliet’s Tomb will be waived. Couples interested in visiting other monuments, will only pay a single ticket. There will also be discounts for couples booking city guides to discover Shakespeare’s Verona and hidden corners of the city.
Things to Do in Verona for Valentine’s Day 2012
Head towards “Piazza dei Signori” and look for the big red heart.
Write a love message on the bulletin board of Verona in Love.
Walk hand-in-hand while holding on to red heart shaped balloons.
Relive Romeo & Juliet’s love story in the theatrical enactment held at Juliet’s house.
Attend the variety of music and entertainment events held in several city squares of Verona.
Exchange a one-minute-long kiss in “Piazza Dei Signori”.
Get showered by a cascade of heart-shaped confetti falling from the sky. Hint: look for the pink hearts and you may win a special gift!
Engrave your name on the Lovers’ Terrace and be a part of Verona’s history.
Rub the right breast of Juliet’s bronze statue for lots of luck
Participate in a ”Two Hearts Dinner” held at participating restaurants and enjoy dishes inspired to the theme of love.
More information about the events can be found on “Veronissima’s” website.
London, UK
Between art, history, culture, theatres, and restaurants, London offers a vast array of options when it comes to couples wishing to treat themselves to a long week-end of love. Moments of pure romance, framed by breathtaking views are sure to abound in 2012 in this eclectic city. When it comes to romantic settings, gift shops and gourmet restaurants, London does it best.
Things to Do in London for Valentine’s Day 2012
Enjoy breathtaking views on the Energy London Eye while sipping on champagne and snacks.
Enroll in an evening floral design class at the Covent Garden Academy of Flowers.
Attend the sensual Sadler’s Wells Flamenco Festival.
Cheer the runners celebrating Pancake Day taking place from February 9th through March 8th.
Dine in the most romantic restaurant of the city: the Clos Maggiore in Covent Garden.
Embark on the Romantic Showboat Dinner Cruise: a four-hour cruise on the Thames River.
End the evening at K West Hotel and Spa which offers deluxe rooms boasting rose petals, three course dinners, champagne and chocolate covered strawberries.
Copenhagen, Prague
Copenhagen is ultimately a romantic city at heart in the real sense of the word. Heart symbols, indeed, can be found in many Danish insignias and objects. Heart-shaped mint marks can be found on coins, nine red hearts appear on the national coat of arms, and a big read heart is a common Danish Christmas symbol. So what better place to celebrate Valentine’s Day than in a city infused with love where art, museums, shopping and restaurants offer opportunities for days packed with fun.
Best of all, throughout February the capital is bursting with life and energy, courtesy of Copenhagen’s new winter festival ”Wondercool”, offering a vast array of events throughout February.
Things to Do in Copenhagen for Valentine’s Day 2012
Admire the statue of Cupid and Psyche at the Museum of Thorvaldsen.
Awaken the senses by visiting ”La Glace”, the temple of Danish pastry.
Visit all the romantic castles of the city.
Explore the canals by going on a romantic tour on a boat gently cradled by the waves.
Go on a romantic stroll through the tiny alleyways around Main Street Strøget adorned with candles.
Head to the waterfront by Amalienborg Royal Palace and look for Christian Anderson’s Little Mermaid sitting on a rock.
Attend the tragic love story ”La Traviata” at Copenhagen’s Opera House.
Gaze at the stars at the Planetarium.
Take the elevator up to the 20th floor of the SAS Royal Hotel and enjoy a four-meal course with breath taking views.
Warm up in the steamy winter garden inside the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek.
Whether you are looking for a romantic place to propose or attempting to escape from the commercialism of Valentine’s Day in search of a more profound experience, hop on a plane and head to a romantic European getaway along with your significant other.