When it gets to February, loved up couples across the world are busy planning their ideal getaways. Well-travelled romantic cities like Rome, Venice, or Paris have become a bit clichéd, but there are plenty of charming cities in Europe that offer a unique Valentine’s Day retreat. Fall in love with these alternative Valentine’s Day escapes and impress your partner by choosing an exciting trip that’s a little more out of the ordinary.
Get Your Groove on in Delft
Located a short drive from Rotterdam, Delft is a quieter alternative to the capital of Amsterdam; the perfect choice for romantic walks and getting some rest and relaxation. Explore the peaceful canals of this medieval city and while away evenings indulging on the excellent cuisine on offer in the local restaurants.
Music lovers will rejoice over Valentine’s Day as the annual Blues Festival comes to Delft, filling over 30 bars in the city centre with a diverse array of musical styles.
Adventure in the Belgian Ardennes
The jewel of the Wallonia region, Dinant, lies sparkling along the Meuse River, surrounded by lush green valleys and the fairy tale castles of the Belgian Ardennes. Located just an hour from Brussels, this spectacularly picturesque city offers an real escape from the hum drum of urban life, and is one of the best alternative Valentine’s Day escapes.
The local area is widely celebrated as an outdoor paradise too, with great hiking, quad biking and caving features. Spend your Valentine’s Day taking in the mesmerising views and thrilling activities at the adventure park before relaxing in the city’s indulgent Roman-inspired wellness pool or its sauna made from salt bricks.
Sip Champagne in Reims
Paris may be called the city of love but Reims is known worldwide as the home of champagne. As well as being one of the most important places for champagne production in the region alongside nearby Epernay and Ay, it boasts some of the most significant heritage buildings in France. Make sure you wander around the recently revamped city centre to stand in awe of the colossal cathedral that dominates the skyline, a historic Gothic masterpiece where generations of French kings were crowned.
For maximum brownie points, take your partner on a tour of the famous champagne houses to enjoy an exclusive tasting session. Thankfully, two of the best offer tours all year round, with the vast chalk caves of Taittinger and the never-ending stairway down to the Pommery caves each offering a unique insight into the iconic drink’s creation.
Stroll through the Little Versailles of Belgium
Besides being the 2015 Capital of Culture, Mons is a vibrant city packed full of secret gardens, cool art installations and incredible cuisine. Once home to the iconic painter Van Gogh, there’s gorgeous architecture at every turn, while just a short drive away is one of the most alluring attractions in Belgium, Château de Belœil.
This stunning manor is surrounded by a picturesque moat and a Baroque garden, earning the area the nickname of ‘Little Versailles’. Stroll hand in hand among the castle grounds before exploring the treasures inside the chateau itself.
If these alternative Valentine’s Day escapes have inspired you to visit somewhere new, book your ferry crossing today.
