Seems like there are a lot of weddings coming up in the next year or so. . .probably a result of so many marriages being postponed over the last 18 months. We’ve talked to several travel experts about the ideal honeymoon in a post-Covid world. Our friend and colleague, Andrew Taylor, and his team at TheLuxuryWanderer.com have prepared a romantic itinerary for couples starting their lives together. Here’s their guest post, detailing a tour of four unforgettable European honeymoon cities:
Once the arrangements have been made for the ceremony and reception, it’s time to think seriously about honeymoon plans! With so many choices, advice from friends, travel magazines and websites, this part can be as challenging as it is fun.
A European honeymoon can be idyllic. With romantic cities in Europe, gorgeous beaches, and many charming destinations in between, it can be hard to narrow down the perfect places to honeymoon. Check out this itinerary designed to take you through some of the most romantic cities in Europe.
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, London, England. Photo by Marcin Nowak on Unsplash
Start your trip in London, as it’s readily accessible to most major cities by air. Here you should spend three nights sightseeing, taking in the local theatre and having loads of fun! From the architectural marvels to the astounding museums, London has its own way of charming couples.
Stay at a boutique romantic hotel like The Chesterfield Mayfair or Flemings. Both set the scene and are perfectly situated to maximize your time spent sightseeing. Quick tip: nothing tops champagne at the top of The Shard or the Champagne Experience on the London Eye (be sure to book ahead)!
Relax and enjoy the unforgettable views from the London Eye. Photo by Pablo Martinez on Unsplash.
Weather permitting, plan a picnic in Regent Park. Let’s set the scene: the sun is shining, you have a picnic of tasty, delectable treats (perhaps with a bottle of bubbly), a nice comfortable blanket and gorgeous views out over the water on one side and Buckingham Palace on the other. St James’s Park is the prettiest of all the London parks and the perfect spot for a romantic picnic. If you really want to push the boat out for your picnic shopping, I should also mention that Fortnum & Mason is just around the corner.
Golden hour in Prague, Czech Republic. Photo by William Zhang on Unsplash.
From London, fly to Prague for three nights. Prague is the perfect city to visit year-round with beautiful medieval cathedrals, town squares, and streets that will leave you enchanted. History, great food and romantic to a fault! Prague could well be considered as a year-round honeymoon destination.
Stay at the Hotel Aria …it’s awesome and close to the castle. Be sure to take a horse-drawn carriage ride at night (with champagne of course). This is something my wife Cathy and I enjoyed, and we ended up getting engaged in Prague.
For simple meals and people watching, eat at the Clock Caffe in the old town square. For an uber-romantic dinner try Mlynec. Spend your spare time walking this city and getting lost, as it’s the best way to explore Prague and savor its history.
La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, still under construction after nearly 100 years. Barcelona, Spain.
From Prague, fly to Barcelona—three nights here will leave you with loads of unforgettable memories. Barcelona is one of my favorite cities, and with that Spanish passion, is undoubtedly one of the most exotic honeymoon destinations in the world. It combines everything that is most charming about Mediterranean cities – a relaxed pace, months of endless sunshine, unbeatable food – with the cultural and design clout of almost any city in the cold north. Whether you choose to lie on its great beaches or visit the many tourist sights such as Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia, this city is made for romantic memories. If you really want to get to know this city, hire Mari Carmen Rodriguez for a day. She is my go-to guide to all things Catalunya. Find her at guiacatalunya72@gmail.com, and be sure to tell her I sent you!
Michelin starred restaurants abound and the nightlife is always electric. Share a jug of sangria with ridiculous views and leave the city chaos below! There are few more romantic places than La Isabela at the Hotel 1898. It’s in the heart of Las Ramblas and the 360º view and super lounge seating provide the ultimate in relaxation.
Lisbon, Portugal. Photo by Katya Shkiper on Unsplash
From Barcelona it’s a short flight to Lisbon for your final three nights. Dramatic scenery, a beautiful river, and charming cobblestone streets will leave you breathless. If you are looking for one of the most romantic places in Europe for a honeymoon, this hits the spot. Portugal honeymoons are wonderful because of the country’s unique mix of breathtaking beaches and centuries-old architecture.
Once you land, there are several luxury hotels in Lisbon to choose from; the Pousada de Lisboa, Britania Art Deco Boutique Hotel, a Lisbon Heritage Collection, and the Hotel O Artista are highly-rated picks for an unforgettable stay. Hidden away in Lisbon’s embassy district, the 5 star Olissippo Lapa Palace Hotel is the epitome of elegance, nestled on a hilltop overlooking the Tagus River, furnished with antiques and boasting a large outdoor pool and garden space.
Once you’ve dropped your luggage, hop on one of the city’s sleek trams to get around. If you have time, make sure to take a ride on the No. 28. These vintage Remodelado streetcars are wooden and painted yellow—a complete throwback to another era that fit right into the city’s narrow streets and old-world charm. The Tagus is the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula and offers peaceful and relaxing views.
When you’re ready to nosh, be sure to try Portugal’s signature confection, pastel de nata, a cinnamon-dusted egg custard tart served throughout the city but perfected at Pastéis de Belem (since 1837), which sells over 20,000 pastries each day. While dining in the lovely blue and white tiled atrium, you may even spot a newlywed couple (or two) enjoying a Belém pastry, as there’s an old Portuguese proverb that says “A bride who eats a pastry will never take off her ring”. Any country that believes it’s good luck to eat pastries is fine by me!
By combining cities like these, you can create some exciting plans for that once in a lifetime memory.
These are great year-round recommendations. . .and not just for honeymooners! Of course, the “dream itinerary” could be adjusted to fit any timeframe or schedule. Thanks to Andrew and everyone at The Luxury Wanderer for allowing us to share it with our subscribers. In addition to their website, please follow them @the.luxury.wanderer on Instagram and Facebook.
