If you’re thinking of your next vacation, then why not put romance at the heart of your journey? To inspire you this Valentine’s Day, we’ve put together a selection of the most romantic places in the world. From tranquil islands and natural wonders to the greatest cities, read on and feel the love.

Provence, France

Photo by James Orr on Unsplash

With its beautiful scenery, light and colors, Provence is simply enchanting. And the list of romantic ways to spend time together are endless. Loose yourselves among fragrant purple fields of lavender and browse local markets. Indulge in delicious cuisine, elevated with native herbs, olive oil and garlic. Stay in a stunning French Chateau, visit wineries and walk among the olive groves. Or maybe take a cooking class and bond over recipes and aromas.

Ultimate Southern France

Venice, Italy

Photo by Henrique Ferreira on Unsplash

Whether it’s palaces, churches or galleries that you’re after, you’ll discover some of the greatest artistic works of all time in Venice. All set alongside the natural beauty of the winding canals and waterways. Stroll the bustling streets and admire the great sights of Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica. Be serenaded as you glide the canals on a romantic gondola ride. Or spend time together with loved ones in the canal-side cafes and the vibrant trattorias.

Ultimate Italy

Copenhagen, Denmark

Photo by Peter Lloyd on Unsplash

Copenhagen is one of the world’s happiest cities and oozes with the feel-good factor, making it the perfect place to connect with your loved ones. Nibble your way through the Torvehallerne food market and meander among the flower laden paths of Rosenborg Castle. Let loose and enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Tivoli, Scandinavia’s most visited amusement park. Rollercoasters and manicured gardens, this is the perfect location for a romantic and carefree evening.

Timeless Scandinavia

Rajasthan, India

Photo by Meriç Dağlı on Unsplash

The Indian state of Rajasthan is vibrant and colorful, full of forts and palaces, deserts and jungle. This is where India’s Maharajahs have been most at liberty to indulge every fancy, from jewels to dances, from temples to frescos…and it shows. Stroll through stunning towns, watch the sun set over the great palaces and dine under the stars.

Grand India, Spirit of North & South India

Niagara Falls, Canada

Photo by Rikin Katyal on Unsplash

Magnificent, powerful and beautiful, Niagara is the world’s greatest waterfall by volume, and this breathtaking experience just has to be shared. Get wet together and cruise out to the base of the falls. Here time almost stands still amidst the immense roar of the water, you are that close. Raincoats are provided so you don’t have to worry what to wear on this date. You can also admire the falls from a variety of viewpoints, including the adjacent hotels. Sip a cocktail and gaze out over the falls – the little more romantic than immense natural beauty.

Indulgence in Eastern Canada

Budapest, Hungary

Photo by Bence Balla-Schottner on Unsplash

Budapest has creativity running through its veins. A wonderful mix of baroque, neoclassical, art noveau, art deco and other styles come together in this beautiful city. When lit at night, the views from the banks of the Danube are some of the most romantic in the world. Budapest’s best restaurants include an eclectic mix of world cuisine, from upscale Italian, German and Turkish eateries to traditional Hungarian taverns. The perfect place for a date, or two…or three!

Harmony of Central Europe

Edinburgh, Scotland

Photo by Connor Mollison on Unsplash

Bagpipes, castles, fine dining and tranquil walks. The Scottish capital of Edinburgh is a destination of choice for honeymooners and those looking for a fairy tale backdrop to their love story. Walk the cobbled streets of the old town, hike up to Arthur’s Seat for unrivalled views of the city, or step back in time at Edinburgh Castle, which towers over the parkland below. With its lively social and music scene, you’re guaranteed a fantastic evening. Take your pick of the many stunning hotels and world class restaurants.

Castles & Kingdoms, British Royale

Barcelona, Spain

Photo by Denise Jones on Unsplash

Famous for its romantic restaurants and bars, Barcelona has much to offer couples in search of a relaxing retreat. Wander the Gaudi gardens, climb the Sagrada Familia and explore some of the city’s world-class art galleries (make sure the see the Picasso Museum, in particular). To relax, settle down in a peaceful bodega with a glass of Cava and a plate of Catalan tapas and soak up the sounds of the city as day melts into evening.

Spain & Portugal in Style

Are you feeling the love?

Has our selection of the most romantic places in the world got you thinking about where to travel next for your dream vacation?

Wherever you choose, we invite you to treat yourselves with Luxury Gold. Enjoy 5-star hotels, exceptional dining and exclusive VIP experiences that will stay with you forever. From the moment you leave your home until you return, you don’t have to worry about a thing, with your Traveling Concierge and Well-Being Director ensuring a flawless and luxurious journey tailored for you.

For more information on the luxury guided tours mentioned here, and to see our full worldwide collection, take a look at our website and interactive brochure for 2022 & 2023.

Thoughts of postcards likely bring a deep nostalgia to many people. Some might even wonder if they can still be found in the far flung parts of the world? The fact is, they are still sold, and there are many reasons why you should be buying and sending them.

Postcards are one of the easiest souvenirs that we can pick up on our travels. They are available everywhere, even at the airport if you’ve forgotten until the last moment. They are inexpensive and they are so much more than a picture on a card.

Since early 2020, we’ve all had our travel plans changed at some point. Whether it was a family vacation to see historic gems in Ireland or a luxury small group tour you were looking forward to with friends, it’s likely you’ve faced delays or cancellations due to the coronavirus pandemic. That’s why returning to travel feels even sweeter and as countries open their borders, the memories we make on our next luxury tour will be more treasured than ever.

Reasons to Send a Postcard

Sending a postcard is now seen as out of the ordinary, which provides even more reason to send one. Everyone can make an Insta story on their smartphone, or a short video on Facebook to show everyone what a great time they’re having on vineyard tour or the stunning details of luxury hotels, but a postcard is something tangible that will last longer.

Sending one to yourself is a rewarding experience that takes a short amount of time, but will have a much greater impact in the future. Here are seven reasons why you should send yourself a postcard from your amazing vacation.

The Perfect Souvenir

Each destination has its own kitsch souvenir, like cowbells from Switzerland and mini sumo wrestler ornaments from Japan. Some people absolutely adore these, but mostly you find it amusing at the time and it simply collects dust when you get home.

Photo by Photo Mick Haupt

Your postcards can be hung in plain sight, such as on the fridge or on a pinboard in your bedroom or study, reminding you of an incredible adventure you went on years ago.

A Reminder for Years to Come

The incredible power of imagery means that a simple glance can transport you back to an exceptional venue you discovered on your travels. You might be transported back to your VIP Experience at the Vatican Museum in Rome or the views of Pont du Gard in Provence.

You might lose your camera, or forget to download the photos from your old phone, but your postcard will be there to take you down memory lane.

Postcards often spark conversations too. Perhaps your neighbor will see when they pop around for a coffee or your grandchildren may ask where the postcard came from?

A Quick Way to Record Details

Sometimes it’s the beautiful mundane details that bring joy. When you mail yourself a postcard, you can jot down about the tiny restaurant that your Traveling Concierge booked mid-way through the vacation that you want to remember for your next visit.

After a long day of exploring, it’s hard to remember all the details of the day, but if you pick a postcard up as you go, you can jot down some notes over a meal.

You might note down the afternoon you spent exploring the Jewish Quarter in Prague, or a funny character you spoke to over dinner. Your postcard will certainly evoke a memory that you might have forgotten otherwise.

Enrich Your Journey

The simple act of buying and sending a postcard on your travels is something that can add something unexpected to your vacation.

Perhaps it will support the work of a local artist or photographer, if you buy one of their postcards? If you need to buy stamps, you may meet some of the locals and need to speak a few words of their language to explain?

You’ll certainly learn something about a foreign postal system; the price of a stamp and the friendliness of those who sell them!

Build a Collection

If you make it a mission to build your own collection of postcards, not only do you get the benefit of the memories and photos, but much else besides.

On your postcard, there’ll be the stamp from that country. Some of these may show their head of state, a national emblem or might be a limited edition from an event taking place that year, such as the Olympics or a sports tournament. These are another unique reminder of the place you have visited.

Photo by Mason B. on Unsplash

The stamp will show you when and where it was posted, so you’ll never forget the date of the vacation either. You’ll have an amazing collection that is unique to you.

To Pass Down to Family Members

If you build a collection, you can dip into it with family members. Simply choosing one can spark off a conversation about the exclusive hotel you stayed in, overlooking the pyramids in Egypt, or the extraordinary wildlife in Cape Point Nature Reserve, South Africa.

Your assortment of postcards can form a family heirloom that is particular to your travels. Imagine how special that will be to future generations? Borders may have changed; certain countries may be less accessible or (more likely) different destinations may become more fashionable. Your postcards will be a snapshot of a time passed in your own life adventure.

Conserve all your postcards in a photo album for a beautiful family keepsake.

Discover Your Next Travel Adventure

In order to start building your new collection, you need to book your next vacation. Luckily, Luxury Gold has an amazing selection of last minute travel specials this summer. Europe has opened its borders so you can a luxury guided tour steeped in culture on Spain & Portugal in Style or uncover the treasures of the Adriatic on Captivating Croatia and Montenegro.

You’ll be accompanied by a Traveling Concierge and Well-Being Director for every step of your journey, so you can travel with confidence. We’re also offering full flexibility to change your dates or destination up to 30 days before your departure, for your peace of mind.

Although Europe is an attractive destination any time of year, there are parts of it that truly come alive in summer. From ideal temperatures to dine outdoors amid the vines to enjoying the gentle ocean breeze as you watch a local shuck oysters by the Adriatic, the allure of these destinations is magnified by the season.

The time is ripe to get out and explore again. If you’re keen to enjoy more sustainable travel, then a guided luxury tour that takes in a combination of the best loved sights with lesser-known gems may be ideal. Luxury Gold is currently offering fantastic savings on last minute getaways for Summer 2021 so why not plan your next adventure?

France

Paris, France

The leafy boulevards of Paris and olive groves of Provence both benefit from the balmy summer sun. Join Luxury Gold for the French Vogue Tour and appreciate the fine wines, food and historic chateaux throughout this romantic land.

A VIP visit to Château De Vaux-Le-Vicomte, the largest privately owned château in the country, occurs on day two of your French journey. 40 hectares of elegantly-designed gardens are a pleasure to explore on a summer’s day. Patterned flowerbeds, sculpted statues and well-placed fountains provide fantastic photo opportunities, while those with an eye for design can admire the baroque architecture of the grand house.

One of the most enjoyable summer excursions in Paris is a foodie tour. Your Local Expert leads you to a variety of patisseries, boulangeries, chocolatiers, cafés and tiny cheese shops that are only known to Parisiens, so you can revel in the culinary delights of the city. Meet passionate bakers and chefs who share their enthusiasm for the gourmet and understand why Paris is famous for its food.

France is full of local and farmers markets, particularly in the smaller towns, such as St Remy de Provence. Stroll through the colorful stalls, soaking up the enticing aromas and perhaps picking up a freshly baked snack or a handmade souvenir?

Follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh in Arles, where the artist painted over 200 masterpieces. See his inspiration in the sunbaked houses and pretty plant-lined streets. Van Gogh spent over 14 months in this Provencal city, seeking the warmth and color away from Paris. Your Local Expert will take you along the Rhône River and to the well-preserved Arles amphitheatre, once the site of great chariot spectacles.

When touring France in summer, one of the great highlights is catching a glimpse of the true blue hues of the Mediterranean. With Luxury Gold, you travel along the Moyenne Corniche road, where you can admire the sea from your seat.

Italy

Capri, Italy

Thoughts of Italy call to mind the rolling hills of Tuscany and sun-dappled piazzas with children enjoying gelato. On the Ultimate Italy tour with Luxury Gold, you can see both, as well as visiting some of the world’s most treasured landmarks.

Every corner in Rome unveils a piece of history, so it’s a wonderful city to wander in summer. After your visit to the Sistine Chapel before it opens to the public, take a walk through the peaceful Roman Forum, which offers incredible vistas across the city.

Pompeii is another historic site on your luxury travel adventure. Your Local Expert will conjure up images of life as it was in the ill-fated town, where you’ll see the remnants of bath houses and grand villas. Marvel at the extraordinary mosaics and architectural features that still remain almost 2,000 years on.

Arrive to the isle of Capri in style, with an open-top taxi taking you to your luxury hotel. Sip the local specialty, a lemon granita, as you admire a breathtaking sunset over the turquoise waters. Stroll to the landscaped gardens of Caesar Augustus where you can view the Faraglioni Rocks, jutting proudly from the sea.

Another fabulous summer activity to indulge in is foraging for truffles in Florence. An expert truffle dog guides you as you seek out this aromatic delicacy typical to the region. This fun activity is followed by dinner, where you’ll have the option of sampling another local treasure, Fiorentina, the mouthwatering grilled beefsteak dish.

Italy is famous for its cuisine. Uncover the secrets of its flavorful food in a Tuscan cooking class with a professional chef. Set in the former hunting lodge of the fabled Medici family, this class culminates in a splendid lunch with wine, dining on the creations cooked up during the morning.

Portugal

Douro Valley – Photo by Evan Verni on Unsplash

Famed for its golden sands and lively culture, Portugal offers a dazzling array of activities for travelers. Experience the history and charm of the country on Luxury Gold’s Spain & Portugal in Style, a 13-day luxury guided tour that brings you right to the heart of it.

On Day Eight of your tour, you cross the Alentejo Plateau, a region with undulating plains that is known for cork trees and olive groves. After reaching the capital city, Lisbon, you’ll be treated to a typical Portuguese dinner at a local Fado house, where the UNESCO-recognized singing is performed.

Spend a morning in the historic Belém Quarter, with its ancient fortress that sits on the riverbank. Visit the 500-year-old Jerónimos Monastery and cloisters to see its Manueline architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A drive along the coast takes you to the Atlantic coastal village of Cascais. This pretty cove is famous for its sandy beaches, so you can find a spot for sunbathing or take a dip in the sea. A number of good restaurants line the marina, so you can order some fresh seafood straight from the ocean, accompanied by Vinho Verde, the refreshing local wine.

You’ll also explore a local winery near Evora, a stunning city full of architectural splendor. Hear more about the wine making process and taste a selection of their finest tipple, surrounded by acres of vines.

If you’re staying on in Portugal, it’s definitely worth visiting Praia da Adraga in Sintra, just 12 kilometers from Lisbon. Here you’ll see one of the most spectacular sunsets from Azenhas do Mar, a restaurant that’s built right into the cliffs. It’s also a great place to catch some waves, if you’re an experienced surfer.

Switzerland

Lucerne, Switzerland

Although people think of alpine villages and snow sports in relation to Switzerland, it’s a delightful place to visit in summer. It offers an alternative to the hotspots along the Mediterranean, but it has plenty to offer the summer traveler.

The glamorous resort of St. Moritz gets the most days of sunshine per year in Switzerland. This makes it a wonderful place to take a swim in one of the pristine lakes nearby. Hiking is a popular pastime here, and when you take in the awe-inspiring panoramas of glaciers, mountains and meadows, you’ll understand why. There are plenty of easy hikes for visitors, including Fuorcla Surlej to Pontresina.

On the Luxury Gold tour, Majestic Switzerland, you can discover the local flora, fauna and wildlife with an experienced nature guide. Keep your eyes peeled for marmots, red deer and the golden eagle. The lush foliage and forestry of the country provides an idyll for many species.

After a vigorous day of hiking, you can unwind in the outdoor pool of the Mont Cervin Palace hotel, your home for two nights on the Luxury Gold tour. The beautiful lawn and pool have incredible views of the surrounding Zermatt mountains, while the spa also offers steam baths, a bio sauna and signature therapies to sooth your weary body.

Switzerland has some sublime lakes, two of which are visited on your Majestic Switzerland tour. On day six, you’ll check into the Hotel d’Angleterre, located right on the banks of Lake Geneva, the inspiration for the Early European Romantic movement. Two days later, after chocolate in Broc and cheese in Gruyères, you’ll reach lovely Lucerne. There, you’ll enjoy a romantic cruise on the lake, where you can admire the fairy tale buildings and abundant greenery beyond.

Croatia

Split, Croatia

Croatia is another European destination that has really raised its profile over the past decade. Its romantic port towns, towering fortresses and stunning national parks provide visitors with plenty to explore. It also basks in glorious sunshine, making it perfect for a summer vacation.

Embark on the Captivating Croatia and Montenegro tour with Luxury Gold to discover the sparkling seas and dramatic history of this stretch of land. On day two, you can enjoy a cruise to take in the Bay of Dubrovnik from a different perspective, admiring the city ramparts that are among the grandest in Europe.

Luxury Gold guests also enjoy exclusive tours on day six, with a boat ride to the floating oyster beds of Ston and a tour of Winery Frankovic. Savour a freshly shucked oyster straight from the sea with a chilled glass of wine. Then, on shore, see a traditional olive mill and walk amid the groves before a relaxing lunch.

The dazzling waters of Petrcane on the Dalmation coast are a great place to have an afternoon swim. Alternatively, guests can relax on the soft sands of the fishing village or stroll along the seafront as the sun splits the sky in pinks and orange.

The Sea Organ in Zadar is a fascinating architectural sound installation that looks like steps leading into the water, but creates music from the ocean as it laps the chambers beneath. No song is ever the same as the water moves around.

The country is just as stunning when you venture inland. Plitvice National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where 16 interconnected lakes create a mesmerising prospect for visitors. Luxury Gold guests enjoy a guided tour by boat and on foot with a Local Expert to explore the natural beauty of the area.

Book a European Summer Vacation with Luxury Gold

Luxury Gold includes VIP Experiences on its tours that engage you more deeply with the destination. These are made possible by the wealth of experience behind us and the connections fostered over 100 years of travel. From meeting master jewellers in Croatia to a private tour of Doge’s Palace in Venice, your summer vacation will be enhanced by these once-in-a-lifetime events.

Travelers can currently take advantage of 15% off many of Luxury Gold’s tours for summer 2021, so now’s the time to see more of Europe.