“Fly me to the moon
Let me play among the stars
Let me see what spring is like
On Jupiter and Mars
In other words, hold my hand
In other words, darling, kiss me.“
For almost a half century, Frank Sinatra’s smooth voice has inspired a romantic drive in all of us. Perhaps Sinatra wanted to take us to his own romantic destinations. Perhaps, we all know where he was thinking – Europe, a continent that has been most consistently associated with romance and love, not only in music and movies but also in literature and art. Maybe that is why European trips make us feel more sophisticated, more grounded, and more LOVED. Let’s fly to Europe and experience a little romance.
Fly me to Paris
Deemed ‘the city of love’ and the pinnacle of high culture, Paris is always one of the world’s top romantic destinations, and for good reason: an evening in Paris is beautifully hypnotic. Of course, while many of the must-see places – the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, for example – are typically crowded, Paris still offers a host of more intimate settings. You and your loved one could take in the air at the Palais Royal Gardens, stroll the River Seine or, better yet, join an evening cruise of the Seine and watch the city lights slow-dance by. There are also many quiet neighborhoods that offer quaint sidewalk cafes and small jazz/soul clubs that serve your favorite Bordeaux or tasty cocktail. Now things are heating up!
Fly me to Venice
Through a narrow, winding cobblestone road by Canal Grande, a young man guides his old bicycle, his girlfriend standing up on the backseat. They pass another couple, entwined, in the comfort of their meandering gondola. Venice has been the subject of curiosity for over 1200 years and a magnet for lovers. We recommend the breathtaking and spacious Alberoni Beach and the out-of-the-way, colorful and picturesque Burano Island if you really want to spark a romance. From Piazza San Marco to Jewish Ghetto, Venice has everything you want to see, eat, and do. And it’s okay to get lost – you can roam around with your loved one because Venice always guides you back around where you started.
Fly me to London
Perhaps it’s time to pop the question – or arrange a European wedding. If so, London is your romantic destination. London is both elegant and playful. Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, the Royal Botanical Gardens will set the tone for you and your loved one that all this is official, grandioso, and forever. Take a romantic break in Little Venice during the day, then visit Big Ben. This towering figure will stop time for you and your romantic partner as you lock eyes before the reflection of a burning red sunset in the River Thames. Perhaps you’d like to finish the evening off with a literary experience at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre; it will definitely compliment your romantic trip to London and make it ever so memorable. Take in a performance of Midsummer Night’s Dream or perhaps the tale of those famous star-crossed lovers!
Fly me to Barcelona
It’s fitting that Barcelona is the home of flamenco, which means “flame” in English. Your romantic flame will burn brightly in this historic city. You and special one could spend the days at the beach, or touring the narrow streets and quiet neighborhoods of, say, el Gotico. A romantic cruise for two along the Iberian peninsula of the Mediterranean sea would also be in order. Watch the sunset onboard or return to shore and head up to Bunker del Carmel. For a one-day romantic getaway outside Barcelona, the quiet and majesty of the Montserrat Monastery will truly inspire. Lastly, pamper yourself and that special someone with an evening trip to Aire Barcelona Spa. Spend a few relaxing in a salt bath, hot tub and sauna – then book a massage!
Thank you, Mr. Sinatra, for delivering that perfect romantic touch and for inspiring so many of us to fly off for romance!
