Best European Destinations for Travelers on a Budget

1. Rome, Italy

It may surprise you that Rome is so affordable because of it’s popularity. In fact, U.S. News & World Report ranked Rome as the #1 best affordable vacation spot in Europe for 2017. What makes this destination so budget-friendly is the fact that many famous attractions such as the Trevi Fountain and the Roman Forum have free entry! To maximize affordability, skip the busy summer season. This will save you a lot of money on flights and hotel.

2. Prague, Czech Republic

Despite rising prices due to Prague’s growing popularity, it is still top on our list for budget-friendly European destinations. If the often-brutal winter weather in Prague doesn’t scare you, you can expect to save even more by staying in the colder months. Most popular attractions can be accessed for a cheap entrance fee, plus cheap local eats and drinks can be found in abundance.

3. Istanbul, Turkey

Thanks to the Turkish Lira coming way down, Istanbul has become a bargain European destination. Here you won’t want to miss the ornate temples, breathtaking cathedrals, and bustling markets. Istanbul is unique as a face-paced and rapidly-changing metropolis, differing from many other areas of Europe in part to the country’s proximity to Asia.

Although somewhat difficult to get reach, sticking to a budget is quite doable once you get there! Stick to street food like sandwiches and kabobs, which are as delicious as they are affordable. Accommodations can be expensive, so check out Price of Travel’s Istanbul recommended hotels list bargain hotels in ideal locations.

4. London, England

London is new to the budget-friendly travel destination club. The reason we now include it in this list is due to the fact that the currency has dropped after the Brexit vote. This means it is now far cheaper than it has been in several decades (though still can be very pricey if you are not careful!) and as one of the greatest cities in the world, now is the time to see it!

With the help of a travel agent, you can find fairly nice hotels in centrally-located areas in the US$200 per night range. Cheap eats are also easy to come by and you can expect to find meals around US$8 in less busy tourist zones such as Westminster or the West End. London won’t stay this cheap for long, so don’t wait to visit!

In addition, many of London’s greatest museums (including the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the Tate Modern) don’t charge admission! Another money-saving tip is to invest in an Oyster Card, much like a debit card for public transportation that comes with a much lesser per-ride price on London buses and subways (approximately $3 per ride versus $6 without).

5. Lisbon, Portugal

A bit cheaper than Madrid and Barcelona, according to Price of Travel, Lisbon is an historic city which sits atop 7 hills overlooking the port. The main contributing factor that lands Lisbon in the budget-travel category is the fierce competition between hotels. Not only are the hostels competitive with price, but also competitive when it comes to service. The majority of these hostels rank very high on various Best Hotels in the World lists.

Hotels and foods here are also reasonably priced compared to other European destinations, and even in the lower price range the food and beverages are delicious and the meals are elegant.

6. Bruges, Belgium

Although situated in an area of Europe known to be traditionally expensive, Bruges is actually quite affordable. Much like in Lisbon, there are enough hostels to house thousands of budget travelers and backpackers. Be sure to avoid the busy summer months to keep your travel costs down. Many count on Bruges as a chill-out stop on a European tour due to its relative affordability and relaxed atmosphere.

7. Florence, Italy

This classically beautiful Italian city cannot be missed! It is touted by many (myself included) as their favorite city in Italy, and for good reason. Florence is tucked amid the breathtaking Tuscan hills and is known as the launching point and capital of the Renaissance era. The history-rich city also boasts gorgeous sunsets, amazing food, and almost unimaginable romantic charm. The hotel rates hover around $125 per night, making lodging quite affordable. Save even more by booking a room on the outskirts of town.

Dreaming of planning your own Europe vacation but no clue where to get started? At Enchanted Honeymoons Travel, we plan hundreds of bucket list getaways every year. With travel agents who specialize in exactly where you’re looking to go, the planning process is seamless and carefree. Call us today at 402-281-3022 to learn more!

Whether you plan to explore the royal history in England, the romance of sites like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the exquisite Spanish art, or the architecture in Rome, this list of 7 things to pack for a European vacation can help you with the basics.

1. Walking Shoes

The best way to explore a new city on your European vacation is by foot. One thing that can really put a damper on your exploration is an uncomfortable pair of shoes. This list of of the best travel-friendly shoes for walking from Travel + Leisure can help you pick out the best pair for where you’re headed.

2. EuropeanPower Adapter

If you plan to do such basic things as charge your phone or blowdry your hair during your European vacation, you are going to need a European power adapter. This handy little gadget will allow your US appliances to fit into sockets across Europe. It is important to note that in order to prevent damage, you will need to invest in devices with dual voltage capacity or purchase a voltage converter as well.

3. Rain Jacket

It’s important to prepare for everything when packing your suitcase for a European vacation. Umbrellas and rain boots may take up too much room, but you should always make space in your suitcase for a lightweight rain jacket. Keep in mind that a rain jacket will protect you from more than just a downpour; it can also shield you from the wind and too much sun. This list from Travel + Leisure shows you the best rain jackets to pack.

4. Portable Charger

There are few things worse than running out of phone battery at an airport or while you’re out seeing the sites and wanting to take photos. Prepare yourself for this tragedy by reading this article from Travel + Leisure, which lays out the best portable battery packs for getaways.

5. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

According to this article from Solo Traveler, it is very important to have a VPN for travel, especially if you plan to work while traveling. A VPN will protect you from online identity theft, allows you to safely use a credit card on public Wifi networks, delivers websites in English no matter what country you’re in, gives you access to sites like Netflix which are blocked in certain countries, and finally, it protects your online activities from being sold by an ISP provider.

6. Water bottle with built-in filter

Water bottles that come with built-in filters will give you peace of mind that the water you are consuming is as clean as the filtered water you drink at home. In addition, investing in one of these water bottles will help you to avoid creating harmful waste with an excessive amount of plastic water bottles.

7. Activated charcoal

According to travel blogger Ordinary Traveler, activated charcoal tablets work wonders for traveler’s diarrhea. Imodium works in a pinch to keep you from pooping, but charcoal actually absorbs the bacteria in your body so you can get rid of it when it passes out of your body. This can also help you with certain allergic reactions. Ask your doctor for more information.

Call us today at 402-281-3022 to plan your next European vacation.

International Travel doesn’t have to be scary—even for first timers! Follow these suggestions so you can sit back and relax, you’re on vacation after all!

1. Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees and Bad Exchange Rates

When we travel internationally, we budget and withdraw the amount needed directly from the bank. We try to avoid doing this at the airport or when we get to the destination to avoid ATM fees (these can be especially steep in foreign countries). Even if you are going to an all-inclusive resort, you will want to have some cash on you if you plan to venture off-property. It also comes in handy for tipping at the bar or restaurants on your all-inclusive resort.

There are other options to limit fees if you are worried about carrying too much cash with you internationally. You will get the best exchange rates with a credit card, but many U.S. banks charge a high foreign transaction fee for purchases made abroad. Both the Sapphire Preferred Card and the Platinum American Express have zero foreign transaction fees, so these are good cards to use when traveling internationally. If you want to withdraw cash abroad instead of using your credit card, open an account with Charles Schwab or Fidelity. Both banks reimburse you for all ATM fees, including overseas. Another pro tip for paying for items abroad, pay in the local currency whenever possible.

2. Book Your International Travel Through a Reputable Travel Agent

This is important for all travel, but especially for your first experience with international travel. Each country has unique rules and regulations. Your travel agent can clarify these for you.

First, they will be your first contact for any questions, but also for any emergencies. They can be your advocate in emergency situations, and they may have contacts with your hotel or tourism boards in the country you are traveling to.

Travel agents will also ensure that you are completely prepared for international travel. For instance, many countries have a six-month rule when it comes to passport expiration. This means that they can deny you access into the foreign country if your passport is not valid for six months after the travel date. This ensures if you are stuck in the other country for an emergency such as an injury, you are able to get back into your country.

There are other tips that travel agents will be aware of, such as the $10 tourist card fee that must be paid in cash during customs at the airport in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. I learned the hard way during my last visit and had to run through a busy airport to find an ATM. Not exactly ideal in a foreign airport!

3. Avoid International Data Roaming Fees

Consider contacting your cell phone service provider to get your international service turned on for the duration of your international travel. If you opt not to do this, make sure to turn off your data roaming in your phone settings. This will ensure you do not incur any international data roaming fees while abroad. Keep in mind that apps like Google Maps will not be available without WiFi when avoiding international data roaming fees. You will also not be able to place or receive calls.

International service can be very helpful in case of any emergency and to ensure we don’t get lost. This is more for peace of mind, but not completely necessary. WiFi is available in most public restaurants and cafes, and almost all of the resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean have WiFi available throughout the resort.

4. Bring Medication

When we travel overseas, we always bring Advil, Tums, Immodium A-D, and other basic medications. This ensures that you will not have to pay twice the price at a foreign pharmacy. Check with your doctor to see if you are in need of any vaccinations depending on which country you are visiting. Any other prescriptions that you will need for your trip should be clearly labeled and in their original bottle. Bring a doctor’s note if possible to be extra careful with necessary prescriptions.

5. Invest in Travel Insurance

To ensure you are protected while outside the US, consider adding travel insurance. Many insurance plans will refund your trip in the form that you paid (minus the cost of the insurance). Make sure to read your policy and keep a copy handy with you while traveling. This lays out the details of what your insurance carrier covers.

6. Bring Extra Copies of Important Documents With You

Make copies of your passport, itinerary, and insurance policy to bring with you while you travel abroad. We like to bring several copies and pack them in different bags, that way there’s always a backup if needed. We also tend to use this method with credit cards and cash. Keep emergency funds and credit cards in a separate spot from your regular cards and cash.

Get in touch with an Enchanted Honeymoons travel agent today to book your first international trip!

Thinking about a trip abroad? We can help! Call us at 402-281-3022.

Do you want to visit a haunted castle? Your best bet is to head to Europe, where you can find ghostly castles in nearly every country. We rounded up 5 such castles with spooky histories and ghostly inhabitants below.

1. Leap Castle, Ireland

This list would not be complete without what is known as the most haunted castle in the world: Leap Castle in Ireland. The spook factor began with the O’Carroll family in the 16th century. One of the O’Carroll brothers murdered his sibling with a sword in the onsite church, earning the church the fitting title of “The Bloody Chapel”. Visitors report seeing creepy shadows, unidentified men, and the Red Lady. The Red Lady is another haunting story that started with the O’Carrolls. Legend claims she is the ghost of a woman who was captured and enslaved by the O’Carrolls. When she became pregnant, the O’Carrolls murdered her newborn baby inside the castle. Visitors to the castle may notice the smell of decaying flesh, which takes over the haunted castle and legitimizes many of the legends.

2. Moosham Castle, Austria

The history of this haunted castle in Austria earned it the nickname “Witches Castle”. Thousands of women were burned alive, or tortured and killed in the dungeons of Moosham Castle because they were believed to be practicing witchcraft. Locals will tell you that these women still inhabit the haunted castle to this day.

3. Chillingham Castle, England

What a great name for a haunted castle! Chillingham Castle is known as being the most haunted in all of Britain. “The Blue Boy” is the most famous ghost, and haunts the Pink Room in the castle. Visitors to the castle claim to see blue flashes and a blue halo of light over their beds. In addition, you may hear the loud wailing of the Blue Boy and you may even see the glowing figure manifest itself as a small boy in blue garb. Renovators discovered bones and linked these to the Blue Boy. To make matters creepier, the bones were found with remnants of blue fabric.

4. Zvikov Castle, Czech Republic

Zvikov Castle is said to be haunted by a ghost known as “Rarasek”. Visitors often report strange occurrences, including technical problems, idiotic animal behavior, and unexplained instances where candles and fires have gone out. In addition, legend claims that anyone who sleeps in the main tower (yes, you can book a room here!) will die within a year.

5. Dragsholm Castle, Denmark

Lastly, we have Dragsholm Castle. Don’t let it’s idyllic appearance fool you! The structure earned its nickname “the prison castle” because it was turned into a prison by Danish royalty. Visitors to the castle have reported sightings of three very creepy ghosts that inhabit the castle. “The White Lady” is one of the ghosts that lives on here. Visitors may see her dressed in white near the dungeons. After having an affair with a servant, her father threw her into the dungeons. The legend became more famous when someone discovered a female skeleton in the dungeons wearing a white dress. The second ghost that lives in the haunted castle is a servant. Lastly, the most famous ghost is the Earl of Bothwell. Apparently, people have spotted him riding into the castle grounds on his horse and carriage.

Visit these creepy castles for yourself! Call us at 402-281-3022 and ask to speak to one of our Europe specialists.

If Europe is on your bucket list for 2019, you’re in luck! Check out our list of the 7 best budget-friendly European destinations, below.

1. Rome, Italy

2. Prague, Czech Republic

3. Istanbul, Turkey

4. London, England

5. Lisbon, Portugal

Hotels and foods here are also reasonably priced compared to other European destinations, and even in the lower price range the food and beverages are delicious and the meals are elegant.

6. Bruges, Belgium

7. Florence, Italy

It seems that everyone is traveling to the nook and crannies of Europe this year. Join the club by traveling to one of these unique European cities for yourself.

1. Malta

Our travel expert Teresa traveled all throughout Sicily, where her grandparents are from, back in September of this year. The unique European city of Malta was the last stop on Teresa’s trip, which she took with her daughter Courtney. Malta is British-influenced, so you won’t find a language barrier here for Americans. Charmingly nicknamed Sicily’s “country next door”, it is actually located just South of Sicily. It is easy to get to from Sicily, and is a popular stop for cruise ships.

Malta has amazing food, with unique cuisine options influenced by Italy, Spain and Morocco, just to name a few. It is also a great place to visit if you are a history buff. Don’t miss sites like Valletta, the capital which overlooks Malta’s Grand Harbor, which is the site of the Great Siege. Malta is also home to the Lascaris War Rooms, an ancient command center. If that’s not enough for you, you can explore the connected networks of tunnels that date back to World War II. These tunnels once provided security from air attacks coming from Germany and Italy.

2. Dubrovnik

Our owners Kem & Lori also explored some unique European cities on their “trip of a lifetime” through Italy, Montenegro, Greece, and Croatia. Dubrovnik was their last stop. The city has been gaining popularity with tourists ever since people began recognizing it as the setting for the fictional city of King’s Landing on HBO’s hit show Game of Thrones. If you’re not a fan of the show, not to worry! You’ll still want to visit Dubrovnik to see its famous imperious walls which surround the city at up to six meters thick in some areas. It takes about an hour to travel the length of the wall, with plenty of time to stop and take in the breathtaking views like the one above.

3. Le-Bar-Sur Loup

One of our Europe specialists in the office, Graci, also had the pleasure of visiting some of the beautiful cities throughout France with her husband earlier this year. They stayed in the charming hillside village of Le Bar-sur-Loup at an enchanting stone house known as L’Escale du Ciel. This rightfully translates to “a stopover in heaven”.

4. Villefranche-Sur-Mer

Another stop for Graci and her husband was the quaint fishing village of Villefranche-Sur-Mer. It is nestled between Nice and Monaco, so make sure to stop here if you are planning a trip to the French Riviera. This is the type of village where everyone knows each other, but it is surrounded by a lively international scene that attracts an eclectic group of visitors. This is a great place to relax on the beach and enjoy the French lifestyle of cuisine, wine, and shopping. In addition, it is just 30 minutes away from Italy!

5. Siracusa

While touring Sicily with her daughter, Teresa also stopped in the seaside town of Siracusa. Here you’ll find Ancient Greek ruins to explore, lush citrus orchards, and quaint Sicilian cafes. The ruins are one of Sicily’s greatest archaeological sites. We think the best part is the stunning turquoise sea at its base. If you have extra time to explore, you should make some tim eto travel across the water from the mainland to the island of Ortygia.

Call us today at 402-281-3022 to talk to one of our Europe specialists, or get started here.

At Enchanted Travel, we pride ourselves on being able to provide reliable insights on destinations around the world. That’s why our agents specialize in specific countries and areas. All of our agents are skilled and experienced in creating the perfect vacation, honeymoon, or destination wedding for any location you desire, but some of our agents are part of our team of Europe specialists. Whenever you call in for information on a Europe vacation, we will pair you with one of our Europe specialists. We are constantly working on growing this team, so don’t be surprised to see this group grow in the next few years.

Read on for more details on our team of Europe specialists!

Graci Brouillette

Our Europe specialist Graci specializes in Italy and France. She has visited these countries and has also been to Munich for Oktoberfest. Next month she will be joining our manager Kyle Smith for a familiarization trip in Ireland. Graci also specializes in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Hawaii. She has tons of experience in booking destination weddings and honeymoons as well. She recently planned an epic Hawaiian honeymoon for her sister.

Graci’s love for travel and specifically for travel to Europe started well before she began working with us at Enchanted Travel. “The combination of culture, history, and way of life continue to make Europe vacations some of the most memorable and fulfilling experiences for me,” she explains. We value her passion for travel and attention to detail in every vacation she plans.

You can read all about Graci’s most recent European getaway in this blog post detailing the ten days she spent in France. Don’t miss the section on ‘Where to Stay’. Here you can find a detailed description of Graci’s favorite hotel in Europe, Hotel Providence Paris.

You can also read up on everything Graci ate during her time in France last year in ‘Where We Ate: France’.

Erin McGill

Erin is another member of our Europe Specialists team. She specializes in Ireland, England, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, Netherlands and Belgium. She has done a lot of traveling throughout Europe, visiting Frankfurt, Munich, Amsterdam, Brussels, Rome, Bosnia and Dubrovnik. Her next European getaway will be to Paris and London later this year. We value her expertise and first hand knowledge on a wide array of European countries. Her experiences in Europe have helped her in preparing trips for her clients to Ireland, France, England, Germany, Italy, Greece, Czech Republic, Austria and Switzerland.

Erin’s love of travel and Europe began before she became an Enchanted Travel Europe Specialist. “I love talking about Europe and the widespread history throughout the continent. Each city has many different things to offer and different cultures”. She is a great person to work with if you want to travel to many different countries in Europe.

Although it is tough to choose, Erin’s favorite European destinations that she has visited are Amsterdam and Munich. Her favorite previous trips she has booked for clients are to Santorini and Mykonos. Her favorite hotels are in London and Berlin. In London, she likes St. Ermins. In Berlin, she likes to stay at and send her clients to Hotel Zoo.

Jacki Inman

Jacki is another Europe Specialist that works in our office in Omaha. She brings a unique perspective to European travel because she lived in Germany for three years. During her time overseas, she was able to visit several areas throughout Germany, Austria, France, the Netherlands, the UK, Italy and Switzerland.

It has been 15 years since she lived in Germany, but her passion for European travel has stuck with her. “I love Europe: the history, food, people, scenery – all of it is so beautiful.” We don’t disagree! We value her unique perspective and expertise, and we are lucky to have such a knowledgeable member with so much first hand experience on our team.

If she had to choose, her favorite destinations in Europe are Bavaria in Germany and Salzburg, Austria. She also loved Portofino, Italy and Cinque Terre. Her favorite hotel that she has stayed at was in Nice, France. It was a Radisson Blue property that had a rooftop pool overlooking the ocean.

Lori Matthews

Our owner Lori developed our Europe Specialists Team over the last 20 years and has grown our business from being mainly honeymoons and destination weddings, to selling vacations all over the world. She loves to travel to Europe and works primarily on Europe trips now. She has traveled throughout Italy, France, Switzerland, Spain, the UK, Ireland, Greece, Croatia and Montenegro.

Her most recent trip in 2018 was her biggest European getaway yet. Her and her husband, our other owner Kem, traveled all throughout Italy, Montenegro, Greece and Croatia with a group of friends. They started in Florence, which is one of Lori’s favorite cities in all of Europe. Next, they went to Cinque Terre and Venice. They booked the Norwegian Star cruise from Venice to Croatia, with stops in Montenegro, Mykonos, Santorini and Corfu. Their cruise ended in Dubrovnik, and it made for the perfect finale to an incredible trip. You can read full details on what they did here, where they stayed, and some of their favorite restaurants in this blog post: The Trip of a Lifetime: Italy, Montenegro, Greece & Croatia.

Call us today at 402-390-9291 to book your next European getaway with one of our European Vacation Specialists.

We think it’s always a good time to travel to Europe, but if you want a more specific answer, read our guide to the best months to visit popular European countries. Since the continent of Europe is so large, it spans many different longitudes and weather zones. Planning your European getaway accordingly can ensure you have the best weather no matter which country you choose.

Keep in mind that as a general rule of thumb, visiting Europe in the summer will offer you perfect weather, but it also means more crowds. Visiting a European country in the winter will definitely save you some money, but you could also be confronted with many closed attractions that are only open in warmer months. We suggest you try shoulder season, which is a traveler’s way of referring to spring and fall. You’ll have fewer crowds and better prices, plus moderate temps in most of the popular European destinations.

When to Visit Southern or Mediterranean Europe

Southern European countries include Spain, Italy, Croatia, and Greece. For the warmest year-round temps in Europe, head to Croatia, Greece or Italy.

Traveling to a Southern European country in the summer means you’re going to run into a lot of crowds. Not only do tourists flock to these areas, but locals are also on summer break and crowding the most popular beaches and hotels. Our advice is to do some research – or ask your Enchanted Travel expert – on a few lesser-known beaches or areas. For instance, head to the Peloponnese Peninsula instead of Santorini. In addition, you may opt to take certain day trips in the evening rather than in the morning. This will ensure that the crowds have died down and you don’t waste your whole day standing in lines.

It’s important to note that Southern Europe poses a bit of a contradiction to what we stated in our opening. Shoulder season in Mediterranean Europe is often busier and pricier than summer because the temperatures are more moderate.

When to Visit Northern Europe

Northern Europe encompasses countries such as Denmark, Ireland, Sweden and Norway. These are some of the coldest European countries, so be sure to pack for the chill.

If you’re making plans for Scandinavia, Britain, or Ireland, you should consider booking your stay for the summer. They don’t get as crowded as other European destinations. If you really hate the cold but want to see these European destinations, book your trip for mid-June to late August.

When to Visit Eastern Europe

Eastern Europe refers to Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Russia, Poland, and Hungary. The summers in these countries are very warm and often HOT. Keep in mind that although you may want to reach for those shorts while on your European vaca, this may limit your access to certain cathedrals or other religious attractions.

Wintertime in Eastern Europe is great, but you’ll have to do some strategic planning to fit everything into the limited daylight hours during these months. You’ll definitely want to check ahead of time to make sure that any sites you want to see are open during winter months in Eastern Europe. Most of the larger cities still cater to tourists in the winter, but smaller towns go into hibernation mode!

When to visit Western Europe

Western Europe includes popular European destinations like France, Austria, Monaco and Switzerland. As previously stated, summer in Europe offers lovely temperatures but bigger crowds. For instance, Paris is one of the busiest European cities and is absolutely packed in June and August. July is also a busy month, but it is the rainiest month in Paris so it is not as crowded as June or August.

You’ll find that shoulder season is much quieter and more affordable in many Western European destinations. However, big international business cities like Berlin and Brussels are busy and just as expensive in the winter as they are in the height of summer.

It’s also important to note that Christmas time (from mid-November to the first week of January) is a charming time to visit many Western European destinations. For instance, Vienna and Austria have great Christmas markets, choirs, and more.

Thinking about planning a European getaway for 2019 or 2020? We can help! You can reach us at 402-390-9291 or get started here.

Honeymoon destinations in Europe offer endless romance and adventure. Newlyweds hoping to catch some sun can head to the Mediterranean coast and wine lovers can choose from a number of regions to explore. In addition, there are plenty of cozy small towns where you can simply enjoy each other and get to know a new culture and city. Plus, you don’t have to settle for just one destination in Europe, but can fit several in one epic trip. We’ve included suggestions for nearby cities in each of the destinations below.

Check out our list of the best honeymoon destinations in Europe.

Paris

When it comes to honeymoon destinations in Europe, Paris is what comes to most people’s minds. I am dying to return to this beautiful city since I haven’t visited in almost ten years! The city of Lights has so much to offer newlyweds, including beautiful architecture, exquisite French food, great shopping, iconic luxury hotels, and world-class museums. Another great thing about Paris is that it is easy to explore on foot, making it ideal for romantic strolls down the charming streets or along the Seine River. In addition, you’ll find many opportunities for cooking classes and wine tastings and there are many markets to peruse throughout the city. Paris is near many other romantic cities including Brussels, Amsterdam, Marseille, Lucerne, and Zurich if you want to add on to your trip.

Tuscany

Tuscany falls in a close second to Paris when it comes to the most romantic honeymoon destinations in Europe. The region is famous for its wine, beautiful countryside, culture-filled cities, and delicious dining. We suggest staying in the bustling city of Florence and then use this as your base for visiting just about anywhere in the region you’d like. If you’ve already been to Florence, consider staying in a smaller Tuscan town such as Volterra or Lucca. The quiet charm in these quaint villages is perfect for honeymooners. Besides classic Tuscan wine tastings, you should also indulge in a traditional dinner the Italian way – several courses served over several hours! And of course, wandering the beautiful towns and cities is one of the most romantic things you can do here. If you want to extend your trip to other countries, consider visiting nearby Rome, Venice, or the Amalfi Coast.

Positano

You’ve probably heard of or seen pictures of the gorgeous small town of Positano on the Amalfi Coast of Italy. The best time to visit this romantic destination is from May to September so you can take advantage of the beaches, outdoor restaurants and bars, and boating. This is an especially great option for the luxury-loving honeymooners as Positano is home to several luxury hotels including Le Sirenuse and Il San Pietro di Positano.

In addition to plenty of things to do during the day, the city also has a great nightlife scene. If you are looking for a party, head to the famous Music on the Rocks. If you’re more of a low-key nighttime couple, grab a drink at Franco’s bar which is known for having the best view in Positano. Rome and Venice are easy cities to tack on to the front or back end of your stay in Positano.

Algarve

Algarve, Portugal is a popular holiday spot for Northern Europeans, but it is also a great honeymoon destination. The biggest draw here is the beach, so if your idea of the perfect honeymoon is relaxing by the water – Algarve is for you! The best part is that, even in the height of summer, you can always find secluded beaches along the 150 km coastline. In addition to the beach, Algarve has unbelievable seafood! And the best way to eat seafood is overlooking the ocean, so the city has plenty of eateries with water views. Besides lounging by the water, taking in the views, and gorging on seafood, there isn’t much else to do in Algarve. This may be a downside for some, but it is perfect for honeymooners who need to be forced to relax and appreciate this once-in-a-lifetime trip. Nearby cities include Lisbon, Porto, Sevilla, and Malaga.

Santorini

Everything about the island of Santorini screams romance. We suggest avoiding hotels in Fira or Oia as they are more crowded. Instead, opt for a smaller location like Imerovigli. Probably the most amazing time of day in Santorini is sunset. Oia is one of the best areas to watch the sunset, but you can also enjoy it while wine tasting in Pyrgos. The absolute best way to experience the sunset in Santorini is on a boat. Book a sunset cruise with unlimited drinks and delicious Greek tapas for an absolutely unforgettable experience! Your Enchanted Travel Honeymoon Expert can help you choose a sunset cruise which stops by the famous Red Beach in Akrotiri and Black Sand. If you do choose Santorini as your honeymoon destination, you might want to consider adding Athens to your honeymoon package.

Lake Como, Italy

The exquisite combination of fresh air, nature, water and great weather make Lake Como a popular honeymoon destination. It is also quite popular with celebrities, including George and Amal Clooney who own a home there! The best way to enjoy the lake by boat, but there is also great hiking, golf and tennis. And don’t leave without trying the gelato! The best time to visit Lake Como is between March and November, with May through September having the best weather. If you want to add on to your trip, consider visiting nearby Amsterdam, Munich, or Basel.

Enchanted Honeymoons Travel | Destination Travel | Best Packages

Our ultimate goal is to make the honeymoon planning process as stress-free as possible. Planning your perfect honeymoon, destination wedding, romantic getaway or vacation of a lifetime has never been easier with Enchanted Honeymoons.

Recent Honeymoon Destination Articles

If you are a couple (or even a single person looking for love]) on the hunt for the most romantic European destinations, you are in luck! Europe is home to some dreamy places, and it is hard to find a European city that isn’t cute and quaint. That being said, we wanted to put together a list of the absolute most romantic cities in Europe that every couple must visit.

Check out this list of our 5 favorite Romantic European Destinations.

Lake Como, Italy

What makes Lake Como the top of our list for the most romantic European destinations? What is more beautiful than a lake sitting in the middle of the Italian Alps? Como has recently become more accessible to tourists and has long been a playground for the rich and famous. Famous people who own homes here include George & Amal Clooney, Sting, and Sir Richard Branson. Transport yourself to a world of romance, luxury and relaxation: rent a village, eat lunch on a picturesque dock and ride the funicular for an incredible view.

Where to stay: the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. This supremely elegant hotel has 89 rooms right on the water’s edge and views across to Bellagio. The five-star property boasts generous sun terraces, an excellent restaurant and spa and parklands surrounding the hotel. And one of the pools actually floats on the lake!

London, England

London is an absolutely beautiful city full of colorful houses and sites worth marveling over. Take a walk along the Thames, ride the London Eye, or brunch in Notting Hill and you’ll definitely find yourself swooning over all the charm. One stunningly romantic spot in London is the Gallery Room at Sketch. It is a comfortable, chic, and perfectly pink afternoon tea experience. This is a perfect date spot for couples and you won’t leave hungry after unlimited tea, finger sandwiches, cakes, scones, and other treats.

Where to stay: The Corinthia Hotel. This beautiful restored grand London hotel packs an elegant amount of glamour and sensational service. The original features of the building, built in the 1880s, are magnificent and the modern luxuries, like the marble bathrooms complete with built-in televisions at the end of each bath, don’t detract at all from its elegance. In addition, there is a wonderful choice of bars and restaurants nearby.

Paris, France

This list would not be complete without mentioning Paris, which is, in fact, the official “City of Love”. There is just something so sweet and special about whisking your honey away to the city where the Eiffel Tower puts on a show at sundown and the city smells of fresh pastries all day long. The perfect romantic day in Paris includes a stroll along the vast grounds and Palace of Versailles. Then take the train back to the city to explore the Montmartre area. Romance at its best!

Where to stay: L’Hotel. What’s more romantic than history? Osca Wilde lived at this hotel on the Left Bank until his death in one of their rooms. This is romantic on so many levels! Obviously the decor has changed since his time, but it remains flamboyant and beautiful, with 20 rooms and suites offering a variety of sizes and palettes. There’s also a wonderful spa and a candlelit plunge pool.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is one of the most well-known romantic European destinations. A city of unbelievably beauty, delightful cafe culture and some utterly mesmerizing museums, Vienna is one of the best places for couples to get some romance. In fact, it’s hard to walk around this city and not fall in love – both with the city and with your S.O.! The streets ooze a unique charm that you just can’t resist.

Where to stay: Park Hyatt Vienna. In Vienna’s heart on Am Hof square, Park Hyatt occupies the former headquarters of the Bank of Austria. The opulent marble and chandelier-lit interiors fuse historic character with contemporary design. In addition, the hotel has a gold-filled spa, seasonal cuisine, and flawless service. It’s an absolutely solid five-star choice.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is the perfect romantic European destination for those who love the warm air and the sea. This magical city is the perfect place to wander, to eat, to drink, to relax, to admire the views, and to be absorbed with the one you love. Gaudi’s and other modernist designers’ fantastical architecture is the perfect backdrop for a romantic vacation.

Where to stay: Hotel Pulitzer. This hotel is only a minute away from Plaça Catalunya and the main high-street shopping area of Barcelona. The Pulitzer hotel is the perfect place to stay for easy access to a buzzing nightlife scene. Plus, you and your S.O. can shop until you drop, then head back to leave your bags and grab a cheeky cocktail on the roof terrace of the hotel before heading out again. No need to worry about taxis or public transport when you stay here as the whole city is virtually on your doorstep.

Enchanted Honeymoons Travel | Destination Travel | Best Packages

Our ultimate goal is to make the vacation planning process as stress-free as possible. Planning your perfect honeymoon, destination wedding, romantic getaway or vacation of a lifetime has never been easier with Enchanted Honeymoons. Explore all of our Europe travel packages to find the right destination for you and your partner.