Who says you have to go long haul to find the perfect honeymoon? We take a look at two alternative European cities, full of love and romance.
The Danish capital is cosmopolitan, artistic, and full of surprises and overflowing with cafés, culture and history.
Visit during the summer months and you will be blessed with warm and pleasant weather with light and long evenings. You might not believe it but you can head to Copenhagen and end up on a beach!
Three miles south of the centre is one of Denmark’s finest stretches of sand, Amager Strandpark, a vast white beach extending along a sheltered lagoon backed by gentle sand dunes. It’s popular with cyclists and rollerbladers, but be warned the water temperature is never really that blissful!
During your visit, hiring a bike to see the city is a must – it’s often cited as the world’s most bike-friendly city. With cycle lanes and flat streets the appeal is obvious and a great way to take life at your own pace, relax and enjoy your honeymoon.
For the culture vultures amongst you, Denmark has the world’s oldest monarchy, with the royal family living right in the centre of the city at Amalienborg Palace. The city is formed around cobbled squares and narrow streets lined with old buildings. The vast City Hall Square is a must visit, with renowned Tivoli Gardens at one side and the Stroget at the other. Stroget is Europe’s longest pedestrian street.
Food is a big deal in Copenhagen and foodies will delight in the food culture and gastronomic delights available in the city. Try 1.th, a restaurant housed inside a luxurious apartment just off Copenhagen’s harbour front. You’ll mingle over drinks in a retro drawing room, before being ushered through to watch the head chef and his team work their magic in the kitchen dining room. The food is flamboyant and totally memorable!
Visit www.1th.dk for more information.
Lay Your Head…
Hotel D’Anglettere
Kongens Nytorv 34, 1050 København K, Denmark
Established in 1755, the d’Angleterre is an icon and a historic landmark in Copenhagen, celebrated for its elegance, luxury and style. Inspired by its rich heritage, the hotel has recently undergone a complete refurbishment and has reopened as a revitalized grand palace.
For more information, visit: www.dangleterre.dk
Don’t Miss…
Oresund Bridge, which connects Copenhagen to Malmo in Sweden; Gefion Fountain, Copenhagen’s largest monument; the Church of Our Saviour in Christian’s Harbour; and Rosenburg Castle, situated in the city centre, is a grand summerhouse containing the Danish royal collections, including the crown jewels.
The riverside city of Florence is thought to be the cultural centre of Italy, if not the Western world, so if world-class art, history and culture are on the top of your honeymoon to-do list, you couldn’t find a better destination.
With the Arno River flowing through its centre, Florence is crammed with galleries, wonderful buildings and world-class art treasures. The unspoilt medieval city clearly displays its importance in the cultural and political development of Europe.
The jewel in the architectural crown of Florence is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, known as the Duomo, a Gothic masterpiece. The narrow streets of the city have hardly changed since the Renaissance and have a thousand tales to tell. Food and drink are so wonderful that the tag ‘Fiorentina’ has become an international label of quality.
Home to Gucci (he was born here), as was Roberto Cavalli, Florence fashion can be found on Via de’ Tornabuoni.
Lay Your Head…
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
Borgo Pinti 99, 50121 Firenze, Italy
Stay amid one of the largest private gardens in Florence, bordered by an ornate convention and Renaissance palazzo. The Four Seasons hotel offers opulent and inviting accommodation with modern amenities.
For more information, visit: www.fourseasons.com/florence
Don’t Miss…
The Duomo – the cathedral can be viewed from almost every angle in Florence and attracts millions of visitors every year. The Uffizi, one of the most famous galleries in the world, housing masterpieces from da Vinci, Michaelangelo and Rembrandt. Book online before you go to avoid queuing. Head to the Boboli Gardens for a picnic, where you’ll be able to relax and take in the view of the city as well as the distinguished collection of sculptures on display.
