14 Travel Ideas for Valentine’s Day in Europe
From winter sun in southern Europe to quiet alpine towns and moody coastal landscapes, these 14 Valentine’s Day travel ideas focus on atmosphere, shared time, and meaningful escapes rather than clichés.
Venice, the iconic city of canals, is a mesmerizing blend of history, art, and romance. Famous for its winding waterways, stunning architecture, and unique charm, Venice offers visitors unforgettable experiences such as gondola rides along the Grand Canal, exploring St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, and wandering through narrow alleys lined with Renaissance palaces. This floating city enchants with its rich cultural heritage, vibrant festivals, and exquisite cuisine, making it one of Italy’s most captivating destinations.
From winter sun in southern Europe to quiet alpine towns and moody coastal landscapes, these 14 Valentine’s Day travel ideas focus on atmosphere, shared time, and meaningful escapes rather than clichés.
While the Carnival of Venice draws global fame, the Viareggio Carnival in Tuscany delivers an equally powerful spectacle, defined by monumental allegorical floats, sharp satire, and a deep-rooted popular tradition.
Venice Carnival 2026 has officially begun with a vibrant water parade and an Olympic-inspired theme that connects ancient traditions, myth, and the spirit of the Milano-Cortina Winter Games.
Aman has officially opened reservations for Amangati, its first-ever luxury cruise ship, marking the brand’s long-awaited entry into ultra-high-end yachting at sea.
Italy leads global travel demand in 2025, with Rome among the most booked cities, while Japan, Egypt, and island destinations highlight shifting patterns in luxury, value, and long-stay travel.
Italy’s La Dolce Vita Orient Express is introducing an ultra-luxury New Year’s Eve rail journey featuring Brunello tastings, fine dining by chef Heinz Beck, and a glamorous onboard celebration.
Global travellers looking for peace of mind will favour the ranked lists of the top 15 safest countries and top 15 safest cities for 2026, according to the latest research.
Venice will reimpose its daytripper fee in 2026 on selected Fridays to Sundays during April through July, extending the number of fee-days and reinforcing measures to manage overtourism.
Overtourism remains a challenge in Venice as the city’s expanded day-tripper fee raised over €5 million in 2025, sparking debate over whether it truly curbed crowds or just generated revenue.
Barcelona will reduce the number of cruise ships allowed to dock by closing several terminals and cutting port capacity – a move to combat overtourism and protect residents’ quality of life.