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There are lots of ways to show your nearest and dearest how much you love them on Valentine’s Day. But rather than settling for a box of chocolates and a card, why not think about taking them away for the weekend to one of the most popular and romantic spots in the world?

Here are ten of the best for you to consider – and some of the things you can do while you are there.

1. Paris

Paris is a classic Valentine’s Day destination. You can book flights out to Paris or take the Eurostar, but however you get there you’ll find plenty to do once you arrive.

For example ticket prices to go up the Eiffel Tower range from 4.50 Euros to 13 Euros, depending on whether you want to walk up or get the lift. The most expensive ticket takes you right to the top as well, at which point you will get the best view of all.

Paris City Breaks

Paris Destination Guide

2. Venice

This is the place which offers romantic gondola rides – and you can use them to help you explore the city too. Private rides just for the two of you can be booked costing anything from 60 Euros upwards, so make sure you find room for this in your budget.

You can also see the Bridge of Sighs – and if you are planning on popping the question this year, what better place to do it than this? Last minute savings are available from some airlines on return flights to Venice as well, so you can still save money and have a great weekend abroad.

Venice City Breaks

Venice Destination Guide

3. Rome

Rome is packed with ancient sights and plenty of modern romantic hotels as well. Make sure you stay somewhere central so you are close to all the main attractions such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon.

Don’t miss the Trevi fountain either, in which you should throw a coin if you want to come back to Rome in the future. Flying to Rome from London usually takes about two and a half hours, so you can be in this romantic and ancient city sooner than you think.

Rome City Breaks

Rome Destination Guide

4. New York

This is the ultimate luxury romantic weekend for two if you want to head further afield. Flight times vary but the approximately seven hour flight is well worth it. New York boasts lots of romantic activities you can try together – not to mention shopping for jewellery to commemorate the special day of course.

Central Park is repeatedly said to be one of New York’s most romantic spots – and if you are on a budget you can visit for free as well. And why not book tickets to go ice skating at the Rockefeller Centre?

New York City Breaks

New York Destination Guide

5. London

If your budget doesn’t permit you to go abroad, London has just as much to offer as many European cities. You can fly into Gatwick or Heathrow and travel into the capital from there, or book tickets on a train arriving into one of the major stations in the city.

For those on a budget consider booking last minute availability tickets for one of the top West End shows. Theatre weekends are particularly popular anyway and give you the chance to enjoy a pre-theatre meal at a top London restaurant as well.

6. Lake District

Would you prefer the idea of getting away from it all instead of heading to a big city? The Lake District is one of the top choices for doing this. There are plenty of romantic hotels near Lake Windermere to stay in, and a three day break is easy to arrange.

The best bet is to travel by car as you will be able to visit many of the villages in the Lake District area. You will also find plenty of hotels offering four poster beds and a wonderful view over the Lake District itself, but there is cheaper accommodation available as well.

Cheap Hotels

7. Prague

Prague is located in the Czech Republic and it provides a great alternative to the more obvious romantic cities in Europe. Much of the city is very romantic in nature, not least the Old Town. Head for the cobbled streets and indulge in a luxurious coffee while you soak up the sights.

With flights and accommodation available from around £100 per person upwards for a three night break, you can see it is possible to enjoy a romantic break here at a reasonable cost as well.

Prague City Breaks

Prague Destination Guide

8. Florence

Florence offers a different view of Italy to the one offered by Rome. More centrally located than Rome, it offers many romantic ideas for things to do during a weekend break.

Explore the Boboli gardens which date from the 16th century and offer peace and quiet for strolling hand in hand. You should also be sure to enjoy a horse and carriage ride together on Valentine’s Day itself. This private ride offers the best and most romantic way to arrive at your chosen gourmet restaurant for a gourmet meal to celebrate the occasion.

9. Barcelona

Montjuic Mountain is one of the best venues to head for if you want to treat your loved one to a romantic meal in Barcelona. With amazing views and superb food, it’s no wonder some people head here to pop the question.

Stay near Sant Felip Neri if you can, as this is reckoned to be the most romantic spot in Barcelona. Peaceful, stunning and the perfect place to enjoy some time together, it may not be the easiest place to find. But it is worth persevering.

The flight time from London to Barcelona is around two hours as well, so you can see it’s possible to be in the heart of Spain in a very short time indeed.

Barcelona City Breaks

Barcelona Destination Guide

10. Bruges

If you want to stay a bit closer to home but still enjoy the best the continent has to offer, head for Bruges. There are lots of romantic hotels to choose from here, but Die Swaene is a particular favourite among those looking for some romance.

Cars are somewhat limited in Bruges because of its size. This means you can enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride with your loved one without being surrounded by cars at the same time. Don’t miss the Lake of Love either, or the many canal boats that will take you around the canals of the city.

You can enjoy a swift journey on Eurostar that requires just one change of trains en route in Brussels. You will be in Bruges in less than three and a half hours.

As you can see there are plenty of options when it comes to booking a Valentine’s Day break. And if you turn it into a long weekend every single one of these destinations can be a short holiday you’ll never forget. To get travel advice, quotes and availability on these or any destinations call one of experienced travel advisors today on 01922 700007.

Many people choose to travel this way, booking cheap flights with easyjet, ryanair etc and then booking a hotel separately. In the travel industry we call this ‘dynamic packaging’ or DP. There are many great reasons to book your holiday with an ABTA/ATOL registered travel agent; expert knowledge, dealing with all the details, handling tour operator complaints, DISCOUNTS!, but this is a perfect example of what a vital role a good travel agent can play in this modern trend of dynamic packaging. If those customers finding themselves in difficulty had booked their holiday with a travel agent they could have booked exactly the products (flights and hotel) usually for the same price if not better, and the best part of all is that if that if the travel agent is ATOL bonded then what the customer has purchased becomes a package, provided by that travel agent under their ATOL license. Any problems with airlines entering administration or hotel companies are covered and the travel agent wil work with the CAA and ATOL to sort out everything for the client and they are left to relax and enjoy their holiday.

This is a perfect example of how any good independent travel agent can add so much value to your holiday and its planning and why choosing to book your holiday with Co-op Travel means that you are booking with a travel agent that is not only ABTA bonded and ATOL licensed, but also has a long history and tradition of providing the best service, best prices and highest standards of trustworthiness and integrity. You can trust the Co-op because we are owned by the people who matter, our members (you).

From expert impartial advice, often provided by someone who has been there and knows the region well through to making sure you get the best price, service and peace of mind. Travel agents provide a much under-valued service.

COMPLIMENTARY DINNER DEAL!
2 NIGHT BB DEAL, WITH DINNER INCLUDED ON THE FIRST NIGHT!
3* THISTLE CITY BARBICAN
from £99.00pp
Valid Sun – Fri until the 31st Dec 09
Why not add on a flight on the London Eye from £17pp

LONDON FOR LESS!
2 NIGHT BREAK WITH LUNCH AT
PLANET HOLLYWOOD!
12th SEP – 2 NIGHTS BB
3* DAYS INN WATERLOO HOTEL
from £89.00pp

COMPLIMENTARY DINNER DEAL!
2 NIGHT BB DEAL WITH DINNER INCLUDED ON THE FIRST NIGHT
4* DE VERE VENUES DAVENPORT HOUSE HOTEL
from £84.00pp
Valid Mon – Sun until the 31st Dec 09
Why not add the Thames River Cruise ticket from £11.50pp

2 NIGHT GREAT RATE !
4* CORUS HOTEL HYDE PARK
A 2 NIGHT STAY INCLUDING BREAKFAST
from £99.00pp
Valid Fri – Sun until the 30th April 09
Why not add a Visitor Oyster Card from £12pp

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING BREAK
DO ALL YOUR SHOPPING & SEE A GREAT SHOW!
28th NOV – 2 NIGHTS BB
3* ST GILES HOTEL – OXFORD STREET & 4th PRICE TICKETS TO SEE DIRTY DANCING
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INCLUDES ENTRANCE TO: SEA LIFE LONDON AQUARIUM, LONDON DUNGEONS, MADAME TUSSAUDS & A FLIGHT ON THE LONDON EYE!
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If their is nothing suitable above check out our  UK Break section or contact us via phone on 01922 700 007 speak to a member off our sales team.

Destination: Malaga
Departure Date: 18th December 2009
Duration: 7 Nights
Resort: Fuengirola
Board Basis: Self Catering
Accommodation: Fuengirola Beach
Departure Airport: Bournemouth

From: £115pp

CRM Code: 1655

Destination: Zante
Departure Date: 30th August 2009
Duration: 7 Nights
Resort: Laganas
Board Basis: Self Catering
Accommodation: Derekas
Departure Airport: Gatwick

From: £164pp

CRM Code: 1656

Destination: Tunisia
Departure Date: 27th January 2010
Duration: 7 Nights
Resort: Sousse
Board Basis: Half Board
Accommodation: Royal Jinene
Departure Airport: Manchester

From: £220pp

CRM Code: 1659

If you are interested in the above holidays contact us on 01922 700 007 speak to a member off our sales team, you must Quote the CRM Code.

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