Love is in the air. And if you want to really treat a loved one, we’ve made it that little bit easier with our pick of the top 10 European romantic destinations you can visit with Celebrity Cruises. From Scandi cool, to the sparkling sea lapping the Cote d’Azur, to the icy waterfalls of Reykjavik, you’ll find the perfect romantic cruise holiday onboard our award winning ship Eclipse.
Create blissful memories against a backdrop of breathtaking landscape and iconic settings. Explore historic cities, hidden gems and fall in love with an array of local cuisine, wine and culture. Unwind in your luxurious stateroom and retreat to the spa, ahead of cosy evenings on real lawn grass under the stars.
Explore the market in the centre of Bruges
Our Scandinavia & Russia cruise will expose you to the delights of Bruges, Stockholm, Tallinn, St Petersburg, Copenhagen and Helsinki; six of our top 10 destinations where you can truly indulge your loved one.
The quaint, pretty Belgian city of Bruges is well worth visiting. Famous for its luxurious chocolate, fresh seafood, sweet and savoury waffles and lacemaking, you’ll fall in love all over again. Take a horse and carriage through cobbled streets in this idyllic, romantic setting and watch the world go by with a glass of wine or Belgian beer in the square. There’s no shortage of beer in Belgium – over 450 varieties in fact!
Ever so slightly cooler, Scandinavia is known for its clean, fresh air and healthy lifestyles of its citizens. Modern, innovative, chic but boasting a rich history, there’s plenty of natural space, relics and unique sights to enjoy together.
Glide around Copenhagen, Scandinavia’s largest city, on a bicycle to appreciate this modern capital surrounded by water and parks. There’s plenty of romantic charm here, including Denmark’s world-famous mascot The Little Mermaid statue, the regal sights of Amalienborg Palace, the extraordinary Tivoli Gardens and tropical Palm House of the Botanical Gardens. Explore Copenhagen at your leisure, stopping for lunch along the way and taking a canal boat trip on one of its many waterways.
Where better for a romantic afternoon than a gallery in Florence?
Sweden’s capital Stockholm spans 14 islands of the great Stockholm archipelago on the Baltic Sea, but with more than 50 scenic bridges (and passenger ferries below) you’ll be able to hop between the various districts, each radiating its own character and abundance of cafes, restaurants and bars. The home of the Nobel Prize is a cosmopolitan city of parks, museums and palaces. Prepare to be awed by the vast 608-room Royal Palace. Ensure you make time for gift shopping as there are plenty of boutiques and stores here, including vintage and designer.
Occupying a peninsula and several islands, Finland’s modern capital Helsinki comprises stunning structures surround the most spectacular bays you can find. Stroll broad, tree-lined streets, or take in the amazing neo-classically designed architecture in Senate Square. As you port between tiny islands, be sure to take advantage of this unique photo opportunity.
Norway is vast (so vast, it has its own cruise itinerary) and its natural beauty will take your breath away. This mysterious land of soaring peaks, waterfalls and glaciers is best viewed up close – from the luxury and comfort of Celebrity Eclipse. We have designed our Norwegian Fjord cruise to take you to some of the most beautiful destinations in Norway – an unforgettable journey to share together, and memories to bring home.
Sailing on eastwards, the scenic, picturesque St. Petersburg is miles away from any preconceptions about Russia. It’s packed full of visually stunning cathedrals, museums, galleries and theatres, and also home to the white nights – a few glorious weeks in summer when the sun doesn’t set. It’s no surprise that this city has earned itself comparisons to Venice – there are 342 bridges crossing elegant, winding canals. If you get the chance, treat yourselves to a visit to the world-class ballet – elegant and moving.
With strong historical Russian ties but independent from Soviet Union for many years now, the compact medieval jewel of Tallinn, Estonia, is perfect to explore on foot. It’s worth it – Tallinn is one of Northern Europe’s best-kept secrets and prettiest cities. Enter the ancient city walls into a maze of intimate cobblestone streets and courtyards exuding true fairytale charm. If you’re after shops and tiny galleries, make for St. Catherine’s Passage.
A stunning sunset over Geirangerfjord, in Norway
Heading further north, Iceland’s epic landscape defies description. The greenest of valleys. The blackest of beaches. The bluest of hot geothermal springs. Icy waterfalls and still-warm lava fields. Reykjavik, the world’s most northerly capital, is a unique destination you’ll never forget. On this cruise you’ll also visit Ireland (the Emerald Isle) and enjoy the privilege of spotting whales in their natural habitat.
Taking a virtual U-turn and heading much further south, the Med is certainly not lacking in romantic spots – after all, it has inspired so many artists, architects, artisans, poets and exquisite gastronomy for centuries.
In the middle of the stunning Cote d’Azur, Nice – attracting the rich and famous – is a premier resort offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean with yachts and luxurious villas doted along the coastline. Savour some lavender and vanilla ice cream and join the locals strolling the legendary palm tree-lined waterfront Promenade des Anglais. You could even make your visit even more memorable with a thrilling Ferrari Adventure across the French Riviera.
Over in Italy, you’ll fall in love with the Florentine lifestyle. Take a stroll along Santa Croce Square, enjoy a cappuccino at one of the cafés in the Piazza della Signoria, shop at some of the city’s elegant boutiques or share some authentic gelato together. For Renaissance treasures, architectural icons and charm, nothing compares to Florence: the Uffizi Gallery is home to Michelangelo’s David, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Leonardo’s Annunciation.
So that’s our European top 10. Yearning for some precious time with your loved one, exploring these romantic destinations and unwinding in modern luxury onboard Celebrity Eclipse? Contact us on 01730 711010 to find out more about these featured cruises.
