Laurie

Where's the most romantic place you've ever visited!? I've been to Greece, Spain, Portugal, the U.K., Italy, S. Africa and Zimbabwe . . . and I'm looking for the perfect place to celebrate my 35th birthday! <BR>I'd love some suggestions!

howard

In a word, Venice!....I assume you're going with someone! I would imagine it could be very depressing if you are alone!

Patrick

Agrigento on Sicily. Sitting under the stars at the Villa Athena having dinner by candlelight in the Valley of the Temples, all the temples beautifully lit with their sort of amber lights. The smell of the almond blossoms was in the air. I can still close my eyes and relive it!!

elaine

Venice or Paris, either alone or with someone. I've done each under both conditions. <BR>

BOB THE NAVIGATOR

Laurie, I will offer two places that <BR>captured my imagination. Try Santorini, <BR>especially Oia, and the real sleeper is <BR>Lake Orta NW of Milan-both are magical.

steve

Paris.

Hope

I HAVE TO SAY PARIS!!!!!!!!!!!!! <BR>I am a diehard romantic and Paris is the place. You could also go to Venice from there for the weekend, it rates second in my book. Just don't go during the boat races it will be to crowded. <BR>Hope

Kay

I could spend weeks by myself in London but two hours alone in Paris are horrid....but with my husband, yes, that works, so I guess Paris is romantic. <BR>Bob, would you please tell us more about Lake Orta near Milan. That's a new one to me. Thanks.

BOB THE NAVIGATOR

Kay, Lago Orta is very special--perhaps <BR>my favorite romantic spot in Europe. <BR>It is about 15 miles west of Stresa and <BR>makes a great base to explore the <BR>western Lakes. You can see it at this <BR>site www.orta.net I have been there 3 <BR>times and love it more each time. It has <BR>several good hotels---the San Rocco is <BR>the only 4 star but the Hotel Orta is <BR>a jewel--a bit tattered but oozes charm. <BR>The Oglina family are great hosts. Trust <BR>me on this--see Lago Orta.

dana

Definitely Paris. The soft-lit romantic restaurants where dining never seems to end! Seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up behind the buildings on an evening stroll. People watching by the Seine. It's by far my favorite city...but I haven't been to Venice yet.

patti

scotland-

r

as far as a city: paris <BR> <BR>as far as an island: santorini

Kay

To Bob the Nav: Lake Orta has a compelling web site. The area looks delicious. How would you compare it to the more famous lakes east of there--in beauty, expense, heavenliness, etc? Our next trip is to northern Italy so Lake O might make the list!

BOB THE NAVIGATOR

Kay, It has a more mystical quality to it--hard to describe. Much smaller and more intimate. Also, it is so close to <BR>Lago Maggiore that you can and should do <BR>Stresa et al from here. I love Como, but <BR>I like this area better. Read about the <BR>Sacro Monte shrine to St. Francis on the hill above town. And, you are :45 <BR>from Malpensa--hard to beat.

Jen

Without a doubt - PARIS. If you'd like some details if you decide to go, please feel free to e-mail me separately. <BR> <BR>Also, if you are looking for tropical rather than city, the Big Island of Hawaii and in particular, the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and its CanoeHouse restaurant...the most romantic dinner we've ever had was there.

John

Hi, Laurie <BR>Okay, so Paris is hard to beat (we prefer winter) but good old NYC can be pretty compelling, too. I guess romance is something which can happen in all sorts of places (I remember a mosquito-y night in a tent in Alaska, but that's another story...) <BR> <BR>REALLY want to second Jen on the Mauna Lani and Canoe House. And while Acapulco has its negatives, the Las Brisas hotel (one pool per casita, fresh flowers floating, invisible staff) is just fine, thank you. <BR> <BR>Then there's the Cote d'Azur, especially the smaller towns. Oh yeah. <BR> <BR>

Christine

My all time favorite romantic place is the Daintree Rainforest of Queensland, Australia. We stayed at a lodge miles from anywhere and ate under the stars with all sorts of wonderful tropical animals scurrying around the peripheral area. The beaches were amazing! <BR> <BR>But if it's European city then I would have to vote for Paris! <BR> <BR>And for a more rural setting-anywhere on top of a mountain, after hiking all morning with a picnic. <BR> <BR>

Erin

For a memorable 35th birthday that is absolutely unforgettable, I'd have to say Iceland. <BR> <BR>I met my husband here, in fact, while visiting. You'll have plenty of chances to cuddle since it is cold so often, and the landscapes are breathtaking-so fresh! <BR> <BR>There's nothing better than viewing the glacier together at sunset. It's so beautiful! <BR> <BR>If you will be visiting in high summer, you can enjoy almost 24 hours of daylight--the midnite sun, as they call it. <BR> <BR>There are also many gothic scenes here, that I think would be romantic settings. Viewing waterfalls near craggy rocks on a cloudy day, feeling the sharp wind whip in your face. Snuggling close to your companion...well, just an idea! <BR>