Western Europe honeymoon in Jan/Feb
#41
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Sorry, but if you want to go to Europe in winter, instead of looking for the least cold place, why not look for somewhere that has lots to do whatever the weather. Europeans go to the Canaries like Americans and Canadians go to Florida because it is the closest place to where they live that has mild winter weather. That doesn’t mean I would consider travelling to the Canaries from North America — I wouldn’t.
You’ve already rejected Cape Town, so why look at a remote African desert island such as Cape Verde? I’d rather go to Zanzibar or one of the other islands on the Kenya or Tanzania coast. Have you thought of Israel? It’s not in Europe but I hear Tel Aviv has nice beaches and great night life. Or go to Eilat and swim in the Red Sea.
You’ve already rejected Cape Town, so why look at a remote African desert island such as Cape Verde? I’d rather go to Zanzibar or one of the other islands on the Kenya or Tanzania coast. Have you thought of Israel? It’s not in Europe but I hear Tel Aviv has nice beaches and great night life. Or go to Eilat and swim in the Red Sea.
Last edited by Heimdall; Sep 15th, 2021 at 07:17 AM.
#42
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Sorry, but don’t put Israel into the mix for consideration of beaches. It is mild, but way too cold for a beach vacation in winter. Also, hope it is not true all over, and perhaps in Summer they are cleaned up, but the beaches I saw, while beautiful, were littered with trash.
I think you need to accept that a winter vacation in Europe will be more a cultural and sightseeing experience, choose a different destination or delay your honeymoon for a few months.
I think you need to accept that a winter vacation in Europe will be more a cultural and sightseeing experience, choose a different destination or delay your honeymoon for a few months.
#44
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Hi Keegan - I have been to Europe about 50 times now. Probably 10 of those trips were around my birthday at the start of February, so I have some experience with Europe in the cold!
I haven't been to Europe since Covid hit...but will be going back myself this December. (I like Europe in the winter. And that will put me there to see the Christmas lights, etc.) So with 10 days, trying to consider the Covid situation and also trying to consider honeymoon romance, here's what I would do:
I would choose Rome for the first 5 days. I would consider staying at a romantic Airbnb with a view of the Trevi Fountain, like these:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1098118...sts=1&adults=1
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1949402...sts=1&adults=1
In fact I have one of those reserved myself in December! That way you could get delicious food to go (da portar via) if you don't want to dine in a typically small Roman restaurant, and eat wonderful Italian dinners by candlelight with that spectacular view! So romantic.
And the indoor options for sightseeing in Rome go on and on and on. For starters, you could visit:
- Palazzo Massimo (the Villa Livia frescoes are magnificent!)
- Palazzo Barberini
- Palazzo Colonna
- Galleria Doria Pamphilj
- Villa Farnesina (Raphael frescoes!)
- Galleria Borghese (Ohe word: Bernini. He is the master.)
- Capitoline Museums/Campidoglio
And then there is the evening passegiata. All bundled up, walking from the Spanish Steps to the Pantheon to the Trevi Founfain to Piazza Navona in the evening in the beautifully lit, evocative streets of romantic Roma...si per favore!
Then from there, take the train to Venice for the last 5 nights. I've been there twice in February (but not during Carnevale) and it's a different atmosphere altogether than you find there at other times of the year. I have pictures of Saint Mark's Square relatively empty. And now with Covid and the stories I hear coming out of Venice, it's supposedly even quieter these days. I will be there also this December so will see for myself.
But based on my past experience and if it falls in your budget, I would suggest staying at Palazzo Stern. It is wonderful, a really beautiful palazzo right on the Grand Canal, decorated perfectly to my taste with mosaics and Fortuny lamps everywhere. Most of the year it is WAY beyond my budget, but they have some crazy low winter rates that I take advantage of.
Venice is the most beautiful city I have ever seen, and I can't imagine how romantic it could be for a honeymoon. Start by thinking gondola ride in the mist. And there are of course so many beautiful churches and museums and palaces to visit. Staying inside isn't a problem there either.
Hope this helps!
I haven't been to Europe since Covid hit...but will be going back myself this December. (I like Europe in the winter. And that will put me there to see the Christmas lights, etc.) So with 10 days, trying to consider the Covid situation and also trying to consider honeymoon romance, here's what I would do:
I would choose Rome for the first 5 days. I would consider staying at a romantic Airbnb with a view of the Trevi Fountain, like these:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1098118...sts=1&adults=1
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1949402...sts=1&adults=1
In fact I have one of those reserved myself in December! That way you could get delicious food to go (da portar via) if you don't want to dine in a typically small Roman restaurant, and eat wonderful Italian dinners by candlelight with that spectacular view! So romantic.
And the indoor options for sightseeing in Rome go on and on and on. For starters, you could visit:
- Palazzo Massimo (the Villa Livia frescoes are magnificent!)
- Palazzo Barberini
- Palazzo Colonna
- Galleria Doria Pamphilj
- Villa Farnesina (Raphael frescoes!)
- Galleria Borghese (Ohe word: Bernini. He is the master.)
- Capitoline Museums/Campidoglio
And then there is the evening passegiata. All bundled up, walking from the Spanish Steps to the Pantheon to the Trevi Founfain to Piazza Navona in the evening in the beautifully lit, evocative streets of romantic Roma...si per favore!
Then from there, take the train to Venice for the last 5 nights. I've been there twice in February (but not during Carnevale) and it's a different atmosphere altogether than you find there at other times of the year. I have pictures of Saint Mark's Square relatively empty. And now with Covid and the stories I hear coming out of Venice, it's supposedly even quieter these days. I will be there also this December so will see for myself.
But based on my past experience and if it falls in your budget, I would suggest staying at Palazzo Stern. It is wonderful, a really beautiful palazzo right on the Grand Canal, decorated perfectly to my taste with mosaics and Fortuny lamps everywhere. Most of the year it is WAY beyond my budget, but they have some crazy low winter rates that I take advantage of.
Venice is the most beautiful city I have ever seen, and I can't imagine how romantic it could be for a honeymoon. Start by thinking gondola ride in the mist. And there are of course so many beautiful churches and museums and palaces to visit. Staying inside isn't a problem there either.
Hope this helps!
#45
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Also I know I didn't address your desire to "relax on an island," but does Venice count? I think it might be technically seen as an island, haha! And if not, you could always take a daytrip to Murano or Burano.
I really think like others have said already, trying to make a winter holiday at a summer destination (if that makes sense), is not a good approach for Europe. If you embrace the winter options, I think you could potentially have a really magical honeymoon!
I really think like others have said already, trying to make a winter holiday at a summer destination (if that makes sense), is not a good approach for Europe. If you embrace the winter options, I think you could potentially have a really magical honeymoon!
#46
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Thanks LunaBella for your suggestion. We had considered Italy but dropped the idea thinking the weather in Spain is more favourable - if we are taking the weather risk, we might as well minimize our chances of bad weather. I also read that Rome/Venice is damper than Southern Spain.
What do you think of the above? If you agree, do you have any suggestions for a Spain honeymoon?
What do you think of the above? If you agree, do you have any suggestions for a Spain honeymoon?
#47
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I think Spain would be a wonderful winter honeymoon destination. I have very much enjoyed some of the places in Spain that I have visitied in the past (Madrid, Barcelona, Pamplona, Toledo, San Sebastian), but I am absolutely in LOVE with Andalucia. I've been to that particular region four times now in the last decade, once in late spring and the other times in the middle of winter. The winter weather was mild...I would love to return there every winter! So I second what Gardyloo and HelenFatima said above.
For starters, in Andalucia I have been to Sevilla, Granada, Cordoba, Tarifa, Vejer de la Frontera, Cadiz (and Gibraltar). The first three places a few times, and those are the places I would suggest you put at the top of your list as well: Sevilla, Granada and Cordoba. These three are each wonderful in their own way but Sevilla really is one of my favorite places on earth! So beautiful and charming. The streets are magical. So fun to take a carriage ride over to the Plaza de Espana, the alcazar is amazing as is the cathedral. And while I would never want to see a bullfight, the bull ring is the most beautiful sports arena I have ever seen.
Also one of my VERY favorite things to do in the world is to visit the Arab baths. I have done this in Barcelona, Granada and Sevilla, but the ones in Sevilla --- called Aire de Sevilla --- are my all-time favorite: https://beaire.com/en/aire-ancient-baths-sevilla#
They are located in an ancient Mudejar structure. Dim lights, Moroccan candles everywhere, Arab music playing softly in the background, a limited number of people admitted for each session. Hot baths, cold baths, saunas, jets, massages, aromatherapy, all in an absolutely beautiful structure. Blissful, and helps so much with the circulation. By the time I am done I feel like I have to practically pour myself back out onto the streets of the city. The perfect start to a romantic evening.
And then of course for the other two cities, there is so much written about the Alhambra of Granada and the Mezquita of Cordoba...but they are all that and more! I could easily spend 10 days in these three romantic cities and be very happy, they are all so full of history, charm, and beautiful architecture. And I have found the prices to be very good in Andalucia as well.
For starters, in Andalucia I have been to Sevilla, Granada, Cordoba, Tarifa, Vejer de la Frontera, Cadiz (and Gibraltar). The first three places a few times, and those are the places I would suggest you put at the top of your list as well: Sevilla, Granada and Cordoba. These three are each wonderful in their own way but Sevilla really is one of my favorite places on earth! So beautiful and charming. The streets are magical. So fun to take a carriage ride over to the Plaza de Espana, the alcazar is amazing as is the cathedral. And while I would never want to see a bullfight, the bull ring is the most beautiful sports arena I have ever seen.
Also one of my VERY favorite things to do in the world is to visit the Arab baths. I have done this in Barcelona, Granada and Sevilla, but the ones in Sevilla --- called Aire de Sevilla --- are my all-time favorite: https://beaire.com/en/aire-ancient-baths-sevilla#
They are located in an ancient Mudejar structure. Dim lights, Moroccan candles everywhere, Arab music playing softly in the background, a limited number of people admitted for each session. Hot baths, cold baths, saunas, jets, massages, aromatherapy, all in an absolutely beautiful structure. Blissful, and helps so much with the circulation. By the time I am done I feel like I have to practically pour myself back out onto the streets of the city. The perfect start to a romantic evening.
And then of course for the other two cities, there is so much written about the Alhambra of Granada and the Mezquita of Cordoba...but they are all that and more! I could easily spend 10 days in these three romantic cities and be very happy, they are all so full of history, charm, and beautiful architecture. And I have found the prices to be very good in Andalucia as well.
#48
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What’s your budget per per night ?
just book here.
https://el-fenn.com
The weather in February is perfect, summer is silly hot.
if you can’t justify the cost I’ll pay half the bill. The hotel is owned by Vanessa Branson , Richard’s sister. The whole place is the most ridiculous understated, cool and stylish hotel in the world. you will recognise some of the guests there but it’s very small and private.
Marrakesh is a little crazy but the hotel is tranquil and there are
excellent short trips out to the stunning Atlas Mountains or to the coastal towns.
you’ll laze around on the huge roof top terraces over looking the snow covered mountains not wanting to move.
just book here.
https://el-fenn.com
The weather in February is perfect, summer is silly hot.
if you can’t justify the cost I’ll pay half the bill. The hotel is owned by Vanessa Branson , Richard’s sister. The whole place is the most ridiculous understated, cool and stylish hotel in the world. you will recognise some of the guests there but it’s very small and private.
Marrakesh is a little crazy but the hotel is tranquil and there are
excellent short trips out to the stunning Atlas Mountains or to the coastal towns.
you’ll laze around on the huge roof top terraces over looking the snow covered mountains not wanting to move.
Last edited by BritishCaicos; Sep 17th, 2021 at 12:06 PM.
#49
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I think Spain would be a wonderful winter honeymoon destination. I have very much enjoyed some of the places in Spain that I have visitied in the past (Madrid, Barcelona, Pamplona, Toledo, San Sebastian), but I am absolutely in LOVE with Andalucia. I've been to that particular region four times now in the last decade, once in late spring and the other times in the middle of winter. The winter weather was mild...I would love to return there every winter! So I second what Gardyloo and HelenFatima said above.
For starters, in Andalucia I have been to Sevilla, Granada, Cordoba, Tarifa, Vejer de la Frontera, Cadiz (and Gibraltar). The first three places a few times, and those are the places I would suggest you put at the top of your list as well: Sevilla, Granada and Cordoba. These three are each wonderful in their own way but Sevilla really is one of my favorite places on earth! So beautiful and charming. The streets are magical. So fun to take a carriage ride over to the Plaza de Espana, the alcazar is amazing as is the cathedral. And while I would never want to see a bullfight, the bull ring is the most beautiful sports arena I have ever seen.
Also one of my VERY favorite things to do in the world is to visit the Arab baths. I have done this in Barcelona, Granada and Sevilla, but the ones in Sevilla --- called Aire de Sevilla --- are my all-time favorite: https://beaire.com/en/aire-ancient-baths-sevilla#
They are located in an ancient Mudejar structure. Dim lights, Moroccan candles everywhere, Arab music playing softly in the background, a limited number of people admitted for each session. Hot baths, cold baths, saunas, jets, massages, aromatherapy, all in an absolutely beautiful structure. Blissful, and helps so much with the circulation. By the time I am done I feel like I have to practically pour myself back out onto the streets of the city. The perfect start to a romantic evening.
And then of course for the other two cities, there is so much written about the Alhambra of Granada and the Mezquita of Cordoba...but they are all that and more! I could easily spend 10 days in these three romantic cities and be very happy, they are all so full of history, charm, and beautiful architecture. And I have found the prices to be very good in Andalucia as well.
For starters, in Andalucia I have been to Sevilla, Granada, Cordoba, Tarifa, Vejer de la Frontera, Cadiz (and Gibraltar). The first three places a few times, and those are the places I would suggest you put at the top of your list as well: Sevilla, Granada and Cordoba. These three are each wonderful in their own way but Sevilla really is one of my favorite places on earth! So beautiful and charming. The streets are magical. So fun to take a carriage ride over to the Plaza de Espana, the alcazar is amazing as is the cathedral. And while I would never want to see a bullfight, the bull ring is the most beautiful sports arena I have ever seen.
Also one of my VERY favorite things to do in the world is to visit the Arab baths. I have done this in Barcelona, Granada and Sevilla, but the ones in Sevilla --- called Aire de Sevilla --- are my all-time favorite: https://beaire.com/en/aire-ancient-baths-sevilla#
They are located in an ancient Mudejar structure. Dim lights, Moroccan candles everywhere, Arab music playing softly in the background, a limited number of people admitted for each session. Hot baths, cold baths, saunas, jets, massages, aromatherapy, all in an absolutely beautiful structure. Blissful, and helps so much with the circulation. By the time I am done I feel like I have to practically pour myself back out onto the streets of the city. The perfect start to a romantic evening.
And then of course for the other two cities, there is so much written about the Alhambra of Granada and the Mezquita of Cordoba...but they are all that and more! I could easily spend 10 days in these three romantic cities and be very happy, they are all so full of history, charm, and beautiful architecture. And I have found the prices to be very good in Andalucia as well.
#50
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Sorry, but if you want to go to Europe in winter, instead of looking for the least cold place, why not look for somewhere that has lots to do whatever the weather. Europeans go to the Canaries like Americans and Canadians go to Florida because it is the closest place to where they live that has mild winter weather. That doesn’t mean I would consider travelling to the Canaries from North America — I wouldn’t.
You’ve already rejected Cape Town, so why look at a remote African desert island such as Cape Verde? I’d rather go to Zanzibar or one of the other islands on the Kenya or Tanzania coast. Have you thought of Israel? It’s not in Europe but I hear Tel Aviv has nice beaches and great night life. Or go to Eilat and swim in the Red Sea.
You’ve already rejected Cape Town, so why look at a remote African desert island such as Cape Verde? I’d rather go to Zanzibar or one of the other islands on the Kenya or Tanzania coast. Have you thought of Israel? It’s not in Europe but I hear Tel Aviv has nice beaches and great night life. Or go to Eilat and swim in the Red Sea.
Sorry, but don’t put Israel into the mix for consideration of beaches. It is mild, but way too cold for a beach vacation in winter. Also, hope it is not true all over, and perhaps in Summer they are cleaned up, but the beaches I saw, while beautiful, were littered with trash.
I think you need to accept that a winter vacation in Europe will be more a cultural and sightseeing experience, choose a different destination or delay your honeymoon for a few months.
I think you need to accept that a winter vacation in Europe will be more a cultural and sightseeing experience, choose a different destination or delay your honeymoon for a few months.
#51
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What’s your budget per per night ?
just book here.
https://el-fenn.com
The weather in February is perfect, summer is silly hot.
if you can’t justify the cost I’ll pay half the bill. The hotel is owned by Vanessa Branson , Richard’s sister. The whole place is the most ridiculous understated, cool and stylish hotel in the world. you will recognise some of the guests there but it’s very small and private.
Marrakesh is a little crazy but the hotel is tranquil and there are
excellent short trips out to the stunning Atlas Mountains or to the coastal towns.
you’ll laze around on the huge roof top terraces over looking the snow covered mountains not wanting to move.
just book here.
https://el-fenn.com
The weather in February is perfect, summer is silly hot.
if you can’t justify the cost I’ll pay half the bill. The hotel is owned by Vanessa Branson , Richard’s sister. The whole place is the most ridiculous understated, cool and stylish hotel in the world. you will recognise some of the guests there but it’s very small and private.
Marrakesh is a little crazy but the hotel is tranquil and there are
excellent short trips out to the stunning Atlas Mountains or to the coastal towns.
you’ll laze around on the huge roof top terraces over looking the snow covered mountains not wanting to move.
#52
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The only advice I would EVER give anyone and it really is based on much experience, is ….for a special occasion and this is special …forget the budget. In the years to come you will remember the memories not the horrific credit card bill you returned home to - our top three missed opportunities because we “ couldn’t justify the cost” in our twenties (25 years ago) were -
1. Not taking a balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings
2. Not taking a helicopter ride round the Twin Towers
3. Not paying for a day trip to the then undiscovered Koh Phi Phi Leh
Biggest mistakes we ever made, we now have the money but not the memories ..,,what’s the point?
1. Not taking a balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings
2. Not taking a helicopter ride round the Twin Towers
3. Not paying for a day trip to the then undiscovered Koh Phi Phi Leh
Biggest mistakes we ever made, we now have the money but not the memories ..,,what’s the point?
#53
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Have you considered postponing the honeymoon a bit? I realize not everyone can do that, but it worked well for us. We had time to decompress from the festivities, unpack, send all the thank yous, etc. We also waited until there would be better weather in our destination. If you are more interested in a trip with an outdoor component, then that is a much safer course. If you must go in Jan/Feb, I would either go all in on a winter focused destination (skiing?) OR choose somewhere with plenty of indoor attractions. I think Andalucia would be a great choice because you might luck out and get sunny days, plus there are so many cultural attractions to enjoy indoors. I do not think it would be a great use of money to go to an island, except maybe Sicily--which would have the same pros as Analucia (but perhaps a longer flight and you should maximize your time).
#56
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The only advice I would EVER give anyone and it really is based on much experience, is ….for a special occasion and this is special …forget the budget. In the years to come you will remember the memories not the horrific credit card bill you returned home to - our top three missed opportunities because we “ couldn’t justify the cost” in our twenties (25 years ago) were -
1. Not taking a balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings
2. Not taking a helicopter ride round the Twin Towers
3. Not paying for a day trip to the then undiscovered Koh Phi Phi Leh
Biggest mistakes we ever made, we now have the money but not the memories ..,,what’s the point?
1. Not taking a balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings
2. Not taking a helicopter ride round the Twin Towers
3. Not paying for a day trip to the then undiscovered Koh Phi Phi Leh
Biggest mistakes we ever made, we now have the money but not the memories ..,,what’s the point?
#57
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Have you considered postponing the honeymoon a bit? I realize not everyone can do that, but it worked well for us. We had time to decompress from the festivities, unpack, send all the thank yous, etc. We also waited until there would be better weather in our destination. If you are more interested in a trip with an outdoor component, then that is a much safer course. If you must go in Jan/Feb, I would either go all in on a winter focused destination (skiing?) OR choose somewhere with plenty of indoor attractions. I think Andalucia would be a great choice because you might luck out and get sunny days, plus there are so many cultural attractions to enjoy indoors. I do not think it would be a great use of money to go to an island, except maybe Sicily--which would have the same pros as Analucia (but perhaps a longer flight and you should maximize your time).
Unfortunately, we cannot delay our honeymoon so this is the only time we can go :/
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You have to look at the globe ... the closer to the equator, the warmer the temps in winter. I think that spells Canary. Keegan, we have seen new contributors like this before. Often they are from Southeast Asia, because Dec & Jan are such popular wedding months there... so people want a warm honeymoon when it is midwinter in the northern hemisphere. They keep asking and asking, even tho Europeans explain that it will be WINTER ... they keep thinking if they ask enough, they will get the answer they want. If you want beach weather... go to the Canaries, or go to South Africa or South America, or Australia, or maybe Thailand. do not keep fantaszing about Spain turning warmer. We wnt you to have a lovely honeymoon, so plan according to climate realities. Our very best wishes to you!