10 romantic cities in Europe you can travel to with Back-Roads Touring

From the classical ambience of Paris to the timeless nature of Athens and the spectacular flourish of Marrakech, romance can be found in cities across the globe.  

Here, we’ve collated ten romantic cities which feature across our tour range. If you and your partner are looking for inspiration for your next getaway, look no further... 

Ah, fair Verona. With its literary link to Shakespeare’s extraordinary works of unrequited love, it’s no wonder this city nestled in the north of Italy boasts romantic intrigue. Through its narrow streets and bustling squares, you will discover a maze of vibrant restaurants where you can share a decadent wine alongside Juliet’s renowned balcony and courtyard littered with love notes from star-crossed lovers around the world. 

Explore Verona on our Italian Indulgence and Alpine Escape tours. 

Surrounded by water, this breathtaking city is connected by bridges and slow-moving gondolas. Sweeping its skylines are beautiful buildings which transport you to another realm. What could be romantic than that?  

Discover Venice on our Vistas of Italy and Switzerland and Italian Indulgence tours. 

The City of Love. Romance glitters in the air as plentiful as the Eiffel Tower’s sparkles at night. With splendid cuisine that tantalises the senses, a leisurely outlook on life and couples wandering hand in hand, this city encompasses both the simplicity and grandiosity of love. 

Adore Paris on our La Belle France and Paris to Nice through Vineyards & Mountains tours. 

The metropolitan city of Rome hosts centuries of love-fused history. Most notably, the tale of St. Valentine originates here. In the 3rd century, Emperor Claudius II enacted a law whereby young men could not marry in order to fulfil their military duty. A local doctor by the name of Valentinus disagreed with this law and married young couples in secret, resulting in his imprisonment and death. Two centuries later, Pope Gelasius commemorated his martyrdom, making him a saint. Now, he and the promise of eternal love are celebrated throughout the world.  

Wander Rome on our Italian Indulgence tour. 

With its majestic buildings and elegant atmosphere, Bath is a timeless city where couples can enjoy a leisurely stroll beside the river, taste quintessential English afternoon tea and, of course, relish a blissful spa experience. 

Traverse to Bath on our Heart of England tour. 

Filled with spectacular architecture, exquisite hues and an imperial presence, Marrakech is a city of wonder. With wonder comes romance. From El Badi Palace – ‘El Badi’ meaning ‘the incomparable’ in Arabic – to private spas and rooftop restaurants which possess breathtaking views of mosques and bazaars, you and your partner will undoubtedly find an intimate place to savour each other’s company. 

Marvel at Marrakech on our Majestic Morocco tour. 

One of the oldest cities in the world, Athens, has been immortalised with legends of love and undeniable prosperity through the power of literature, knowledge and tradition. That itself sets the stage for a place of romantic enchantment. Furthermore, the feeling of standing upon the mighty Acropolis overlooking the city below is magnificent and magnified when shared with a loved one. 

Indulge in Athens on our Greece: Legends and Landscapes tour.  

There are many reasons why Slovenia’s capital city boasts a romantic atmosphere; we shall share two, and let you discover the rest. Firstly, the name itself is strikingly familiar to ‘ljubljena’ which means ‘the beloved’ in Slovenian. And secondly, in the centre of this city, you will find a statue of France Prešeren, one of Europe’s greatest romantic poets from the 19th century. His most-celebrated work? Sonnets, the original artform of expressing emotion about unrequited love.  

Unearth more about Ljubljana on our Adriatic Discovery tour. 

Perhaps a more modern take on romance, Lisbon combines passion, tranquillity and curiosity along its winding streets and grand plazas. Here, you can taste opulent wines and foods whilst being serenaded by local fado performers. Or you may find yourself taking in immeasurable views of the city from the foot of São Jorge Castle. Seeing beauty of this calibre beside your loved one is an unforgettable feeling. 

Learn more about Lisbon on our Discover Portugal tour. 

Brimming with gothic architecture and tranquil waters, Czech Republic’s capital city is filled with magical charm. Here, you and your love can wander through winding alleyways, eat at a number of beautiful restaurants and take a sweet visit to Love Lock Bridge which beholds a tragic story of two people who met their end because their families didn’t approve of their love.  

Visit Prague on our Explore Eastern Europe and Christmas Markets: Czech Republic and Germany tours.