European Escapes for Celebrating Special Occasions

Some milestones deserve more than an extravagant dinner or a thoughtful gift. Show your appreciation or affection with an escape to one of Europe’s most extraordinary destinations for celebrating special occasions. From remote spots with enchanting scenery to electric capitals with centuries of heritage, there are options to entertain and delight every type of traveller. When you’re planning your visit, don’t just follow a pre-set itinerary – make it personal to make it extra-memorable.

• Santorini, Greece

Everyone is entranced by their first Greek island, and Santorini is frequently celebrated as the most beautiful of them all. It’s world-famous for its dramatic clifftop towns with white-washed buildings tumbling down the mountainside and the stunning caldera – a flooded volcanic crater providing stunning sunset views. The black, red and golden sandy beaches that line the base of the cliffs are pretty striking too, and you can spend a day sailing between quiet coves. 

If you’re willing to tolerate some crowds, Santorini holidays in Oia or Imerovigli ensure easy access to famous sunset views without you spending your trip travelling between attractions. Crown your itinerary with an afternoon exploring local wineries before settling into a cliffside restaurant as the sun drops into the Aegean Sea. Wherever you stay, you’re guaranteed a romantic, welcoming atmosphere.

• Paris, France

Paris, famously known as the City of Love, continues to attract couples marking milestones. Its innate elegance and relaxed atmosphere make it the perfect place to fall in love all over again, and that’s before you consider the wealth of exquisite dining venues and romantic hotels offering luxury, privacy and views.

The French capital is a treasure trove of heritage architecture and art galleries. Tour Notre-Dame, Cathedral of Paris, and the spectacular Palais Garnier, a 19th-century baroque opera house with a Chagall ceiling and grand marble stairs. Climb to the viewing platform on the Eiffel Tower, a popular proposal spot. Explore the Louvre or lose yourself in Monet’s water lilies at the Musée de l’Orangerie. Don’t forget to sail the Seine one evening for a unique view of the city’s main attractions.

• Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany works particularly well for family celebrations and group gatherings, like wedding parties and significant birthdays. In the countryside, accommodation is primarily beautiful farmhouses and villas, while the historic towns and cities have an art- and food-focused culture that promotes shared time together. 

Many visitors base themselves in a rural spot and use it as a hub for day trips to places such as Siena, Lucca or San Gimignano. This arrangement helps larger groups coordinate their itineraries as much or as little as they like, while ensuring evenings are spent together. During the day, explore local markets and vineyards before gathering for a long dinner.

• Reykjavík, Iceland

If you’re looking to celebrate the occasion with something truly unique, look no further than Iceland’s enigmatic capital. Reykjavík is a functional city with all the facilities you could wish for and acts as a gateway to extraordinary natural landscapes shaped by ice and fire, wonders found nowhere else in the world.

Plan your visit between autumn and spring for the chance to see the Northern Lights, undoubtedly an event that will live long in the memory. The summer gives you over 20 hours of daylight each day at its peak in June, and the chance to experience the midnight sun. In any season, you can combine city sightseeing with relaxation in geothermal lagoons and excursions to magnificent waterfalls and unreal volcanic landscapes. These outdoor experiences are simply unparalleled, whether you’re outdoorsy or not.

• London, England

London suits almost any type of celebration because it offers remarkable variety within a single destination. It’s best known for its centuries-old heritage attractions including awe-inspiring royal residences, designer shopping opportunities and the world-class modern entertainment of the West End. You’ve even got no shortage of green spaces to explore if you want to balance sightseeing with time away from the hustle and bustle. 

Choose a neighbourhood that reflects your interests. Covent Garden places you close to West End shows, while South Bank offers riverside walks and cultural attractions such as The Globe, the primary playhouse of William Shakespeare and his company. This allows you to build an itinerary around shared interests without the need for too much travel. Having said that, the Underground and Overground rail services make it easy to explore across the city.