Now that the new year has begun, you’re back at work and business as usual has commenced, maybe it’s time to start thinking about Valentine’s Day? If you're planning on travelling across Europe, we’ve got some ideas on where you can spend the day. <br> <br>
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Bruges, Belgium
<br> <br> Bruges is a World Heritage City, with large parts of its medieval heritage remaining practically intact. The 15th century has been dubbed Bruges’ ‘golden century’, with architecture and art being two extremely important parts of the culture. Enjoy walking around this medieval city and make yourself and your partner truly feel like royalty. <br> <br> With canals throughout the city, you’d be mad to not go for a long and romantic walk. Visit Bruges has even outlines a 2.5km walk filled with romantic hotspots which starts in Minnewaterpark, affectionately known as the Lake of Love Park. <br> <br> Stay in the heart of Bruges at the Duke’s Arches Brugge which is an adult-only hotel only a few minutes away from the market and restaurants, and comes in at £205.38 a night over the Valentine’s day weekend. There is also a wellness centre in the hotel’s 16th century collars that you can book into, as well as a fitness area and breakfast each morning. <br> <br> The number one rated restaurant in Bruges - according to TripAdvisor - is Bij Koen & Marijke – In't Nieuw Museum, which has a steakhouse style menu with an extensive alcohol menu that includes local beers. A sirloin steak costs €35 and beer comes in at €6, and we think this restaurant is THE place to eat while you’re there. We’d recommend booking in advance to secure your table, especially if you’re going on Valentine’s Day itself. <br> <br>
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Santorini, Greece
<br> <br> The Greek islands are a gorgeous backdrop for a romantic getaway, and Santorini is one of the most famous of them all. The island itself is one of the few with an active volcano, which is how the island came to be hundreds of thousands of years ago. <br> <br> Nicknamed ‘the wine island’, Santorini produces around 40 different varieties of grapes and you’d be missing out if you didn’t try them! You can book a private wine tour where you can sample and learn about the Santorinian wines as well as learn how to pair wine. Your guide will also take you to the caldera for some photos, as well as set you up to be in the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the island. Prices start at £151.91 per person. <br> <br> For a romantic dinner, head to Aktaion Restaurant, a quaint little restaurant that has been running for 100 years and seen three generations running it. Overlooking the caldera of Santorini, Aktaion serves traditional and time-honoured recipes such as fava with calamari and capers, Santorinian ‘Kopania’, and Melitini. You definitely need to book a table as this little restaurant is the perfect setting for an evening of romance. <br> <br> Greece offers a range of accommodation types, from family friendly to extravagant and luxurious, so we couldn’t pick just one! To not blow your whole budget on the hotel, check our the Blue Dolphins Apartments, from £96.46 a night your stay here will offer you free Wi-Fi, a continential breakfast delivered to your room, and complimentary tea and coffee throughout the day. It’s right on the coast too, meaning you can wake up in paradise and look out over the Aegean Sea. <br> <br> If you’re willing to go extravagant on your romantic break, have a look at Santorini Sky, a luxury resort offering free Wi-Fi, a terrace, and access to a hot tub with a view. Some guests are saying that the stay here has better views that some of the viewpoints around the island, but this comes at a cost of £1,659 for a three-night stay and the rooms are selling out like hot cakes. <br> <br>
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Èze, France
<br> <br> When you think of France you probably go straight to Paris which is known for being the city of love, but there is so much more to France! The small medieval village of Èze on the French Riviera nestled between Nice and Monaco. As you can imagine, the location offers gorgeous views of green trees and blue waters, as well as temperatures around 11°c and only 4 days of rain on average in February. <br> <br> Èze is not the kind of place you want to visit if you don’t like walking though, as the main attractions around the area are mainly hiking trails. Depending on your how far you want to walk or for how long, All Trails has outlined six different trails for you to follow which will allow you to see all the natural beauty of the area. <br> <br> After a day of hiking and sightseeing, you’d want to just jump into bed and chill out, and luckily there is an abundance of hotels available for that. Les Terrasses d’Eze is a hotel and spa that offers panoramic views of the sea, a seasonal infinity swimming pool, and starts at £214.86 per night. You can also book into the spa to enjoy massages, wraps, and a floating room which sounds like heaven after a day on your feet! <br> <br> Once you’re thoroughly relaxed, head to Le Pinocchio to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine with choices such as pasta, pizza, burgers, BBQs and fresh fish, you’d be hard-pressed to find something you don’t like the sound of. With main meal prices starting from around €18, Le Pinocchio falls more on the affordable side. It is worth booking a table in advance to make sure you’re not disappointed! <br> <br>
However you plan on spending your Valentine’s Day, make sure you make the most out of your money with a Caxton currency card. Apply for yours today or login to your account to top-up.