ROMANTIC IN EUROPE
Ways | Climb Lofty Mountains
Stretching across parts of Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Leichtenstein, Monaco, Slovenia and Switzerland, the Alps are one of the most famous mountain ranges in the world. From luxe ski lodges to breathtaking hikes, hair-bending drives and thrilling adventure sports, there are various ways to enjoy these snow-laden mountains. For couples seeking an adrenaline rush, they offer some serious thrills as well. The Aiguille du Midi in the French Alps is the highest vertical ascent cable car in the world, from 1,035 m to 3,842 m offering a 360° view of all the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. The 5 Fingers at Krippenstein in the Austrian Alps has five platforms that jut out from it. While one has a metal picture frame that visitors can stand in for photos, another has a hole in the bottom to better see what’s below.
ITINERARIES
Greece Santorini, Folegandros, and Sifnos ► Stay at the Andronis
(andronisexclusive.com; 30-2286/ 072-041) in the town of Oia in Santorini. Traditional Aegean whitewashed architecture in suites. ► A private cave pool overlooking the island’s crater bay. ► Indulge in freshly-caught seafood for lunch. ► Climb to the pinnacle of the town with a ruined castle and watch the sun set. ► See the old town’s cobbled streets and blue domed churches. ► Take a short drive to the 5,000 year old Minoan site of Akrotiri—walk into the painted houses of the ancient site. ► Explore the many little beaches
and take the hotel’s helicopter to a cove of your choice. ► The black cliffs and white beaches on the eastern end of Folegandros. ► Stay at the boutique Anemi hotel (anemihotels.com; 30-2286/041610). ► Stroll up into the harbour village of Karavastasi and sit with locals in one of the few taverns. ► Sail to the smaller island of Sifnos to stay at Elies Resort (eliesresorts. com). ► Experience traditional Greek Island life and discover Sifnos’ gastronomic excellence with cooking lessons. Black Tomato; from £3,620 pp from the UK; blacktomato.com
IDEAS | TAKE A PRIVATE WALTZ TUITION IN VIENNA
Learning ballroom dance with your partner is not only enjoyable in the moment but equips you to enjoy intimate moments on the dance floor for years to come. Just for that go for the Personal Ballroom Coaching at The Private Dance Academy by waltz in Vienna. Their academies are located in the most stunning palace venues in the city-center and feature boutique sized dance rooms. The tuition will be tailored according to your needs and level of knowledge. waltzvienna.com
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F R O M T O P : E C H O / G E T T Y I M A G E S ; S H U T T E R S T O C K ; C O U R T E S Y O F B L A C K T O M AT O
Spend 10 nights on these three islands surrounded by cobalt blue waters and dramatic rocky coastlines. Fly away from the stresses of life to enjoy a truly romantic trip.