Bonding moments: 10 spectacular European destinations for friends and couples

Europe is teeming with breathtaking backdrops where you can bond with love ones, be it a best friend or a romantic partner. Instead of just a quick check-in over dinner, we're not making restaurant reservations, we're making train reservations. So, buckle up, sweethearts, because an unforgettable bonding journey aboard Europe's extensive railways is waiting for you and your plus one.

#1 For couples who want a relaxing getaway: Budapest, Hungary

If your partner’s love language is ‘acts of service,’ then surprising them with a candle-lit bathtub with bath salts and a cosy robe, far from life's constant distractions, is a sure win when it comes to romantic gestures. Take this selfless act to the next level and whisk your special someone away to the capital of Hungary and the unofficial capital of thermal baths. 

Why is Budapest the unofficial capital of thermal baths? For starters, it has over 120 hot springs and 9 medicinal baths. Among the most popular for visitors are the Széchenyi Thermal Baths and the Gellért Baths. The most recognisable of the two, the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, stands out with its canary yellow buildings in the Baroque Revival style, juxtaposed against immense thermal pools filled with natural hot spring water. Book a couples massage or other spa treatments to boost the romance. 

The Gellért Baths, on the other hand, rocks an Art Nouveau look with stained glass windows and marble columns and trimmings. Be sure to escape to the beautiful cave bath inside Gellért. Like the Széchenyi Baths, you can book spa packages, including rejuvenating mud treatments. Remember, self-care is romantic, so go ahead and treat yourselves.

Tips for visiting the baths: 

• Remember to bring cash for your entrance fee and locker rental, but only carry the essentials, including a towel.
• Weekends tend to be extremely busy, so consider visiting during weekdays for a more relaxed experience.
• These two bath houses are wheelchair accessible and co-ed. 
• Both also have a variety of indoor and outdoor baths for your enjoyment.

Beyond a relaxing soak, Budapest is filled to the brim with romantic settings for your next romantic escape. Treat your date to a romantic dinner river cruise along the Danube or a stroll along the lush green spaces of Marget Island. Sample local delicacies at one of the cafes or pack a picnic to enjoy nestled in one of the local gardens. And before bidding farewell to Budapest's romantic streets, give into the cheesy romance tropes and attach your couple's love lock to the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, next to the countless other hopefuls who believe in everlasting love.

#2 For Disney® adults: Disneyland Paris®

Yes, we said no Paris, but technically this one is conveniently located 30 kilometers outside the city. For Disney® adults, what could be more special than a visit to Disneyland Park, right next to the city of love?

A standard ticket to Disneyland Paris grants entry to two parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, which are connected by a short stroll. Here, you'll find classic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean alongside iconic local rides like Ratatouille: The Adventure at Walt Disney Studios Park. I mean, what’s a trip to Disneyland Paris without Ratatouille?

But don’t let your fairytale getaway stop there. Book a couple’s photoshoot with an iconic Disney® backdrop of your choice. Have a meal at the happiest, and maybe most romantic place on earth. There are various unforgettable locations to eat including the Auberge de Cendrillon or at the exclusive Cinderella’s Royal Table inside this iconic character’s castle. And why not take the romance to the waters aboard a private boat at Le Pays des Contes de Fées, or the ‘Storybook Land Canal Boats.’

Plus, getting to Disneyland Paris by train is a breeze! The park is directly accessible via the Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy train station, which also conveniently connects with Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport. Additionally, there's a nonstop Eurostar service from London to Disneyland Paris via the Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station.

#3 For duos who love chocolate above all things: Lucerne, Switzerland

You think the sight of the grandiose Swiss Alps is breathtaking? Wait until you see a mountain of Swiss chocolate at renowned chocolatiers like Max Chocolatier, Aeschbach Chocolatier or Laderach. Each of these establishments offer diverse seasonal and unconventional flavors that somehow just work. Picture pear liqueur, pistachio marzipan, alpine herbs, truffle and curry all handcrafted into 100% natural chocolates. From the exquisite packaging to the beautiful displays and intricate chocolate designs, selecting these chocolatey pieces of art feels more like choosing luxury jewelry than food.

Make your romantic outing even sweeter by signing up for a chocolate-making workshop, where you'll not only learn about the journey from cocoa bean to delectable treat but also have the opportunity to taste and take home your scrumptious creations. Learn what makes Swiss chocolate so exceptional under the guidance of world-renowed chocolatiers. Alternatively, elevate your wine-pairing skills with a class on pairing chocolates with different wines. You will discover that the flavour profile of chocolate is more dynamic than you may have ever imagined.

And after you have had your fill of chocolate, if that is even possible, immerse yourself in the other romantic moments Lucerne is waiting to show you. Enjoy a leisurely boat ride on Lake Lucerne followed by a cosy cheese fondue at a lakeside restaurant. Wander hand-in-hand down the cobblestoned streets of Lucerne's Old Town, soaking in its charming ambiance. Or, if you prefer to be among the mountains rather than just admire them, take a cable car or cogwheel train up to the top of Mount Pilatus for an unparalleled look at Lucerne and the surrounding Alps. Imagine the pics you will get! Hello 2024 holiday card.

#4 For couples who want a romantic Gondola ride minus the crowds: Colmar, France

Picture this: you and your beloved are gliding along the serene canals of this picturesque European city's historic centre aboard an iconic gondola. As you drift along, you're in awe of the classic architecture and colourful facades lining the waterways. You stop at a waterfront café for a drink and a kiss from your significant other. But wait – why is your boat tour guide speaking in French? If you were expecting Venice, you are in for a delightful surprise. Instead of the endless queues and exorbitant prices of the touristy Italian hotspot, head to Colmar, France, also known as the "Little Venice," or “La Petite Venise” of France. 

After you’ve floated your boat in Colmar’s canals, know that your romantic getaway has just begun! If the sky's the limit of your love, book a hot air balloon ride to peacefully float across the Alsace region. If your fear of heights keeps your love grounded, head to the iconic “Covered Market” in Colmar and try local meats, cheeses and baked goods. Need a gift for your love? Create a fresh bouquet with local flowers from the market.

#5 For couples whose relationship is like a rom-com: Notting Hill, London, UK

The best rom-com from the 90s is, say it with us, “Notting Hill!” It’s the charming tale of a wacky-yet-charming bookstore owner in Notting Hill who meets and finds unlikely love with a world-famous actress. So relatable right? Get into the Notting Hill fantasy and plan a romantic date exploring this beloved neighbourhood. Start with stopping by The Travel Bookshop (Formerly The Notting Hill Bookshop), which was the inspiration for the bookstore in the film. Then head to Portobello Road Market, where the main characters strolled in the movie, for an afternoon of antiquing and snacking. Finally hop over to Westbourne Park Road and tell us if you don’t recognize spots from the film. 

#6 For couples whose happy place is the beach: Alicante, Spain

While many European beaches are too cold for any romantic strolls during winter, Alicante gives you that Mediterrean hint of an eternal summer. Say hola to Playa del Postiguet, one of Alicante’s most stunning beaches. Enjoy fresh seafood tapas, like gambas al ajillo, calamares fritos and larinated achchovy filets. Then follow the sunset to a romantic nightcap of Fondillón, a wine from Alicante, while the Mediterranean breeze blows in your hair. 

#7 For those on-and-off again couples: the Greek Islands

Use the Greek Island pass to hop aboard the islands’ multiple ferries that cruise you from one island to another. Hike to volcanic beaches, dine on fresh seafood, snorkel in crystal-clear waters and go wine tasting at local vineyards. Why are the islands the right spot for that on-again, off-again couple? Because even if you break up again after you get home, at least get an epic trip out of it – plus some striking photos for your next dating profile.

#8 For couples that wish their lives were a period drama: Lille, France

Bridgerton, who? Step into all of the romance and whimsy of a period drama in the northern France city of Lille, France. Situated along the Deûle River, this charming town is an ode to 17th-century Flemish architecture, with numerous regal landscaped gardens to boot. Tour the meticulously-kept gardens des Géants and Vauban while your suitor vies for your love by reading you classic French poetry and feeding you Merveilleux, which are meringues accompanied by whipped cream, chocolate shavings and with a cherry on top. And the cherry on top of this romantic travel through time? A carriage ride through town. Swoon!

#9 For a Galentine’s Day celebration: Edinburgh, Scotland

Some of life’s greatest love stories aren’t romantic; some are the ones we share with our friends. Celebrate Galentine’s Day any time of the year with a jaunt to Edinburgh, the city brimming with all of the charm, excitement and fun of your most meaningful friendships.

Whether you venture to Edinburgh with one friend or the whole gang, there is something for everyone. For those who love to shop til they drop, head to Princess Street, George Street and the Grassmarket for some retail therapy. If your squad leans towards ‘prim and proper,’ schedule a refined afternoon tea where you can catch up over delightful local teas and sweet and savory bites. If your crew prefers a bit more grit in their teacup, hit up a whisky tasting. Learn about the process, history and care that goes into each sip. 

#10 For the partner who loves receiving bouquets: Amsterdam, Netherlands

The only thing more charming and colourful than Amsterdam’s winding canals are its gardens and markets teeming with the world’s freshest flowers. Make a stop at the immaculate Keukenhof Gardens with seemingly infinite rows of popular varieties like tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. Or, if you don’t mind rolling up your sleeves, create your own bouquet at a local workshop or by visiting one of the many flower markets, including Bloemenmarkt, the famous floating market of Amsterdam.

Rediscover romance through train travel

Sometimes life’s most romantic gestures come from thinking outside the box. While a trip to Paris will always make the heart flutter, there are other places, and means of getting there, that can mean so much more to your special someone. Celebrate your unique love story with a trip that is about taking your time, spending quality moments together and enjoying the voyage, not just the destination. 

You and your loved one can travel to and from all of these locations by train, so you can take in the countryside aboard, enjoy the little moments of getting to and from, and arriving directly in the city centre of your next destination. That way, you can get right to enjoying the city that will make your partner fall even more head over heels with you.

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