Cyclomundo's Most Romantic Destinations of 2013 http://cyclomundo.com/blog/our-playgrounds/most-romantic-destinations/

2. After studying up on the traditions of Valentine‟s Day celebrations around
the world, I have come to the conclusion that there are certain prevailing
themes everywhere. Although the types, meanings, and methods may
differ, flowers, chocolates or candies, and cards appear in almost all the
countries that recognize the holiday. There is a little variance in the
recipients of the gifts for example in England “Jack Valentine” leaves small
gifts in the homes of young children, but in Italy the holiday is really the
exchange of gifts between couples. I believe that what makes the holiday
so appealing to celebrate is that there is room for traditions to be tailored
to each couple‟s (or family‟s) unique tastes. This year Cyclomundo wants
to help add to the romance of your holiday, whenever or wherever you
choose to celebrate. So weather your idea of romance is to stroll along a
beach hand-in-hand with your sweetheart or to cozy up in front of a fire
while snow drifts down outside, we have compiled a list of our most
romantic places to visit in 2013.

3. Romantic Destinations
CITIES FOR STROLLING
– Annecy, Rhone-Alps
– Peratallada, Catalonia
COSTAL DESTINATIONS
– Cassis, Catalonia
– Venice, Vento
HOTEL AND SPA
– La Coquillade Hotel
DINNER AND NIGHTSPOT
– Tamariu, Catalonia
LUNCH/PICNIC SPOT
– Lac du Bourget, Rhone-Alps
HINTS FOR HIM
– Chocolates
– Flowers
– Jewelry

4. Cities for Strolling
Annecy, Rhone-Alps
Located on the edge of Lake Annecy in the
heart of the French Alps, this charming
destination can be considered the capital of
the Haute Savoie region. The city was built
around a 14th century chateau that preserves
its splendid medieval character to this day.
Known best as the „Venice of Savoy‟, Annecy
is zigzagged by tiny canals and streams that
flow into pristine Lake Annecy.
Although walking through the twisting streets
and taking in the small details of the city is
endlessly amusing, Annecy has much more to
offer. If you like to swim or sunbathe and
relax, you will be satisfied with the beaches
around Lake Annecy. The gorgeous
waterfront park offers breathtaking views of
the lake and French Alps. Our Three-Lake
Tour that ends in Annecy is perfect for those
couples who love the mountains and
water, history and nature, adventure and
relaxation.

5. Cities for Strolling
Peratallada, Catalonia
In the heart of Catalonia, Peratallada
is one of the most beautiful villages in
Spain. As a fortified medieval town
with walls and castles carved from
stone it is recognized as a historical
site. For any couples who are medieval
history buffs or those who just casually
admire the ancient architecture and
structures this town is a true gem.
With the well preserved
wall, hospital, prison, and tower that
surround the castle, it is the perfect
place to spend time wandering the
grounds and exploring the village. Part
of the castle has even been
refurbished and converted into a
luxurious hotel. Surrounded by the
beautiful Catalonian countryside and
only a short jaunt from the
coast, Peratallada is a great romantic
stop on our Gastronomic Catalonia
Tour.

6. Coastal Destinations
Cassis, Provence
The small fishing port
town of Cassis provides
couples a great costal
escape. Its smaller size
and down-to-earth feel
combined with picture
perfect harbor, cliffs, and
beaches makes it an ideal
spot for couples to soak
in the Mediterranean rays
while avoiding much of
the crowds of nearby
Marseille.
Whether you prefer to stroll along the docks of the gorgeous harbor or explore
the neighboring protected natural sites, this small town hosts whatever costal
setting you find most romantic. On the heels of five days of cycling through
Provence on our Bike to the Sea Tour, Cassis is the perfect place for costal R&R
(romance and relaxation).

7. Coastal Destinations
Venice, Veneto
Venice is one of the most iconic cities in
the world, and a gondola ride along on
isolated city canal while being serenaded
by an Italian or splitting a plate of
spaghetti are some of the most cliché
romantic scenes of all time. However even
with the abundance of corny overused
romantic scenes of the city, it still retains
the magnetism and uniqueness that brings
out a little of the romantic in us all. The
winding streets, enchanting canals, quirky
shops, and salty sea breeze combine to
keep this city romantic no matter how over
run with tourists it may get. The key to
finding the authentic romance of the city is
to explore, get lost, and find what is
special for you or your relationship. As the
last stop on most of our Veneto
Tours, Venice is a great city to help add
some magic and romance to any
relationship.

8. Hotel and Spa
La Coquillade, Gargas, Provence
Located in the middle of their 30 hectare vineyard, La Coquillade
Hotel is an oasis of romance. Secluded and luxurious, quaint and
chic, this hotel exemplifies the best that Provence has to offer. La
Coquillade is well suited to all types of getaways. The location
provides easy access to activities in the nearby natural park like
cycling, hiking as well as six nearby golf courses and they even offer
a hot air balloon package. The onsite facilities are also top notch
including swimming pool, tennis courts, pétanque strip, as well as a
full list of spa amenities. There are also several onsite
restaurants, and Le Gourmet boasts a Michelin starred
chef, Christoph e Renaud with an exquisite gourmet menu. They are
currently offering a “You & Me” well-being special that includes a two
night stay, dinner at Le Gourmet and massages for two. After
traveling through the mountains and valleys on our Upper Provence
Tour this beautiful Hotel is a perfectly romantic stop.

9. Dinner and Nightspot
Tamariu, Catalonia
As part of three coastal towns
that belong to the municipality
of Palafrugell, Tamariu is an
exciting yet intimate place to
have a romantic dinner followed
by an evening exploring the
town or strolling along beaches.
Although smaller than the
neighboring town of Calella de
Palafrugell, the concentrated
number of elegant resorts along
the coastal strip gives couples
the opportunity to walk along
the beach and have their pick of
seaside restaurants, many of which have live music from local
Catalan bands (the soft romantic kind with just vocals and guitar
that perfectly accompanies the sounds of the waves while dining). As
a stopover on our Pedal and Pamper Tour, Tamariu is a great
opportunity to get gussied up and spend the night out with your
sweetheart.

10. Lunch/Picnic Spot
Lac du Bourget, Rhone-Alps
France‟s largest natural lake is
both a major ecological site
and an important relic of
French natural heritage. A
haven of peace, visitors will
discover wild creeks, reed
beds, and inviting beaches
surrounding the lake. The
village of Bourget du Lac
considers itself the Gourmet
Lakeside City.
Much of the village economy is based on the delicious cuisine that can be created
using the fish of the lake. The town boasts three Michelin Starred restaurants, as well
as countless more casual restaurants along the boardwalk of the lake. For those who
desire a simpler dining experience, the area around the lake and the ability to easily
get food from the village make this lake the optimal place for a lakeside picnic. As part
of our Three-Lake Tour don‟t miss this opportunity to have a romantic afternoon
enjoying all the splendors of nature, cuisine, and good company.

11. Hint for Him
Whether you have made the big declaration of
love or not, women still appreciate small gestures
of your affection through the universal symbols
of Valentine‟s Day. Below we have included some
of the best spots in the world to pick up your
next romantic gift.
If she likes:

12. Chocolates
Switzerland has the highest per-capita chocolate
consumption in the world so why not pop into
one of the many chocolate shops of Geneva or
for the chocolate connoisseur check out the
process, history, and deliciousness of
Valrhona‟s prestigious chocolate in
Tain l‟Hermitage while
on one of our
Alps Tours.

13. Flowers
The flowers of Provence have long been the
inspiration of many famous artists like Monet and Van
Gogh. To many the lavender fields are as iconic to
Provence as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. Nice is also
home to the Cours Saleya an extensive flower market
that assembles all the best from the fields of
Provence. Take advantage of the abundance
of flowers throughout any of our
Provence Tours to treat her
to a bouquet.

14. Jewelry
After centuries of hosting shops on this world famous
bridge, Ponte Vecchio in Florence is still seen as a one
of the biggest hubs for artisan gold jewelry. The
shops and window displays that line the bridge can be
so alluring, and it will be hard to find a more
concentrated extensive collection of jewelry
(excluding online). Along one of our
Tuscany Tour be sure to
stop here and pick up a
treasured gift for your
special someone.