There's nothing sweeter than travelling the world with the love of your life, experiencing all the sights, sounds and scenery together.
You can both cherish the memories you create together for years to come, reminiscing on how you toasted glasses of champagne as the sun set over spectacular destinations.
While visiting anywhere with your true love is sure to be amazing, there are several places around the world that are especially romantic.
We're not talking about the obvious such as the Eiffel Tower, but rather more unique, original and historically fascinating destinations that ooze romance.
Let's delve into the histories of these two passionate places.
1. Juliet's Balcony, Verona, Italy
"O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?
Deny thy father and refuse thy name;
Or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love
And I'll no longer be a Capulet."
These lines are spoken in perhaps the most iconic scene in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, when Juliet is standing on her balcony unaware that Romeo is directly below.
You can see this same balcony belonging to her Capulet family, the "Dal Cappello" or "Cappelletti", in real life by visiting Verona, Italy. The family's coat of arms are emblazoned on an internal archway in the courtyard, making this historic site the inspiration for one of the most romantic stories in literary history.
Called 'Casa di Giulietta' in Italian, Juliet's Balcony is replete with romantic activities. The balcony itself is charming, carved ornately and set beside green ivy plants to look like something out of a fairy tale.
In the foyer courtyard directly below is a stunning bronze sculpture of Juliet, and legend states unmarried people can rub the statue's right breast for good luck in finding their true love.
A large, arched gateway flanks the wall behind the statue and is full of colourful 'love locks'. You can purchase a lock from the gift shop, write your names on it, and forever seal your love by locking it to the gate.
Bring a permanent marker along for writing your names on a large graffiti wall in an archway leading to the courtyard. Hundreds of thousands of couples have added their names to this wall over the centuries, making it a living canvas for loving accolades in a plethora of languages!
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2. Taj Mahal, Agra, India
The Taj Mahal is literally a monument of love, built by emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Every inch, whether it be made of white marble or embedded in precious rubies and other gemstones, is steeped in love.
Shah Jahan met his wife at the age of 14 when she was a 15-year-old princess. He knew he wanted to marry her right from the moment they met, and it was only five years later in 1612 that they tied the knot. He gave her the name Mumtaz Mahal after they were wed, which translates to 'Jewel of the Palace'.
Unfortunately, in 1631 Mumtaz passed away due to complications during childbirth of their 14th child. Shah Jahan was distraught and ordered the entire court into mourning for two years, after which construction of the Taj Mahal began.
It was a labour of love to commemorate her, taking 22 years to build and the workmanship of 22,000 people. When he died in 1666, Shah Jahan's body was laid to rest in a tomb right next to Mumtaz Mahal.
Time your visit to the Taj Mahal at sunset or sunrise to see the white marble glow in colours of lilac, amber or pink while reflecting the sky.
Interested in visiting either of these two romantic locations? Get in touch with a travel agent and begin your magical trip!
