Honeymooning in Great Britain – So Much to See and Do

Imagine getting married in this fabulous castle!

When you think of a great honeymoon – consider Great Britain. Most of you will only think of England, but it’s comprised of so much more. Besides England, you have Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, not to mention the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Each of the above areas are all unique with their own cultures, traditions and customs. With so much to offer, you’ll have to go back again and again to cover everything. Britain is home to over 25 cultural and natural World Heritage Sites and 7 Heritage Cities such as Bath, Canterbury, Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon. Britian’s history dates back to approx. 6500BC and no matter where you travel, you’ll find monuments marking its history, like Stonehenge or Buckingham Palace.

No matter where you travel to in Britain, you’ll find hundreds of great attractions, small, local museums and some world-famous attractions like Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Search out some of the World’s oldest pubs and have a pint. Try to make a Queens Guard smile, bet you can’t do it. Shop your hearts galore at world renoun stores like Harrods. Or simply stroll in many of the beautiful parks. Here are some of the most visited areas in Britain – if you have others, please share them with us.

Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

London - put on your walking shoes as you plan your tour of this amazing city! Being the home of the next Olympics, London has many landmark buildings, beautiful Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circle, theatre district, shopping, and yes, the main residence of the Royal Family, London is probably one of the top 10 most visited cities in the world. Having been portrayed in hundreds of movies, stories, photographs, it would be hard not to recognize Big Ben or the Tower Bridge (aka The London Bridge of nursery rhymes) or any of the other attractions you will find. Stroll through Westminster Abbey, visit 221B Baker Street which is the address of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson according to the stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. You have to go see Buckingham Palace and just a suggestion, try to schedule your stop during the changing of the Guards. From Buckingham you can easily walk to; Houses of Parliament, St James' Palace, 10 Downing Street, The Thames, Trafalgar Square and even Hard Rock Café. As you can see, you, there is so much to do and see, London has so much to offer everyone!

Next up the English Country Side – Bath, Oxford and Windsor. Bath is considered one of the loveliest cities in all of England. Its Gregorian architecture dates back to the 1700’s. Visit Oxford which is the oldest University in all of England, Walk through the impressive buildings of this beautiful campus, visit Christchurch College which can also be seen in come scenes of Harry Potter. And last but not least, Windsor, home to the largest inhabited castle in the world and some say the Queen’s favorite residence. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see the State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel and Queen Mary’s Doll House. This of course is all based on the resident schedule of the Royal Family.

Romantic City Walk

Put on your Celtic skirts for Scotland
“Guid gear comes in sma’ bouk’ (Good things come in small packages) and despite being a small territory, Scotland has so many wonderful cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow. While in Edinburgh, travel through the Royal Mile and then tour Edinburgh Castle seeing the oldest set of crown jewels in all of the British Isles. If you’re into Victorian Architecture, world famous art collections, and some of the best shopping in the United Kingdom outside of London, then you definitely want to visit Glasgow. Last but not least, a visit to Inverness will definitely complete a visit to this wonderful country! Inverness, the City in the Highlands, offers wonderful sites such as historic buildings, castles, museums, and not too far away Loch Ness, where you can look for the Loch Ness monster known as “Nessie”. The Loch is over 20 miles long and more than 700 feet at its deepest point, it makes for a perfect destination for exploring the Scottish Highlands.

No matter where you decide to visit within Britain, you visit will leave you wanting to go back again and again to see the parts you missed.

Romance Español - Love on the Iberian Peninsula

Bonita Barcelona

Romance of Spain and Portugal - the Spanish call it amor a la vida and the Portuguese, amor da vida, and both communicate this love of life to all visitors. With pulsating energy, non-stop nightlife, friendly people, and some of the best cuisine in the world, both countries have so much to offer. In fact according to their tourism departments, there has never been a better time for newlyweds to visit the Iberian Peninsula!

With a tremendous amount of historic monuments, Roman ruins, medieval castles, Moorish fortresses and Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque cathedrals, Portugal and Spain are perfect destinations for artists, romantics, and historians. Both are home to some of the world’s most revered artists like Velázquez, Goya, Gaudí, Miró, Dalí and Picasso. In addition, both Lisbon and Madrid have been adding new museums and expanding their other cultural institutions.

Introducing first - Portugal. With areas like Lisbon/Estoril, Madeira, Algarve, and Porto, Portugal has something for everyone. Lisbon is one of Europe’s most intriguing cities and the capital of Portugal. More than 20 centuries old, this amazing city offers cultural, beautiful settings, world-class nightlife, and beautiful long, wide beaches. Built around seven hills overlooking the harbor of the Tejo River, Lisbon is definitely the place to start your journey. From historic scenery, to natural wonders, from fishing boats to casinos, this city will leave you wanting more!

Madeira, off the coast of Africa, has rich history dating back more than 500 years. With magnificent views and its temperate climate, Madeira makes it an ideal place to visit year round. Enjoy the lifestyle in the capital city of Funchal, explore the quaint villages and experience the luxurious resorts. Interested in golf, tennis and countless water sports the islands, Madeira and Porto Santo are best known for their ability to help visitors relax and unwind. Perhaps all it takes is sitting on the shore and watching the sunset while sipping some Madeira wine.

Luxuriate at a Romantic Resort

Next stop the Algarve – breathtaking scenery, modern resorts, and ancient history, the Algarve is one of the most popular tourism destinations in all of Europe. Located in the southwestern corner of Europe and gazing out at the Atlantic from Cabo St. Vincent, you can understand why early Europeans believed it was the end of the world. Its name comes from the Moors who named it al-gharb or "the West." Distinctive architecture is one of the highlights of the historic center of the capital of Faro. White washed houses with massive chimneys and castles are seen throughout the region, which is also home to some of the most luxurious resorts and spas in all of Europe.

Let’s end our tour of Portugal in Porto. Actually Portugal got its name from this fascinating city where the River Douro meets the sea and where Port wine is bottled. The second largest city in Portugal, you can lose yourself in their rich traditions or their energetic lifestyle. Porto is a modern city with medieval buildings, nearby beaches, wine fields, museum, and golf. Everything to end your romantic journey to this beautiful country!

NEXT STOP SPAIN!
Millions of tourists visit this beautiful country every year! It has been considered one of the most important tourist destinations of the last several decades. It shares the Iberian Peninsula with Portugal, Gibraltar and Andorra. To the Northeast it borders with France. To the West it boarded by the Balearic Islands located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea. The Southern most territory offers the picturesque Canary Islands, in the Atlantic Ocean and the cities of Ceuta and Melilla located in the North of Africa. This is why traveling to Spain is likely to be a enriching experience since tourism in the country offers a wide variety of destinations, activities and landscapes.

Madrid is one of the better known cities of Spain and is the capital of this beautiful country. Beside the architecture, museums, great nightlife, we can recommend balloon rides over Madrid, visiting the Royal Palace, shopping on the Gran Via, watch the Flamenco dancers, try some tapas, or just sit in the park and people watch!

On to Barcelona – It’s impossible to get bored in this dynamic city. With the best concerts, exhibitions, and events, week after week you will find more than one thing of interest. There are so many different areas within Barcelona to peak your interests, you’ll want to come back again and again. From the Roman archaeology, to the Medieval palazzos and Gothic Churches, to open air museums, the contemporary modern version of Barcelona, this amazing city will keep you mesmerized.

Mallorca romántico

Done with touring the cities and want to explore Spain’s famous beaches, let’s head to Costa del Sol! Malaga is one of the most visited regions in all of Spain. It’s not just known for its beautiful beaches, but also for the beautiful landscapes, picturesque villages a 17th century Cathedral, the Picasso Museum, and the King’s palace, Alcazaba.

So whether you want to visit Spain and Portugal together or visit them individually, both countries have what it takes to make for a fabulous romantic getaway!

For Some, Tahiti is the only choice for a memorable honeymoon

Honeymooning In Tahiti

Some describe Tahiti as the Pearl of the Pacific or the new Hawaii. Others as a sanctuary, heaven on Earth! There is no better place to celebrate your new life together or to celebrate a milestone of your relationship. A world apart from other tropical island vacations, the Tahitian islands offer romance, seclusion, overwater-bungalows, luxury Polynesian spas, activities and the warmth of the Tahitian people.

Believe it or not Tahiti is just one of the islands that make up 14 of the Society Island. It’s where the capital Papeete is located and where you start your journey. Tahiti is the largest island throughout the country and is considered the Queen of the Pacific. This invigorating city and gateway of the country, boasts world-class resorts, spas, fine dining and unique restaurants, nightclubs, vibrant markets, pearl shops, and boutiques. If gives you a perfect taste of what is to come.

BEAUTIFUL MOOREA

After a day or so in Tahiti, get introduced to Moorea – The Magical Island! Moorea soars magically out of the ocean in an explosion of green velvet - what you would imagine a South Seas island to be. The beauty of Moorea is unforgettable. It is the second largest of all the islands, very mountainous, with Mt. Tohivea being the highest point. If you’ve ever seen “South Pacific” it is rumored James Michener based Bali Hai on Moorea. Here you’ll find a true South Seas experience. A barefoot experience, with white and black sand beaches, multi colored lagoons, surrounded by mountains and a dormant volcano that reaches into the clouds. There are endless activities. From swimming with dolphins, scuba diving, surfing, kitesurfing, 4X4 safaris, deep sea fishing, eco, cultural and nature touring, to having a private lunch on a private island called a motu. If this is to much activity for you, then sit back on your deck, soaking in the beauty and enjoy what nature has provided.

The next island of Bora Bora is the most impressive, distinctive island you will ever experience. Two towering peaks of sheer black rock dominate the center of the island and make an impressive backdrop to an assortment of blue waters that will dazzle the eyes. Bora Bora's lagoon is its most treasured feature, and allows the traveler many opportunities to experience it in a variety of ways. Windsurfing, jetski across the magnificent turquoise lagoon, scuba dive, swim, bask in its warmth... the list goes on.

Over Water Huts in Bora Bora - Ahhhhhhh Luxury

Bora Bora is truly an experience worth having. A wonderfully relaxing place to be as well as a great island for you to experience, your Bora Bora vacation will never be forgotten. The perfect Bora Bora day begins with a dawn breakfast from your over-water bungalow deck, then a guided tour of the atoll on waver-runners, then a stop on a deserted beach for lunch of beachside barbecued lobster. Then perhaps there will be an hour of swimming with sharks and bat rays, schools of them mysteriously mellowed by the warm aqua waters. Spend some time shopping for black pearls in the central village of Vaitape or maybe enjoy an afternoon massage, full of locally harvested healing oils carrying a faint sweet smell of tiare. And finally, before dinner, have sunset cocktails overlooking Mount Otemanu, the extinct volcano which is paradise’s distinctively craggy profile.

If Bora Bora isn’t enough beauty for you, visit Le Taha’a – a private island known as the Vanilla Island. When you arrive you are greeted by the rich aroma and you realize you are in heaven. This self-declared “most exclusive resort in all of French Polynesia” offers a perfect ending to your romantic getaway –this is what most people believe Bora Bora looked like before getting popular. Stunning accommodations, wonderful restaurants, and an amazing spa, Le Taha’a is a perfect gem. You can actually walk 100 yards out into the water and still only be knee deep. The sea is so calm, tables and chairs are actually set up in the water for lunch.

A Honeymoon in Paradise is a Honeymoon in Thailand

Everyone knows the story of the “King and I” or the “King of Siam”, but do you know where these stories took place? Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power. This is an amazing destination with palaces, temples, markets, wonderful spas, fine dining and some of the best hotels in the world! A great place for a romantic honeymoon.

Follow us as we introduce you to some of the most famous and beautiful cities in the country!

Beautiful Bangkik

First up, Bangkok! The capital of Thailand, Bangkok offers sightseeing, restaurants, nightlife and wonderful accommodations. It is considered one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities while also being considered a national treasure and Thailand’s spiritual, cultural, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic centers in the country. Split up into 50 different districts, Bangkok is a huge, modern city. With an expansive transportation system, getting around Bangkok is very easy. You can visit any number of sites, but the best way to see this amazing city is on bicycle. With daily or regular departures to the Bangkok Jungle, which is an area across the river from downtown Bangkok where there are few cars or buildings, or through the backstreets of China Town. You definitely don’t want to miss a visit to the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple. Another great way to see the city, there are special boat trips designed for foreign tourists along the Chao Phraya River to take in sites such as the Grand Palace. Whatever you want to experience, you can do it here!

Next up is the 2nd largest city in Thailand, known as the “rose of the North” Chiang Mai. Located in the northern mountains of the country, Chiang Mai is very historical and offers a tremendous amount of culture. Visit the aroros Market and experience the northern Thai way of life. Ride along Tapae Road down through the city walls and along Rajdamnern Road to Wat Phra Singh, which houses a very old and sacred Buddha image. Drive from Wat Phra Singh to Wat Phrathad Doi Suthep, which stands at 3,500 feet above sea level and is the most important temple in Chiang Mai. Visit the famous Chiang Dao Elephant camp where you will be given a private training course to learn the basic commands required to guide an elephant through its daily tasks. You’ll be able to experience painting with the elephants and the best part is having your picture taken upon an elephant! One thing you don’t want to miss is the outdoor night market – here you will enjoy shopping for silks, spices, cotton, and amazing Thai items that will allow you to remember this amazing trip!

The Blue Waters of Phuket

Onto the largest of Thailand’s islands, Phuket! Phuket is the ultimate beach destination! Here you can see uninhabited islands, private cove areas that's covered with fine white sand, world class hotels, and luxury spas. This is definitely a relaxing experience and one we promise you’ll love!

For those with an added interest for a great side trip, consider an extension to Cambodia and Vietnam. These countries have tremendous history, unspoiled beaches, forgotten temples and a vibrant capital. Cambodia is a place to relax while taking in the culture, sights and sounds. Visit Angkor Wat, the largest Khmer monument built around the 12th century. It is considered one of the finest monuments in the world! After here, travel to Siem Reap where you can visit Banteay Srei, a 10th century temple dedicate to the Hindu god Shiva. Lastly, take a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Near the Cambodian border, the town is home to the unique Cao Dai sect, whose patron saints include Joan of Arc, Victor Hugo and Winston Churchill. The religion is an odd mix of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Christianity, and it is here that you will see the famous Tay Ninh Temple. Visit the historic Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum, followed by the architectural treats of French colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and the Post Office.