With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, hopeless romantics everywhere are racking their brains for something spectacular to surprise that special someone with this year. But what many do not realize is that this loving task is easier than it seems. If you’re looking for something that exudes a little more wit than flowers and chocolates, why not opt ​​for giving someone the experience of a lifetime with a trip?

One of the best gifts someone can give another person is the gift of good memories. And what better time for such a gift than Valentine’s Day? After all, it is an opportunity for you and that special someone to build those memories together. However, when planning this spectacular getaway, you’ll want to carefully consider your destination choices: where can you go that exudes true romance in the best possible way? Think wine, pasta and ice cream, think Italy.

Often referred to as “il Belpaese” – “the beautiful country” – Italy is a top destination for romantic getaways. This is due to both the country’s easy-going pace of life and its stunning surroundings. So if you’re looking for a vacation destination that allows you and that special someone to enjoy each other’s company to the fullest, pack your bags and start practicing your Italian.

One of the most popular destinations for romantic getaways in Italy is Florence, and it’s no surprise why. Although Florence is a sizable city, it has much of the charm of a small, intimate city. Couples can take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city center, stroll through the Boboli Gardens, a grandiose 16th-century garden built by the Medici family, or head to Piazza Michelangelo, a historic romantic vantage point. from the city. And in addition to exquisite sightseeing opportunities, the city offers spectacular shopping in districts like San Lorenzo or Santa Croce. Tuscan wine tasting tours also leave daily from the city, so you and your loved one can truly experience one of the jewels of Italian culture. And as each day draws to a close, you can choose to watch the sunset from Ponte Trinita, walk along the moonlit Arno River, or dine at one of the city’s countless gourmet restaurants.

Alternatively, why not visit Rome? Appropriately called “The City of Love,” Rome has much to offer couples on a romantic getaway. Visit the Villa Borghese, once owned by the royal family and now a beautiful park; or visit Monte Mario, which offers impressive panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, sit in the Spanish Steps with a picnic while taking in the beauty of the city, or visit one of Rome’s most romantic spots, Piazza Navona, which comes alive once the sun goes down. From sightseeing to simply relaxing together in the city’s charming cafes, a couple in Rome will never have a dull moment.

If you’re thinking of surprising that special someone with a Valentine’s Day getaway in Italy, you’ll find many hotels, like the Hilton Garden Inn, that offer spectacular accommodations no matter which city you choose to visit. So make this Valentine’s Day the best you’ve ever had and head out to the “beautiful country”. You may find that romance and Italian pasta are a perfect match.