Romantic places come in all shapes and sizes and are found throughout the world. From buildings made in the memory of a lost love to popular proposal places and fairy-tale castles, the stories and myths behind these iconic structures will always stir the heart of any traveller.
In time for Valentines Day, Great Rail Journeys reveal their favourite romantic buildings:
1. Taj Mahal, India
The Taj Mahal is a monument of eternal love. In 1907 Prince Khurram was walking through the Meena Bazaar when he caught a glimpse of a girl selling silk and glass beads, Mumtaz Mahal. It was love at first sight for the Prince and they were later married. The Prince became the Emperor and had many wives, but Mumtaz Mahal was his favourite and went everywhere with him, even on military campaigns. Unfortunately, whilst giving birth to their 14th child Mumtaz died. On her deathbed, the Emperor promised that he would never remarry and would build the richest mausoleum over her grave.
It is said that the Prince was so heart broken that he ordered the court to enter two years of morning. Sometime after his beloved’s death he undertook the task of erecting the world’s most beautiful monument in her memory. It took 22 years and 22,000 workers to complete the Taj Mahal. The lovers are buried in tombs next to each other.
Tour: India’s Golden Triangle, 13 days from £2,170pp. Highlights: New and Old Delhi, Toy Train rail journey to Shimla, Shimla and the Shivalik Himalaya, the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Amber Fort, the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, Palace of the Winds
2. Juliet’s Balcony, Verona
The coat of arms on the internal archway of the courtyard testifies that the Casa di Giulietta belong to ‘Dal Cappello’ or ‘Cappelletti’. The building dates back to the 13th century and features the famous balcony where Romeo promised Juliet his eternal love, in the tragic Shakespeare play. The tale of the star-crossed lovers is well known throughout the world and is one of the most romantic tales of all time. There is also a statue of Juliet that unmarried people touch, for good luck in finding the love of their life.
Tour: Sirmione on Lake Garda, 10 days from £1,715pp. Highlights: Sirmione, scenic rail journey to Milan, Cruise to Malcesine, Verona, Mantova & the Ducal Palace, Sigurta Gardens, wine tasting and dinner at a traditional country wine estate in Valpolicella, Venice with a guided walking tour, free time in Venice & Sirmoine
3. Kodia-Ji Temple, Kyoto
Another building that was built for a deceased love. Building monuments for a deceased spouse was a common practice in Japan. The widow of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, wanted a temple to match the accomplishments of her husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi was one of the unifiers of Japan. Therefore after his death she had the Kodia-Ji Temple built, which includes a shrine to her husband, where she could pray for his soul.
Tour: Discovering Japan, 13 days from £4,035pp. Highlights: Bullet train rail travel, Tokyo and Hiroshima, Miyajima Island tour, Kyoto and a traditional Japanese dinner, historic Nara, Takayama, Hida Folk Village & Matsumoto Castle, Mount Fuji and Hakone Park, Lake Ashi and Owakudani Springs
4. Bellagio Fountain, Vegas
What could be more romantic than a unique water, light and music show? There’s nothing quite like seeing the Bellagio Fountain in person. Fountains often feature when thinking of romantic places and the Bellagio should be no exception. Each fountain show is unique and designed to romance the senses. More than a thousand fountains dance in front of the hotel, enhanced by music and light, and it is known as a key destination for Vegas proposals.
Tour: Las Vegas and the Golden West, 14 days from £3,425pp. Highlights: San Francisco including a visit to Alcatraz, Yosemite National Park, Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon and the Grand Canyon Railroad, LA and Hollywood, RMS Queen Mary and Long Beach, Monterey, Carmel & Big Sur.
5. Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria
A true fairytale castle, Neuschwanstein Castle is said to be the inspiration behind Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. The mind behind the castle was King Ludwig, who is also known as the “Fairytale King”. He built the castle in honour of his favourite composer, Richard Wagner. The castle was the first of its kind, instead of the dark medieval castles; Ludwig used bright, light colours in a stunning location.
Tour: Bavaria All Inclusive, 7 days from £1,475pp. Highlights: Fussen, St Mang’s Abbey, Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau, Journey on the Zugspitze Railway, Nuremberg
All tours include the services of a dedicated professional UK Tour Manager from start to finish, quality hotel accommodation, local guides, a comprehensive programme of excursions, many meals in the hotel and at local restaurants and first class service from specialist tour advisors
