From traditional white-washed houses to narrow cobble-stoned lanes, Athens is a fairytale come true. Take a ferry down to the Greek islands and bask in the evening sun on its golden shores. Could it get better than that? In photo: Evzones, members of the Greek Presidential Guard, backdropped by the ancient Parthenon, walk away after the traditional Sunday raising of the Greek flag in the Acropolis hill, in the last day of the Olympic Games in Athens. They wear red 'tsarouchi' shoes with black pom-poms, red berets, white tights and the traditional foustanela, or pleated skirt that was worn by the Greek freedom fighters of the 1821 revolution against the Ottoman rule.
Whether you are head over heels in love, or starting an exciting new relationship, an evening in the city of love will prove a dream come true. Take a romantic dinner cruise on the Seine or stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens - Paris will definitely sweep you off your feet. In photo: The Eiffel Tower is lit up in the colors of the European flag to mark France's EU presidency in Paris. France takes over the rotating presidency of the European Union for the next six month.
Picture this: Stealing kisses on a gondola under the Bridge of Sighs, or searching for your loved one at the famous Venetian masquerade ball. Give in to the tranquility and Venice's charm on your special day. In photo: Masked people crowd in Venice's St. Mark's square during the official beginning of Venice's Carnival celebrations, northern Italy. The week-long carnival festivities in the historical lagoon city attracts people from around the world.
What could be more electrifying than exploring Sydney at night? Take a romantic cruise down Sydney Harbour and watch the sunset together. Romance will flourish for sure. In photo: An aerial photo shows a view of the Sydney Opera House from the Sydney Harbour Bridge at night prior to the start of Athens 2004 Olympic Torch Relay in Sydney, Australia. Sydney, which hosted the 2000 Summer Olympic games will serve as the starting point of the relay, the Olympic Flame will visit 34 cities in 27 countries en route to the Athens Summer Olympics.
If the people don't welcome you, the beaches certainly will! San Francisco is a perfect holiday spot for those who want to let their hair down and party! A perfect place to be with your loved one this Valentine’s Day. In photo: This timed exposure shows cars passing the historic Sentinel building, center right, in contrast to the newer, more modern Transamerica tower, center left, in San Francisco's North Beach. The Sentinel building, which survived the great earthquake of 1906, currently houses director Francis Ford Coppola's production company, American Zoethrope Studios. The Transamerica Tower was finished in 1972 and is the landmark building defining the San Francisco skyline, The tower was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River up to 1974.
The operas, the theatre and the waltzes of Vienna are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And what is love without dancing? Take your better half this year to twirl the night away at a grand ball in magical Vienna. In photo: Members of the opera ballet perform during a rehearsal for Vienna's traditional Opera Ball, at Vienna's State Opera.
If you are looking to spend a weekend away from the noise of the city, pack your bags and fly to the heart of Europe. Drown in romance, music and the idyllic countryside of Prague while enjoying some exotic wine on a magical boat ride under the Charles Bridge. In photo: A general view of the old town of Prague with the St. Nicholas church in the foreground is given in this picture.
In those days, a bouquet of roses or a bottle of perfume would do, but these days, they are just not enough. At least not when you are in Dubai! With its grand hotels and luxury resorts, Dubai spoils you rotten with choices. From underwater candle-light dinners at the Burj-al Arab to breathtaking view from the Emirates Towers, Dubai is a must see destination for lovers. In photo: The Burj-al Arab Hotel, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is seen in this photo. From a sail-shaped hotel taller than the Eiffel Tower to two soaring towers coated in dark mirrored glass, the images of its hotels the new management showed the staff of the Essex House left employees awe-struck.
In those days, a bouquet of roses or a bottle of perfume would do, but these days, they are just not enough. At least not when you are in Dubai! With its grand hotels and luxury resorts, Dubai spoils you rotten with choices. From underwater candle-light dinners at the Burj-al Arab to breathtaking view from the Emirates Towers, Dubai is a must see destination for lovers. In photo: The Burj-al Arab Hotel, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is seen in this photo. From a sail-shaped hotel taller than the Eiffel Tower to two soaring towers coated in dark mirrored glass, the images of its hotels the new management showed the staff of the Essex House left employees awe-struck.
Famously known as the Silk Route, this beautiful desert oasis is a perfect getaway for lovers who long to feel lost in time. With its splendid caves and Buddhist grottos, Dunhuang is a magical paradise that takes your breath away. In photo: In this photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency, tourists ride camels at the foot of the Mingsha Hill in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province. Consists of a group of sand dunes, the Mingsha Hill is famous for its desert scenery and the mysterious sound made by wind when blowing over its surface.
