Where to go in February

The shortest month of the year is an excellent time for a short city break. Many European cities remain relatively quiet and Kirker hotels offer excellent value for money, with special offers and complimentary upgrades. It is also a time when cultural offerings are at their best: opera houses and concert halls are in the midst of their seasons, new exhibitions begin to open at museums and galleries, and tempting cafes, bars and restaurants offer local specialities as the perfect antidote to winter weather. Speak to the Kirker Concierge for performance schedules, expert advice and pre-booked tickets.

Venice’s annual Carnival usually falls in February, with colourful balls and masquerades bringing visitor from around the world. Whilst the Carnival weekends themselves are often crowded, we highly recommend staying in Venice in the weeks leading up to the festivities: the canals and streets are quietly gearing up with mask-makers and costumiers’ studios preparing, whilst St Mark’s Square is shrouded in atmospheric mist from the lagoon and the days are crisp, cold and refreshing. It is also an excellent opportunity to explore the Doge’s Palace or one of the city’s art galleries in rare tranquillity.

For those tempted to plan a romantic escape over Valentine’s Day, it is most rewarding to think beyond the most obvious destinations – ask a Kirker expert for a personal recommendation, and don’t forget to speak to the Kirker Concierge to book a table for dinner.

Our top three destinations for a Valentine weekend are:

1. Milan: whilst Venice and Rome are the most well-known romantic cities, Milan is much more than just the fashion capital of Italy. With the extravagant spires of the Duomo as its centrepiece, the city boasts excellent restaurants, one of the world’s great opera houses, and a wonderful art gallery – the Brera – where Kirker clients can enjoy magnificent Renaissance masterpieces in relative peace thanks to our pre-booked entrance tickets. Art-lovers can also visit Santa Maria delle Grazia to see Leonardo’s famous Last Supper – speak to the Kirker Concierge for timed entrance tickets before you travel.

2. Bologna: Italy’s undisputed gastronomic capital, Bologna is known throughout the country for its excellent restaurants, trattoria and delicatessens where you can sample and buy the very best ingredients from the surrounding region of Emilia-Romagna – Parmigiano, Proscuitto, Mortadella, Balsamic Vinegar and handmade tortelloni are just a few to taste… and ask the Kirker Concierge to reserve a table for a romantic dinner at one of our favourite local restaurants.

3. Bordeaux: wine connoisseurs need no introduction to the city which stands at the heart of some of the most renowned terroirs in the world – Medoc, Graves, Sauternes, Pomerol, St-Emilion. For enthusiastic amateurs, the striking new Cite du Vin museum provides an interactive guide to the history of wine production in the region, as well as tutored tasting events. But Bordeaux has more to offer than just wine, excellent independent boutiques, delicious local restaurants, and fine architecture, which has been restored to its original glory in recent years.

If you are looking for an escape with the whole family, perhaps during the February half term holiday, we would be delighted to recommend some of our favourite destinations with family-friendly hotels, which have rooms which can be configured to your personal requirements. It is important to speak to an expert when planning a holiday for multiple generations, and our team has many years of personal experience. Perhaps a relaxing retreat in the countryside of Andalucia, where the weather at this time of year is remarkably mild and the hotels offer excellent value for money, or a city break which provides something for everyone. With the right hotel and an expert local guide, a visit to one of Europe’s great cities can be the perfect way to combine relaxation and education.