When the moon hits your eye, like a big pizza pie, that's amore. When it comes to romance the Italians certainly know a thing or two, so this Valentine's Day forget the roses and chocolates, and show your partner how much they mean to you with a Gondola ride in Venice, a traditional cooking experience in Tuscany or a visit to the famous Juliet's balcony in Verona.

Italy4Real have a fantastic selection of romantic breaks to treat your loved one this Valentine's Day.

Venice

Hailed as one of the most romantic cities in the world, the canal city of Venice is a tranquil and beautiful place for enjoying relaxation and romance with your other half. Explore the city's narrow winding streets, sip a coffee in Piazza San Marco and marvel at the depictions of love at Ca'Rezzonico – a gallery filled with artworks portraying flirting, courtship and marriage.

Of course no romantic break to Venice is complete without a Gondola ride across the city's Grand Canal. Gondola boats and their drivers have been a staple of life in Venice since the medieval ages, at one point being used as the main source of transportation in the city. Now, gondola rides are the perfect way to view the beautiful sights of Venice while cuddling up with your significant other. Make the experience extra-special by booking a private gondola ride specially for the two of you – you can even add some traditional music and serenades from your gondolier for a truly magical experience. 

The Gondola Boat Experience can be added on to any Italy4Real tailor-made Venice break, perfectly suited to you and your partner's needs. Prices available on request.  

Verona

Famed by one of the most-loved romance stories of all time, what better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than with a visit to the home of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet. Visit the home of Juliet – Casa di Giulietta – and see the famous balcony from the Shakespeare play. Of course, Casa di Giulietta has no accurate historic link to the Bard's love story, however it is the similarity between the home's historic owners - the dell Capello family - with Shakespeare's Capulets which first spurned the connection.

Whether the building has any real link to Juliet or not, it has not stopped hundreds of thousands of people flocking to the building to see the famous balcony and leave their letter to Juliet. There is also a bronze statue of Juliet in the balcony, and legend has it that rubbing Juliet's chest will bring you good luck.

Of course there is more to Verona than Shakespeare. Head up the Torre de Lamberti watchtower for panoramic views of the city and nearby mountains, walk hand-in-hand through the Renaissance gardens of Giardino Giusti, and in the evening enjoy a traditional opera experience at the Arena di Verona - a Roman amphitheatre which dates back to the first century and is still in use today.

 A Verona break with Italy4Real can be completely tailor-made to suit you and your partner's needs, and can also be incorporated into a larger tour of Italy including Venice, Rome and Tuscany. Prices available upon request.

Florence

Food and wine is top of the list for many Valentine's celebrations, and where better to enjoy some traditional Italian cuisine than in the region of Tuscany. From exploring the vineyards of the Tuscan countryside to the bars and restaurants of Florence, there is plenty of eating and drinking to be done in Florence – and if you and your loved one enjoy rustling up treats in the kitchen together, you can also experience some traditional Italian cooking.

Italy4Real's Authentic Italian Cooking Class is the perfect Valentine's treat for foodie couples looking to learn some new skills. With the guidance of an expert chef you and your significant other will join a small group to visit a traditional Florentine home with a large kitchen, the perfect base for trying out some new Italian tastes.

With the help of a skilled Italian chef you will whip up a full Tuscan meal, including an appetizer, first course, second course, side dish and desert – all making the most of the best regional recipes and flavours.

Best of all you will be given recipes to take away with you meaning, you can continue to treat your other half to some Tuscan romance when you are back home.

The Authentic Italian Cooking Class can be added on to any Tuscany break which can be tailor-made to suit you and your partner's needs, including extending your tour to visit Rome and other parts of Italy. Prices available upon request.