Top Ten Ciclismo Classico Romantic Hotels

Being a Ciclismo Classico guide has its advantages. A part from eating great food, biking through Europe and meeting fantastic people from all over the world, we get to stay in some of Europe’s most charming and romantic hotels.

In February, we can’t help but feel that special passion for travel and romance. February is the month where we reflect with nostalgia on the past season and get excited about new destinations in 2020. It’s a month we love and we want to share that emotion with you.

This year, as you travel though Europe on one of our spectacular biking or walking trips, be sure to check out some of these romantic hotels. Our office has elected the following hotels great for a romantic getaway, no matter what month you’re celebrating your love!

Bifora Heritage Hotel

There is no more romantic destination to stay along our Dalmatian Coast bike trip than the Bifora Heritage Hotel. Located in the heart of Trogir, it seems more like a holiday home than a romantic getaway hotel. This beautiful property has charmingly exposed stone walls, as seen in Croatia’s traditional fishing villages. Yet the modern art and the smart decor make this a chic stay in a cozy historic port.

But the staff at Bifora provides unparalleled service and attention to their guests. From the dazzling breakfast menu to late night drinks, imagine your romantic evening along the veranda. At just steps from the port, it makes for a romantic and unique evening on this special island of Croatia (voted the Most Romantic Island City in the world by National Geographic).

Hotel Grande Italia in Chioggia

Just south of the bustling Venetian port, lies the sleepy Veneto town of Chioggia. A confirmed spot on Ciclismo Classico’s Venice Con Gusto departure will lead you to the enchanting Hotel Grande Italia. This structure – dating back to the city’s Goldonian period – is positioned right on the coast, giving you a perspective of Venice’s lagoon from a unique point of view.

In 1912, a structure conceptualized to represent Chioggia’s unique hospitality was envisioned. During WWII, German soldiers occupied the building partially due to its strategic positioning along the Adriatic Sea. In 1945, the Italian Liberation Army stayed at the hotel, using it as headquarters for military operations post-conflict. Staying at the Hotel Grande Italia means being part of this unique history.

Corte San Pietro in Matera

There is no wonder why Matera became one of the European Union’s capitals of culture in 2019. Inside this city of stone, lies a core of generosity known solely to the people of Southern Italy.

Our stop at Corte San Pietro along our Bella Puglia bicycle adventure amazes many guests. In the heart of the lovely Rioni Sassi, the owners of Corte San Pietro restored and renovated several abandoned buildings dating back to the 1600’s. Fernando and Marisa Ponte – together with their architect Daniela Amoroso – gave light to this unique innovation.

Let yourself fall in love again through the historical and seductive spaces combined with comfort and elegant design. It is an enchanting space, in an inebriating city.

Experience Hotel Su Gologone

Deep within the confines of the Su Gologone National Park in Sardinia, lies one of the most unique and spectacular hotels in Europe. This vast karst landscape in the serenity of Mont Supramonte is home to an experiential hotel you won’t want to leave.

The Su Gologone Experience Hotel lies 25 kilometers from the nearest beach, surrounded by the wild flora and fauna of the Oliena village. What began as a simple idea has turned into a world-renown hotel. Originally a restaurant, Su Gologone was a small trattoria, celebrating the local fare. The owner’s daughter, Giovanna, has created and decorated rooms in perfect harmony with this magically romantic mountainside. You can see for yourself on Ciclismo Classico’s Swept Away in Sardinia departure with expert guides Frank and Dana.

Park Hotel ai Cappuccini in Gubbio

Anyone who has ever traveled on our award-winning Bike Across Italy will recognize the romantic Park Hotel ai Cappuccini in Gubbio. The hotel is a cleverly restored 17th C monastery. Frankly, there is no better place to rest and relax in Italy’s Green Heart of Umbria.

In a rare union of antique and modern, the hotel handsomely creates romantic evenings in the tranquility outside of Gubbio’s center. Their Spa is an impressive network of sauna and massage, wisely incorporating the use of medicinal herbs and plants around the premises. Or their “Raxul” technique: a re-conceptualized Roman bath to invigorate the senses.

The Parco Acque is a perfect place for couples to rekindle their romance. Whether you spend your days in the “Emotional Waters” or your evenings in the “Hydro Massage Room,” you’ll find something for everyone at the Cappuccini.

Hotel Le Choiseul in Amboise

France is a perfect destination for a romantic getaway, and what better place to indulge yourself than in the playground of France’s Kings: The Loire Valley?

Le Choiseul is elegance and service as only the French know. This hotel has reconstructed all the ancient buildings belonging to the old French aristocracy. The Duke’s mansion, The Hermit’s quarters and the Apothecary house all have unique ties to the French kings of years ago.

And the food. The in-house restaurant the 36 is the finest in Amboise. Chef Hervé Lussault masters the best of French cuisine, all served along the banks of the Loire River. Romantic? You’ll never do better than this.

Hotel des Gorges du Verdon

You would probably imagine an epic bike ride through the French Alps to lack in romantic hotels, right? Think again.

The Hotel des Gorges du Verdon is the outdoor component to romantic. Perched high above the famed Verdon gorges, the Hotel sets a spectacular stage with outdoor dining, plenty of recreational activity and a spa / wellness center with views over the countryside. Far away from the bustling river activities, the Hotel prides itself on its quiet surroundings and attentive staff.

With heated outdoor pools, a jacuzzi, steam rooms, sauna, and chromotherapy shower, it’s the perfect location to pamper yourself. Then enjoy dinner and drinks on the terrace in the evening, overlooking the gorges in the twilight.

Das Traunsee in Traunkirchen

As the only 4-star hotel with direct access to the Traunsee Lake, Das Traunsee is one of our hidden gems on Ciclismo Classico’s Czech Republic and Austria bicycle adventure.

Imagine the welcome drink as you ride toward the point of this peninsula, surrounded by mountains and water. With rooms offering a lake view, you’ll have the world at your window. Sunning on the hotel’s private beach or swimming in the cool lake waters never felt so refreshing.

But the Gröller Family have certainly outdone themselves when finishing their spa and water facilities last year. They are one of the few hotels able to offer a plunge pool 12km long and 2 km wide. However, their lake sauna (95 degrees) has an amazing panoramic view overlooking the lake. There is also a marble steam bath and an infrared sauna. There is no better way to enjoy romance with the one you love on the waterbeds, overlooking the lake.

Chateau de Mercues in Mercues

There is nothing as romantic as a few evenings in a luxurious castle in the French foothills near Cahors. Add to that a renown wine cellar and a Michelin dining experience, and you have one of the most romantic getaways you can imagine.

The Chateau de Mercuès just outside of Cahors, France, is all of this. The Chateau itself dates from the 13th C., but Saint Didier – the first Bishop of Cahors – built a chapel here predating the castle in the 7th C. The Bishops of Cahors used it as their residence until the separation of church and state in 1905. After World War II the castle had had fallen into disuse by the time it was bought by Georges Vigouroux in 1983. Georges Vigouroux renovated the castle to restore it to its former glory.

The wines are mainly Malbec (originally a French grape) and are aged in the lower recesses of the castle. You can enjoy the luxury of tasting these crus – as well as dining at the Michelin starred restaurant – along Ciclismo Classico’s famous Bike Across France. Come with us and fall in love with France!

Hostal Empuries, Empuries, Spain

It remains one of the most romantic gems on our Costa Brava bicycle trip. The Hostal Empuries, just north of Barcelona, in Spain, is ready to win you over.

The history of the Hostal started in 1907, when local directors constructed “Villa Terestia” the first building of a series. It accommodated the first archaeologists led by Puig i Cadafalch. They worked at the ruins of the Greco-Roman site of Empúries.

Today, the hotel has private beaches just steps aways from its doors. The gentle surf is the perfect setting for any romantic couple to enjoy, day or night. The path along the coast is for pedestrians and bikes only, preserving these idyllic ocean sounds. A glass of penedés on the terrance in the evening and your day is complete.

Want to know more about our romantic destinations? Call our offices and get ready to fall in love with Europe this spring!