Romantic Travel Gifts for Valentine's Day

Want to buy the gift of travel for your Valentine, but unable to travel on Valentine’s Day. Here you will find a list of our top Romantic Vacations to get your inner cupid working.

1. Castles and Gardens of South England: Tour the English countryside on this romantic self-drive vacation.

2. Irish Harmony: Share your love on a premier escorted tour of Ireland, visiting Killarney, the crystal city of Waterford, Cork, Blarney and Dublin.

3. Endless Possibilities: Self drive tour that spells love! Tour the modern and cosmopolitan city of Dublin, enjoy 4-nights B&B accommodations throughout Ireland and 1 night CASTLE STAY!

4. Deluxe Deluxe: This leisurely self-drive vacation of Ireland brings you excellent properties: the Lakeside Hotel, Westebury Hotel, Ashford Castle and Dromoland Castle!

5. Dublin & Rome City Stay Package: This 2 Spectacular City Stay Package of Ireland and Italy starts in the eternal city of Rome and ends in cosmopolitan Dublin. Rome-the home of great lovers like Casanova and Romeo and Juliet, makes the perfect first stop on this romantic vacation. Dublin is a wonderful city for romantics to visit. With endless possibilities for romance: art, theater, music, famous gardens and Guinness!

6. Paris City Stay: Paris is easily one of the most romantic cities in Europe. Try romantic spots such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Luxembourg Gardens and the Arc de Triomphe.

7. In a Tuscan Villa: Celtic Tours Tuscan Villa Stay features an authentic Italian Villa stay for four nights, a perfect romantic base for touring and tasting the Tuscan region while enjoying the warmth and charm of Villa Casagrande!

8. Danube River Cruise: Cruise down the Danube with your loved one, tour the cities of Vienna and Budapest!

9. South Pacific Vacation: Take a vacation in the South Pacific. Celtic Tours offers an array of South Pacific Independent and Escorted tours.

10. Glimpse of Scotland: Experience the Highlights of Scotland on this leisurely 5-day tour, which includes a comfortable stay by the banks of Loch Ness, a woodland walk, time to explore awe-inspiring Glen Coe.

Don't see the romantic getaway that you're looking for? Visit our website to see more of Celtic Tours Vacations!

Notre Dame de Paris

Notre Dame de Paris

Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is one of the best known Parisian landmarks, besides the Eiffel Tower. It is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture, characterized by the adoption of the pointed arch and invention of the flying buttresses to support the flamboyantly higher walls. Notre Dame de Paris was one of the first Gothic cathedrals, and its construction spanned the Gothic period. Its sculptures and stained glass show the heavy influence of naturalism, unlike that of earlier Romanesque architecture.

The name of Notre Dame in French means “Our Lady”. In the sanctuary, leaning against the south east pillar of the transept, flowers which remain white honor a Virgin with Child dedicated to “Notre-Dame de Paris” Ever since the cathedral was first founded in the 12th century, an altar dedicated to the Virgin has stood on this spot.

Tradition has it that the first stone of Notre Dame was laid in 1163 in witness of Pope Alexander III. Construction continued throughout the entire Gothic period, with the remaining elements being completed in 1345. Attention to detail at its greatest, 182 years to build!

The organ of Notre Dame was first built in the 18th century and then almost completely rebuilt in the 19th century. The organ has 7,800 pipes, with 900 classified as historical. It has 111 stops, five 56-key manuals and a 32-key pedalboard.

There are five bells at Notre Dame. The great bourdon bell, Emmanuel, is located in the South Tower, weighs just over 13 tons, and is tolled to mark the hours of the day and for various occasions and services. There are four additional bells on wheels in the North Tower, which are swing chimed. These bells are rung for various services and festivals. The bells were once rung manually, but are currently rung by electric motors. When it was discovered that the size of the bells could cause the entire building to vibrate, which threatened its integrity they were taken out of use.

Whether you visit for the exquisite art and architecture or for the religious experience, when in France the Notre Dame Cathedral is not to be missed. Make it a stop on your Celtic Tours Experience France Tour of Paris and Nice. Our Experience France Tour is perfect for small groups of 10 or more. Learn more about this exciting France Vacation.

Experience France: Small Group Tour

France Experience - Small Group Experience

Celtic Tours new France Experience Tour is designed for small groups of 10 or more. Great for Family and Friends.

Experience these inclusions on your Experience France Tour:

* Three nights four star hotel in Paris - Concorde Opera Paris Hotel.
* Three nights four star hotel in Nice - NH Nice Hotel.
* Round-trip airport transfers.
* Continental breakfast daily, except for day of arrival.
* Second class rail tickets between Paris and Nice.
* Local hotel taxes.
* Celtic Tours flight bag and portfolio of travel documents.

Learn More About this great France Travel Package

Please note - hotels are on request and subject to change. Tour prices based on a minimum of 10 participants. Higher priced tour may be offered with fewer passengers. Full details will be provided by our reservation staff - and for further information please call 1-800-833-4373.