Recently updated on August 30th, 2022 at 03:45 pm
In celebration of Shakespeare’s 400th birthday, why not discover the real life locations of many of his plays. From the Italian cities of Verona and Rome to bewitching Paris and historic London, visit 11 of Europe’s most romantic destinations, using Shakespeare’s plays as your inspiration.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is an architecturally rich capital city peppered with Imperial palaces. But it’s also Vienna’s great artists that have made it such an alluring location, from Classical composer Beethoven to contemporary artist Klimt. It’s on these culturally vibrant streets that Shakespeare’s play Measure for Measure takes place. With justice, corruption and purity as the play’s main themes, the Duke of Vienna pretends to leave the city on diplomatic business, but instead remains there in disguise to spy on the judge left in charge.
Visit Vienna on Prague, Vienna and Budapest, Imperial Highlights, Highlights of Bohemia, Sound of Music, Highlights of Austria, Slovenia and Croatia, Best of Germany and Austria and Switzerland and Austria.
Paris, France
The City of Light has long been considered one of the world’s most romantic destinations, renowned for its iconic monuments, scenic River Seine and attractive boulevards with intimate bistros and brasseries. With scenes set in Paris, Shakespeare’s play All’s Well That Ends Well tells the story of a physician’s daughter who is given in marriage to the man she loves, but refused due to her lower rank. The story follows her endeavours to win him over.
Visit Paris on Highlights of France, Paris Explorer, Delights of London and Paris, Wonderful France, The Treasures of France, Secrets of France and Best of France.
Athens, Greece
With its maze of narrow streets and ancient architecture of crumbling ruins, Athens inspires romance at every turn. And it’s in the woodland surrounding the city that Shakespeare’s comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream is set, in which four lovers become entangled in a dispute between the King and Queen of the fairies.
Visit Athens on Athens and Aegean, Greek Island Explorer, Ancient Lands, Aegean Odyssey, Greek Island Hopper, Best of Greece with 4 Day Aegean Cruise and Best of Greece.
Rome, Italy
An exceptionally rich history of arts and culture is at the heart of Roman life, amidst majestic architecture and temple ruins that reflect the immense power once held by the Roman Empire. Look up at the frescoes painted by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel and wander through the Vatican City. Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar is set here, in which the playwright tells the story of Caesar’s dictatorial ambition, and its disastrous consequences.
Sicily, Italy
Sicily lies within the Mediterranean waters just off the southern tip of Italy, encompassing mountainous landscape, the stratovolcano Mount Etna, and the vibrant market town of Palermo, located on the island’s sublime shores. It’s here that Shakespeare set his play The Winter’s Tale, in which King Leontes believes his wife, Hermione, is having an affair, with tragic ensuing events.
Venice, Italy
Crisscrossed with canals, the cluster of islands within Venice are home to vast piazzas, marble palaces and winding narrow streets. Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, The Merchant of Venice, unfolds in the 16th century city, focussing on the story’s merchant, Antonio; his friend, Bassanio; the romantic interest, Portia; and the moneylender, Shylock.
Verona, Italy
Verona is a romantic destination in its own right, with medieval and Renaissance architecture and a Roman Arena that’s considered one of the world’s greatest opera venues. But it’s Shakespeare’s famous romantic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, that makes the city even more appealing. Visit the 14th century house where Juliet’s balcony scene is said to have been set, and follow in the footsteps of the play’s star-crossed lovers.
Visit these Italian cities from Shakespeare’s plays on Jewels of Italy, London to Rome Highlights, Highlights of the Italian Lakes, Simple Italy, Italian Dream, Flavours of Italy, Italian Scene, Splendours of Italy, Best of the Italian Lakes, Real Italy, Italy Bellissimo, Contrasts of Italy, Italian Discovery, Best of Italy, Secrets of Italy, Italian Glory, Southern Italy and Sicily, Best of Italy and Sicily and Grand Italian Experience.
Navarre, Spain
This rugged region of northern Spain encompasses undulating hills and farmland, and traditional Spanish villages. The region’s capital, Pamplona, is where many visitors base themselves to soak up its rich traditions and be a part of its festivities. Shakespearean comedy, Love’s Labour’s Lost, is set within this region, with the King of Navarre as the protagonist, who having vowed to celibacy is pursued by the Princess of France.
Visit the Navarre region on the Northern Spain and Best of Spain itineraries.
London, England
With its dramatic skyline, rich history and scenic riverside sites, London has a timeless romance. But it’s the capital’s intriguing history that’s been an integral part of so many of Shakespeare’s plays. Focusing on the country’s royal past, Shakespeare’s Henry VIII (written in collaboration with fellow playwright John Fletcher) tells the story of the King’s life in London and beyond.
Inverness, Scotland
On Scotland’s northeast coast, where the Moray Firth and River Ness meet, Inverness lies just a short distance from one of Scotland’s most enigmatic locations, Loch Ness. Here, the city is overlooked by the hilltop Inverness Castle, which in its former 11th century state was where Shakespeare set his Scottish tragedy, Macbeth.
Windsor, England
Situated to the west of London, the picturesque town of Windsor lies on the River Thames, attracting visitors throughout the year to wander through the staterooms of Windsor Castle. This royal residence is where Shakespeare’s comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor is based, featuring the comedic knight Falstaff who tries to court two of Windsor’s wives.
Visit these cities in the UK on the London Explorer, Taste of Britain, England and Scotland Heritage, Britain and Ireland Delight, Britain and Ireland Explorer, Britain and Ireland Experience, English Country Gardens, Castles and Kilts, Real Britain, Britain and Ireland Grandeur, Amazing Britain, Britain and Ireland Highlights, Best of Britain, Wonders of Britain and Ireland, Irish Experience, Celtic Filmscapes and Best of Ireland and Scotland.
Image credits: Cover photo of Juliet’s balcony in Verona © iStock / vm. St Francis of Assisi Church in Vienna © iStock / Tomas Sereda. A view over Paris © iStock / lakovKalinin. The Acropolis in Athens © iStock / Gargolas. The architecture of Rome © iStock / Luciano Mortula. Mount Etna in Sicily © iStock / gionnixxx. The Rialto Bridge in Venice © iStock / bluejayphoto. The river in Verona © iStock / Krasnevsky. Pamplona in Navarre © iStock / JackF. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London © istock / jcarter. Inverness Castle © iStock / kenxro. Windsor Castle on the River Thames © iStock / jvoisey.