romance

Why limit yourself to one beautiful, romantic Italian city when you can pack two into the same break and see, discover, enjoy and eat twice as much?

Italy has so many fascinating cities to explore and it’s incredibly easy to hop between them, and that’s exactly what I found out on a dual-destination interrail trip to Milan and Venice, reports Abby Wells

With its biannual fashion weeks and designer shops galore, Milan is known as the fashion capital of the world – and as something of a seasoned shopaholic, I was looking forward to discovering its glamorous side. Our base while in Milan was Avani Palazzo Moscova, a historic hotel in the Porta Nuova district that housed the city’s first railway station back in 1840.

Its rooms are chic and modern, with everything you need for a comfortable stay.

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How to cover the classic sights of Milan

A number of experiences can be booked through the hotel, helping to make your stay an unforgettable one. First up for us was a two-hour tour of the city in a vintage Fiat 500, during which our driver, Milan-born Federico, took us to places you wouldn’t normally see.

One hidden gem was Villa Invernizzi, a serene oasis in the middle of the bustling city where you can catch a glimpse of flamingos roaming in the gardens. It was great fun whizzing around with the car’s sunroof open, and a must to get a feel for the city.

The next day we had a personalised cosmetics experience at City Lab Cosmetics, where we got to make our own lipstick. Here experts help you discover a shade suited to your skin colour, and you get to choose the finish, formula, scent and even the shape of your lipstick, and see it being made from scratch in the lab – a unique experience.

Then, finally, we got to do some shopping, courtesy of an expert-led tour around some of Milan’s best vintage boutiques. It started with the bargain ones, where I picked up a gorgeous little black bag for five euros, before finishing in a more upmarket store filled with Chanel dresses and Gucci bags (sadly out of my price range).

All the sightseeing certainly helped me work up an appetite and the food I had in Milan was delicious. I mainly stuck to the Italian staples of pasta and risotto. Avani Palazzo Moscova’s restaurant specialised in fish, but our tiramisu, made at the table, was a particular highlight.

Another restaurant definitely worth a visit is Osteria del Gambero Rosso, barely a five-minute walk from the hotel and where the friendly atmosphere made for a really special evening.

Fitting Venice into the same trip

Then it was on to our next stop, Venice, a speedy and easy two-hour train ride away. We walked out of the station to a postcard-worthy view of the canal in all its glory, with gondolas and water taxis going up and down the waterways. It felt like walking onto a film set.

A short walk away was our hotel, Avani Rio Novo Venice, which is tucked away in a sought-after neighbourhood where Venetians actually live, away from the main tourist drag. Here I enjoyed kicking back and enjoying the views of the canal through my room’s floor-to-ceiling windows.

How to cover the classic sights of Venice

As it was my first time in Venice, a gondola ride was top of my hit list and it didn’t disappoint. Our gondolier was lovely, happily entertaining us with facts and answering all our questions. One top tip is to make sure you have cash on you, as it’ll often mean you pay a bit less – and the more of you there are, the cheaper it is. As in Milan, the Avani hotel here can book various experiences to show off the best of Venice.

First, we paid a visit to Lunardelli Venezia, a workshop specialising in making wooden furniture and objects. Here we saw the intricate processes behind creating the exceptional designs and also had a go at crafting a piece ourselves.

The hotel also arranged a water taxi to the interconnecting Murano islands, an area known for its glass-making workshops.

The one we visited even supplies beads for Milan Fashion Week. Here we learnt to make our own beads to take home as a one-of-a-kind souvenir. I couldn’t wait to wear mine on a necklace.

Another must-visit in Venice is St Mark’s Square and we made our way there through narrow alleys and over the historic Rialto Bridge, which crosses the Grand Canal at its narrowest point. Obviously popular, it was very busy, but getting to St Mark’s Square as the sun was setting had a magical feel.

Both of these iconic cities exceeded all my expectations, and the country’s excellent rail network makes city-hopping a smart option when planning your next Italian escape.

Booking the two breaks

Single rooms at Avani Palazzo Moscova Milan Hotel start from £205 per night. Standard rooms at Avani Rio Novo Venice Hotel start from £167 per night.

JEDWARD star John Grimes hard launched his new girlfriend on social media today, and she’s absolutely stunning.

It comes just before the singer is due to appear on Celebrity Ex On The Beach.

Taking to the official Jedward Instagram page that he shares with twin brother Edward, John shared some cosy snaps of himself with his lady on a day out in London.

In the photos the loved-up duo are standing in front of the iconic Tower Bridge.

The beautiful brunette rests her hand on John’s chest while he wraps his around her waist.

The happy couple beam at the camera, both dressed up with sparkles as the sun sets.

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John is wearing a pair of silver sequin trousers with a matching black jacket with silver accent details.

Meanwhile his girlfriend is wearing a pretty pastel blue dress with large round sequins clinging to the skirt.

Penned sweetly in the caption, John romantically said: “Here’s to a new chapter and making memories with the best girl xxx.”

Fans of the star rushed to the post’s comments section to share their congratulations and wish the pair lots of happiness.

One user said: “So happy for you.”

A second shared: “Wishing you both all the best!,” followed by emojis of a heart and a sparkle.

A third added: “Congrats! Wishing you and this lovely lass all the best!”

A fourth said: “10 year old me would’ve cried my eyes out at this back in 2009.”

John’s time on Celeb Ex On The Beach will mark his first professional project away from his twin brother.

In the first-look at the new episodes, John is stunned to be reunited with former flame Sarah Carragher – but it’s not long before they pick up where they left off.

He tells her: “No one really ever came close to what we had.” 

John and Sarah are then seen kissing, suggesting the shock reunion was a successful one. 

While he’s never publicly spoken about his relationship with Sarah, John previously revealed he prefers to keep his private life separate from his work after shooting to fame on The X Factor in 2009.

He said in 2017: “I’ve had two long-term relationships that were private. That wasn’t part of my career.”

Former Made in Chelsea stars Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo are starring in their own three-part series, which focuses on their romance and journey to becoming parents

Jamie Laing and wife Sophie Habboo are seen in a tense, emotional clash in a new trailer for their upcoming series Raising Chelsea.

The Made in Chelsea couple, who wed in April 2023, are the stars of a brand new series with Disney+ which is due to premiere next week. Ahead of the three-part series’ release, Disney+ has released a teaser trailer to give a glimpse of what fans can expect from the show.

The candid trailer traces their journey to parenthood – and opens with a clip of Jamie, 37, and Sophie, 31, in the back of a car as Jamie explains: “We’re currently heading to the Lindo Wing,” before Sophie adds: “We think it’s happening,” in reference to the birth of their first child.

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The teaser then turns back time as a montage looks at the couple meeting, tying the knot and their career highlights – including Jamie’s Strictly stint and Sophie recording their podcast. Before the pair announce: “And we’re having a baby!”

“I’ve always wanted to be a mum,” Sophie confesses as the montage moves on to focus on the couple’s journey to parenthood – from planning to conceive to midwife appointments. “Pregnancy is a rollercoaster,” Sophie confesses as she is seen having an ultrasound scan. Another clip shows Sophie in tears as Jamie tells her: “Nothing’s the matter, I promise you.”

Meanwhile, Jamie is seen in a confessional telling the camera: “The dynamic between Sophie and I; she’s the boss and I’m the intern.” Before it cuts to more clips and Jamie is heard telling the camera: “We’re bringing you on our journey. There’s c-sections, vaginal birth, births out your butthole…”

As the montage continues it cuts to a particularly tense clash between the couple as a wide-eyed Jamie is seen sharply saying: “I’m stressed, I’m tired.” The camera then cuts to an emotional Sophie, who is seen tearing up as she says: “But you just go behind my back. That’s so unacceptable.”

The camera then cuts to a confessional of Jamie’s mum Penny Baines who says: “This pregnancy, you’d think the Messiah was coming.” The clips then cut to show images of Sophie in hospital as she’s under observation as she smiles. Before Jamie gives an update on the birth, telling the camera: “Bad news is that the baby, his arm is through the cervix, she needs to have an emergency C-section.”

Emotional scenes follow as Jamie is seen reassuring Sophie while she undergoes the C-section before a newborn cry is heard and a doctor says: “Hear that sound?” As the elated couple are overwhelmed with emotion. The scenes then cut to a quiet moment of Sophie at home, feeding her baby son Ziggy, who was born in December.

The trailer ends with the date the series will be available to stream, which is April 2.

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Helen Flanagan says ‘there are three exes I would be dreading to see’ as she is set to return to television screens soon as part of the Celebrity Ex On The Beach lineup

Helen Flanagan has opened up about her fears after joining Celebrity Ex On The Beach, revealing she would love to avoid seeing ‘three’ of her exes as she prepares to star on a reality series.

Celebrity Ex On The Beach is set to return to television screens soon, with the full line-up now revealed, featuring the former Coronation Street favourite. Helen, 35, who is renowned for her portrayal of Rosie Webster on the ITV soap opera, has joined the cast of the Paramount+ reality series, alongside TOWIE’s Dani Imbert, one-half of pop duo Jedward, and Love Island’s Toby Aromolaran.

In a new sneak peek ahead of the show, Helen reveals why she signed up and what she is looking for in a man. She said: “My perfect partner would be fit, kind and funny.” She continued: “I think I’m single because I feel like I’m on my own kind of journey, I’m pretty free spirited [and] I’ve got quite a strong character.”

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Helen said she was “hoping to find a connection on the beach”, before discussing her past relationships. She said: “I was in a 13-year relationship with the father of my children. And then I recently split up with a boyfriend that I was with for a year,” she said.

Helen then revealed: “There are… three exes I would be dreading to see”. Helen and Scott first began dating in 2009, getting engaged in 2018 when the footballer proposed during a trip to Disneyland Paris. They had a lengthy engagement, with Helen confirming in 2022 that they had set a date for their wedding, but split shortly afterwards.

Speaking about the difficult time she faced after the end of her relationship, Helen previously told The Mirror that she suffered a breakdown.

The I’m A Celebrity star was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

On the explosive dating show, filmed in Tenerife, Helen will come face-to-face with her former flames, including her ex-fiancé Scott Sinclair and boxer David Haye. The forthcoming series will also feature Married At First Sight UK’s Amy Kenyon, 28, and Love Is Blind participant Freddie Powell, 32.

Rounding out the line-up are Too Hot To Handle’s Izzy Fairthorne, 26, who is seeking her first-ever boyfriend, and fellow contestant Chase DeMoor, 29, who’s back for a second shot at finding love.

Meanwhile, former X Factor star John Grimes, who previously appeared on the ITV talent show alongside his twin brother, has described himself as a ‘total catch’ and says he’s looking for a ‘curvy, self-assured woman’ who can match his energy.

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LOVED-UP Pete Wicks and Olivia Attwood kiss in a packed hotel bar — just weeks after she split from her footballer husband.

The couple, snapped in London’s Soho on Friday, are said to have begun their fling earlier this month.

ITV star Olivia, 34, separated from Bradley Dack in January.

Olivia and Pete have seen their friendship “blossom into an unexpected romance”, pals said last night.

The pair had insisted they were just friends but their public kiss in front of cheering pals proved they are a couple.

Loose Women favourite Olivia, 34, screamed, punched the air and beamed in delight afterwards.

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An onlooker snapped their snog at rooftop bar Flute in London’s Soho, where they partied for 3½ hours on Friday night.

The venue is where Towie star Pete, 37, was spotted kissing Love Island’s Maura Higgins in 2024.

Last night a pal of Pete and Olivia confirmed: “They have been spending a lot of time together and an unexpected romance has blossomed from friendship.”

Olivia only announced her marriage split from footballer Bradley Dack, 32, in January.

She and Pete, who co-host Sunday Roast: The Podcast, are said to have begun their fling at the Brit Awards on February 28.

The friend added: “Their passionate romance only started in the last few weeks, since she has split from Bradley, there was no overlap.

“Olivia’s close friends know about this new development and are pleased Pete has put a smile back on her face.

“He has been a shoulder to cry on and there for Olivia during this really tough time.

“She has been in the depths of a really horrible break-up and Pete has helped her through it.

“They have got closer and Pete has held a torch for Olivia for a really long time.

“She is hurting and vulnerable, and he was in the right place at the right time.”

The friend added: “They get on really well and are taking it slow, there is no label at the moment.”

Since her marriage separation, speculation has mounted that Olivia has moved on with lothario Pete.

The pair have known each other for around nine years and both starred in Towie in 2019.

Last August they partied with friends on a yacht off Ibiza.

Three weeks ago — when they were still thought to be just friends — we told how they shared a 3am pizza in a Manchester hotel.

Proof of their relationship came on Friday in Flute at the five-star Broadwick Soho hotel.

The onlooker said: “Olivia and Pete looked like honeymooners as they kissed in front of revellers.”

The couple met with pals and sank glasses of wine and vodka drinks from 8.30pm until midnight.

Around 10pm, they stood at their table and openly snogged as their friends cheered.

Olivia broke off to scream in delight and punch the air in celebration.

An onlooker said: “It was a party and Pete and Olivia were the main attraction.

“If you didn’t know, you might have assumed it was an intimate wedding or engagement celebration.

“You would never have guessed Olivia had just endured a painful marriage split.

“She was beaming in delight and couldn’t have looked happier.

“And at one point she rose in front of her friends, took Pete by the hand, and they kissed passionately as a group of ten to twelve people cheered them on.

“Olivia and Pete didn’t seem to mind who saw them.

“The noise and spectacle they were making caused everyone in the room to stop what they were doing and look.”

Olivia looked stunning in a black top and skinny jeans, with Pete in a smart jacket.

She stopped and chatted to other revellers in the dimly-lit, discreet venue, even asking other drinkers if they felt she looked OK.

A source said: “She was very sweet and so obviously madly in love with Pete.

“She was anxious that she looked good for her man. They had a blissful night.

“Friends came and went from their table and when they were alone they were very intense, whispering and pausing conversation to kiss.

“And they were just as tactile when in a bigger group.

“Whatever hardships she has been through, it was very clear that Olivia was ecstatically happy with him next to her at their table.”

Our snaps of the loved-up pair are a hammer blow to her estranged hubby Bradley, who plays for League Two Gillingham.

We told how he blocked Pete on Instagram weeks after the marriage split was revealed.

At last month’s Brits in Manchester, Olivia and Pete were seen chatting and whispering despite being seated apart.

She was on the ITV table while he was with Kiss FM.

That night Olivia told The Sun on Sunday: “If you are going to be single anywhere this’d be the place. Is Harry Styles single?”

She and Pete later left an after-party together and took a taxi to the Edwardian Manchester hotel.

At 3am Pete was seen carrying two pizza boxes through the lobby before getting into a lift.

Hours later the couple emerged together, with both wearing baseball caps, and were driven off at around 12.30pm.

Speaking ahead of the ceremony Pete told their podcast: “What always happens at these events is Liv and I gravitate towards each other and basically just stick together, don’t we?”

Olivia replied: “Because I feel like we both have the same objective. And talk to as few people . . .” Pete then added: “As possible.”

Pete then said: “Although we are not going big this year, are we?”, to which Olivia countered: “What do you mean?” Pete continued: “You have a flight the next day.”

Olivia replied: “I know, you need to keep me lucid enough that I don’t get stopped at immigration.”

Pete said: “The danger being that I jump on the flight with you in what I am wearing from the Brits.”

The Sun on Sunday revealed in January that Olivia had split from Dack – following what sources said was a “breach of trust” on his part.

In 2017, she went on Love Island, later saying it was revenge on Dack for cheating on her at the time.

They reunited, and she joined Towie in 2019, on which Pete was already a regular. He went on to dance on Strictly in 2024.

Our revelation of Olivia and Pete’s romance will fan the flames between her and arch rival Maura.

In August 2024, at the same Broadwick Soho Hotel terrace, Pete and Maura had confirmed their romance — after rumours swirled at that year’s TV Baftas.

Days after splitting from Pete last year, Maura took a pop at him on Valentine’s Day.

Asked where he was as she left a restaurant, she quipped: “Dunno, probably cheating.”

Pete has bedded a host of TV personalities including Jess Wright, Megan McKenna and Megan Barton-Hanson.

His and Olivia’s people were contacted for comment. 

LEWIS Hamilton proved he’s girlfriend Kim Kardashian’s biggest fan with a very public display of affection for the US star. 

Kim, 45, took to Instagram to share a snap of her stunning look from the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty – and Lewis, 41, was quick to share his thoughts. 

In the photo, Skims founder Kim showed off her famous curves in a skintight gold dress, captioning the post: “GUCCI GIRL.”

As always her comments were filled with comments from her 353 million followers and a sweet post from Formula 1 driver Lewis. 

Keeping it to the point, he simply added a lovestruck emoji but the gesture proves he’s head over heels for Kim. 

Kim’s romance with Lewis became public knowledge after The Sun revealed she flew in from Los Angeles on her £100million private jet to spend an evening with him.

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On January 31, the couple enjoyed a brief stay at the exclusive Estelle Manor in the Cotswolds, with insiders saying they had the spa to themselves, before enjoying a meal in a private room.

A source told The Sun: “It all appeared to be very romantic. Kim and Lewis made use of all the facilities on offer.

“She had two bodyguards with her and Lewis had a close protection officer but they remained in the background.

“Two of the three stood guard outside the door to their room, so no one could disturb them.”

Lewis was friends with her ­rapper ex Kanye West.

A source added: “They had a couple’s massage booked in and had full use of the facilities for just the two of them.

“It was all kept very quiet – they clearly wanted to have some time for just the two of them.”

Forget Paris and Venice for an intimate getaway, as there’s another city that has been ranked as the most romantic in Europe, with rooftop bars to catch the sunset and a serene boating lake

Europe’s most romantic city has been named, but it’s not where you might think.

Paris, France, has long been hailed as the ‘city of love’, with proposals in the masses, while Venice, Italy, offers sunset gondola rides along the canals. Yet, according to one new ranking, they’ve both been overshadowed as the most romantic cities in Europe.

Instead, the sun-soaked capital of Spain, Madrid, has taken the crown with its historic charm and intimate settings. There are cosy restaurants, rooftop bars, luxury hotels, along with majestic landmarks, vibrant street art, and passionate flamenco performances, all making for a truly spectacular getaway.

Some of the most notable places to visit include hiring a rowing boat on the serene, picturesque lake at El Retiro Park, or taking a leisurely stroll around the enchanting El Capricho Park or the beautiful Sabatini Gardens at the Royal Palace. The city offers some of the best spots to catch the sunset, including the restaurant Azotea del Círculo, which offers panoramic views from its rooftop terrace, and the gardens in Cerro del Tío Pío, perfect for a sunset stroll.

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However, one popular area that has been hailed as the ‘best sunset spot in Madrid’ is the ancient Egyptian temple, Templo de Debod. Catching the sunset last year, one traveller shared on TripAdvisor: “The magic hour to visit is sunset!.. The temple’s ancient stones turn a rich orange, and the reflective pools surrounding it create a mirror effect that is a photographer’s dream.”

For a break away from exploring the city, there’s the Arab baths at Hammam Al Ándalus for a relaxing soak and a step back in time among its historic buildings, or lively flamenco shows at Corral de la Morería. Couples can enjoy a glass of wine and tapas at the Mercado de San Miguel, a fresh food market, or ride the cable car, the Teleférico de Madrid, which crosses the river.

But a stroll around the city is enough to leave you enchanted, with vibrant graffiti decorating its quaint streets lined with tapas bars and coffee shops, and magnificent architecture. From the iconic Plaza Mayor, Plaza de la Villa, and Puerta del Sol square, to the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum, it’s easy to spend hours exploring this bustling yet charming city.

Madrid was named the most romantic European city following research by Icelandair. The airline analysed data from various European cities, comparing their location, nightlife, single population, inclusivity and happiness, along with Tripadvisor romance ratings and sunset visibility, with Madrid topping the list.

The list proves even more valuable, as Icelandair found that 1 in 10 Brits, in a study of 3,000 people, said travel is the best way to meet a partner. Meanwhile, 1 in 5 Brits said they’ve fallen in love while flying, and further research found that most holiday romances occur while volunteering abroad, during a work trip, or while solo travelling.

Most romantic European cities

1. Madrid, Spain
2. Prague, Czech Republic
3. Lisbon, Portugal
4. Barcelona, Spain
5. Zurich, Switzerland
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
7. Helsinki, Finland
8. Vienna, Austria
9. Copenhagen, Denmark
10. Rome, Italy
11. Athens, Greece
12. Geneva, Switzerland
13. Oslo, Norway
14. Berlin, Germany
15. Reykjavik, Iceland

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

EMMA Watson has been spotted passionately kissing her billionaire boyfriend, entrepreneur Gonzalo Hevia Baillares.

The Harry Potter star confirmed their secret romance on a trip to Mexico.

Emma, 35, didn’t appear to care who saw her embrace the businessman as they walked through Mexico City airport.

The couple were flanked by guards as they snogged in the security queue, according to pictures seen by the Daily Mail.

A source told the paper: “Widely regarded as one of Mexico’s most eligible bachelors, Gonzalo now appears to be deeply smitten and reportedly taking his relationship with Emma seriously – having already introduced her to his parents.

​”Without a doubt, Gonzalo and Emma are shaping up to be one of 2026’s most unexpected power couples.”

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Emma was believed to have last been dating Kieran Brown while she studied creative writing.

The actress appears to have moved on with Gonzalo – cementing their relationship with a romantic getaway to the exclusive beach resort of Punta Mita.

Gonzalo is the grandson of Mexican billionaire Alberto Baillères, who died in 2022.

His family are the third wealthiest family in the country and are said to have a net worth of £14.2billion, having made their money from a multi-billion-dollar mining company.

Gonzalo is currently working as a CEO of investment firm HBeyond in New York.

​He was previously romantically linked with Spanish singer Belinda Peregrín before they broke up in 2024.