5 places to recreate love stories

As the luxurious Palazzo Victoria opens in Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet, Clare Wilson finds five places to recreate love stories from literature and history

1. Romeo and Juliet - Verona

Head to Verona, home of Shakespeare's tragic lovers Romeo and Juliet to the newly opened Palazzo Victoria for a luxurious Italian honeymoon. Built on Medieval and Roman ruins, which have been carefully preserved, the rooms and suites have all been innovatively designed to incorporate the preservation of original Veronese decor. Some even feature charming wrap around iron balconies so you can recreate the world's most famous balcony scene.

2. Tony and Maria - New York

It's not quite a West Side story, but to combine literature and romance in New York City, head to Library Hotel in Mid-town Manhattan. The rooms are categorised by the Dewey Decimal System, the system usually used to classify library books. What better place to spend your honeymoon than the Love Suite on the 'Philosophy' floor, or downstairs in the Erotica Room on the 'Literature' floor?

3. Tristan and Isolde - Cornwall

Cornwall is the home of Arthurian legends, including the lovers Tristan and Isolde. Hide away from the modern world in the Beach Hut (near Bude) and savour the romance of the Cornish landscape at Tintagell, King Arthur's citadel.

4. Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal - Agra

Visit the building that epitomises the ultimate expression of love - the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. Built in the 15th century by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is a monument to both romance and the beauty of Mughal architecture. Stay in the 'Palace on Wheels' train to experience India's Golden Triangle.

5. Leander and Hero - Turkey

Turkey's romantic western coastline is a fitting scene to love stories from ancient times, from Helen of Troy to Leander and Hero. According to Byzantine legend, Hero was so beautiful that Leander swam across the Hellespont (now known as the Dardenelles Straight) every night to be with her. Stay in luxurious Istanbul then charter a gulet and explore the beautiful coastline.