Have the kids flown the coop and left you with a suitcase full of freedom? Now’s the perfect time to explore the world at your own pace. Together as a couple without distractions. Whether you’re strolling hand in hand through cobbled lanes. Sipping wine in sun-drenched plazas. Or soaking in centuries of culture. The most beautiful historic villages to visit offer something magical for empty nesters who are ready to reconnect and roam. These scenic village vacations for couples blend old-world charm with new adventures. Making them some of the best travel destinations for empty nesters. If cultural travel for empty nesters is calling your name, you’re in the right place. Today, I’m sharing which storybook escapes are waiting to welcome you.

The Most Beautiful Historic Villages to Visit Together: Perfect for Empty Nesters

Eze, France

Eze is one of the most beautiful historic villages to visit on the French Riviera. This village is perched fourteen hundred feet above sea level between Nice and Monaco. It offers medieval charm and gorgeous panoramic views.

As an empty nester, you will love how you can slow down, soak in the beauty of the area, and feel like you have stepped into your own little fairy tale.

One of the first things you should do while on vacation in Eze, France is visit the Exotic Garden. Jardin Exotique is a hilltop garden filled with cacti and succulents from around the world. Take selfies with the sculpture installations. Or simply sit on a bench and enjoy the views that stretch all the way to Saint-Tropez.

If you love perfume or science, a tour of the Fragonard Perfumery is a must. This is one of the oldest perfumeries in the region. Take a free guided tour of the lab, museum, and boutique. Allow me to add a workshop to your itinerary, so you can create your own custom fragrance. It’s the perfect way to remember your vacation in Eze.

Dining in Eze will be quite the experience. While there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, I recommend dining at Château Eza. This gourmet restaurant is located in a luxury hotel that was once a royal residence. I can arrange a reservation at sunset, so you can enjoy a magical, candlelit meal with views of the Mediterranean.

Of course, you will want to shop for souvenirs before you go home. There are quite a few artisan shops within Eze, France. Wander through the local boutiques and purchase hand-milled Provencal soaps, lavender sachets, and olive wood utensils.

Check out another fairytale village in France to add to your empty nesters vacation itinerary. 

Castellfollit de la Roca, Spain

Castellfollit de la Roca is a tiny Catalan village in Spain. This is an amazing scenic village vacation for couples who are searching for fascinating geological history and authentic local flavors.

There are only a few hundred residents in this most beautiful historic village to visit. Plus, hardly any people travel there, so it isn’t touristy like other destinations in Spain.

A walk along Carrer Major will take you from one end of the village to the other. At the end of the street, you will see breathtaking views of where the Fluvià and Toronell rivers meet.

Stopping at the Church of Sant Salvador is a must. I recommend climbing to the top of the bell tower at sunset, so you can see the panoramic views in the glowing light.

The Museu de l’Embotit may be small but it is packed with all Catalonia’s traditional cured meats. I don’t recommend rushing through it. Especially once you reach the tasting room!

One of the most unique things to do in this best travel destination for empty nesters is to drive through Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. Inside the park, you can explore more than forty volcanic cones and ancient lava flows. The well-marked trails are perfect for hiking. Plus, there are a few scenic picnic areas that are excellent for taking breaks and enjoying a drink and bite to eat.

Are you ready to discover your wild side? Check out these adventure destinations for empty nesters.

Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy – One of the Most Beautiful Historic Villages to Visit as Empty Nesters

If you are searching for the most beautiful village to visit without cars, look no further than Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy. This hilltop village can only be reached by a pedestrian footbridge. A walk across that bridge to the village takes approximately fifteen minutes.

A visit to Antico Frantoio is a must while on vacation in Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy. The five-hundred-year-old olive oil press is now a museum and artisan shop. Sample the handmade olive oil before purchasing a few of the locally made items.

The Alma Civita Ristorante was built into an Etruscan cave. It is an elegant restaurant serving local dishes like truffle pasta and grilled lamb.

After your delicious meal, head to the Piazza San Donato to watch the spectacular sunset. The stone walls and rooftops in the square turn golden at this time of the day. This creates stunning photographs to remember your vacation in Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy.

Extend your empty nesters vacation by exploring Matera Village in Italy.

Monsaraz, Portugal

The historic village of Monsaraz in Portugal is high above Alqueva Lake in the Alentejo region. This most beautiful historic village to visit is full of whitewashed homes, cobbled lanes, and endless vineyards. Every stone you pass by during your vacation in Monsaraz will tell a story. But only if you are willing to slow down and listen.

Start your visit with a walk along the medieval walls. The best views of the vast Alqueva Reservoir can be seen from these medieval walls.

Another excellent place for seeing stunning views is the 14^th century castle tower. This castle is also an open-air amphitheater. So, it is perfect for watching the sun set and for stargazing.

One of the favorite attractions in Monsaraz is Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Lagoa. This village church is filled with blue tiles, as well as hand-carved altars. Both these things reflect Portugal’s rich artistic heritage.

Oh, and with all the vineyards in Monsaraz, it won’t be difficult finding a winery or two. I recommend doing a wine tasting at Herdade do Esporão. This winery is only twenty minutes from Monsaraz. Take a guided tour before your wine tasting to learn how they make their award-winning wines. Afterwards, enjoy a meal at the on-site Michelin restaurant.

Castle Combe, England

Quaint Cotswolds villages are the best travel destinations for empty nesters. But the most beautiful historic village to visit in the Cotswolds is Castle Combe.

The buildings in this historic village have been untouched for centuries. There are no streetlights. And you won’t even find modern signage on the streets. This village is like a picture-perfect postcard of English charm.

One of the first things you should do when you arrive in Castle Combe is take a stroll along the main street. This will allow you to see where things are located in this historic village in England. If you happen to be on this street at sunset, get a picture of the iconic stone bridge. The bridge and cottages will be glowing at this time of day.

While you are walking around, take the time to explore St. Andrew’s Church. This 13^th century church has an ancient faceless clock. That clock happens to be the oldest working clock in England. There are medieval tombs at this church too. So, you will want to spend a little time learning about who is buried in them.

After checking out the church, you may be ready to experience afternoon tea. The Manor House Hotel offers an elegant garden classic cream tea experience. Relax as you drink your tea just like the locals.

During this scenic village vacation for couples, you will have ample time to spend outdoors. I recommend wandering along the nearby walking trails to see wildflower meadows and woodlands. The circular loop through Nettleton Woods is a popular option since it is an easy, scenic hike.

Gruyères, Switzerland – One of the Most Beautiful, and Tasty, Historic Villages to Visit

One of the most beautiful historic villages to visit in Switzerland is Gruyères. This medieval village is nestled in the foothills of the Swiss Alps. It is a car-free village that is famous for its namesake cheese.

Château de Gruyères is an excellent place to start your vacation in Gruyères, Switzerland. This 13^th century castle offers stunning alpine views. But you will need to tear your eyes away from all the turrets and frescoes first.

A stop at the quirky HR Giger Museum is a must for art and film buffs. Although, you may be more interested in learning about cheese-making at La Maison du Gruyère. Make sure you sample the fresh fondue before you leave. It will be the best fondue you will ever taste.

Early mornings, late afternoons, and evenings can be spent wandering the cobbled lanes lined with flower boxes and traditional chalets. During your walks, you may dream of owning a traditional chalet in this historic village in England one day.

More amazing destinations for empty nesters looking to explore the world together. 

Porvoo, Finland

Porvoo is one of the oldest villages in Finland. This riverside village is full of colorful wooden houses, cobbled lanes, and a relaxed Scandinavian pace. It is one of the most beautiful historic villages to visit if you are searching for tranquility during your vacation.

There is so much to see and explore during an empty nesters vacation in Porvoo. Start by strolling along the Old Town’s red shorehouses. These buildings were once used to store goods from other countries.

Stop into the design boutiques and art galleries to see which local items are perfect for souvenirs to remember your trip. Don’t skip past the Brunberg Candy Factory. The local chocolate and handmade truffles will easily fit into your carry-on bag. Well, if you don’t eat them all before you board the plane back home.

Shirakawa-go, Japan

Shirakawa-go is a wonderful cultural travel destination for empty nesters. This historic village is tucked in the Japanese Alps. It is quiet and ideal for couples who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the bigger cities in Japan.

The iconic farmhouses in Shirakawa-go were built without nails. And yet, they managed to withstand centuries of heavy snow. You can see more than twenty traditional homes, barns, and workshops at the Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Minkaen. Those buildings were relocated from all over the region to this open-air museum.

Staying overnight in a gassho-style minshuku is a must while on vacation in this historic village. These family-run inns offer tatami mat rooms, hot baths, and traditional dinners served by the fire. It is an excellent way to try the regional cuisine, which is always made with seasonal, local ingredients.

Oh, and if you want to see the entire village, hike to the Shiroyama Viewpoint. It is a short, uphill hike to the viewpoint. But the reward is gorgeous panoramic views of the entire village.

There’s something undeniably magical about strolling hand-in-hand through a place where history lingers in every stone wall and cobblestone path. It’s small moments like those that make travel so meaningful. And as empty nesters, you finally have the freedom to roam and experience everything together.

The most beautiful historic villages to visit aren’t just destinations. They’re doorways to stories, slow mornings, and shared adventures. These scenic village vacations for couples offer more than just pretty views. They offer reconnection, romance, and the chance to make memories you will never forget.

So, are you ready to plan a vacation to one of these most beautiful historic villages to visit?

If you said yes, click here to schedule a personalized planning session with me. Clicking the link will take you directly to mu digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

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