Published 23rd Sep. 2025
Written by Emma Begley
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Wedding anniversaries are all about celebrating love, and here at Original Travel, we believe the best way to do that is on holiday. We understand that every couple is different, so whether you two are after bucket-list adventures in Norway or total relaxation in South Africa, we’ve got you covered. Ready to mark the occasion? Read on for our comprehensive list of the best anniversary holidays…
Steam Ship Sudan, Egypt
What better way to celebrate one year of wedded bliss than a trip down the Nile? Head to Egypt for a cruise aboard the iconic Steam Ship Sudan, our elegant 20th-century paddle steamer. As you drift lazily along the river, knowledgeable guides will tell you about the papyrus plants that once grew on its banks, which were used for manufacturing ancient Egyptian papyrus paper.
Sail between Aswan and Luxor, gliding past spectacular valleys and jagged cliffsides. Spend your days on board admiring the local flora and fauna, before disembarking to explore holy temples and historic cities. Come evening, settle onto the top deck with your other half on your left and an ice-cold glass of champagne to your right – there’s nothing quite like it.
Image by Olivier Romano.
Banff National Park, Canada
This one’s for the nature lovers. Set in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park boasts electric-blue alpine lakes, rugged mountains and dense forests, making it an excellent choice for your fifth anniversary celebrations.
Hike hand-in-hand along the Plain of Six Glaciers trail, stopping at Lake Louise to marvel at the impossibly blue waters and towering peaks. If you’re celebrating in summer, head out on one of Banff’s iconic red canoes; if you tied the knot in winter, pull on your skates and glide onto the lake’s frozen surface. When you start to tire, head to Banff Upper Hot Springs and soak in the mountain views from the deliciously warm waters.
Image by AscentXmedia / Getty Images.
The Algarve, Portugal
You’ve hit double digits, so this one has to be good. The Algarve has a reputation for tourists, but if you know where to go (hint: we do), there are plenty of delightful spots for a relaxing anniversary holiday. Think salty sea air, rugged mountains and colourful shop windows filled with decorated sardine tins – is there anywhere more perfect to celebrate each other?
Bond over surfing lessons in Arrifana’s gentle waves, amble along Tavira’s cobbled streets and watch the sunset on Ferragudo’s peaceful Praia Grande. The Algarve also boasts several family-owned vineyards, so head to Loule to sample their finest vinho. If you’ve got room in your case, take a few bottles home as a delicious reminder of a fantastic tenth anniversary trip.
Image by Faustine Poidevin-Gros.
Svalbard Archipelago, Norway
What could be more magical than celebrating your crystal anniversary among the glittering glaciers and dramatic fjords of Norway’s Svalbard Archipelago? This remote smattering of islands is perfect for disconnecting from home life and enjoying an adventurous anniversary getaway.
Head out on guided snowmobile or dog sledding tours (keeping your eyes peeled for polar bears), or venture into the ice caves to experience the beauty of Svalbard’s ancient glaciers. As if that wasn’t enough excitement, Svalbard also offers the bucket-list opportunity to witness the Northern Lights. This natural phenomenon can be a little unpredictable, but head to Longyearbyen for a good chance of witnessing the waves of green and blue washing across the night sky.
Image by Visit Svalbard.
Hangzhou, China
Is there anywhere more fitting for your china wedding anniversary? A far cry from bustling Beijing, Hangzhou was once referred to by explorer Marco Polo as ‘the finest and the noblest [city] in the world’. Explore the Lingyin temple, a Buddhist haven nestled within the rolling hills, or enjoy each other’s company at West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site adorned with pretty pagodas and pavilions.
If you’re after a porcelain souvenir, Hangzhou has several markets to choose from. But for the best of the best, hop on a high-speed train to Jingdezhen, known as the ‘Porcelain Capital’ of China. The city’s locals have been crafting beautiful porcelain for thousands of years, so pick up a one-of-a-kind piece to mark the occasion.
Image by Xinhua/ZUMA/REA.
Arequipa, Peru
Arequipa isn’t just known for its silver production. Often referred to as the ‘White City’ due to an abundance of sparkling sillar stone, this Peruvian metropolis features elegant colonial architecture, vibrant culture and tasty cuisine against a backdrop of the towering Misti Volcano.
If your better half is a thrill-seeker, venture just outside the city to Colca Canyon – the second deepest canyon in the world – to hike one of its many trails. If that’s not your thing, don’t worry: take advantage of the city’s romantic atmosphere on a stroll to the Plaza de Armas, or reminisce on the last 25 years over hearty pork adobo in a local picanteria.
Image by Giulio/stock.adobe.com.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto effortlessly blends urban life, stunning landscapes and rich culture, making it a great destination for couples seeking a bit of everything. This beautiful Japanese city is a favourite of our Conde Nast top travel specialist, Holly, who recommends weaving mother-of-pearl into kimono fabric in a traditional workshop for a special (and rather fitting) experience.
There are plenty of ways to celebrate love in Kyoto. Foodies can share steaming bowls of ramen and fresh oysters at the 400-year-old Nishiki Market, before embracing the peaceful atmosphere in Kokedera’s moss gardens. Finish your day with a traditional tea ceremony designed to promote harmony, and share a moment of true connection with your loved one.
Image by Zoe Fidji.
Jaipur, India
India’s reputation for hustle and bustle might not make it the most obvious choice for an anniversary holiday, but this colourful country offers a delightful blend of buzzing culture, rich history and secluded opulence. Jaipur, affectionately known as the ‘Pink City’, is renowned for its spectacular architecture, much of which is painted a romantic pink hue.
Jaipur boasts a thriving gemstone industry and is home to skilled artisans specialising in beautifully crafted jewellery and gemstones, including sparkling rubies. The city also has several elegantly restored palaces and havelis that provide luxurious accommodation for your special occasion. What better excuse to live like royalty than on your anniversary?
Image by Lucy Laucht.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Where else to go for your 50th anniversary than the country that inspired Romeo and Juliet? Italy is synonymous with romance, and its Amalfi Coast is positively steeped in gold, whether you’re after radiant sunlight, shimmering sand or a bowl of spaghetti big enough for a Lady and the Tramp moment.
Explore Positano’s vibrant lemon groves, admire the view over the sea from Ravello’s charming Villa Rufolo or hop aboard a traditional gozzo boat and sail along the idyllic coastline, stopping at its secluded beaches and coves. To end your big day with a bang, sample the region’s love-laced cuisine in a local osteria, ordering delicate bowls of pasta dotted with fresh seafood and sweet caprese salad layered with creamy mozzarella.
Image by Lucy Laucht.
Rovos Rail, South Africa
Celebrating 60 years of marriage doesn’t happen every day, so make it a milestone to remember. For the perfect 60th anniversary trip, climb aboard the luxurious Rovos Rail line in South Africa, a nation renowned for its historic diamond industry. The classic route begins in pretty Pretoria and winds its way to Cape Town, offering a front-row seat to South Africa’s sights from the comfort of a romantic Edwardian-style suite.
There’s no Wi-Fi in the train’s communal areas, so you and your other half can switch off and enjoy each other’s company, whether watching the countryside sail past from the observation car or tucking into some fine cuisine in the dining car. We recommend tacking on some time in Cape Town once you disembark – those exquisite local wines won’t taste themselves, after all…
Image by chase.the.adventures - Adrian & Michka Wilson.
Header image by Suzanne Plumette/stock.adobe.com.
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