THE honeymoon, that first happy period after marriage, is mentioned in the Bible, though not in those exact words.

Deuteronomy 24:5: "When a man is newly wed, he need not go out on a military expedition, nor shall any public duty be imposed on him. He shall be exempt for one year for the sake of her family, to bring joy to the wife he has married."

It was traditional in parts of Europe to give a newly married couple enough mead (fermented honey and water) for a month, the sweet alcoholic drink lifting their spirits and encouraging them to make love - and make babies.

This practice gave rise to the word honeymoon, or in French lune de miel, literally moon of honey.

In Western culture, the idea of a honeymoon holiday after marriage originated in Great Britain in the early 19th century; upper-class couples would take a bridal tour, usually to the Continent.

Modern honeymoons became popular and widespread before World War I; it was an early instance of mass tourism.

A few doctors at the time disapproved, considering that women had a fragil constitution; others disapproved of the public attention to what was assumed to be a woman's first sexual experience.

The spoilsport critics lost out.

The most popular destinations at that time were the French Riviera and romantic Italian cities, such as Rome, Venice and Verona.

Here are a suggestions for modern honeymooners.

Athens

One of the world's oldest cities, Greece's capital Athens is the gateway to the Aegean Sea, famous for sapphire blue waters, glorious islands and heart-stopping archeology.

Named after the Greek goddess of wisdom, Athena, the city of Athens is the heart of ancient Western civilization; the city where Socrates, Plato and Aristotle taught.

But love is also in the air in this very modern city. The Mediterranean pace is slow and leisurely, a place of long walks on ancient streets, leisurely afternoons sipping wine in cafes and sampling seafood and cheese.

Of course, the Aegean and its islands beckon for strolling, sailing and adventures. Islands like Delos and Santorini offer spectacular views over the archipelago.

Aegean is pronounced similar with aiqing, or "love," in Chinese, giving it an especially romantic eel.

Aegean may come from the name of the Greek town of Aegae; or Aegea, a queen of the Amazons who died at sea; or Aegeus, the father of Theseus, who drowned when he thought his son had died.

Greek mythology is filled with love stories and in the Aegean you can trace many of the tales.

Verona

This ancient northern Italy town is famous as the setting of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," and has drawn lovers for hundreds of years.

The great play is believed to be based on a true and tragic story of lovers from the feuding families of Montague and Capulet; the story dates to 1303.

The house believed to be Romeo's is a fortress-like building that is not open to the public. Juliet's house, just a few minutes' walk away, is more accessible on a street of boutiques.

The house is set back in a courtyard and features a balcony built, or rebuilt in 1920 where Juliet is said to have pined for her lover. Young women can recite their own "Oh, Romeo, Romeo, Where art thou, Romeo?" from the balcony.

Tourists rub the right breast of a bronze statue of Juliet, which is said to bring good luck in love. The right breast is lustrous from the caresses of untold numbers of hands.

Young men and women in love also leave love notes at the door.

Juliet's tomb lies inside the monastery of San Francesco al Corso, where she is said to have been laid to rest after drinking poison.

Lovers from around the world hold weddings near the tomb, as they pledge "till death do us part."

Love is a theme throughout the city. Verona is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves many ancient Roman monuments, including an amphitheater, the Arena, completed around AD 30.

Prague

Nietzsche called this city in what is now the Czech Republic "mysterious," and Mozart once said he had "deep love toward the city." The film "Love in Prague" (2007) features its spectacular, well-preserved architecture from many periods.

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, the city contains pristine examples of Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance, Baroque, Neo-Classical, Art Nouveau and other styles.

Time passes slowly in this city made for walking. The romantic Charles Bridge is an especially famous place for lovers to walk and appreciate the fairy tale views of the Prague skyline and exquisite buildings.

The 14th-century stone bridge links the Old Town with the Lesser Town (Mala Strana) and Prague Castle. The Gothic church of Our Lady before Tyn of looms over the Old Town Square. It has delicate spires and vaulted ceilings. The church's towers are 80 meters high, and are slightly different; one is said to represent Adam and one Eve.

Obidos

The well-preserved medieval town of Obidos in Portugal is known as the "Wedding City" because it was once the wedding present of a queen.

In 1282, Obidos was presented by King Dom Dinis to Queen Isabel on their wedding day because she had praised its beauty. In 1444, the 10-year-old child-king Alfonso V and his eight-year-old cousin, Isabel, were married at the church Igreja de Santa Maria.

Obidos is considered one of Europe's most romantic medieval villages with its cobblestone streets lined with charming white houses covered with vivid red and purple bougainvillea. There are Gothic buildings, whitewashed churches and a countryside of windmills and vineyards, all encircled by the walls of a 12th-century castle.

Nairobi

The capital city of Kenya is recommended for nature lovers and it's a good place to start on a safari - ideal for those with a spirit of adventure. The city itself contains the famous Nairobi National Park on the edge of the city.

Aircraft landing or taking off cast shadows over the park and its giraffes, lions, antelope, buffalo, hippopotamus, zebras and other animals.

Queensland

Heart Reef, a heart-shaped formation of coral, is a famous attraction for lovers in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. The pristine reef itself is one of the natural wonders of the world, blending the brilliant colors of coral and fish with the turquoise and blue of water and sky.

A helicopter ride offers a bird's eye view of the heart-shaped coral. Snorkeling and scuba diving among the spectacular coral is popular.

Wildlife includes dugong (aquatic mammals) and green turtles, dolphins and whales, more than 1,500 species of fish, 4,000 types of mollusc and more than 200 species of bird.

Hamilton Island is a gem among the 74 Whitsunday Islands. It's known for pristine beaches, azure waters, awe-inspiring coral, beautiful flora and fauna, fine food and wines. There are plenty of sea sports. The reef stretches for more than 2,000 kilometers offshore from Queensland.