Winter holidays in Europe

Discover a different side of Europe in winter

Forget about hibernating – we're going on an epic winter adventure. Whether you’re looking to escape the cold and soak up some rays or retreat to a snowy wonderland, there’s something special about Europe in winter. See snow-topped mosques in Istanbul, enjoy mild alfresco evenings on Lisbon’s colourful streets, float along Venice’s mist-shrouded canals or warm up with gooey cheese fondue in Switzerland. The best part? The streets are quiet, queues are (almost) non-existent and you’ll be able to explore in solitude. A Europe trip could be the perfect winter pick-me-up.

Our Europe winter trips

Highlights of winter in Europe

Christmas market in Vienna, Austria
Wander through a Christmas Market (or two)

Whether you’re travelling through the fairytale-like streets of Prague or exploring the beautiful architecture of Budapest, chances are you’ll come across a Christmas market. Christmas markets are for both the young and the young at heart. Pick up a colourful ornament to adorn your Christmas tree, sip on nutmeg-y mulled wine or sing along to festive carols.

A collection of sweet treats in a bakery in Florence, Italy
Feast on winter specialties

From sweet Spanish polvoron to comforting Italian soups, feast on traditional dishes that will warm you up and make your mouth water. Whether you'd prefer to sip on fruity Rakija in Croatia or soak up your stew with soda bread in Ireland, sitting down to enjoy a hearty meal is the perfect end to a day of adventuring.

A group of people enjoying the view at the top of the Galata Tower in Istanbul, Turkey
Soak up the winter sun

Just because it's winter doesn’t mean it’ll be cold. Walk through the grand boulevards, palaces and churches of Lisbon while enjoying a temperature of 20°C, or take in the architecture and historical sites of Istanbul’s Old City under the winter sun. The weather might not be hot, but it’s still pleasant enough to spend your time outside exploring.

The Hofburg Palace in Vienna at sunset
Tour the palaces of Europe in solitude

Guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience, explore the imperial buildings of Vienna’s Hofburg Palace and wander through the art-filled rooms of Wawel Royal Castle in Krakow. The best part? You don’t have to compete with the crowds that come with travelling in the summer.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 635 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Turkey Highlights

Gavin · Traveled July 2024
Really enjoyable trip that included the best sights of Turkey.
Review submitted 11 Jul 2024

Turkey Highlights

Fern · Traveled July 2024
Amazing trip! Very knowledgeable and approachable tour guide, beautiful historical sites to explore. Perfect itinerary.
Review submitted 10 Jul 2024

Turkey Highlights

Stephanie · Traveled July 2024
Our tour guide Cagatay was amazing. I knew very little about Turkey before I came and am happy to now know more about it’s history and culture thanks to him. Awesome service.
Review submitted 10 Jul 2024

Turkey Highlights

Karin · Traveled June 2024
Intrepid was a true gem after Trafalgar cancelled my trip 5 weeks before I was leaving found Intrepid and so glad I did so much better in a small group everyone needs to do these trips forget the companies that have huge buses so intimate in a group of 1-12 I can guarantee
Review submitted 05 Jul 2024

Mainland Greece Discovery

Christine · Traveled June 2024
I would highly recommend Dina to anyone looking at Intrepid tours. Her knowledge of Greece was quite impressive. She keeps the group interested and excited to see and learn about the country and adds fun and humor while doing it.
Review submitted 07 Jul 2024

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