Best Winter Holidays in Europe Tours 2023/2024

Discover a different side of Europe this winter.

Forget about hibernating. Get off the sofa and embark on an epic winter adventure you'll never forget. 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. Marvel at snow-topped mosques in Istanbul, enjoy mild alfresco evenings on Lisbon’s colourful streets, float along Venice’s mist-shrouded canals, relax in Budapest’s thermal baths, 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 tour could be the perfect winter pick-me-up.

Winter in Europe tours

Italy Experience

10 Days From 3137

Travel to Italy and savour the many flavours of this gastronomic haven on a journey...

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Northern & Southern Ireland

8 Days From 2329

Travel for eight days to visit Dublin, Killarney and Belfast touring Ireland’s natural...

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Turkey Highlights

8 Days From 1165

See the highlights of Turkey on this eight-day adventure. Start in Istanbul and visit...

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Explore Spain & Portugal

15 Days From 3082

Travel to Spain and Portugal and indulge in food and wine on a locally-guided tour from...

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Mainland Greece Discovery

8 Days From 1740

Encounter thousands of years of Greek civilisation, taking in ancient ruins from Athens...

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Best of Spain

15 Days From 3090

Kick off a colourful Best of Spain tour in Madrid and visit some of Spain's highlights....

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Highlights of Andalucia

8 Days From 1658

Marvel at the sights, sounds and tastes of Spain's Andalucia on this 8-day exploration...

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Highlights of Portugal

8 Days From 1536

Eat, dance and travel your way through Portugal’s highlights. From Portugal, you’ll...

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Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

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Best of Central Europe

15 Days From 2100

Get the low-down on Central Europe, travelling through the best of Austria, Slovakia,...

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Best of Switzerland

10 Days From 2636

From Zurich, St Gallen, Lucerne, Bern and more, Switzerland all you need – glacial...

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North Spain Discovery

8 Days From 1836

Get a taste of northern Spain's culture, cuisine and charisma on an eight-day tour....

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Eastern Europe Express

9 Days From 1369

Enjoy a thrilling tour of Eastern Europe from Romania to Turkey through Bulgaria.

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Highlights of winter in Europe

Wander through a Christmas Market (or two)

Whether you’re travelling through the fairytale-like streets of Prague or walking among the beautiful architecture of Budapest, chances are you’ll come across a Christmas market. From picking up a colourful ornament that’ll adorn your Christmas tree perfectly to sipping on the spicy, nutmeg-y flavour of mulled wine, Christmas markets are the best place for the young and young-at-heart. In our opinion, there’s nothing better than listening to the sounds of joy all around you as the twinkling decorations light up the night sky.

A collection of sweet treats in a bakery in Florence, Italy

Delight your tastebuds with winter specialties

The cities of Europe come alive during winter, offering up traditional dishes that will not only warm you up but make your mouth water. From the Catalan delicacy of the shortbread-like Polvoron to thick and comforting Italian soups full of cabbage, cauliflower, and carrot, these meals are bound to hit the spot. Whether you prefer sipping on fruity Rakija in Croatia or soaking up your stew with soda bread in Ireland, sitting down to enjoy a hearty meal is the perfect accompaniment to your daily adventures.

A group of people enjoying the view at the top of the Galata Tower in Istanbul, Turkey

Soak up the winter sun in your favourite cities

Just because you’re travelling through Europe in winter doesn’t mean it’ll be cold. Walk your way through the grand boulevards, impressive palaces, and breathtaking churches of Lisbon while enjoying a temperature of 20°C (68°F). Or spend your time in Istanbul’s Old City, taking in the stunning architecture and historical sites under the warm rays of the winter sun. While the weather might not be hot, it’s still pleasant enough for you to spend your time outside exploring.

Tour the palaces of Europe in solitude

There’s nothing like winter in Europe to make you feel as if you’re living a fairytale, especially with the many opulent and breathtaking palaces just waiting for you to visit. Guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience, marvel at the imperial buildings of Vienna’s Hofburg Palace and wander through the art-filled rooms of Wawel Royal Castle in Krakow; the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best part? You don’t have to compete with the crowds that come with travelling in the summer.