UK winter tours…coming soon!

The United Kingdom is a breathtaking realm to travel to, just maybe not in March (you can blame the weather for this). If your heart’s set on exploring ancient castles and sparkling lochs, our UK tours start up again in April. But, if your travel-hungry appetite can’t wait that long, then the rest of Europe is calling your name – specifically the magical landscapes of Turkey, the traditional cuisine of Sweden, and the otherworldly Aurora Borealis in Iceland. 

Top 10 Europe tours in March 2024

Departing Days From NZD
1 Mar 2024
Northern Lights Escape
6 3370
2865
1 Mar 2024
Cappadocia Short Break
4 818
1 Mar 2024
Gallipoli Pilgrimage
2 318
1 Mar 2024
Taste of Istanbul
3 818
2 Mar 2024
Spain, Portugal & Morocco
24 6375
5738
2 Mar 2024
Finnish Lapland in Winter
8 5775
4909
2 Mar 2024
Madrid to Marrakech
15 5185
4408
2 Mar 2024
Premium Iceland in Winter
8 6995
6296
4 Mar 2024
Turkey Uncovered
14 2335
2102
4 Mar 2024
Turkey Explored
18 3155
2840
9 Mar 2024
Best of Spain
15 5815
4943
10 Mar 2024
Six Days in Iceland
Ages 18 to 29
6 1940
1746
15 Mar 2024
Turkey Encompassed
15 5065
4052
15 Mar 2024
Iceland's Classic Northern Lights
5 3550
3018
16 Mar 2024
Highlights of Italy in Winter
8 3815
3243
16 Mar 2024
Highlights of Andalucia
8 3975
3578
16 Mar 2024
Turkey Highlights
8 2400
2160
16 Mar 2024
Mainland Greece Discovery
8 3130
2661
17 Mar 2024
Premium Turkey in Depth
15 7900
6715
17 Mar 2024
Turkey Backroads
5 905
770
18 Mar 2024
Highlights of Central Europe
8 3850
3273
21 Mar 2024
Best of Turkey
15 3600
2880
24 Mar 2024
Rome to Amalfi
8 4470
4023
24 Mar 2024
A Taste of Scandinavia
7 3780
3213
27 Mar 2024
Six Days in Turkey
Ages 18 to 29
6 730
657
30 Mar 2024
Journey through Central Europe & Romania
24 8545
7264
30 Mar 2024
Best of Central Europe
15 5340
4272
30 Mar 2024
Premium Portugal
8 5910
5319
30 Mar 2024
Classic Spain
22 9040
8136
30 Mar 2024
Premium Spain
11 8820
7938
30 Mar 2024
Highlights of Portugal
8 3420
3078
30 Mar 2024
Essential Turkey
Ages 18 to 29
10 1575
1418
30 Mar 2024
Real Turkey
Ages 18 to 29
15 2280
2052
30 Mar 2024
Explore Spain & Portugal
15 6440
5152
30 Mar 2024
Turkey Family Holiday with Teenagers
8 2400
2040
31 Mar 2024
Premium Turkey
8 5675
4824
31 Mar 2024
Premium Greece
8 5070
4563
31 Mar 2024
Turkey Family Holiday
10 3385
2878

UK tour packages by country

UK tour departures by month

Recent UK tour reviews

UK FAQs

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 policy

The UK is small and compact with good transport links to Europe and the rest of the world. Driving gives you more freedom to explore at your own pace, but it can be expensive with the cost of renting a car and buying fuel. The next best option is public transport – it’s also a more eco-friendly way to get around. Major towns and cities are well connected with buses and trains, but travel can be limited in more remote areas so make sure you plan in advance.

You can check train routes, times and ticket prices for your destination with the National Rail. Local bus services operate in cities, towns and most villages, but if you’re travelling long-distance you could also take a coach with companies including National Express, Stagecoach and easyBus. They may offer travel passes for multiple journeys which is ideal if you’re travelling to several destinations in England or Britain. 

One of the great things about the UK is that you’re never too far from historical ruins and ancient sites where you can delve into the past. If you want to explore medieval fortresses and castles, Wales takes top place. Wales has more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the world – 600 to be precise! Scotland, England and Northern Ireland are close runners-up with some spectacular ruins and castles that are still in use today. Some of the castles we visit on our UK tours include Eilean Donan, Caernarfon Castle, Dunluce Castle and Corfe Castle.

The UK isn’t usually a top choice when searching for a beach holiday, but you might be surprised at how gorgeous some of the UK’s beaches are. From vast sweeping sands and craggy headlands to secluded bays with calm turquoise waters, there are plenty of beaches to enjoy warm summer days or go for a crisp coastal walk. Wales has a stunning coastline and pristine beaches, especially those along the Pembrokeshire Coast, such as North Tenby, Barafundle Bay and Rhossili Bay (which was voted among the most beautiful beaches in the world). Scotland boasts clear blue waters and secluded beaches on the Isle of Harris and Skye. Down in England, you’ve got magnificent beaches along the Jurassic Coast, Cornish Coast and Sussex.  

Your packing list will change a little depending on the season and the type of trip you’re doing, but here are some essential items to bring on your UK staycation:

  • Comfortable pair of walking boots or trainers

  • Socks and underwear

  • Raincoat (don’t get caught out!)

  • A warm, wind-proof jacket 

  • T-shirts and long-sleeved tops

  • Trousers/shorts/skirts

  • Jumper and warm layers 

  • Daysack

  • Toiletries 

  • Umbrella

  • Travel towel 

  • Camera

Read our ultimate packing guide

UK weather has a bit of a reputation for being unpredictable, and it's true. It rains, a lot. So it’s never a bad idea to pack a brolly and a rain jacket at the bottom of your daysack for those unexpected showers. That being said, it hardly ever experiences hot or cold extremes. Winter tends to be cold, wet and windy, summer is mild and (sometimes) sunny, and spring and autumn are often a bit all over the place. The weather in late spring and early autumn can be lovely and mild with plenty of daylight to make the most of the days. But one thing’s for sure – people in the UK sure know how to make the most of the sunshine when it makes an appearance. 

Average temperatures in the UK

MONTH

AVERAGE TEMP (°C)  

January 

3

February

4

March

7

April

9

May 12
June  15
July 17
August  16
September 14
October  11
November  8
December  5

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. However, we’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Learn more about Accessible Travel with Intrepid

Read more about travel in UK