Recently updated on January 17th, 2020 at 08:19 pm
Autumn, winter and spring are magical seasons in Europe. City boulevards and parks come alive with colour, smells of mulled wine and roasting chestnuts fill the evening air of Europe’s Christmas markets and legendary cities celebrate the festive season in style. Plus, the streets are less crowded and the value for money unbeatable when compared to peak summer travel.
Europe in Full Bloom
In March and April, snow-capped peaks give way to vivid green valleys, English landmarks become awash with colour, and vibrant tulips fill Netherlands fields as far as the eye can see. When iconic landscapes come alive with colour, Europe in spring is the ultimate photo opportunity.
Dreaming of a White Christmas
Nowhere else can match Europe’s festive celebrations. Its age-old traditions and fairy tale Christmas markets are magical.
Join the locals at the sparkling Christmas Markets that spring up all over Europe in December. Rug up as you shop for festive foods and unique gifts, sing carols and even ice skate! Admire the glittering Christmas trees strung with lights, sip mulled wine and treat yourself to gingerbread, macaroons, hot apple strudel and plenty more local favourites.
A Christmas Day to remember
Enjoy a truly memorable white Christmas in Europe as you sit down to a festive meal with all the trimmings, surrounded by the breathtaking snow-capped mountains of Lucerne. Or savour a traditional Italian Christmas dinner in a charming trattoria near Florence’s Santa Croce basilica; dine on pasta with Traviso radicchio and gorgonzola, sea bass baked in an envelope and traditional Christmas desserts – all washed down with local Italian wine.
Legendary New Year Celebrations
New Year’s Eve in Europe is spectacular. In Paris, France, toast the New Year in style as live music, fireworks and the glorious backdrop of New Year’s Eve in Paris provide the ultimate setting for a feast of local specialties; including foie gras, beef filet, and nougat ice cream.
After dinner and champagne in Edinburgh, Scotland, join the locals and tourists on the streets of Edinburgh for a night of music, revelry and spectacular fireworks at the famous Hogmanay Festival celebration – the world’s largest New Year’s party.
NEW Autumn, Winter & Spring Itineraries
Here’s a quick taste of our brand new itineraries for Autumn, Winter & Spring 2013/14 –perfectly designed to relish the seasonal charms of each destination!
Swiss DelightView the magnificent mountains of Switzerland on this Swiss Delight itinerary. Journey through St Gallen, St Moritz, Engadine Valley, Lugano and Zurich and marvel as the wonderful seasonal spirit is brought to life. Savour a taste of the luxuries a Switzerland tour has to offer.
Festive English Countryside
Visit the winter wonderland of the English countryside at Christmas. Tour England’s cathedral cities of Ely and Lincoln and see them draped in festive colour and decorations. Visit one of England’s leading cookery schools, the Tideswell School of Food, as you experience a feel for a traditional Christmas in England.
German Christmas Markets
Experience a truly magical European Christmas as you journey through the historic Christmas Markets of Germany that buzz with festive celebrations and spirit. Visit Rothenburg, Nuremburg and Dresden for an enchanting cultural insight into traditional food, decorations and customs typical of a German Christmas.
Tell us by commenting below; what’s your favourite thing about Europe in autumn, winter or spring? Visit www.trafalgar.com for more information on our exciting Autumn, Winter & Spring itineraries.