Winter travel experiences are seriously underrated, with summer getting all the fun. But if you want to experience the calm of quieter crowds, a dusting of festive magic and the chance to see a completely different side to a destination, then maybe winter travel is for you. Fewer people can help you connect more deeply to a place, and particularly in Medieval Europe, there’s a certain atmosphere that comes with shorter days and misty skies that makes it feel even more romantic.
But travel in the colder months needs an expertly-crafted itinerary to help you get the best out of the season. Not only do we have an entirely new winter tour for you, but four of our best-selling tours now run throughout the winter months! Here are 15 of our favorite winter travel experiences, from sake tasting in Japan to smelling citrus in Seville.
Japan Winter Adventure
Our brand new tour running only between November and February, our Japan Winter Adventure takes you from the golden temples of Kyoto to the icy seas of Hokkaido, with plenty of rare winter travel experiences along the way. Immerse yourself in the winter beauty of Japan through cultural encounters, scenic rail journeys and literally immersing yourself in a traditional onsen bath.
Become a sake expert
Did you know sake is traditionally served warm? Take shelter from the Japanese winter and warm up in a local sake brewery, as you discover the brewing process in the city of Kanazawa. Learn how the humble combination of rice, water and artistry become more than the sum of their parts to make sake, Japan’s national drink. Afterwards, savor a locally inspired lunch that reflect Ishikawa’s culinary heritage, paired with sakes selected by experts.
Unwind at New Akan Hotel
When the weather gets chilly in Japan, there’s only one thing for it: head to the onsen baths. Once you’ve entered the doors of New Akan, a lakeside onsen hotel nestled on the shore of mysterious Lake Akan, you’ll enter a realm of serenity. Onsen baths – traditional hot springs – are a staple of Japanese culture, known for healing properties. At New Akan, unwind in the open-air sky garden spa, dine on Hokkaido flavors and experience the soothing powers of a traditional onsen.
Cruise across the frozen sea
Ready to literally break the ice with your newfound travel companions? Step aboard the Aurora, your ice-breaking ship for the day, which will take you across the frozen Sea of Okhotsk. If you set sail between January and late March, the temperature drops and the surface freezes – your drift ice cruise will bring you face to face with floating ice fields and rare wildlife, like Steller’s sea eagle and spotted seals. This is one of our winter travel experiences you don’t want to miss!
Visit Otaru Canal City
The charming port town of Otaru shows its best side during the winter once it’s covered in snow. You’ll have plenty of time to wander through its streets, along its iconic canal district – lined with old warehouses and gas lamps, it’s like a journey through Japan’s Meiji-era past.
If you visit in February you’ll catch Otaru’s week-long illumination festival, where the streets are filled with snow sculptures and snow candles made by volunteers. They’re lit at nighttime, bringing the canal to life in a truly magical display.
Dine atop Mount Moiwa
Feel on top of the world as you dine at The Jewels, a restaurant located at the top of the 531-meter-high Mount Moiwa. The restaurant is found in the observatory, named as such because the panoramic views of the city below sparkles like a collection of jewels at night. The luxurious space combines creative French cuisine using seasonal ingredients from Hokkaido.
Classic Tours: Winter Edition
Italy Bellisimo
A hugely popular tour, Italy Bellisimo is now running between November and March, giving you the chance to discover la dolce vita in the wintertime.
See snow-dusted Pompeii
See the mystical, preserved town of Pompeii with a Local Specialist, who will walk you through its cobbled streets that have been frozen in time since the 1st century, which you’ll have almost to yourself – all overlooked by the magnificent snow-capped Vesuvius.
Winter in Tuscany
Just as there’s a magical side to Manhattan in winter, there’s a lesser-seen side to San Gimignano – known as the medieval Manhattan of Italy! Explore the UNESCO-listed centre of this charming hilltop city, admiring its extraordinary architecture and distinctive towers. Whether you’re shopping for local crafts or enjoying a hot Italian espresso at a pavement cafe, you’ll understand why winter in the Tuscan hills is so special.
Capitals of Scandinavia
Scandinavians have mastered the art of winter, sipping strong coffee, enjoying seasonal food and immersing themselves in all that nature has to offer. Visit Copenhagen, Stockholm and Helskini between November and February with our new winter edition, and embrace the art of Hygge.
Enjoy an Organic Swedish Dining Experience
Indulge in a delicious Swedish meal at Niklas and Anna’s family-run organic restaurant, where you’ll discover their passion for using local produce. Visiting during the winter will give you a unique insight into what ingredients are in season in Sweden, from squash to Swedish turnips.
Helsinki City Tour
Helsinki can get pretty chilly in the winter, but it’s also the cosiest time of year to visit Finland’s capital. Your Local Specialist will take you through its snowy streets, from the aromatic food market where you can sample local products like liquorice or smoked reindeer, to the magnificent harbor. Need to warm up? Finland drinks the most coffee per capita in the world, so join in and grab a cup of the good stuff in one its many cafes.
Treasures of Spain and Portugal
Discover the Treasures of Spain and Portugal, taking you across countless cool, cosmopolitan cities – though never too cold, even in winter. This is winter sun with a side of sangria, tapas and pastel de nata.
Wintertime Madrid
Madrid is often perceived as a sun-drenched city, but putting it on your list of winter travel experiences means you’ll avoid the heat – and the crowds. With a Local Specialist, tick off the city’s highlights from the Old Town where you’ll pass the smell of roasting chestnuts, to the Royal Palace and iconic Paseo de la Castellana road.
Discover Portugal’s Port heritage
The rich, warming flavors of Port are best enjoyed when the weather is cold, and you’ll discover not just the taste, but the centuries-old tradition of local Port production at a tasting in a Port cellar. With free time after your tasting, perhaps continue the educational journey by visiting one of Porto’s many historic wine bars…
Seville Citrus
Get ready for citrus season in Seville, where over 40,000 bitter orange trees line the streets. Seville oranges grow and are harvested between late December and mid-February, while between February and March orange blossoms come to life across the city, from the Alcazar courtyard to the Patio de los Naranjos of the grand cathedral. These bitter oranges are famous for making delicious marmalade – the perfect souvenir.
Treasures of France including Normandy
From the festive lights of Paris to the misty vineyards of the Loire Valley, enjoy the je ne sais quoi of French winter as you explore this beautiful country, with the Châteaux nearly all to yourself.
Château de Chenonceau Visit
In one of our more regal winter travel experiences, visit the grand Château de Chenonceau, affectionately known as ‘Ladies Castle’, named as a nod to the many women who influenced its construction. Built in the early 1500s, it’s a feat of architectural style incorporating both Gothic and Renaissance features, as well as spectacular gardens. It contains priceless collections, including Renaissance furniture, tapestries and masterpieces by Rubens and Tintoretto – and during the festive season, it’s decorated with wonderful displays including fruit arrangements, snowy trees and special art installations.
Mont Saint-Michel Visit
The already-mystical fortified island of Mont Saint-Michel becomes even more so during the winter – there are far fewer tourists and a higher chance of fog, bringing an otherworldly atmosphere to one of the most visited sites in France. Take your time crossing the causeway which takes you to this island town, and step back in time as you walk through its medieval streets.
Distillerie Busnel Visit and Calvados Tasting
Warm up inside one of Normandy’s oldest working distilleries: Distillerie Busnel. Calvados, France’s famous apple brandy, has been crafted here since 1820. You’ll explore the distillery to learn about the traditional production process and Normandy’s deep connection to this regional spirit that dates back as far as the 16th century – rounded off by a tasting, of course.