{"id":885068,"date":"2025-10-17T10:59:39","date_gmt":"2025-10-17T09:59:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=885068"},"modified":"2025-11-14T11:45:35","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T10:45:35","slug":"winter-travel-experiences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/winter-travel-experiences\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Wonderful Winter Travel Experiences You Can Do in 2026\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Japan Winter Adventure <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our brand new tour running only between November and February, our Japan Winter Adventure<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Become a sake expert <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s national drink. Afterwards, savor a locally inspired lunch that reflect Ishikawa\u2019s culinary heritage, paired with sakes selected by experts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Unwind at New Akan Hotel <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When the weather gets chilly in Japan, there\u2019s only one thing for it: head to the onsen baths. Once you\u2019ve entered the doors of New Akan<\/a>, a lakeside onsen hotel nestled on the shore of mysterious Lake Akan, you\u2019ll enter a realm of serenity. Onsen baths \u2013 traditional hot springs \u2013 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cruise across the frozen sea <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2013 your drift ice cruise will bring you face to face with floating ice fields and rare wildlife, like Steller\u2019s sea eagle and spotted seals. This is one of our winter travel experiences you don\u2019t want to miss! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Visit Otaru Canal City <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The charming port town of Otaru shows its best side during the winter once it\u2019s covered in snow. You\u2019ll have plenty of time to wander through its streets, along its iconic canal district \u2013 lined with old warehouses and gas lamps, it\u2019s like a journey through Japan\u2019s Meiji-era past.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you visit in February you\u2019ll catch Otaru\u2019s week-long illumination festival, where the streets are filled with snow sculptures and snow candles made by volunteers. They\u2019re lit at nighttime, bringing the canal to life in a truly magical display.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dine atop Mount Moiwa <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Classic Tours: Winter Edition <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Italy Bellisimo <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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See snow-dusted Pompeii <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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<\/sup> century, which you\u2019ll have almost to yourself \u2013 all overlooked by the magnificent snow-capped Vesuvius. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Winter in Tuscany  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Just as there\u2019s a magical side to Manhattan in winter, there\u2019s a lesser-seen side to San Gimignano \u2013 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\u2019re 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Italy Bellissimo<\/p>\n\t\t\t
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