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European Tours in Winter

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Promising cooler temperatures (maybe even a dusting of snow), a European tour in winter offers a magical, unforgettable experience.

The landscapes transform into winter wonderlands with snow-capped mountains, fog-covered forests and charming villages now covered in a gossamer layer of crystalline frost. Cities are adorned with twinkling lights and decorations, department stores delight passersby with elaborate window displays and giant Christmas trees while Christmas music floats on the breeze. In December, you'll find Christmas markets too - like the market along Champs-Elysées, Paris's iconic shopping street. It’s a wonderful place to grab those last-minute gifts!

If you're looking to escape the cold, you could visit Madeira, Portugal’s subtropical paradise captures the heart of all who visit (including our very own Winston Churchill). And thanks to its mild climate, it's a superb destination through autumn and winter. Or you could explore Turkey, a land steeped in history, from fascinating archaeological sites to classical cities - all without the scorching heat the country is known for.

To experience even more of Europe over the festive period, take a look at our Christmas Market river cruises

Find your perfect winter European tour

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Fountain with sculptures and the Natural History Museum in Vienna, Austria
A distant view of Melk abbey on a rocky outcrop above the Danube river, Austria
Salzburg skyline with river Salzach in springtime, Austria
Wiener Ringstrasse with Burgtheater and tram at sunrise, Vienna, Austria

River Cruise

The Blue Danube River Cruise

  • Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • 9 included experiences
  • Full board dining
  • Visit Vienna & enjoy a live classical recital on board
  • Visit Budapest & enjoy a live Hungarian folklore show on board
Porto cityscape on the Douro River with traditional Rabelo boats in Portugal
River Douro region at sunrise
View of bridge across river in Spain with Salamanca cathedral in the background
Medieval clock tower amidst a street of Castelo Rodrigo's historical village, Portugal

River Cruise

Douro, Porto and Salamanca River Cruise

  • Portugal, Spain
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • Full board dining
  • 8 visits & tours
  • 7 nights on board a five-star ship
Imperial Castle on mountain with houses overlooking Mosel river in Cochem, Germany
Picturesque bend of the river Rhine near the town Filsen, Germany, Rhineland-Palatinate
 Colorful houses in Old Town on Rhine River Embankment

River Cruise

Rhine and Moselle River Cruise

  • Germany
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • Rail included
  • Full board dining
  • 10 included experiences

River Cruise

Gastronomy of the Seine River Cruise

  • France
  • 5* ship
  • Flights included
  • Rail included
  • Full board, plus Chef’s Dinner
  • 13 included experiences
  • See the famous 'Water Lillies' pond at Monet's house
  • Tour of Bizy castle with cider and cheese tasting
Old town on the Pegnitz River in Nuremberg, Germany

River Cruise

Medieval Germany: Bavaria and the Romantic Road

  • Germany
  • 5* ship
  • Flights included
  • Full board dining
  • 10 included experiences
  • Explore iconic historical cities & sites
  • Enjoy scenic towns along the Romantic Road

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