No matter if you’re looking for winter sun or some stunning Christmas Markets, Europe will have you covered. Plan your winter Europe itinerary ahead of time and include some of these destinations on your bucket list.
I’ll help you out with some ready-made options, but feel free to create your own travel itinerary by choosing only the places you want to see next.
Take into consideration the fact that winter season is usually the low season in Europe, thus you’ll be able to travel on a budget and still get to see those charming cities and landscapes you’ve always dreamt about.
Without further ado, let’s see some of my top choices for a Europe winter tour.
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Dream destinations for a winter Europe itinerary
See the Northern lights & Scandinavia
Everyone should have this on their bucket list. But you should plan for it accordingly because there is only a small window of time when you can see the phenomenon.
You should usually aim for the winter season when the nights are long and days short.
Iceland is one of the best destinations for the Northern lights because here you can see auroras almost every night. And enjoy warmer temperatures than in Scandinavia.
However, there are also other destinations you will want to see in Scandinavia. Denmark, Norway, and Sweden will charm you both with colorful cities and incredible landscapes.
Book an Iceland Northern Lights tour and let the experts take you to the best places to have this great experience.
Discover Scandinavia on an urban adventure – experience fika in Stockholm, and stroll on the colorful streets of Copenhagen to the stylish boutiques of Oslo.
Want to do something really amazing? Go and see Santa’s workshop and explore snow-covered Lapland on a Finish.
Get some winter sun
Southern Europe doesn’t get to experience the frozen vibes you would get when choosing Scandinavia. If you’re a sun lover, or live in a colder place and are in a deep need of some Vitamin D, this is the tour for you.
Choose to go to Southern Spain and explore some of those Game of Thrones locations you’ve been eyeing since forever. Learn about the rich local history, and take some stunning pictures with the Moorish heritage you’ll find all around.
Portugal is another perfect winter destination in Europe for sunny days and great wine. Colorful Lisbon will charm you with its tile-covered buildings, delicious pasteis de Nata, and perfect sunsets. While Porto will welcome you with its romantic vibes, majestic bridges, and some of the best wine in the world.
Go further to the East and get ready to bargain and to eat your way in Turkey. Get lost on the hectic streets of Istanbul, haggle with locals in the sprawling Grand Bazaar, and taste some of the most delicious dishes out there.
Don’t miss out on one of the most Instagrammable locations in the world: Capadoccia and its colorful hot air balloons. And that’s not all.
Why you’ll want to book these trips during winter?
Simply because these are all very hot and crowded destinations during summer or other seasons. You’ll want to take it easy and make the best out of some of the most beautiful places in Europe during winter.
Book a trip from the hills of Granada to the beaches of Lisbon
Take a vibrant tour through Spain, Portugal, and Morocco
Going cold Turkey has never been so easy
European Christmas Markets
From Budapest, Vienna to Prague, and all the German towns in between, Europe is filled with alluring Christmas Markets. They open their doors in early December and lure you with sweet aromas and pretty handmade gifts to Christmas day.
Visiting Munich’s Christmas Market was always my favorite thing to do, and I’ve sure seen it several times throughout the years.
Even though the weather might not be so friendly, you’ll warm yourself with some mulled wine and have enough energy to further explore castles, taste local food, and shoot knockout architecture.
See the best festive markets in Germany, Austria, and Hungary on an unforgettable 8-day tour
Culture and architecture
Central Europe is filled with cultural sights you will want to experience without the crowds. You will get to blend the Christmas Market experience, with some of the most iconic European destinations.
The perfect winter Europe itinerary if you want to get emerged in cultural towns and some great historic places must include the Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary.
However, another option is to add some extra days and start and end your tour in 2 of my favorite countries in Europe: Germany and Italy.
Experience the incredible highlights of Central Europe
Bohemian beauty and cultural diversity – discover Central Europe in all its glory
Italy in winter
When it comes to Italy, there really no bad time to visit. Ok, maybe apart from August when towns are packed with tourists, prices are over the top, and temperatures will melt you.
However, you’ll want to experience Italy during winter and explore some of its hidden gems, go down South to Sardinia, or even get to see Rome in winter without all the crowds you usually get.
You won’t want to head to the Amalfi Coast because everything is pretty much closed, but there are plenty of other destinations out there waiting for you.
See a less crowded side of Italy on this winter adventure
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