europe tours winter

13 Best Europe Winter Tours: Europe Winter 2023 – 2024 Guide

Love it? Share it!

Are you looking for the best Europe winter tours? We have the answer. With a ton of European travel experience (with and without guided tours), we have curated this list for you. The tour operators mentioned here are some of the best in the travel niche, and you can read further reviews and book online in the comfort of your house. 

13 Best Europe Winter Tours (Snowy Trips, Christmas Vacations & More)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

In a hurry? These are the top European winter tours to book

Winter is an incredible time to travel Europe . Some countries become a winter wonderland, with frozen lakes, snowy days, and hot drinks. Other destinations are still warm and evergreen. 

There is also lots going on around the Christmas season! You’re truly spoilt for choice on this historic continent. 

One of the best ways to see it all and learn about the destinations you’re interested in is to go on a small group guided tour. We’ve found all the best European winter tours, from the southern coast to the tip of Iceland.

Europe in Winter – What to Expect

Europe in winter is a very different experience to summer on the continent. One of the best things about the season is the crowds – or lack thereof. 

In most of Europe, winter is far quieter than summer, and even the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. This means that prices are lower, lines are shorter, and you’re a lot more likely to book that hotel or the tour you’re interested in. 

Why Choose a European Tour Experience

Europe is so fantastically rich in history and culture. Often, if you’re not able to spend weeks in every city, you won’t be able to take everything in. Tours are a great way to learn about the area while being shown all the best it has to offer. 

Whether you just take a half-day food tour or a multi-day experience, you’ll leave Europe with a greater understanding. And fun experiences to boot.

So – while we fully support going out on your own and discovering Europe – if you’re pressed for time, or want to learn more about the places you’re exploring, try out these beautiful European tours.

💡 Looking to save money? You can find last minute deals from GAdventures

Top Winter European Tours

Europe can be truly phenomenal in winter. You just need to find the right place and the best experience. We found the top European tours in winter so that you can have an incredible European holiday, without spending too much time and effort planning.

1. Switzerland in 5 days: Zurich, Interlaken and Lucerne

Switzerland is a country of breathtaking landscapes, stunning views, and charming cities. While many people believe that Switzerland is an expensive destination, it can actually be visited on a budget with careful planning. 

On this 5-day tour , you will get to cover the highlights of Zurich, Interlaken, and Lucerne, giving you a taste of all this beautiful country has to offer. It also includes stops and views of the Eiger and Jungfrau Glacier Panorama Tour via Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, and Grindelwald!

Highlights:

The tours start and end in Zurich, embarking on a culture and nature trip with accommodation in a hotel as well as an expert guide, meals, transport, and more.

Important notes:

• Airport transfer on the first day is included
• 4 nights stay in a hotel is included, plus 4 breakfasts

With multiple departures to choose from you will enjoy this Switzerland group tour!

✅ Click to view the trip here and make a booking

2. Northern Lights Experience in Iceland

Europe is so brilliantly festive around December. Christmas tours in Europe are one of the most unique ways to experience the festive season.

Iceland is also a really beautiful place, with unusual geography and sometimes harsh conditions you need to be well-prepared for. It’s certainly best experienced on a guided tour.

This tour is perfect for those who want a little adventure and nature on their vacations. Very different from city exploring, you’ll be hiking fjords, chasing waterfalls, and melting in geothermal hot springs. It is definitely one of the best winter destinations in Europe .

The tours start and end in Reykjavik, embarking on a small-group minibus in search of adventure. Visit volcanoes, and learn about local culture and customs. And of course, taking in the exquisite beauty of the Northern Lights.

Important Notes

• The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a natural phenomenon. So while it’s likely that you’ll see the incredible display from these altitudes, it cannot be guaranteed
• Bring very snug clothing, and be aware that a few long drives are involved – which just offer a great opportunity to get to know your small tour group

✅ Learn more about Iceland – Northern Lights tours from Intrepid Travel

You might also like this tour from G Adventures: Northern Lights Tour by G Adventures

3. Christmas Markets Tour – Munich to Budapest

Europe is so brilliantly festive around December. Christmas tours in Europe are one of the most unique ways to experience the festive season. 

This 8-day tour takes you from Germany to Hungary, stopping at the best Christmas markets and other attractions in three countries. 

Visit markets in Munich , Salzburg , Vienna , and Budapest . Stroll through brightly lit streets, sipping on mulled wine and trying all the local specialties. You’ll find hand-crafted toys and decorations, delicious food, and one-of-a-kind gifts.

In addition, visit castles and fortresses, admire the architecture, and contrast the Christmas traditions and culture in every unique city. This captivating Europe tour in December is an unforgettable, extended Christmas experience.

• Be prepared for crowds within the markets
• Pack for different kinds of weather, as much of your time will be spent outdoors
• Most of the traveling is by train, so you’ll be able to watch the countryside pass by without sparing a thought for traffic jams

✅ Click to check out this 8 day Christmas Markets in Europe

4. Best of Central Europe Tours – Iconic Medieval Cities

Experience the charm and vibrant visual history of Central Europe. With medieval towns and epic historic cities, there is so much to see here. 

The 9-day tour will take you through the very best of Central Europe , including Vienna, Prague, Cesky Krumlov, and Budapest . 

Explore Prague’s historic Old Town in the Czech Republic, the Berlin Wall in Germany, and Vienna’s bustling 16th-century market, and the Schönbrunn Palace. You’ll also have plenty of free time in some of the most impactful cities in history. 

Or relish in cozy cafe culture in the winter!

Pass through gorgeous countryside, and learn all about the area’s historical and cultural significance. This is a truly spectacular tour, made only better by the snowy chill of winter.

Important Note

• Pack lightly, as there will be times when you have to carry your luggage upstairs
• A trip to Vienna will be memorable in the winter (best Christmas Market to explore)

✅ Click to view departure dates for the Central Europe tour

5. Eastern Europe, Croatia and the Balkans Tour

This is one of the epic tours that includes multiple countries on a month-long trip! It is no ordinary journey through cobweb-covered history; it’s an immersive experience that invites you to connect with village life, explore vibrant urban or city centers, and indulge in amazing sights in Montenegro and beyond. 

With a generous 28 days dedicated to this adventure, you have the opportunity to uncover a hidden gem that still retains its allure.

Tour type and highlights:

• The trip starts in Berlin (Germany) and wraps up in Split (Croatia)
• 27 nights of accommodation, and 27 breakfasts included in the tour price
• Countries visited Austria , Bosnia and Herzegovina , Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Montenegro, Poland, Serbia
• Good value for the countries/cities covered. The tour package also includes guided sightseeing excursions and you can also add extras for a more immersive experience! 
• Lower costs: A majority of the countries are in the Balkans and they are some of the affordable destinations to visit in Europe – giving you more bang for your buck!

✅ Click to book this tour here

6. Best of Italy – Rome to Venice

This is an incredible tour to embark on in winter. You’ll see the best and biggest cities in Italy , enjoying plenty of free time to discover everything on your wishlist. You’ll even enjoy a traditional pasta-making class.

Italy tours in winter are ideal, as you can explore the most famous landmarks without the summer crowds. There’s a lot to tick off the bucket list, including the Colosseum, Vatican City , Venice canals, and a myriad of charming churches.

Wander around Rome, stopping at all the magical landmarks of the ancient city such as the Colosseum , Roman Forum, and the iconic Trevi Fountain. Spend time in romantic Venice – far more romantic for its lack of crowding and the pollution that often comes with it. And learn to make pasta in Bologna.

• Be sure to pack both for warm weather and cold, as Italy’s winters include both
• Pack light, as you’ll have to carry your bag upstairs and off of trains

✅ Click to learn more about the Best of Italy tour

7. A week in London United Kingdom

Explore England ’s greatest city on this exciting 6-day tour. You’ll see all the top attractions, including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and Stonehenge .

You’ll be guided by enthusiastic and knowledgeable local guides, learning all the fascinating details of your various stops. This is the perfect winter sightseeing tour. 

The city is a lot less active than in summer but becomes vibrant as Christmas and New Year nears. 

Get a full tour of London from your local host. You’ll see all the famous architectural masterpieces and learn some fascinating history while you tour. 

Then, enjoy four days of self-guided sightseeing, taking everything at your own pace. Catch a show at the West End and try England’s famous fish and chips. 

• Accommodation and buffet breakfasts are included
• You’ll have plenty of free time, so find out what you’re keen to see in London

✅ Click to view this London winter tour

8. Finnish Lapland in Winter

A relatively unknown destination, Lapland is a magical place. Snowy woodlands and vast wilderness, dog-sleds, and extreme temperatures set this adventure apart from anything else. If you’ve ever dreamed of pristine white nature, this is where you’ll find it.

Experience an actual dog-sled, and hike across the snow-covered countryside. Get to know the locals over hot dishes and unusual drinks. 

You’ll tour Santa’s workshop, stop in Helsinki, and explore remote villages you’d be hard-pressed to find without a tour guide. You will even visit a Finnish family, and try out a little reindeer-herding!

• Lapland is extremely cold in winter, so pack appropriately
• Be sure to look outside at night – the Northern Lights can often be found lighting up the sky

✅ Click to view this Lapland winter tour

9. Winter Trans-Siberian Adventure

The great Trans-Siberian Railway is the best way to experience Russia’s winter. You’ll pass vast landscapes, often covered in snow while sipping on hot cocoa. 

Discover the beauty of Russia and its difficult past. Embrace local tradition with a local family on New Years’ – there’s usually a lot of vodkas involved. This is one of those bucket list experiences that come alive in winter.

Explore Moscow, Russia’s famous capital. Celebrate New Year on the edge of the giant Lake Baikal. And experience a way of life that is nearly unchanged since the 18th century at the Old Believers Village.

• The weather in Siberia can get extremely cold, dropping below -30℃ outdoors
• This is a proper (and iconic) train journey, with many of your days and nights spent on the train – it’s not just a way to get around, it is the experience itself

✅ Click to learn more about the Trans Siberian winter tour

10. Turkey – Winter Europe Tour

Not a lot of people think of Turkey when planning a winter vacation in Europe. But this is often a mistake.

The historic country has a lot to offer, from ancient cities to bustling bazaars and magical palaces. The weather is usually mild during Turkey’s winter, making it ideal for those looking to escape rather than embrace Europe’s icy winters.

This two-week tour includes a lot . Enjoy a traditional dinner with a local family in Cappadocia and a cooking class in Selçuk. Tour ancient battlefields and underground cities. Embark on a walking tour of Istanbul. 

• At times, Turkey experiences political unrest – keep an eye on current events if you book your trip far in advance
• Breakfasts are included, and two dinners, but for the rest of your meals you can explore the area and try what catches your eye

✅ Check the Turkey Winter Tour here

11. A taste of Scandinavia

Scandinavia is the perfect place to visit in winter, picturesque and full of history and culture. This week-long trip will take you from Copenhagen to Oslo.

Taste the local delicacies and admire the architecture and wilderness along the way. And be sure to bring your camera!

Explore Scandinavia’s top cities across four different countries. Embark on a bike tour of Copenhagen with a local tour guide. Learn all about the contemporary culture and fascinating history as you cruise along. Visit markets, museums, and churches in Gothenburg and Oslo.

• Keep in mind that Scandinavia can be pricey, particularly for meals. Breakfasts are provided, and you can get tips from your guide on where to get the best prices
• You’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet, so pack good walking shoes
• As the tour is relatively fast-paced, we recommend adding an extra day in your start and ending cities to maximize your trip

✅ Click to learn more about this fantastic Scandinavian tour

12. Explore Spain and Portugal

This primarily coastal tour is the perfect opportunity to soak up some sun in the winter months. You can expect warmer weather as compared to other parts of Western Europe.

The route is phenomenally scenic and relaxing, with beaches, rolling hills, and cuisines that will melt winter away. These vibrant countries make for one of our favorite tours, no matter the time of year.

Visit Moorish fortresses like the Alhambra in Granada Spain. Immerse yourselves into the vibrant cultures – and the wine and food that accompany them. Take a boat trip off the coast of the Algarve Portugal, relax on beaches, and explore the quirky art of Barcelona . 

• Crowds in Spain’s winter months are minimal – but the weather can be chilly and rainy, so pack accordingly
• Your rooms will be small but central

✅ Click to learn more about Spain & Portugal winter tour

13. Europe Taster – 7 Days in France, UK, Netherlands, & beyond

Embark on an unforgettable journey starting and ending in the vibrant city of London!

This Explorer tour is a comprehensive 7-day package that will take you through London, Paris, and 8 other captivating destinations across Europe. This exceptional experience includes comfortable hotel accommodations, a knowledgeable guide, delectable meals, seamless transportation, and much more. 

• Explore the bustling streets of Paris, indulge in mouth-watering cuisine in Rome, and marvel at the iconic landmarks in cities like Amsterdam and Bruges on a short break
• 6 nights’ accommodation in twin rooms with private en-suite facilities. You can opt to pay extra for a single hotel room
• Meals : 6 Breakfasts, 4 dinners (Vegetarian options available for all meals on request)
• 11 experiences with a local guide are included. Plus trip to Burgundy, a UNESCO World Heritage site, a scenic mountain drive to Switzerland, soak in views of the Swiss Alps, a cruise along the Rhine River, a farewell dinner in Amsterdam, and more
• Coach buses are used for transportation (and unfortunately they are not wheelchair friendly)

✅ Click to view tour availability and book here

How to choose a group tour in Europe based on trip types and tour reviews

Europe is one of the most popular destinations for guided group tours. With an incredibly diverse landscape and deep history, there’s something for everyone on this continent. However, with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to select a tour that fits your interests and budget. 

In this section, we’ll discuss how you can narrow down your choices by considering trip types and tour reviews.

Winter Trip Styles

There are several types of group tours available in Europe, catering to different travel styles and preferences. Some popular trip types include:

• Cultural Tours : These tours focus on immersing travelers in the local culture, cuisine, and rich history of a particular destination. They often include visits to famous landmarks and museums.
• Adventure Tours : For travelers seeking a more active and adrenaline-filled experience, adventure tours offer activities such as hiking, kayaking, and skiing in scenic locations.
• Food Tours: As the name suggests, these tours revolve around sampling local food and drinks. They’re perfect for foodies and offer a unique way to explore a new destination. Note that most tours will include farewell dinners that are a great way to engage with other travelers and try cuisine!
• Multi-Country Tours: If you want to cover multiple countries in one trip, these tours are perfect for you. They allow you to experience the diverse cultures and landscapes of different European countries in a shorter time frame.

Europe Tour Reviews

Reading tour reviews from previous travelers can give you valuable insights into the quality and experience of a particular tour. Here are some tips to keep in mind while going through tour reviews:

• Look for recent reviews: Pay attention to reviews from the past year or two, as they are more likely to reflect the current state of the tour.
• Consider overall ratings: While individual comments can be subjective, a high overall rating can indicate a positive experience for most travelers.
• Look for specific feedback: Reading specific comments about accommodations, the pace of the tour, and activities can help you determine if a tour is suitable for you.

With these factors in mind, you can choose a group tour in Europe that aligns with your interests and expectations. And remember, no matter which tour you choose, be open to new experiences and enjoy every moment of your European adventure. 

Which Winter European Tour Is Best For You?

So, now you know all the most amazing tours you can embark on in Europe over the winter season. Now all you need to do is decide which one is best for you – or which one . And then get packing !

Magical icy escapes with castles, lakes, and Northern Lights. City-hopping tours with Christmas markets and delicious local cuisines. Beach holidays and street bazaars. Europe truly is a diverse destination, made only better by the small crowds, lower prices, and the strange beauty of winter. 

Which of these European winter vacation packages is perfect for you? 

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL TIPS FOR EUROPE IN WINTER 

Planning your trip to Europe  – If this is your first-ever trip to Europe, consider reading our  Europe 101 guide.

Schengen Visa  – If you require a visa to travel to Europe, most likely it is the Schengen Visa (for those belonging to the Euro Zone or EU, doesn’t include the UK).  Read our guide to applying for Schengen Visa.

Travel Insurance  – Don’t forget to insure your trip.  Get Travel Insurance quotes from Safety Wing here

• Europe Itinerary  –  Get our 27 Europe in one week itinerary samples
• Winter Destinations  –  Get the TOP destinations to visit in Europe winter for Christmas markets, skiing, or winter sun
• Winter sun destinations  –  Winter sun destinations for December to February
• Europe in November – Best European cities in November
• Places to visit in February  –  Best places you must visit in Europe in February
• Best Winter Boots for Europe – Our top picks for winter boots
• Prague, Budapest Vienna Tours –   Get our scoop to the best tours in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest
• Iceland Winter Tours –   Get our top Iceland winter excursions

Pin: Best Europe Winter Tours to take this year for a snowy wonderland getaway | Winter Holiday

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

Similar Posts

27 Best Fall Vacations in the US for 2023

Looking for the best fall vacations in the US? You are in the right spot. Autumn or fall months are the transitional periods from summer to winter. Typically they are the months of September, October, and November. The USA experiences 4 distinct seasons, and fall is characterized by crisp mornings, shorter days, Halloween events, (my…

10 Absolutely Best Iceland Winter Tours to book in 2023

Iceland in winter is an amazing time to visit. The landscape in Iceland transforms itself into a mind-blowing winter adventure ground. These absolutely best Iceland Winter tours are handpicked so that you have an awesome trip.  Winters in Iceland are pretty mild as compared to some of the regions in North America. However, driving on…

One Day in Reykjavik Itinerary: Visit Reykjavik in a day

We LOVE Iceland. And we found Reykjavik to be an incredibly charming and cozy city. In this one day in Reykjavik Itinerary, we will show you how to make the most of your trip and fall in LOVE with this little nugget of a capital city! Read how to explore Reyjkavik in a day. One…

The Best One Day in Dubrovnik Itinerary

Looking for a one day in Dubrovnik itinerary to make the most of your trip? Here you go!  Spend a day in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and experience the beauty of this medieval city! It is easy to understand why people get infatuated with the beautiful city of Dubrovnik despite spending only twenty-four hours there.  The Pearl…

Best German Souvenirs: 20 Unique things to buy in Germany

Planning a trip to Germany? Well, while you’re thinking about packing, itineraries, and plane tickets, your friends and family are surely thinking about what presents you’ll be bringing home. Luckily, this beautiful country is a great place for some souvenir shopping. In this guide, we will share the best German souvenirs that you must bring…

One Day in Bern Itinerary: Best Day Trip to Bern

Want to see Bern in a day? Bern is the capital city of Switzerland, a vibrant and diverse country nestled in the heart of Europe. Bern has been the seat of government since 1848 and is home to many historic landmarks, monuments, and beautiful landscapes. If you are planning a day trip to Bern from…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Thanks for visiting nordicvisitor.com! For the very best browsing experience on our website, we urge you to upgrade to the most recent version of your browser . Some of our site features may not function properly on older versions.

• Travel Update
• Search Suggested Results View All Results
• EUR (€)
• GBP (£)
• Self-Drive i
• Privately Guided i
• Guided Small Groups i
• Northern Lights i
• Honeymoon & Romance i
• Ice & Snow Hotels i
• All Travel Styles
• Show all tours
• Best Sellers
• Special Offers
• Scandinavia
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Book With Confidence i
• Why book with us i
• Booking Terms i
• Sustainability Policy i
• Manage Booking
• Privacy policy

Iceland Bíldshöfði 20 110 Reykjavík +354 578 20 80 View Map

Sweden Scotland View Details

Winter Tours in Northern Europe

Discover incredible winter tours in Northern Europe with the local travel experts at Nordic Visitor.

Iceland is the Land of Fire and Ice and the winter is an ideal time to see why. Take in the snowy landscape and go on fun adventures.

WHY TRAVEL TO ICELAND IN WINTER?

• Admire the northern lights in the dark sky
• Bathe in warm geothermal pools after exploring all day
• Go on guided glacier walks, snowmobiling excursions and more
• Have a quiet time at popular attractions with fewer visitors

Golden Circle & South Coast - Winter

Winter highlights & northern lights, ice cave & glacier lagoon.

Iceland Full Circle Classic - Winter

Scandinavian countries.

Visit Sweden, Denmark and Norway in one incredible trip filled with northern lights, Christmas markets, enchanting castles and more.

WHY TRAVEL TO SCANDINAVIA IN WINTER?

• Visit the capitals, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo
• Taste the local food, including experience the Swedish “fika”
• Take in all the culture at castles, museums and more
• Add Finland and Iceland for a complete Nordic winter tour

Best of Scandinavia Classic - Winter

Train & cruise, capitals of scandinavia in winter.

Countries Visited Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark

Best of Scandinavia & Iceland - Winter

Train, cruise & minibus.

Time for glittering fjords, frozen waterfalls and a chance to see the northern lights. From Oslo to the North Cape, Norway is a stunning winter destination.

WHY TRAVEL TO NORWAY IN WINTER?

• Head north into the “Northern Lights belt” for your best chance to see them
• Go dog or reindeer sledding and snowmobiling along frozen valleys
• Perfect location for a winter cruise along the west coast
• Learn about Sami culture and Norwegian culture

Norway in a Nutshell® Express - Winter

Norway in a nutshell® & northern lights express, fjords & tromsø, tromsø aurora break - huskies and snowmobiles.

An ideal location for wintertime getaways, Finnish and Swedish Lapland are snowy wonderlands.

WHY TRAVEL TO LAPLAND IN WINTER?

• Visit Santa Claus with the kids
• Stay in a snow or ice hotel
• See the northern lights in the clear sky
• Try dog sledding or snowmobiling

Best of Rovaniemi - Classic

Santa claus village & dog sledding, classic lapland adventure & icehotel, lapland adventure - aurora sky station.

Discover Scotland on a winter tour to see the snowy Highland landscape and atmospheric castles.

WHY TRAVEL TO SCOTLAND IN WINTER?

• Drive around the Highlands and admire the seasonal scenery
• Warm up with a glass of local whisky
• Take to the slopes of the Cairngorms National Park
• Visit the top sights, including the stunning Isle of Skye, with fewer visitors

Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye - Winter

Taste of scotland - castles & highlands - winter, scottish highlands & isle of skye winter - private, need any help so far get in touch with us.

Live chat with travel experts

Send us an email with your needs

Call us toll-free for a chat

Why choose Nordic Visitor

Book With Confidence

Secure your trip your way with Nordic Visitor. Book a tour with as little as 10% deposit. With a 20% deposit or more, you will receive our Cancellation Protection free of charge. You can also pay the full price right away to guarantee today’s exchange rate. Terms & conditions apply.

Trusted local travel experts

Established in 2002, Nordic Visitor is a leading Northern Europe travel agency, with passionate local experts who know our destinations inside out. You’ll have a personal travel consultant to plan your dream tour using their in-depth knowledge. They will be delighted to arrange an unforgettable trip for you.

Great reviews

Nordic Visitor is dedicated to the best service quality, and this is reflected year after year when Tripadvisor awards us with their Certificate of Excellence. We also take great pride in our customer feedback: 97% of our travellers say they would recommend us to friends and family.

You are in good hands

Rest assured that we’re there for you throughout your trip. Should anything unexpected crop up, like unusual weather or events, we’re here to look after you. We’ll amend your itinerary as appropriate, all while keeping you safe and informed. Our 24/7 helpline means we’re only a call away.

Hassle-free experience

We take care of all the practicalities for you and book from our trusted suppliers, so you save time and effort. You will receive a comprehensive itinerary and accommodations that have been inspected for both comfort and quality standards.

Flexible tour options

Nordic Visitor packages are designed to incorporate the best routes and attractions. But we can tailor your Iceland itinerary to match your wish list, whether you have a particular experience in mind or you’d like personal recommendations. Ask your dedicated consultant and they will create your dream trip.

Full financial protection

With Nordic Visitor, you have peace of mind knowing your tour arrangements with us are 100% financially protected. Your payments are safeguarded as we comply with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. This guarantees you a refund in the unlikely event of insolvency.

OUR EUROPE TOUR REVIEWS

See and learn about our tours from our valued Nordic Visitor customers.

Ayala United States

You are the best tour operator. You did an excellent trip. Everything was perfect. Thank you so much

Jennifer United States

On our trip, we met a few other Americans. Told them about Nordic Visitor and they were impressed. I found Nordic... read more

On our trip, we met a few other Americans. Told them about Nordic Visitor and they were impressed. I found Nordic Visitor's website very user-friendly. I love that all the documents sent was super easy to just hand the concierge and the 2 excursions we booked already had our names down. I loved the 2 excursions in the package we chose. Overall, it exceeded my expectations and I'm so glad I chose this particular trip. 

Keen to learn more about a tour destination Or do you want to customise a package Whatever you need, our helpful travel team is happy to help. Get in touch today.

Our main phone number is +354 578 20 80

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts

Blog Articles

Top 15 european christmas markets, scotland in winter: what to do and where to go, top 10 things to do in iceland in winter, 7 reasons to visit lapland in winter.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

• explore europe in the cooler months
• Privacy Policy

Sign up for Newsletter

Signup for our newsletter to get notified about sales and new products. Add any text here or remove it.

• Northern Europe
• Southern Europe
• Western Europe
• Eastern Europe

your guide to seeing europe in the cooler months

With charismatic towns and cities and wonderful nature, Europe is a wonderful place to visit any time of year – even in the winter! Explore beachy destinations in the quieter months, go skiing in some of the world’s best mountains and stroll around Europe’s Christmas markets with a cub of gluhwein in hand.

This website is your guide to exploring Europe in winter – read on for tips on what to do, where to stay and what to eat!

Browse by type of trip...

Or browse by area....

Protect Your Trip »

Best winter vacations in europe.

Just about every European city becomes chock full of tourists during the summer months. However, those crowds are avoidable if you're willing to embrace cooler temperatures. Not only will you run into fewer travelers during this time you're also likely to score travel deals, especially on cruises . To guide you through the continent's wintry choices,  U.S. News  combined reader votes and expert analysis to rank the best winter vacations in Europe. Start planning your next trip using these ideas, and help us decide next year's list by voting for your favorite destinations.

A winter visit to Rome may have you bundling up to see iconic sights like the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, but you'll have ample opportunities to warm up, too. Head indoors to admire Michelangelo's famous Sistine Chapel before sampling some of the city's world-renowned pizza and wine. Prices for accommodations drop dramatically, and deals on Italian products are abundant during the offseason.

The charms of Paris are alive and well in winter. Warm up while sipping coffee in romantic cafes, and spend time visiting heated indoor museums like the Musée du Louvre, the Musée Rodin and the Musée d'Orsay while the crowds are away. If you don’t mind the cold, walk down the Champs-Elysées at Christmastime and enjoy the illuminated trees that line the boulevard.

Winters in Amsterdam can be chilly, but those willing to endure the cold will enjoy significantly discounted hotel rooms and flights. Most of Amsterdam's attractions are open year-round, and, during the winter months, the city offers holiday festivities and many places to ice skate. What's more, the Amsterdam Light Festival is a bright display of international artwork from November to mid-January.

Budapest gets pretty cold in winter and snowfall is frequent. But, you can snag inexpensive hotel stays and plan your trip around indoor activities like the Hungarian National Gallery. Christmas markets also offer delicious food and unique treasures to buy as gifts. If you're feeling adventurous, warm up with a dip in the city's outdoor thermal baths.

Although you'll still find some visitors in Venice during winter, you can expect airfare and hotel rates to be cheaper. Crowds in St. Mark's Square will also thin out as a mist falls over the island, providing stunning photo-ops for those willing to endure temperatures in the high 30s. If you visit in February or March, you'll witness the exciting festivities of Carnevale.

Prague's castles and underground restaurants are perfect spots to seek refuge from the city's winter weather and enjoy a Czech beer. Travelers will also encounter fewer crowds at the city's museums, which are open year-round. For those willing to brave the cold, there are festive options like Prague's beloved Christmas markets and outdoor ice skating rinks.

If you like the idea of beautiful castles, cathedrals and other Baroque buildings covered in snow, one look at Salzburg, Austria, might be enough to lure you in. Add in Christmas bazaars in the town square and easy access to some of the finest ski areas in the Alps nearby, and you'll be sold on vacationing in this charming city during the winter.

Vienna welcomes winter with advent markets, public ice skating rinks and plenty of lavish parties. Add wintry touches like snow-covered rooftops and nearby ski slopes into the mix and you'll find yourself in a European winter wonderland. Classical music concerts in extravagant music halls and a world-famous New Year's celebration are marquee events unique to this city.

The Austrian Alps peek through the skyline of this charming city, home to the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics. Innsbruck, with its abundance of ski resorts and winter attractions, offers all-inclusive packages through the region's ski organization, Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck. For less sporty travelers, the medieval streets with snow-capped rooftops, tolling cathedral bells and romantic coffee shops are perfect for strolling.

Set in the shadow of the Swiss Alps and nestled next to Lake Lucerne, this German-speaking town is about as picturesque as it gets in the winter. Visitors can enjoy sports like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and winter hiking at a number of resorts and trails that surround the medieval town. Or, journey to the summit of Mount Pilatus for an unforgettable meal in the clouds.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

You May Be Interested In

Best Places to Visit in Europe for 2023-2024

Best Christmas Vacations

Best places to visit in winter.

Best Places to Visit in January 2024

Best Cheap European Vacations for 2023-2024

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

Holly Johnson December 1, 2023

• Adventure Planner

The alternative award-winning way to travel Europe independently.

• What Makes it Unique
• How it Works
• Pick Up & Drop Off Points
• Our Accommodation
• Meet Your Travel Guides and Drivers

You choose where you go, how long you stay, and what you do.

• Europe Trip Planner
• City Excursions and Activities

Get all the inspiration you need for your trip of a lifetime!

• The Best Destinations to Visit in Europe
• Hop-on Hop-off Travel Articles
• Book A Europe Pass

The ultimate flexible travel network in Europe and Asia.

• Europe Hop-on Hop-off
• Asia Unlimited Pass

Hand-crafted tours around the world run by our expert guides.

• Italian Adventure
• Turkey Aegean
• Vietnam Adventure
• Ultimate Scandi-baltic
• Morocco Encompassed
• US Western National Parks
• Canada Rockies Adventure

Sailing holidays and island-hopping trips to suit every style and budget.

• Croatia Sailing
• Greek Island Hopper
• Turkey Sail
• All In Croatia Sail
• Thai Islands Hopper
• Thai Islands Moon Party

Go beyond the destination and discover a side of it you didn’t know existed.

• Eastern Wanderer
• Roman Footprints
• Northern Highlights
• Road to Paris
• La Dolce Vita

Guided tours to the craziest cultural and music festivals and celebration.

• Tomorrowland
• Oktoberfest
• La Tomatina
• Ultra Croatia
• Sziget Budapest
• Lollapalooza Berlin
• Halloween Trek

Guided trips and ski packages through Europe’s winter wonderland.

Ultimate Winter Adventure

• Eastern Festive Trek
• Scotland Highland Christmas
• Alpine Festive Trek

It can only happen in Europe. One day you’re on the Amalfi Coast savouring an Italian pizza, the next you’re in a beer hall munching bratwurst and pretzels.

• Croatia and the Balkans
• Eastern Europe
• Spain and Portugal

Roll through the legendary highways, the big cities, chill in National Parks and the sunniest beaches!

• West to East Roadtrip
• East to West Roadtrip
• East USA and Canada Adventure
• Western National Parks Adventure

Our Asia trips suit all budgets and tastes. From Thai’s party islands and the vivacious Hanoi, all the way to the Angkor Wat and other incredible UNESCO sights.

• Unlimited Asia Pass

Ride camels across Saharan sand dunes, chill out on the golden surf beaches of Essaouira, barter in the bustling souks of Marrakech and get lost in ancient Fes.

• Morocco and the Sahara

Whenever you travel with us in Scotland and Ireland we'll cram in plenty of sightseeing, storytelling and authentic, real local experiences.

• Sustainable Tourism
• Travel Update

Europe Winter Tours

Where we go.

No results were found

NO HIBERNATING ALLOWED

Winter in Europe is incredible. There are traditional log fires, the snowy Alps, and Christmas trees in every town square. What's more is that it's less busy and a lot cheaper. Take a trip with us and get the best out of a winter trip abroad.

• Visit the Alps
• Accommodation is included
• Enjoy traditional festive meals
• Explore with experienced Busabout Guides

Busabout Europe Winter Tours

This snow-packed wander through Europe’s wintery-wonders boasts everything we love about travel.

Southern Winter Adventure

Alp yourself to the mountains in the heights of Switzerland, maze through the canals of Venice, and roam through Rome’s pizza-perfect sites.

Eastern Winter Adventure

Sleigh off the beaten track and learn why Eastern Europe is snow much more special during the winter season.

Northern Winter Adventure

For explorers who like their streets snow-sprinkled, adventurers that like a marvellously-lit market, and foodies who like cosy bars!

Winter Tracks

See all Busabout Trips

• +1 877 668 4328

• +1 510-379-4907
• Live Chat (Online) Live Chat (Offline)
• My Wishlist
• Find a Trip

Your browser 'Internet Explorer' is out of date. Update your browser for more security, comfort and the best experience on this site.

• Top 10 Europe Tours Departing in December 2024
• Destinations

'Tis the season...

... to visit Europe. If you prefer snow over sand, or sipping mulled wine in centuries-old squares over baking hot temperatures and long queues, December ticks all the boxes. Not to mention the cinnamon-scented  Christmas markets dotted over the continent. Go north to zip across Lapland on a dog sled or catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights in Iceland . Or head down south to Spain or Portugal where slightly warmer temperatures, tapas and seasonal delights await. We can hear those sleigh bells jingling from here.

Top Europe tours in December 2024

Europe tour packages by country.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Czech Republic

Netherlands

North Macedonia

Switzerland

United Kingdom

Vatican City

Europe tour departures by month

Europe tour reviews

Read more about travel in europe.

Sep 21, 2023

Step out with confidence with this....

Here are five tried and tested tips from Annette Richmond that every plus-size...

Feb 16, 2024

We run at dawn: why i lace up in....

Running at dawn casts a new light on famous destinations. Untouched by crowds,...

Feb 28, 2018

What to pack for a trip to iceland:....

No matter what time of year, no matter how clueless you are, no matter whether you...

Oct 19, 2018

I’m a student; here’s why i chose to....

Prior to this Italy trip, I had traveled to Europe once before with a different...

Mar 01, 2023

10 awesome places to go for your 21st....

Big birthdays deserve BIG celebrations...  

Nov 27, 2023

21 new europe trips for 2024  .

For an unforgettable adventure filled with cultural marvels, scenery and...

Ten great winter holiday ideas in Europe

Nov 6, 2023 • 5 min read

It's impossible not to hopelessly fall in love with some parts of Europe in winter © I love takeing photos and i think that is a really great opportunity for me to share them / Getty Images

Here are 10 suggestions for quintessentially European things to see and do in the colder months.

Winter comes in many guises in Europe . In the polar north there’s serious snow, the northern lights and weeks without sun. Around the mild Mediterranean, you’ll find lingering warmth well into the season. And in the center of Europe: cozy cafe culture and halls decked with Christmas spirit.

It’s an inspiring time to visit grand cities, charming villages and cultural sites. With fewer queues, you can fit more into your itinerary, and off-season prices make European accommodation wallet-friendly in November, December, January and February. Using Europe’s train network you can explore countries at your leisure, and it’s easier to meet locals outside the often-frenetic summer tourist season. 

1. Drink glühwein at Christmas markets in Germany or Austria

December sees these romantic historic markets pop up all over Germany , Austria and other Central European nations. Expect cute stalls selling everything from gingerbread to sleigh bells, and plenty of good cheer, toasted with a glass of warming glühwein .

Top tip: Famous markets in Cologne , Vienna and Munich draw the tourist crowds, but seeking out ones in smaller towns is rewarding.

2. Warm up at one of Budapest’s famous thermal bathhouses

Couples skating hand-in-hand, breath cloudy in the frosty air – there’s nowhere better for it than the enormous outdoor ice rink in Budapest’s picturesque central park, Városligeti Műjégpálya . Feeling chilly afterward? Hungary’s capital is famous for its ornate thermal baths .

Top tip: At night seek out a ‘ ruin pub ’– an atmospheric drinking venue artfully housed in a once-abandoned building.

3. Witness the northern lights in Abisko, Sweden

Located almost as far north as you can get in Europe on a train,  Abisko in Lapland is for lovers of serious winter. The sun doesn’t rise for several weeks in December and January, but that darkness makes it one of the world’s best places to view the majestic aurora borealis (northern lights). Other attractions include cross-country skiing along national park trails and husky mushing.

Top tip: Stop off at nearby Kiruna to see the famous Swedish Icehotel .

4. Steel-gray skies set the mood in Transylvania, Romania

You can’t visit Dracula’s lair on a sunny day with lambs bleating in the fields, right? You want steel-gray skies, bare trees and a smattering of snow. Braşov and Sighişoara , two hours apart by rail, are gorgeous medieval towns with various connections to Vlad Ţepeş, the historical Dracula, though it’s doubtful he ever set foot in his so-called castle.

Top tip: Bram Stoker never visited Romania , so don’t expect many parallels with the book or films.

5. Bask in the sunshine in Andalucía, Spain

Some parts of Andalucía are further south than the African coast, so expect mild temperatures in winter . Accommodation is cheap and crowds are smaller at standout attractions like Granada’s Alhambra and Seville’s cathedral . Plus, tapas and nightlife in the cities are as enticing as ever.

Top tip: Head to the Sierra Nevada near Granada if you want snowsport action.

6. Have the best sites in Athens (almost) to yourself

It’s a real downer trying to Photoshop 500 people out of your would-be-prizewinning Parthenon photo, but during the winter in Athens , it’s not an issue. All summer stresses – crowding, tourist pricing, intense heat, queues, air pollution – more or less disappear. The average temperature during the winter is around 13ºC (55ºF). It’s the best time to explore the country’s ancient heritage and experience local culture.

Top tip: By all means do some island-hopping, but most accommodations close in winter.

7. Hit the slopes at Jasná, Slovakia’s best ski resort

Slovakia offers high-quality skiing at affordable prices . Accommodation and food are reasonable too, and there’s a friendliness that’s missing from some of the snootier Alpine slopes. Jasná is the best Slovakian resort, with long descents flanked by snow-laden spruce trees, set in the ruggedly lovely Tatras Mountains.

Top tip: Flights from the US direct to Slovakia can be pricey, so don’t make this your entry point to Europe.

8. Expect snow flurries and fairytales in Copenhagen, Denmark

For a fairytale European winter, it’s hard to beat the home of Hans Christian Andersen . Forget the over-hyped Little Mermaid and head to the city’s cozy bars and cafes to watch snow flurrying outside. In the heart of town, the 19th-century Tivoli amusement park is a romantic, kitsch delight around Christmastime, with heartwarming illuminations and body-warming mugs of glögg (mulled wine).

Top tip: Noma may have closed but Copenhagen still has an incredible restaurant scene. Go for broke at Alchemist , widely considered one of the world's best restaurants. (Book three months in advance and set aside 4–6 hours.)

9. Visit the unofficial home of Santa Claus in Rovaniemi, Finland

Fistfuls of Christmas clichés characterize Rovaniemi , the ‘official’ terrestrial residence of Santa Claus. Everyone’s favorite bearded man hangs out in an atmospheric Arctic Circle grotto, and it’s free to visit him (but photos are another story). Snow and reindeer add festive spirit, while the Arktikum Museum gives insights into life at these latitudes.

Top tip: Finnish thermometers have more numbers below 32°F (0°C) than above, so pack serious winter clothing.

10. Be seduced by the incredible Carnival in Venice

Hauntingly beautiful and rather weird, Venice’s Carnival in February is a European highlight. Elaborate costumes and spooky masks bring the canal city’s colorful history to life. Costumed dances are pricey affairs, but you can have a ball enjoying the free events with a mask bought on the street – just be prepared for epic crowding.

Top tip: Book accommodation well ahead. Day-tripping in and out on a train will considerably lower costs.

This article was first published September 2019 and updated November 2023

Explore related stories

Festivals & Events

Mar 13, 2024 • 6 min read

From Montréal to Montserrat, if you can't make it to Ireland, these St Patrick's Day parties are the next best thing.

Mar 9, 2024 • 5 min read

Nov 22, 2023 • 7 min read

Nov 17, 2023 • 6 min read

Nov 15, 2023 • 5 min read

Nov 1, 2023 • 15 min read

Sep 25, 2023 • 8 min read

Jul 10, 2023 • 6 min read

Jul 3, 2023 • 6 min read

May 26, 2023 • 5 min read

Part of the TTC Family of Brands

GET A QUOTE

DESTINATIONS

WAYS TO TRAVEL

SPECIAL OFFERS

1 888 680 1241

Winter Wonderland

123 Independent Reviews

Classic Group

Choose Your Group Size

Reserve with a deposit starting from $200

DATES & PRICING

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Choose when you want to travel

4 countries

Splendor Among the Snow: A 9-Day Guided Tour Spanning Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Experience the winter wonderlands of Europe like never before with stunning views of Lake Lucerne from the peak of Mt Pilatus and all immersive tours of Munich, and Salzburg. An Insight Choice experience in Innsbruck lets you choose between a horse drawn carriage ride through the Alpine scenery or a visit to the world of Swarovski Crystal. The Austrian adventure continues with an exclusive Salzburg market tasting experience, where a locals serve goblets of Glühwein and fresh from the oven Lebkuchen—fragrant with ginger and cocoa. Across the border in Germany, Rothenburg alongside the River Tauber serves up lashings of 16th century charm and in Munich, foaming steins of beer beckon at the city's famous beer halls.

View Itinerary

Low deposit from $200

Deposit protection

Free booking changes

MAP & ITINERARY

Start Frankfurt, Germany. End Frankfurt, Germany.

Download Itinerary

Print Itinerary

EXPAND ALL DAYS

Choose to travel in a Classic or Small Group.

Change view

Selected Version

Tours that average 33 guests and no more than 40.

Small Group

Tours that have no more than 24 guests.

TRAVELING IN A GROUP OF 10+?

Customize this tour for a group >

Our specialists can design a bespoke itinerary for you. You'll experience the Insight Difference with a passionate Travel Director, all tailored to your group's personal interests. 

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

Find out more

Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNSECO sites and places of cultural significance.

Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

SEARCH FOR ANOTHER TOUR

#insightvacations.

Discover Inspiring, Magical Moments Captured by Our Guests in Destinations Around the World

EXPLORE WITH INSIGHT

UK and Ireland

USA and Canada

Latin America

North Africa

TOUR STYLES

Discovery Journeys

Regional Journeys

Country Roads

Domestic Escapes

Special Interest Tours

Get A Quote

Request A Brochure

Travel Insurance

The Insightful Blog

Privacy Policy

Booking Conditions

Tour Deposit Level

Travel Updates

My Personal Information

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

© Insight Vacations 2024. All Rights Reserved.

Cookie Policy

• Europe Tours
• Winter 2024/2025 Tours

Tours and Trip Packages to Europe in Winter 2024/2025

Traveling to Europe in Winter 2024/2025? We offer 1578 tours, trips and vacation packages to Europe in Winter 2024/2025. Our Europe in Winter 2024/2025 tour packages and trips have 6169 customer reviews. All the Europe Winter 2024/2025 tour packages and trips are carried out by hand-picked, qualified local and international Europe tour operators.

• Europe Travel Guide

+300 Trips in Europe during Winter 2024/2025

• Starts Vienna, Austria
• Ends Budapest, Hungary

Best of Central Europe

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Sightseeing Tours & Art and architecture Sightseeing Tours , Art and architecture , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Mountains 'data-more-tripid='3044'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Resort
• Transport Train, Bus, Private Vehicle, Boat, Minibus & Taxi
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Operated in English
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,775
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 566
• Total Price from: US$ 3,209
• Dec 14 10+ seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Starts Vilnius, Lithuania
• Ends Tallinn, Estonia

Baltic Capital Cities

• Activities Active and outdoor & Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Transport Bus
• Age Range 16-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,470
• Special Deal (11%): - US$ 160
• Total Price from: US$ 1,310
• Dec 20 Only 5 seats left

• Starts Rome, Italy
• Ends Paris, France

Best of Italy, Switzerland and Paris

• Trip customizable
• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Boat, Private Vehicle & Coach
• Age Range 8-95 yrs
• May 12 10+ seats left
• May 19 10+ seats left

• Ends Rome, Italy

Europe Escape

• Activities City sightseeing
• Transport Coach, Boat, Taxi & Train
• Age Range 10-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,990
• Special Deal (28%): - US$ 846
• Total Price from: US$ 2,144
• Dec 01 10+ seats left

• Starts London, England
• Ends London, England

European Discovery

• Activities Sightseeing Tours & Art and architecture Sightseeing Tours , Art and architecture , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Walking tours & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='20567'>+3 more
• Transport Boat, Coach & Ferry
• Age Range 18-35 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,465
• Special Deal (25%): - US$ 617
• Total Price from: US$ 1,848
• Dec 03 10+ seats left
• Dec 08 10+ seats left

• Starts Reykjavik, Iceland
• Ends Reykjavik, Iceland

Land of the Northern Lights - 5 days

• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & Waterfalls Natural landmarks sightseeing , Waterfalls , Volcanoes & Spas 'data-more-tripid='16027'>+2 more
• Transport Coach
• Age Range 18-80 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,445
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 217
• Total Price from: US$ 1,228
• Dec 03 Only 8 seats left
• Dec 05 Only 8 seats left

Classic Europe

• Activities Active and outdoor & Cultural, religious and historic sites Active and outdoor , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='37694'>+1 more
• Transport Coach & Taxi
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,145
• Special Deal (21%): - US$ 654
• Total Price from: US$ 2,491
• Dec 21 10+ seats left

European Highlights

• Activities Mountains & City sightseeing
• Accommodation Hotel & Villa
• Transport Coach, Boat & Train
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,560
• Special Deal (28%): - US$ 726
• Total Price from: US$ 1,834

• Starts Berlin, Germany

The Best of Eastern Europe

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & City sightseeing Cultural, religious and historic sites , City sightseeing , Museum and gallery visits , Food tours , Beer and drinks tasting & Local culture 'data-more-tripid='4894'>+4 more
• Transport Train, Bus, Private Vehicle & Boat
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,199
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 640
• Total Price from: US$ 2,559
• Dec 19 10+ seats left
• Dec 24 10+ seats left

• Starts Guadalest, Spain
• Ends Guadalest, Spain

Sierra de Aitana Trek

• Activities Trekking and Hiking
• Accommodation Lodge
• Transport Minibus
• Dec 08 Only 8 seats left

• Starts Dobbiaco, Italy
• Ends Dobbiaco, Italy

Italian Dolomites Cross-country Skiing

• Activities Skiing and Snowboarding & Winter adventure Skiing and Snowboarding , Winter adventure & Explorer 'data-more-tripid='7624'>+1 more
• Age Range 14-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,698
• Special Deal (5%): - US$ 148
• Total Price from: US$ 2,550
• Dec 14 Only 8 seats left
• Dec 21 Only 8 seats left

• Starts Sofia, Bulgaria
• Ends Sofia, Bulgaria

Best of Balkans (4 Star Hotels)

• Activities Sightseeing Tours & Art and architecture Sightseeing Tours , Art and architecture & Cultural, religious and historic sites 'data-more-tripid='17754'>+1 more
• Transport Bus, Coach & Boat
• Age Range 18-39 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,175
• Special Deal (45%): - US$ 979
• Total Price from: US$ 1,196
• Dec 17 10+ seats left

• Starts Madrid, Spain
• Ends Barcelona, Spain

Best of Southern Spain

• Activities City sightseeing & Art and architecture City sightseeing , Art and architecture , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Concerts and shows 'data-more-tripid='10639'>+2 more
• Transport Train, Bus & Private Vehicle
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,099
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 420
• Total Price from: US$ 1,679
• Dec 26 Only 9 seats left

• Starts Lisbon, Portugal

Essential Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and Italy

• Transport Private Vehicle, Train, Bus & Coach
• May 09 10+ seats left
• May 16 10+ seats left

Europe Tour Reviews

• George Willing
• Shamsiev Shokhrukh
• Carrie Van De Polder
• Europe budget tours
• Eco tours in Europe
• Europe guided tours
• Europe family tour packages
• Europe honeymoon packages
• Europe luxury tours
• Europe private tours
• Europe romantic holidays
• Europe self-guided tours
• Europe small group tours
• Europe solo trips
• Europe tours for senior citizens
• Europe tours for young adults
• Europe group tours
• Europe last minute deals
• Europe travel deals

Popular Destinations

• Albania Tours
• Andorra Tours
• Armenia Tours
• Austria Tours
• Azerbaijan Tours
• Belgium Tours
• Bosnia herzegovina Tours
• Bulgaria Tours
• Croatia Tours
• Cyprus Tours
• Czech republic Tours
• Denmark Tours
• England Tours
• Estonia Tours
• Finland Tours
• France Tours
• Georgia Tours
• Germany Tours
• Greece Tours
• Holland Tours
• Hungary Tours
• Iceland Tours
• Ireland Tours
• Italy Tours
• Kosovo Tours
• Latvia Tours
• Lithuania Tours
• Luxembourg Tours
• Macedonia Tours
• Malta Tours
• Montenegro Tours
• Norway Tours
• Poland Tours
• Portugal Tours
• Romania Tours
• Scotland Tours
• Serbia Tours
• Slovakia Tours
• Slovenia Tours
• Spain Tours
• Sweden Tours
• Switzerland Tours
• Turkey Tours
• Wales Tours

Popular Activities

• Adventure tours
• Art and architecture tours
• City sightseeing tours
• Cruise tours
• Cultural, religious and historic sites tours
• Explorer tours
• Natural landmarks sightseeing tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Trekking and Hiking tours

Upcoming Departures

• Spring 2024/2025
• Summer 2024/2025
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025

Best price guaranteed - No booking fees

Sign-in to unlock instant trip discounts. Create wish lists and save up to USD 1,500.

APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

Europe Tours & Trips

With so many cultural experiences, it's no wonder why a European tour is top of mind for many. Step back in time when visiting London 's famous landmarks, sample the finest wines in Paris, or get lost in the alleyways of Rome . Whether you want to relax on a Danube cruise , or don your hiking boots in Iceland , there's so much to see on a tour through Europe.

250+ Europe tour packages with 84,041 reviews

• Coach / Bus

Europe Escape

The trip start to finish, was amazing, our tour guide Gustavo was wonderful!

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Europe Jewel

Good route which covered the main attractions of Mid Europe. The trip is compact and efficient and the optional excursions add on the contents. Tour leader Matt is full of knowledge about various area’s history and events, he also looked after the team well and tried to accomodate customers’ needs, A really caring and professional tour leader. Pascal is not only a brilliant driver who tried to park the coach as close as possible for group’s access, he was also taking care of the team in many ways and his warm greetings and kind words won our hearts. If you haven’t or only seen a couple of European countries, this trip will be the one to open your eyes or the one to expend your European experiences. Additionally, the trip is good value for money.

• In-depth Cultural

The Best of Eastern Europe

Very good tour , something’s we didn’t find out right until the moment. But, overall good tour.

• Christmas & New Year

The Great Adventure

I had a great time with this tour

Best of Central Europe

Great tour... cesky krumlov the best!, great suggestions by guide, great travellers!

European Delight

Overall I, and my companions, enjoyed the trip however there were some significant elements which we were not happy with. On the TWO itineraries we received for Rome the following was noted: "08.30hrs- In the morning, we have a scenic tour of the city, which will be a great introduction to “The Eternal city”. We enter the tinystate of the Vatican. The Vatican City is a principal centre of Christianity in the world. You will be able to visit St. Peter’s Basilica. And wehave also included admission to the Roman Coliseum, the principal symbol of Rome.’ Day 2: Rome TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS: City tour of Rome. Roman Coliseum (admission price included). It’s clear from the above two notes that we would visit the Coliseum – admission included! Yet, we did NOT visit the Colosseum but walked through the less interesting and impressive Forum. We were very disappointed as the Colosseum was one of the sites we were looking forward to visiting. We were not aware of Europamundo's 'circuit' format which required we frequently changed coaches, drivers and tour directors. This was somewhat disconcerting as we were required to remember which bus we were on and who our director was at a time when we were on holidays and looking for something of a stress free vacation. Most of the tour directors were excellent, though we found the second director, who travelled with us from Innsbruk to Prague, was at times brusque and seemed to prioritise Spanish-speaking travellers when they joined us. We were disappointed that most of the options were not raised with us - except the option to Moulin Rouge because tickets had not been pre-booked. Similarly, we waited hours to access the Eiffel Tower because tickets had not been pre-purchased despite the fact that it was part of the trip rather than an option. We had pre-paid for a canal trip in Amsterdam, however it wasn't mentioned by the director and so we missed out on that. We were reimbursed. Though we enjoyed the trip and cities we visited, for the reasons above I wouldn’t choose Europamundo for future vacations,.

Rome to Berlin: Piazzas, Prague & the Past

Great diversity of countries and cities but WAY too fast paced. One night in Slovenia and Poland was ridiculous and with travel time some days we spent less than 15 hours in the city. The guide was a but inexperienced so we didn't have a good description of some of the cities. Great way to make friends and see cities! Would recommend going end of August or later as it was still very hot going through the cities!!

• Train & Rail
• Sightseeing

Berlin to Venice (15 Days) (including Salzburg)

• Walking Adventure

European Discovery (Summer, Start London, Classic, 12 Days)

The trip was fantastic, I had the best time ever, making memories that will last a lifetime.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

All About Balkans (4 Star Hotels)

It was amazing experience all together, visited multiple different places different cultures and full of history. Guide Boyjan and driver Sasha were incredible. I would be much prefer little space i between for a little breath also bit more priority for dining

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Photography

European Discovery (Summer, Start Amsterdam, Classic, 12 Days)

Balkan Discovery (4 Star Hotels)

Excellent accommodation excellent tour Guide Bayan.. Bus driver excellent 10/10

European Cavalcade (End Paris, 18 Days)

Amazing!!! No complaints, loved it!! Tour guide was extremely competent and the driver was very very good. So many memories made, highly recommended!

• River Cruise

Romantic Rhine (Southbound) 2024

Far exceeded my expectations. To be clear, I hate traveling, I did it for 40 years and was loath to start again retired. But was I wrong, this was a great trip and vacation. I’ve been on ocean cruises but river cruising is so different. The boat is small, one meets many people, the food (except for one meal) was very good, wines good, excursions good, just well done, well organized, no problems, no mess, just enjoy. Truly is one price. I can’t wait to go back.

Britain and Ireland Delight (Summer, 8 Days)

Motels not too good...no air conditioning, no fridges Bus had problems with air con too..changed buses , but not as comfortable

What people love about Europe Tours

Great experience. Very fun.

The tour was awesome. Too bad it was short. Our Tour leader Noddy perform extremely well job organizing and controlling our big group so we was on time everywhere. Our driver Dennis professionalism is off the charts. Especially when we was driving through narrow streets of Italy. I would recommend this tour to others

Destinations

• Western Europe tours (6912)
• Mediterranean tours (4734)
• Central Europe tours (2384)
• Balkans tours (2303)
• UK and Great Britain tours (738)
• Nordic / Scandinavia tours (587)
• Eastern Europe tours (507)
• Baltic tours (174)
• Italy tours (1191)
• Greece tours (876)
• Turkey tours (650)
• Germany tours (649)
• France tours (611)
• Spain tours (568)
• Croatia tours (398)
• Portugal tours (318)
• Austria tours (273)
• Iceland tours (270)
• Ireland tours (257)
• Romania tours (204)
• Scotland tours (183)
• England tours (163)
• Albania tours (135)
• Norway tours (111)
• Switzerland tours (95)
• Finland tours (92)
• Slovenia tours (90)
• Bosnia tours (81)
• Netherlands tours (77)
• Poland tours (56)
• Czech Republic tours (54)
• Bulgaria tours (48)
• Sweden tours (38)
• Montenegro tours (26)
• Serbia tours (23)
• Malta tours (22)
• Slovakia tours (21)
• Svalbard tours (16)
• Hungary tours (16)
• Moldova tours (15)
• Macedonia tours (14)
• Estonia tours (12)
• Wales tours (10)
• Northern Ireland tours (10)
• Lithuania tours (9)
• Belgium tours (9)
• Denmark tours (6)
• Latvia tours (6)

Travel Styles

• Small Group (2979)
• Budget (1142)
• Luxury (1455)
• Singles and Solo (8839)
• For Couples (4721)
• Young Adults (436)
• Seniors (5145)
• Group (7807)
• Fully Guided (6750)
• Family (6108)
• Explorer (5766)
• Personalized (3272)
• In-depth Cultural (2814)
• Private (2074)
• River Cruise (1627)
• Self-Guided (1542)
• Partially Guided (1540)
• Coach / Bus (1172)
• Bicycle (896)
• Hiking & Trekking (784)
• Active (703)
• Sailing (337)
• Intl. Flights Included (249)
• Custom (184)
• Food & Culinary (161)
• Self Drive (159)
• Ocean Cruise (140)
• Train & Rail (112)
• Northern Lights (91)
• Festival & Events (53)
• Romantic (26)
• Educational (18)
• Honeymoon (18)
• Health, Spa & Wellness (17)
• Gay Travel (7)
• Jeep & 4WD (6)
• Hop On/Off (5)
• 3 Day Tours (578)
• 7 Day Tours (2806)
• 10 Day Tours (4153)
• 2 Week Tours (1475)
• 3 Week Tours (963)
• 4 Week Tours (188)
• 1 Month+ Tours (50)
• Spring 2024 (5802)
• Summer 2024 (7844)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 (7984)
• Winter 2024 / 2025 (3029)
• Spring 2025 (3907)
• Summer 2025 (2947)
• Fall / Autumn 2025 (2897)
• Winter 2025 / 2026 (1063)
• April 2024 (2428)
• May 2024 (6428)
• June 2024 (7116)
• July 2024 (6896)
• August 2024 (7022)
• September 2024 (7348)
• October 2024 (6409)
• November 2024 (3315)
• December 2024 (2801)
• January 2025 (1908)
• February 2025 (1925)
• March 2025 (2449)
• April 2025 (2526)
• May 2025 (2802)
• June 2025 (2723)
• July 2025 (2622)
• August 2025 (2632)
• September 2025 (2661)
• October 2025 (2206)
• November 2025 (1254)

Europe Tours starting in

• Starting in Athens (764)
• Starting in Istanbul (526)
• Starting in London (441)
• Starting in Rome (440)
• Starting in Amsterdam (343)
• Starting in Madrid (328)
• Starting in Paris (280)
• Starting in Budapest (253)
• Starting in Bucharest (240)
• Starting in Dublin (237)
• Best 3 Weeks Europe Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• 10 Best Luxury River Cruises & Lines 2022
• Hiking in Europe in February
• Hiking in Europe in January
• Hiking in Europe in March
• Hiking in Europe in April
• Hiking in Europe in May
• Hiking in Europe in June
• Hiking in Europe in July
• Hiking in Europe in August
• Hiking in Europe in September
• Hiking in Europe in October
• Hiking in Europe in December

Money: '£2,000 landed in my account' - The people who say they're manifesting riches

We delve into the world of manifestation - but will a one-day course help our reporter land some extra cash and an engagement ring? Enjoy our weekend reads, and leave a comment, below, and we'll be back with all the latest personal finance and consumer news on Monday.

Saturday 27 April 2024 08:58, UK

Weekend Money

• '£2,000 landed in my account' - The people who say they're manifesting riches
• Iceland's new slogan and cash for grades: What our readers said this week
• Calculate how much your take-home pay will change this month with national insurance reduction
• Why are mortgage rates going up?

Best of the week

• The world of dark tourism - what is it, is it ethical and where can you go?
• Virgin Media customers share their bad experiences of customer service
• More Britons paying inheritance tax after chancellor freezes threshold - so how can you beat it?
• 'More important than a will': What are lasting power of attorneys and how much do they cost?
• 'I have a mortgage offer - will it change now rates are rising?'

Ask a question or make a comment

By Jess Sharp , Money team

My journey into the world of manifestation (the belief that you can attract success in your life through positive affirmations and visualisation) has taken me places I never thought I'd go.

Like a woods in Edenbridge, where I stood meditating under a tree in the pouring rain. I don't yet know where my journey will end (I've been hoping for an engagement ring but my boyfriend hasn't yet seen my visualisations), but it started with a conversation with Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, one of millions and millions of people who say manifestation has transformed their lives.

"About a year ago, there was something happening and I thought we just need two grand to cover the expense," Jamie, a former dancer from London, told me. "The following day £2,000 landed in my account."

It sounded like a coincidence to me, too.

But Jamie was adamant. His husband calls him "the master manifester" because of his "ability to bring in money".

"It's happened on so many occasions, like four, five times," he said. "I've become very clear on what I want and the amount of money I need and literally it can be within 24 hours that I get a phone call for a job and it's almost identical to what I asked for money-wise."

When I asked the now-psychic where the £2,000 actually came from, he said it was payment for a modelling job he had been offered.

"With manifesting you don't get caught up in the how, and often it comes in ways that you don't expect," he added, explaining it could come as the result of a claim after being in a car crash.

"It's not always coming in the way that you think but money is out there for us to take in the world. It's just having the confidence to receive it and we are worthy of it."

"Even if it is a placebo effect, does it matter?" he said.

The 43-year-old also believes he manifested his husband Fiongal after being diagnosed with cancer. While going through treatment and dating "a lot" of people, he decided to take matters into his own hands, or rather his own head, and started visualising his perfect partner.

"I decided to spend a good couple of weeks getting really, really, super clear in my mind what this person looked like. Then I started creating lists asking about personality traits, and all the things that I wanted that person to be," the former dancer said.

"The day I got the all clear from cancer I randomly met my husband and when I look at the list of the things I asked for, he pretty much ticks every single box. I really, really believe that is because I got super clear on what I wanted and I put that out to the universe to bring to me."

Jim Carrey and manifestation

If you think this is a new practice, it isn't. Jim Carrey was doing it back in the 90s. He famously wrote himself a $10m cheque for "acting services rendered" and dated it years in advance. Then in 1995, he was told he was going to make the exact amount for filming Dumb and Dumber.

The idea shot up in popularity again in 2006 after Rhonda Byrne published her self-help book The Secret.

Since then, it has hit every inch of the internet and has resurfaced on TikTok with videos posted under #manifesting accumulating a huge 13 billion views.

I tried to learn manifesting - I felt like an idiot

After hearing Jamie's story and seeing the idea was popular with so many people, I thought it best to try to learn manifestation myself. I mean, who wouldn't want money landing in their account and a work promotion from the universe?

As I stood in the woods, in the pouring rain, being told to imagine roots growing from the soles of my feet, I felt like an idiot.

I was soaking wet (of course I had forgotten a coat with a hood) and while my mind kept wandering through thoughts about being cold, if I'd hit traffic on the way home and how dirty my white trainers were getting, a gentle, soothing voice kept bringing me back to what I was supposed to be thinking about.

"How we are all connected, how the trees and plants produce oxygen that we breathe, and we breathe out carbon dioxide which they need to survive"

While some people focus their manifestation practices on being grateful to the universe, Tansy Jane Dowman believes we need to get "out of our heads, into our bodies", connect with nature and find our true selves before we can practice it successfully.

My meditation in the woods was just one part of a six-hour workshop run by Tansy, which aimed to send me off with a clearer vision of what I truly desired.

Tansy charges anywhere from £25 to £580 for her courses, which range from one-on-one sessions and an online six-week programme, to forest bathing workshops and weekend-long nature retreats.

But some courses have popped up online which cost more than £1,000.

Tansy started practising manifestation in 2018 after going through a difficult period in her life. She eventually quit her job in events management and started teaching others how to do it successfully.

"The way I manifest is not to focus on material wealth or gain. I would ask my clients what an abundant life means to them in terms of feelings, experiences, connections, people and places," she explained.

"The more authentic you are, the more of a beacon you become for those things to find you."

After spending time walking in the rain and meditating under a tree, Tansy and I sat in her dining room and explored some of the happiest moments in my life and the feelings I experienced. It became clear I like feeling accomplished, needed and excited.

We also spoke about challenging times, but the conversation focused on the positives, like how I had overcome them and what I had learned.

"It's so important to bring in your values with manifestation because sometimes we can get really confused with what we want, with social media especially," she told me.

Throughout her house, Tansy has a number of "abundance boards" proudly on display - some she has made with her children, others are from her annual January tradition of setting out her desires for the year.

"I've had some really wonderful goosebump things happen to me. I did a board at the beginning of 2020... I put a picture of a microphone on it. I just thought I really like that image and I didn't immediately place any meaning onto it," she said.

"Then as the world was shutting down for lockdown, I did a press event and I met a lady who worked for Wellbeing Radio and she wondered if I would be interested in trying out as a presenter."

She explained that some people will be very specific with their desires, like selecting a photo of the exact car they want, or the perfect house, but that isn't how manifestation works. There needs to be an element of trust in the universe giving them what they attract.

As we created my abundance board, which Tansy describes as being like a "personal algorithm", she told me to select images and words from heaps of magazines that called to me intuitively.

As you can see from the picture below, mine calls for being "financially fabulous", travelling, getting engaged (coughs loudly in earshot of boyfriend) and living stress-free.

And while I'd love a big cash injection, Tansy explained to me that money is "only a stepping stone to a feeling" and, ultimately, I'm aiming to create an emotion with it.

Manifesters more likely to go bankrupt

While all the manifestation believers I spoke to said there was no downside to the practice, a researcher has been looking into whether it really does pay off.

Based in Australia, Dr Lucas Dixon (who specialises in consumer psychology) created a scale from one to seven to rank a person's strength of belief and found those who practice it are more likely to have been victims of fraud and declared bankruptcy.

He said there was a "danger" that manifesting could become harmful if taken to an extreme level.

He found those who believe in manifesting tend to think more positively and have a confident attitude when it comes to success, and while that can be helpful in business, it can also cause them to take unnecessary risks.

"They weren't more objectively successful in terms of having higher income or higher education attainment," he said.

"We also found that they are more likely to believe in get-rich-quick schemes, more likely to take higher risks... to have risky financial investments and more likely to have investments in cryptocurrency rather than traditional stock."

Using the scale he created, Dr Dixon found those who have "very strong beliefs", ranking at a seven, were 40% more likely to have gone bankrupt.

"The danger comes in a couple of different forms," he said, explaining that a "worst case scenario" could see people getting into financial difficulty by being encouraged to "just look at the positives".

"Someone might say it's not harmful because it is really just thinking positively but I think even that can be harmful because of what you might call an opportunity cost," he said.

"You're spending time, energy and money doing something that doesn't have a lot of evidence behind it. We found it does make you feel good but you don't need to pay thousands to do it."

Okay, so back to me...

I did my manifestation course about a month ago, and I have done as I was instructed - my abundance board is up in sight inside the flat, and I often have a cup of coffee in front of it.

But, so far I'm still using a credit card, the most travelling I've done has been to work and back and there is still no rock on my finger. I have been given an annual pay rise, though, and would say I am less stressed.

Perhaps believing that I'm just doing my best and there's a chance that I'll be rewarded for that one day, eventually, in the future, maybe, is making me feel better... who knows?

Each week, Money blog readers share their thoughts on the subjects we've been covering, and over the last seven days your correspondence has been dominated by these topics...

• Iceland's new slogan
• Rising mortgage rates
• Giving kids cash for grades

Iceland's new catchphrase

We learnt on Monday that Iceland had dropped its tagline "That's why mums go to Iceland", replacing it with "That's why we go to Iceland".

The move was made to reflect the store is for everybody, said brand ambassador Josie Gibson. Readers were split - with some feeling so strongly that they're prepared, they suggest, to sacrifice those frozen Greggs steak bakes forever...

I previously contacted Iceland about their slogan because I didn't think it did single dads justice, as dads can go to Iceland too. Their response was that people understood that it's not just mums that go to Iceland. It's about time they changed the message. Dave T  

Neither I, my wife or my children will shop in Iceland again due to this stupidness and woke attitude. To hell with you [Iceland boss] Richard Walker. John  

Banks hike mortgage rates

This week we reported that high street lenders such as Halifax, TSB, NatWest, Barclays, Leeds Building Society, HSBC and Coventry had all hiked mortgage rates (see 7.33 post for details). 

You said...

With house prices at already extortionate levels, now mortgage rates rising again, is there any hope for first-time buyers? Honestly, the situation is so bleak, people may need to consider other countries. GenZ 

Why would this happen? So many young couples struggling to get on the property ladder. I live in Dorset - a one-bedroom flat costs from £230,000. In Scotland, one can get a beautiful two-bed house for that price. Feel sorry for all couples living down in the South. Need huge deposits. Barbs

Why are they called high-street banks? Most banks in my town have closed. Martin J

Parents offering cash for good grades

A lot of views came in after our feature exploring the positives and negatives of parents incentivising good school grades with cash...

We had scores of comments on this - with a fairly even split...

We did it for our son at GCSE time. We think it made a difference of about a grade on most subjects. Got a two-grade lift on maths. Cost us £350. Thought it was good value as it has taught him how things work in the world. Andy

The whole world is built on a reward system which symbolises access to money commensurate with effort and excellence. The Nobel prize goes with a cash reward! Tom Deggs

Employees are offered incentives for achieving targets, so why not offer kids incentives for better grades? Claire228 

But others had concerns...

I think it puts too much pressure on kids who are under enough pressure at exam time. Parents should encourage their kids to do the best they can, not add to their stress levels. Emma

Children should value their education without it being monetised. My parents expected my brother and I to have the motivation, maturity and self-discipline to work hard for our GCSEs. We both achieved all As and A*s. Eliza 

When I was at school, from 1964-83, my parents never gave me money for good exam results, because "I should want to do well for myself". No matter what my grades were, they said that they would be proud of me if I had tried my best. Cash kills self-motivation. Nicola B 

National insurance was cut this month, for the second time this year, from 10% to 8% on employee earnings between £12,570 and £50,270.

The change, announced by the chancellor in his March budget, impacts around 27 million payroll employees across the UK - starting this pay day.

The cut is worth almost £250 to someone earning £25,000 a year and almost £750 for those earning £50,000

Use our tool below for a rough guide to what tax changes can be expected for most people, as there are other variables not included which might affect how much tax you pay including being in receipt of the blind person's allowance or the marriage allowance. It also assumes you are not self-employed and are under pension age...

There are also national insurance cuts for the self-employed. This includes the scrapping of Class 2 contributions, as well as a reduction of the rate of Class 4 contributions from 9% to 6% for the £12,570 to £50,270 earnings bracket.

These will impact nearly two million self-employed people, according to the Treasury.

While many campaigners welcomed the national insurance announcement last month, they pointed out that the tax burden remains at record high levels for Britons - thanks in part to the threshold at which people start paying income tax being frozen, rather than rising with inflation.

The money story of the week has been mortgage rates - with a host of major lenders announcing hikes amid fears the Bank of England may delay interest rate cuts.

Swap rates - which dictate how much it costs to lend money - have risen on the back of higher than expected US inflation data, and concerns this could delay interest rate cuts there. 

US trends often materialise elsewhere - though many economists are still expecting a base rate cut from 5.25% to 5% in the UK in June.

The reliable Bloomberg reported this week: "Still, while some economists have since scaled back their predictions for BOE cuts, most haven't changed expectations for a summer move.

"Analysts at Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs Group, Capital Economics and Bloomberg Economics are all among those still anticipating a shift toward easing in June."

The publication also quoted Sanjay Raja, chief UK economist at Deutsche Bank, as saying: "Markets have superimposed the US cycle on the UK, but the US and UK are on very different tracks.

"The UK is coming out of technical recession. Inflation is falling more convincingly. Pay settlements are following inflation expectations. And crucially, real policy rates in the UK will be higher than in the US."

None of this reassurance changes the fact that financial markets, which dictate swap rates, are pricing in delays.

This week's hikes came from Halifax, BM Solutions, TSB, NatWest, Virgin, Barclays, Accord, Leeds Building Society, HSBC and Coventry.

This is what average mortgage rates looked like as of Thursday...

The next Bank of England decision on rates comes on 9 May - and pretty much no one is expecting a cut from the 16-year high of 5.25% at that stage.

The Money blog is your place for consumer news, economic analysis and everything you need to know about the cost of living - bookmark news.sky.com/money.

It runs with live updates every weekday - while on Saturdays we scale back and offer you a selection of weekend reads.

Check them out this morning and we'll be back on Monday with rolling news and features.

The Money team is Emily Mee, Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young and Ollie Cooper, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. The blog is edited by Jimmy Rice.

The family home where Captain Sir Tom Moore walked 100 laps to raise nearly £40m for the NHS during the first COVID lockdown is up for sale for £2.25m.

The Grade II-listed Old Rectory is described as a "magnificent seven-bedroom property" by estate agents Fine & Country.

In a video tour of the house, a sculpture of Captain Tom with his walking frame can be seen in the hallway, while a photo of the fundraising hero being knighted by the Queen is on a wall in the separate coach house building.

Introducing the property, an estate agent says in the tour video: "I'm sure you'll recognise this iconic and very famous driveway behind me as it was home to the late Captain Sir Tom Moore who walked 100 laps of his garden, raising over £37m for NHS charities."

It comes less than three months after the demolition of an unauthorised spa pool block in the grounds of the property in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire.

Speaking at an appeal hearing over that spa, Scott Stemp, representing Captain Tom's daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore and her husband, said the foundation named after the fundraising hero "is to be closed down" following a Charity Commission probe launched amid concerns about its management.

For the full story, click here ...

"Status symbol" pets are being given up by owners who get scared as they grow up, an animal charity has said, with the cost of living possibly paying a part in a rise in separations.

The Exotic Pet Refuge, which homes parrots, monkeys, snakes and alligators among others, says it receives referrals across the country, including from zoos and the RSPCA.

"They're a status symbol. People will say, 'OK, I'll have an alligator or a 10ft boa constrictor'," co-owner Pam Mansfield told the BBC.

"But when the animal gets big, they will get too frightened to handle them, and then the pet has to go."

She added people who want to get rid of the pets sometimes call zoos for help, which then call on her charity.

In some cases, owners don't have licences to own dangerous animals, she says, blaming a "lack of understanding" for what she says is a rise in the number of exotic animals needing to be rehomed.

She says people "just don't have the space" for some snakes, for example, with some growing to as much as 12ft and needing their own room.

The cost of living crisis has also forced owners to give their pets away, she says.

Her charity has also been affected by those increased costs, with the electricity bill rising to £10,000 a month at their highest, to fund things like heated pools for alligators.

Private car parks are accused of "confusing drivers" after introducing a new code of conduct - despite "doing all they can" to prevent an official government version.

The code of practice launched by two industry bodies - British Parking Association and the International Parking Community - includes a ten-minute grace period for motorists to leave a car park after the parking period they paid for ends.

It also features requirements for consistent signage, a single set of rules for operators on private land and an "appeals charter".

Private parking businesses have been accused of using misleading and confusing signs, aggressive debt collection and unreasonable fees.

That comes after a government-backed code of conduct was withdrawn in June 2022, after a legal challenges by parking companies.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: "We're flabbergasted that the BPA and the IPC have suddenly announced plans to introduce their own private parking code after doing all they can over the last five years to prevent the official government code created by an act of Parliament coming into force.

"While there are clearly some positive elements to what the private parking industry is proposing, it conveniently avoids some of the biggest issues around caps on penalty charges and debt recovery fees which badly need to be addressed to prevent drivers being taken advantage of."

BPA chief executive Andrew Pester said: "This is a crucial milestone as we work closely with government, consumer bodies and others to deliver fairer and more consistent parking standards for motorists."

IPC chief executive Will Hurley said: "The single code will benefit all compliant motorists and will present clear consequences for those who decide to break the rules."

Sky News has learnt the owner of Superdry's flagship store is weighing up a legal challenge to a rescue plan launched by the struggling fashion retailer.

M&G, the London-listed asset manager, has engaged lawyers from Hogan Lovells to scrutinise the restructuring plan.

The move by M&G, which owns the fashion retailer's 32,000 square foot Oxford Street store, will not necessarily result in a formal legal challenge - but sources say it's possible.

Read City editor Mark Kleinman 's story here...

NatWest says its mortgage lending nearly halved at the start of the year as it retreated from parts of the market when competition among lenders stepped up.

New mortgage lending totalled £5.2bn in the first three months of 2024, the banking group has revealed, down from £9.9bn the previous year.

The group, which includes Royal Bank of Scotland and Coutts, also reported an operating pre-tax profit of £1.3bn for the first quarter, down 27% from £1.8bn the previous year.

An unexplained flow of British luxury cars into states neighbouring Russia continued into February, new data shows.

About £26m worth of British cars were exported to Azerbaijan, making the former Soviet country the 17th biggest destination for UK cars - bigger than long-established export markets such as Ireland, Portugal and Qatar.

Azerbaijan's ascent has coincided almost to the month with the imposition of sanctions on the export of cars to Russia.

Read the rest of economics and data editor Ed Conway 's analysis here...

Rishi Sunak has hailed the arrival of pay day with a reminder his government's additional National Insurance tax cut kicks in this month for the first time.

At last month's budget, the chancellor announced NI will be cut by a further 2p - so some workers will pay 8% of their earnings instead of the 12% if was before autumn.

The prime minister has repeated his claim this will be worth £900 for someone on the average UK salary.

While this additional cut - on top of the previous 2p cut in January - does equate to £900 for those on average full-time earnings of £35,000, there are two key issues with Mr Sunak's claim:

• Once the effect of all income tax changes since 2021 are taken into account, the Institute for Fiscal Studies reports an average earner will benefit from a tax cut of £340 - far less than £900;
• Moreover, anyone earning less than £26,000 or between £55,000-£131,000 will ultimately be worse off.

In short, this is because NI cuts are more than offset by other tax rises.

We explain below how this is the case...

Tax thresholds

This is partly down to tax thresholds - the amount you are allowed to earn before you start paying tax (and national insurance) and before you start paying the higher rate of tax - will remain frozen. 

This means people end up paying more tax than they otherwise would, when their pay rises with inflation but the thresholds don't keep up. 

This phenomenon is known as "fiscal drag" and it's often called a stealth tax because it's not as noticeable immediately in your pay packet.

That low threshold of £12,570 has been in place since April 2021. 

The Office for Budget Responsibility says if it had increased with inflation it would be set at £15,220 for 2024/25.

If that were the case, workers could earn an extra £2,650 tax-free each year.

Less give, more take

Sky News analysis shows someone on £16,000 a year will pay £607 more in total - equivalent to more than three months of average household spending on food. 

Their income level means national insurance savings are limited but they are paying 20% in income tax on an additional £2,650 of earnings.

In its analysis , the IFS states: "In aggregate the NICs cuts just serve to give back a portion of the money that is being taken away through other income tax and NICs changes - in particular, multi-year freezes to tax thresholds at a time of high inflation."

Overall, according to the institute, for every £1 given back to workers by the National Insurance cuts, £1.30 will have been taken away due to threshold changes between 2021 and 2024.

This rises to £1.90 in 2027.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Mountain View, CA

Mountain View

Around the Globe

Hurricane tracker.

Severe Weather

Radar & Maps

News & features, winter center, news / winter weather, potentially damaging frosts and freezes moving into northeast midweek.

Those who bought tender plants or own orchards and vineyards in the Upper Midwest and Northeast will face additional rounds of frosts and freezes this week.

By Alex Sosnowski , AccuWeather senior meteorologist

Published Apr 22, 2024 9:53 AM PDT | Updated Apr 24, 2024 2:46 AM PDT

AccuWeather’s Bernie Rayno discusses the differences between a frost advisory and a freeze warning.

Air from northern Canada will drop southward into the Upper Midwest and northeastern United States from the middle to late parts of the week. This will not only set off snow in parts of the northern tier but will also bring the risk of a damaging frost and freeze to many areas, AccuWeather meteorologists warn.

The batch of air, encapsulated by a dome of high pressure , will affect the area from Wednesday to Friday.

The first of two Canadian high-pressure areas delivered temperatures as low as the frigid low 20s F in northern Michigan and northern New York. On Monday morning, temperatures in the frosty mid- to upper 20s were common from interior southern Michigan to northern Ohio, central Pennsylvania, central and southern New York state and central and northern New England.

The cold air and threat of frosts and freezes have sent orchard and vineyard operators scrambling to raise temperatures by a few degrees by using wind machines and bonfires in their fields. Regarding vineyards, the non-native varieties of grapes are most susceptible to damage.

GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP

   Have the app? Unlock AccuWeather Alerts™ with Premium+

Temperatures have been much higher than the historical average since the start of the winter. This has forced bud break, blossoming and leaf-out of many forms of vegetation ranging from flowering trees and shrubs to deciduous trees to fruit trees, vines and bushes. Anytime a heavy frost or hard freeze occurs after bud-break and leaf-out occurs, there is the risk of damage.

Garden centers, agricultural interests or anyone who has put out tender plants in areas where a frost or freeze can occur from Wednesday night to Friday morning will be at risk.

"Widespread low temperatures in the 20s to the low 30s are in store from much of the Great Lakes region [away from the immediate shores of the lakes] to the central Appalachians, the interior mid-Atlantic and much of New England on Thursday morning," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Matt Benz said.

The shores around large, deep lakes tend to be warmer than the surrounding landscape on a clear, calm and chilly night because of the relatively warm water.

Also, the urban "heat island" effect may prevent frost in some large cities but only to a certain point. There is the risk of frost reaching some coastal areas of the Northeast on Thursday and Friday mornings, including in Boston and Philadelphia , as well as New York City and Washington, D.C. Frost is a concern around Chicago , Detroit , Cleveland and Pittsburgh -- at least for Thursday morning.

"Temperatures on Thursday night may be a few degrees higher than Wednesday night, especially from the central Great Lakes on west," Benz said, adding, "However, it is still likely to get cold enough for a frost or freeze from parts of the central Appalachians to much of New England on Friday morning."

As a special note, forecast low temperatures are intended for a location 4-6 feet off the ground, where official temperature readings are taken. During a clear, calm night, the temperatures can dip 5-10 degrees lower at ground level compared to 4-6 feet above the ground. In conditions such as those anticipated in the region from Wednesday night and Thursday night, it may be necessary to subtract at least 5 degrees from the forecast low temperature for a more accurate reading at ground level.

This is why taking measures to guard against a frost or freeze is advised when forecast low temperatures are above the freezing mark -- 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

As the leading edge of the cold air pushes in, temperatures may dip low enough as moisture lingers for a mixture of rain and snow over the mountains of the northern tier of the Northeast from Wednesday to Wednesday night, Benz explained.

"Up to a few inches of snow may fall from parts of the Green and White Mountains to northern Maine," Benz said.

Farther to the south, the same cold front responsible for the snow over the northern tier set off showers and locally heavy thunderstorms over parts of the Midwest into Tuesday night. Thunderstorms brought hail and gusty winds across portions of Wisconsin and Michigan.

On Wednesday, the same cold front may set off thunderstorms in parts of the mid-Atlantic.

After the high-pressure area cycles through late this week, upcoming pushes of Canadian air are likely to be less potent and not quite as cold. While it is a bit premature to say there will not be any more risk of frosts or freezes moving forward in May, it is likely they will not be as intense nor as widespread as that of this past weekend or what lies ahead from Wednesday to Friday.

More to read:

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you  subscribe to Premium+  on the  AccuWeather app .   AccuWeather Alerts ™  are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.

Weather News

LIVE: Catastrophic destruction in wake of massive tornado in Nebraska

How to recognize a 'radar-confirmed tornado'

'That's a strong tornado:' Tornado rips across I-80 in Nebraska

Top Stories

Trending Today

Accuweather early, accuweather prime, forecast victories.

LATEST ENTRY

Turn around, don’t drown: What to do when caught driving in floodwaters

16 minutes ago

High risk of tornadoes, hail and flash flooding for central US

13 hours ago

This map may save lives when there's a tornado threat

Weather Forecasts

Spring fever: Northeast cities chasing 90-degree highs

First-ever photograph of a tornado from 140 years ago likely a fake

15 hours ago

Featured Stories

10 types of tornadoes that occur in the US

Overrun Japanese town erects barrier to block photos of Mount Fuji

21 hours ago

Indian voters battle extreme temperatures amid intense heat wave

A lake in Mexico’s ‘magical town’ is disappearing

20 hours ago

More than 100 prisoners flee after rainfall destroys prison in Nigeria

22 hours ago

We have updated our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy .

Get AccuWeather alerts as they happen with our browser notifications.

Notifications Enabled

Thanks! We’ll keep you informed.