Spain, Barcelona, Placa Real, couple at outdoor cafe, laughing

6 Expert Tips to See the Best of Spain

Adventure in the Outback

March 14, 2016

10 Vacations to Take This Winter

Rome, Italy in Winter

Traveling to Europe in the winter – there’s so many reasons to do it: from fewer tourists to value season prices (up to 25% less than high season prices) and Christmas Markets. Plus, in some European destinations, like southern regions of Italy & Spain where it normally hits 100 degrees in the summer, winter is a desirable time to visit. Where should you travel this winter to save money and have a great winter vacation? We’ve given you our top 10 vacations to take this winter – plus, all the amazing included features when you take a tour with Globus. After reading through each description & expert tip, take our quiz to see where you should travel!

London & Paris

London Eye at sunset, London, England

London Eye at Sunset

Why not spend a week discovering two of the world’s most exciting cities? In London, a special highlight is the London Eye Champagne Experience – a ride on the giant observation wheel, with stunning views of the city while you sip a glass of champagne. Visit Montmarte, the famous Parisian artist area, then ride the little train through narrow lanes and enjoy the spectacular view of Paris from the Sacre Coeur Basilica.

Expert tip: Take this tour in late October-early December to get the best value!

European Sampler

Amsterdam Canal Houses and Boats

Amsterdam Canal Houses and Boats

Spend two weeks getting a taste of all that Europe has to offer. See London, with a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral and view the Changing of the Guard. Take a canal cruise in Amsterdam, enjoy dinner with beer at Kulturbrauerei Heidelberg. Watch a woodcarving demonstration in Black Forest (plus, enjoy coffee and traditional homemade Black Forest Cake). Take a walking tour of Lucerne to see the impressive Bourbaki Panorama, Edourard Castres’ circular painting dating back to 1881. Take the elevator to the second floor of Paris’ most famous landmark: the Eiffel Tower.

Expert tip: Take this panorama tour in November/December to avoid crowds.

Essential Europe

Venice Grand Canal

Venice Grand Canal

Rome, Florence, Venice, Lucerne, Paris, and London—these exciting and vibrant cities await you on this thrilling European tour. Highlights include a pizza party with wine at Finisterrae restaurant in Florence, a pasta dinner with wine prepared for you at Rossopomodoro restaurant, followed by an exciting ride by private water taxi through the Grand Canal in Venice, and an elevator ride to the Courtyard of Castelgrande in the Swiss Alps.

Expert tip: Spend Thanksgiving with the family in Europe!

Continental Introduction

Vineyard along the Rhine

Vineyard along the Rhine

Experience and see what many of European countries have to offer. After a special welcome dinner at a local restaurant in Paris, take a Seine River cruise; enjoy a Tuscan dinner at Finisterrae restaurant in Florence; visit the famous Hofbrauhaus in Munich, dating back to 1589; admire castle-crested hills and terraced vineyards during a romantic Rhine cruise in Amsterdam; plus, so much more!

Expert tip: Have extra spending money by traveling on one of the value departures in November!

Europe in Depth

Postojna Caves, Slovenia

Postojna Caves, Slovenia

As the name suggests, you’ll get an in-depth tour of Europe on this 31-day vacation. Travel to some of Europe’s most famous cities, but also stay in some of the smaller – but equally fantastic – cities. In Brussels, enjoy a light lunch with waffle and a beer tasting at a local café. In Austria, dinner with wine awaits you at Farmhouse Lenzenbauer. This tour includes an exciting visit to the spectacular Postojna Caves by mini-train in Ljubljana, Solvenia and a drive along one of Italy’s most beautiful coastlines, the Amalfi Coast to Positano, a picturesque village where you can taste the local Limoncello liquor. A European adventure awaits you!

Expert tip: Whether you want to spend the holidays in Europe, or travel in November and be back home in time for the holidays, this vacation has value departures for both options.

Britain Sampler

Stonehenge

Stonehenge

Perfect for history buffs and literary fans, this popular Britain tour offers you the best of this great land. See the mysterious, prehistoric Stonehenge, the Roman baths in Bath, Chester, one of Britain’s best cities for archaeological and architectural treasures, Edinburgh, home to many Scottish monarchs, and York, England’s most complete medieval city. Visit Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, Abbotsford House, Grasmere, and Cambridge.

Expert tip: Save up to $540 on value season departures in November & December!

Best of Spain

Plaza Espana, Seville

Plaza Espana, Seville

From the historical sights and beautiful art and architecture to the tasty treats and special experiences, this tour is sure to leave you with plenty of memories to share with loved ones back home. Highlights include a visit to magnificent Plaza de España in Seville, a special paella dinner with wine prepared at La Marcelina restaurant, and Sangria at La Fonda del Port Olimpic restaurant.

Expert tip: The best of Spain is best enjoyed in November and early December – less crowds, less heat!

Spanish Fiesta

Costa del Sol Coastline

Costa del Sol Coastline

If you’re looking to experience all the excitement and energy of Spain, this vacation is perfect for you! You’ll have time to relax on the Costa del Sol, where you can sample traditional Spanish cuisine, walk on the sandy beaches, and browse the trendy boutiques. How does wine tasting with tapas at Bodega Portia sound? Or a walk through the Calle Estafeta in Pamplona? Perhaps you’ve always wanted to visit Real Maestranza bull ring? All of these highlights are included in this tour!

Expert tip: Enjoy a fiesta in Spain in the fall – when the average temperature is in the 60’s!

Italian Mosaic

Gardens of Augustus, Capri

Gardens of Augustus, Capri

Want to enjoy the main Italian cities – Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan, and Assisi – but also explore some of the smaller towns and scenic attractions that Italy has to offer? Attractions include a visit to the museum of La Scala Opera House and an exciting boat cruise to Isola Dei Pescatori, hwere dinner with local specialties at La Pescheria awaits you. Enjoy a cappuccino at the popular Pedrocchi Café. Visit the Gardens of Augustus, terraces overlooking the sea, offering a spectacular panoramic view, and taste a Granita in Capri. What are you waiting for?

Expert tip: Save up to $1,000 on value season departures in November.

Highlights of Sicily & Southern Italy

Greek Roman Amphitheater, Taormina

Greek Roman Amphitheater, Taormina

What awaits you on this vacation? Spectacular scenery combined with fascinating architectural remains and ancient history. This tour is great for history buffs, with visits to one of the Sassi Houses, the ancient Greek Amiptheater in Taormina, the ancient Greek structures that have survived for 2,400 years in Agrigento, and the 12th-century Norman Cathedral in Monreale. You’ll see Pompeii, giving you an amazing detailed look into life at the peak of the Roman Empire. In Naples, visit Reggia di Capodimonte, a grand Bourbon palace that houses the National Museum of Capodimonte.

Expert tip: November is one of our favorite times to take part in this out-of-the-ordinary experience.

Wherever you go this winter, you can’t go wrong following our expert tips! Can’t decide where to travel? Take our quiz here.