If you’ve looking for an affordable winter break, consider Europe. Tour operators offer packages that cost up to 30% less than comparable summer vacations, and many of the local shops have incredible winter bargains that are difficult to resist. Airfares and hotel rates are also at their lowest from January through March. Avoiding crowded city streets and attractions, plus being able to take advantage of cultural offerings such as operas, ballets, and symphonies, are additional reasons for visiting Europe in the winter.
Tour operators are offering a number of options for winter 2009-2010, including air/hotel packages in most major European cities. For example, Central Holidays has a 10-day Italy tour that includes stays in Venice, Florence, and Rome. A highlight of this tour is a special wine tasting at Magione Castle in Umbria. Departures are available through March 2010.

For those who want flexibility, to do as they please with the benefit of great pricing, Trafalgar is featuring a package with 4 nights in London and 3 nights in Paris, which gives you enough time to explore each city in-depth and on your own time. These packages are available through the end of March.

Looking for milder temperatures? Central Holidays offers a 10-day Spanish Masters tour that visits Malaga, Madrid, and Barcelona. Malaga, the birthplace of Picasso, is a seaside gem city where you can explore the ruins of a Roman theatre and a magnificent Baroque Cathedral. In Madrid, you’ll spend the day visiting one of the internationally recognized museums along the “Golden Art Triangle.”

Food lovers will want to consider Central Holidays’ 10-day Spain’s Gourmet Kitchens tour, which includes stays in Seville, Madrid, and Barcelona. In addition to participating in a hands-on cooking class in the private home of a local chef, you’ll visit the Codorniu Cava Winery, where you’ll enjoy a private tasting of some of the vineyard’s best sparkling wines. Departures for both the Spanish Masters tour and the Gourmet Kitchens tours are offered now through March 2010.

Another popular option is Christmas markets. Trafalgar, for example, has a 9-day trip where you can shop for handmade crafts and hearty treats at the lively Christmas markets in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Highlights include visits to Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Munich, Zurich, Lucerne, Neuschwanstein, and Oberammergau.

With so many choices available, you’re sure to find an affordable winter getaway that will provide you with memories to last a lifetime. Give us a call today or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and let one of our experienced counselors help you plan an exciting vacation in Europe.

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