Why Visit Europe this Winter? Here's 9 Reasons

It’s no secret that winter in Europe is stunning, and the key to ensuring the most memorable experience is to let the best people plan your trip. Here are several reasons why you should jump out of  hibernation and head to Europe on a Contiki tour this winter, along with a few tour suggestions:

1. Crowds - The summer crowds are gone.  Fewer tourists mean you will get to experience cities as the locals do.  No standing in long lines to see the Mona Lisa at the Louvre in Paris, or the Roman Forum and Colosseum in Rome.
2. Authentic Experiences - You can’t get more authentic than the Christmas markets, festivals and carnivals that take place all around Denmark, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Austria.
3. Entertainment - Opera, theater, and symphony seasons are in full effect.
4. Adventure - For winter sports enthusiasts, it is prime snow season! Contiki offers seven and 14 day vacation packages to Hopfgarten, Austria where you can ski, snowboard, ice skate or take a sleigh ride through the beautiful countryside. 
5. Hofbräuhaus - So, you couldn’t make it to Oktoberfest, but you can still enjoy the beer, the food and the Bavarian oompah band.  Munich is one of the many exciting stops on Contiki’s European Inspiration tour.
6. Spanish Beauty - Spain comes alive in September.  From Barcelona, to Madrid, to Seville, winter is the best time for shopping and exploring.  If you’re looking to get a little spicy this winter, check out Contiki’s Spanish Spree tour.
7. Time to Break Tradition - Dick Clark will be around for a few more years, so why not party it up with the locals in Dam Square in Amsterdam for New Year’s Eve!?  It is as big a celebration as Times Square in New York with the addition of fireworks.
8. A Little Romance - Paris on Valentine’s Day- how much more romantic can you get!?
9. The Shopping - Italy is always top of mind when it comes to shopping.  Milan is world renowned for design and fashion, and the entire area surrounding the famous Spanish Steps in Rome is a shopper’s dream come true.
10. Packages - deals are a steal during this season.

Source: Contiki Vacations, the worldwide leader in unique travel packages for 18 to 35-year-olds. View Contiki’s Europe Winter 2009-2010 brochure here.

 

For more travel ideas from RTM, visit our Travel Channel.

 

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