Nothing firm - but likely be in Germany around the turn of the year. Ciphering on combining that trip with a RS Tour - either prior to or after. No - not my favorite time to travel, but I like staying once I get overseas and spending the extra time. Just looking for general suggestions from those that have taken tours, spent time in Europe during that time of year. Will be traveling solo, interests are varied. Like history, architecture, photography. Not big on food tours, nor am I a drinker. First guess - for weather, more sun - head south. Any thoughts appreciated. Thank you.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6278 posts
Consider Andalusia and the Costa del Sol in Spain. Or look at southern Italy, like Calabria, SIcily or Puglia.
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2613 posts
There really aren't many tours available in winter, but some of these go into December.
https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/winter-escapes
Here's another way to check for tours:
https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/all
Posted by
8045 posts
Personally, I am not a big fan of freezing in Europe in the Winter.
Consider warmer places.
If you haven't been to Egypt, it is amazing.
Also, South America, love Argentina and Chile, do a cruise around the Horn.
Australia and NZ
Posted by
Tucson
4180 posts
Having never used the tours/all link above before, I decided to try it. There are RS tours in December 2024 but none at all in January. They pick up again in February.
Choose December from the All Dates drop down box to see tours for that month and their dates in a list. Look to the far right column and you'll see that very few are actually available. Most have a waitlist. If nothing works for you, the suggestions already provided are good ones. You can plan a great trip using them as a starting place along with the Explore Europe section on this RS website.
I've travelled solo in Italy, southern France, Spain and Greece in December and early January. I also lived in Nürnberg for 3 years. Germany was colder than any of the countries I listed, but they were not particularly warm, even if sunny. That was over 40 years ago, so maybe Global Warming has helped!?;-)
If you go to Rome, for something out of the ordinary you can take a tour, private or with a group, on the back of Vespa with Scooteroma. Per their website: "We lead tours all year round. Start time at 9 am or 2 pm from November to March."
I did a private Street Art tour and absolutely loved it. There are many more options since then. Click on Tours to see all of them. Here's the link: https://scooteroma.com/