Whether you want to be active, see the sights, find the festive feeling or fill up on traditional food, there’s a Europe tour for you this winter. Discover our favourite ways to explore and which countries and cities should be top of your bucket list.

Visit festive markets

In the run-up to the new year, the major cities in central and northern Europe are illuminated by traditional open-air festive markets. Lining the edge of broad streets and pretty squares, these collections of stalls sell local arts and crafts, Christmas decorations and themed trinkets, and authentic street food such as German bratwurst or Hungarian chimney cake.

They run throughout the day but are most magical at night, especially the larger markets such as Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen where you can watch astonishing light shows each evening and skate beneath the stars. Remember to carry cash as not all stalls accept card payments.

Try snow sports

Europe’s mountains, especially the Alps which are the continent’s highest and spread across eight countries, are covered in snow throughout the winter. Travellers from around the globe flock to these slopes for exhilarating skiing and snowboarding holidays.

There are various resorts to choose from, ranging from enormous luxury accommodations with Michelin-star restaurants and first-class facilities to intimate getaways with a romantic feel. Look for runs suited to your skill level first and foremost, and then any other priorities you have such as après-ski venues and complementary activities like skating, cross-country skiing and ice hiking trails.

Tour a magical capital

Experience one of the characterful capitals of southern and eastern Europe without the crowds! While in summer these cities are overrun with tourists and temperatures climb to uncomfortable levels, between November and February the streets are quiet and you don’t have to worry about avoiding the heat of the day.

Swap hot-weather beach-based Turkey holidays for a city-hop tour which includes magnificent Istanbul and laidback Antalya on the Turkish Riviera. See the spectacular architectural sites of Rome and Florence without waiting in long lines. Explore mesmerising Madrid and Antoni Gaudi’s playground, Barcelona, and sample culinary delights in Lisbon.

Indulge in local cuisine

Given that most of the continent experiences cold temperatures during the winter, traditional dishes are primarily hearty fare that will warm you up while tantalising your tastebuds.

Beloved by almost all are the melted cheese cuisines of the Swiss Alps such as fondue and raclette, usually served with cold meats, potatoes and crusty bread. These are served at most ski resorts across the Alps. In Central Europe, you’ll find comforting stews on the menu like goulash and bigos which are a combination of rich meat and winter vegetables like cabbage. Sweet treats are in abundance, including pastel de nata – delicious Portuguese egg custard tarts.