Snow or Sun? 8 Extraordinary Winter Adventures for 2026/27
Winter doesn’t have to mean hunkering down and waiting for spring. In fact, it might just be the perfect excuse for an adventure. The only question is: snow or sun?
Perhaps your ideal winter comes with snow-dusted landscapes, crisp mountain air and the chance to catch the Northern Lights unfurling overhead like ribbons. Or maybe you’d rather swap grey skies for warmer days, exploring colourful cities, wildlife-rich rainforests and coastal trails under the sun.
Whichever way you like your winter, we’ve got an adventure to match. Here are eight winter adventure holidays that make the season worth embracing – or escaping entirely. So, which winter will you choose?
1. Ancient & Modern Japan
There’s something special about visiting Japan when the temperatures fall.
Wander beneath the lanterns of Kyoto’s Gion district on a crisp evening, warm up over steaming bowls of soba or seasonal hotpot and browse market stalls laden with local delicacies.
In the mountainous heartland, explore the steep-roofed farmhouses of Shirakawa-go, built to withstand heavy snowfall, soak in an onsen after a day of exploring and warm up with a group sake tasting in historic Takayama.
With departures in November and February, our Ancient & Modern Japan trip reveals a cosier, quieter side to the country – from Kanazawa’s samurai streets to the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko, where clear winter skies may even reward you with spectacular views of Mount Fuji.
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Ancient & Modern Japan
Explore Zen gardens, temples and the most iconic sights of Japan
2. Finnish Wilderness Week
Winter transforms Finland’s Oulanka National Park into a playground of frozen lakes, rushing rapids and forests thick with snow.
During our Finnish Wilderness Week, you follow the Kitka River on snowshoes to the old mill at Myllykoski and glide across the untouched snow on the frozen Juuma Lake. In nearby Riisitunturi, your group takes the reins of a husky team through a forest of snow-laden trees, before warming up around the fire with roasted sausages and marshmallows.
You even learn to build a traditional quinzee snow shelter – with the option to spend the night inside. And when darkness falls, head out on snowshoes in search of the Northern Lights.
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Finnish Wilderness Week
Mixed activity week in a remote part of Finland
3. Iceland Northern Lights
Winter brings an extra sense of drama to Iceland’s already otherworldly landscapes.
See Seljalandsfoss framed by intricate ice formations and feel the spray of mighty Skógafoss before strapping on crampons to walk across the brilliant blue ice of Falljökull glacier. At Jökulsárlón, watch icebergs drift across the glacial lagoon, then wander Diamond Beach, where chunks of ice glitter against jet-black volcanic sand.
Long, darker nights make it an ideal time for aurora hunting, and our Iceland Northern Lights trip allows for two evenings spent away from the city glow, watching the skies from your countryside hotel.
In between, tuck into warming Icelandic lamb and freshly caught fish, watch Strokkur geyser erupt into the frosty air, and if you have time, sink into the naturally heated waters of the Blue Lagoon – a wonderfully Icelandic antidote to the winter chill.
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Iceland Northern Lights
Visit Iceland in search of the aurora borealis, tumbling waterfalls and glittering glaciers
4. Snowshoeing in the Dolomites
Winter works its magic on the Dolomites, blanketing pine forests in snow and turning frozen lakes into mirrors reflecting the jagged limestone peaks above.
On our Snowshoeing in the Dolomites adventure, you strap on snowshoes to crunch along trails through Fanes-Sennes Natural Park, trace the icy shores of Lago di Braies and climb to viewpoints where the unmistakable Tre Cime di Lavaredo dominate the horizon.
Back in Villabassa, four-star Hotel Adler makes an inviting winter retreat: soothe tired legs in the sauna or steam room, settle beside the crackling fireplace with an aperitivo, and round off a day in the mountains with an authentic Tyrolean gourmet dinner.
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Snowshoeing in the Dolomites – Premium Adventure
PREMIUM: Walk in Italy's most spectacular mountain range
5. Walking the Amalfi Coast
When it comes to winter sun destinations, the Amalfi Coast offers something a little different, as the summer crowds fade and cooler days are made for exploring on foot.
These months also bring their own flavours: seek out pizza di scarola, traditionally eaten at Christmas, followed by honey-drenched struffoli or chocolate-covered mostaccioli, perhaps with a glass of sweet Fiano Passito.
You will need that fuel for what’s to come. Follow the Path of the Gods above the Mediterranean, wander Pompeii without the heat, then linger over an espresso in Amalfi’s quieter piazzas – twinkling with lights over the festive season.
Back in Bomerano, the Acampora family keep things deliciously hands-on at Hotel Due Torri, where you can learn the secrets of a proper Neapolitan pizza during one of their lively pizza-making demonstrations.
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Walking the Amalfi Coast
Discover the highlights of Europe’s most dramatic coastline on foot with true experts of the region
6. Discover Costa Rica
When winter sets in at home, Costa Rica is heading into its sunnier dry season – perfect for swapping dark days for rainforest greens and Pacific-blue seas.
Cruise Tortuguero’s waterways at dawn, when howler monkeys, caiman and colourful birdlife are at their most active, then hike beneath Arenal Volcano before cooling off in the emerald pools of La Fortuna waterfall.
In Manuel Antonio, watch capuchins play in the trees before stretching out on a tropical beach, while high in Savegre Valley you’ll search the cloud forest for the rare, vibrant resplendent quetzals.
Travelling in December? Look out for festive tamales and creamy rompope – a distinctly Costa Rican taste of Christmas.
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Discover Costa Rica
Join eagle-eyed guides for a wildlife-watching trip through the mountains, rainforest and coast
7. Highlights of Northern India
Northern India is ideal for exploring in the cooler months – and a strong contender for your winter holiday wish list. Lower humidity and clearer, drier days make its colourful cities and monuments even more inviting.
Watch Jaipur stir to life on an early-morning walk, search for tigers on two game drives through Ranthambore National Park, then see the Taj Mahal glowing against the winter sky. In Varanasi, wrap up for a misty dawn boat ride along the Ganges, passing ghats already busy with pilgrims bathing in the holy waters.
Between adventures, warm up with fragrant chai and rich North Indian curries – the perfect counterpoint to those crisp winter mornings.
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Highlights of Northern India
From the Taj Mahal to the Bengal tigers of Ranthambore, explore a land packed with culture and excitement
8. Cape Town & the Garden Route
While winter settles in at home, South Africa is basking in summer, with warm, dry days made for exploring the Garden Route.
Hike through Tsitsikamma’s coastal forests, search for elephants in Addo and follow the Cape Peninsula beneath blue skies.
Travel in November and there’s an extra reason to go: southern right whales may still be breaching off the coast of Hermanus, where the local whale crier sounds his kelp horn when they’re spotted in Walker Bay.
Along the way, take in the dramatic Knysna Heads, where sandstone cliffs frame the meeting point of lagoon and ocean, before heading inland to explore the vast limestone chambers of the 20m-year-old Cango Caves beneath the Little Karoo.
Further west, your group can linger over a sommelier-led tasting among Stellenbosch’s vineyards before reaching Cape Town, where long summer days bring an irresistible outdoor buzz.
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Cape Town & the Garden Route
South African icons: safari, dramatic coastal roads, electric cities and unforgettable landscapes
Ready to Do Winter Your Way?
Snow-dusted mountains or sun-soaked trails? Northern Lights or tropical wildlife? However, you like your winter, there’s a world of adventure waiting. Explore our winter adventure holidays and find the one that’s right for you.
