16 October 2019
The best tours for the winter holidays in the sun
Trending destinations and trips for the winter holidays from November to January
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GetYourGuide is the premier site for booking incredible experiences. Since 2009, it gained the trust of millions of travelers and established as the authority in unique and unmissable things to do. With over 50,000 top-rated tours and activities, it show travelers the best of their destination - whether it’s skip-the-line tickets to the world’s biggest attractions or guided walking tours with local experts.
Winter holidays in the sun
Visiting long-haul international destinations or Dubai for winter sun is a clear trend, from November to January. The trending destinations for European tourists for the winter holidays from November to January are:
|
BEST destinations
for winter holidays
November to January
|
BEST destinations
for winter holidays
November to January
|
|---|---|
| Dubai | South Africa |
| Egypt | Vietnam |
| Australia | New Zealand |
| Thailand | Morocco |
Trending locations and recommended tours
By the travel data of GetYourGuide, for European travelers, the most popular category of tours for this period is a day trips followed by attraction tickets. A selection of things to do in each trending destination, with a customer rating of over 90%, these handpicked tours - quality-checked by each destination’s regional manager - are ideal for planning winter holiday.
Dubai
Temperatures in Dubai can reach a stifling 105° Fahrenheit (40° Celsius) during the summer months. As the weather cools down from November to January, it’s the perfect time for European travelers to enjoy all this great metropolis has to offer, whether it’s luxury shopping, world-class beaches or a spot of dune bashing in the desert.
Dubai - Copyright © Shutterstock
Recommended tours in Dubai
Burj Al Arab SkyView
Bar Beverage Package
Take in Dubai’s glittering skyline from the 27th floor of the Burj al Arab, 200 meters above sea level. Sip on expertly-made cocktails as you bask in an intimate setting overlooking the Palm Jumeirah and The World Islands.
From Dubai: Grand Mosque
& Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Tour
Enjoy an enchanting experience at two of the UAE’s crowning attractions: the Louvre Museum and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Admire the world’s largest hand-woven carpet as well as art from different civilizations and cultures.
Abu Dhabi Full-Day
Sightseeing Tour from Dubai
Explore Abu Dhabi, the largest city in the UAE, on an 8-hour day trip. See a masterpiece of Islamic architecture up-close at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, marvel at the opulent Emirates Palace, and admire the iconic Etihad Towers.
Egypt
As the birthplace of the most prominent ancient civilization, Egypt is the land of Cleopatra and the Pharaohs, and has been attracting travelers for centuries. It’s a popular destination year-round for European tourists, but especially during the winter months - many of Egypt’s top attractions are found in desert regions, so the milder weather means sightseeing is more comfortable from November to January.
Luxor - Copyright © Shutterstock
Recommended tours in Egypt
Hurghada:
Classic Family Red Sea Cruise
Enjoy a relaxing full-day cruise on the Red Sea. Explore various stunning coral reefs as you swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. Don’t forget to look out for rays, sea turtles, angelfish, and playful dolphins in their natural habitat.
From Hurghada:
Day Trip to Valley of the Kings in Luxor
Dive into the history of Ancient Egypt and the Pharaohs on this day trip to Luxor. Admire its impressive architectural legacy and visit the Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon, and Temple of Hatshepsut.
Ras Muhammad National Park
Snorkelling and Magic Lake Tour
Head to Ras Muhammad National Park and enjoy its sprawling scenery. Snorkel at the most gorgeous reef by the park and get a sneak peek of the underwater life. Then, marvel at the distinctive mangrove trees and take a dip in the Magic Lake.
Australia
A vacation in Australia offers an amazing array of experiences, and visiting during the festive period gives European travelers a chance to escape the winter blues. November to January spreads across Australian spring and summer, so the weather allows for plenty of outdoor exploration, whether you’re beach-hopping or exploring the national parks.
Sydney - Copyright © Shutterstock
Recommended tours in Australia
The Sydney
Opera House Tour
Discover the stories, history, and magic of Sydney Opera House on an incredible hour-long guided tour. Explore underneath the world-famous sails and along the 300 corridors of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Blue Mountains Tour, Scenic World,
Leura Village & Cruise
Discover the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains on a full-day tour that takes you to Featherdale Wildlife Park. See native Australian animals, stop at Echo Point for panoramic views, and enjoy three different rides at Scenic World.
Great Ocean Road Day
Tour from Melbourne
Tour the spectacular Great Ocean Road on an award-winning fullday trip from Melbourne. The small, personalized eco tour takes in all the icons of the famous road trip, including the 12 Apostles. Enjoy free on board Wi-Fi as you travel.
Thailand
From the bustling city of Bangkok to the tranquility of Chiang Mai, Thailand is a country of dramatic contrasts. Winter is peak tourist season, as the monsoon rain has dried up and the heat is still bearable. Popular spots include the west coast for beachgoers, while cooler temperatures in the north of the island make sightseeing more comfortable.
Bangkok - Copyright © Shutterstock
Recommended tours in Thailand
From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Temples
& Floating Market Day Trip
Visit the main highlights of Ayutthaya on a full-day tour from Bangkok. Explore Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, a former residence of Thai kings, then wander around the floating market with more than 200 stalls.
Phuket: Phi Phi, Maya, Bamboo,
and Maiton Island Day Trip
Enjoy a trip by luxury speedboat from Phuket to Phi Phi Island, Bamboo Island, and Maiton Island. Experience a full day of fun and enjoy sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling with an experienced crew.
Ayutthaya: 5 UNESCO Temples
Small Group Tour from Bangkok
Escape Bangkok for the day and journey to the Ancient city of Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand. Visit five UNESCO-listed temples and the National Museum with artifacts from the kingdom's 417-year history.
South Africa
From the pulsating nightlife of Cape Town to the serene vistas across its national parks, South Africa offers travelers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure - plus all the necessary ingredients for beating the winter blues. When it comes to relaxed beach vacations, European tourists flock to the sunny coasts of the Indian Ocean, but the rest of the country’s diverse landscape is not to be missed.
Cape Town - Copyright © Shutterstock
Recommended tours in South Africa
Cape Town:
Sunset Champagne Cruise
and 3-Course Dinner
Enjoy a champagne cruise on the spectacular Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Watch the sunset from a sailboat, then, once ashore, indulge in a three-course meal at a waterfront restaurant of your choice.
Cape Town:
Tandem Paragliding
Go tandem paragliding in Cape Town. The best way to see Atlantic Coastline, Lion's Head, Signal Hill, Camp's Bay, Clifton Beaches, Waterfront, and Robben Island. Fly for up to 20 minutes depending on weather conditions and thermal activities.
Cape Point Full-Day Tour
from Cape Town
Enjoy a scenic drive from Cape Town to Cape Point with stops along the way. Explore the lighthouse at Cape Point and take a photo at the Cape of Good Hope sign. Choose an optional visit to the penguin colony or a boat trip to Seal Island.
Vietnam
Vietnam is a popular destination for winter jet setting. The southern coast is the perfect spot for a beach break, with plenty of sun and high temperatures. Meanwhile, winter weather in central and northern Vietnam is milder, so tourists looking to explore Vietnam’s hotspots - without the heat - may prefer visiting from mid-December onwards.
Ho Chi Minh - Copyright © Shutterstock
Recommended tours in Vietnam
Bitexco Saigon Skydeck + The Heineken Experience Combo Ticket
Enjoy panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City from one of the city's most iconic buildings. Ascend to the Saigon Skydeck on the top floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower, then enjoy a beer tasting at the highest Official Heineken Bar.
From Ho Chi Minh:
Cu Chi Tunnels
& Mekong Delta VIP
Explore the huge underground networks of the Cu Chi Tunnels, cruise along the Mekong River, and sample tropical fruits on the coconut island with a live musical performance.
From Hoi An: Market Tour, Basket Boat Ride and Cooking Class
Experience rural life in Vietnam on an eco tour from Hoi An. Soak in the hustle and bustle of a morning market, cruise down the Thu Bon River, and learn how to cook fresh spring rolls and papaya salad in a hands-on cooking class.
New Zealand
For European tourists, heading south of the equator is the ideal way to soak up some extra sun during the cold winter months, and New Zealand is always a popular choice. Whether you're looking for a thrilling adventure, sightseeing extravaganza, or the chance to explore a countryside that is richly blessed in natural beauty, New Zealand is worth adding to the list.
New Zealand - Copyright © Shutterstock
Recommended tours in New Zealand
Hobbiton Movie Set Guided Tour
Experience the magic of a guided Hobbiton Movie Set tour!
Immerse yourself in the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of the Shire as featured in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
45-Minute Experience
Embark on a 45-minute guided tour of the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, dating back over 30 million years ago. Glide by boat and marvel at the magical light display through the Glowworm Grotto.
Skyline Queenstown Gondola
with Lunch or Dinner
Enjoy a unique dining experience 450 meters above Queenstown. Ride the Skyline Gondola and enjoy panoramic mountain views with your delicious meal at Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar.
Morocco
Morocco offers tourists plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and cultural exploration, especially in winter when there’s less crowds and milder weather. From the bustling medinas of Marrakech and the historysoaked streets of Fes, to the cool coastal breezes of Essaouira and the mountainous slopes of Imlil, Morocco is a destination that offers something for everyone.
Marrakech - Copyright © Shutterstock
Recommended tours in Morocco
Day Trip to Essaouira from Marrakech
Enjoy a day trip to Essaouira on the coast of Morocco. Admire the pretty port with its ocher-colored walls, the beautiful Moulay El Hassan square, and the little streets of the city's old Medina.
Marrakech Quad Bike Experience:
Desert and Palmeraie
Experience the amazing environment of Jbilets Desert as you discover traditional Berber villages, explore palm groves with quad bikes, and drink Moroccan tea in local homes.
Marrakech: 3.5-Hour Food Tour and Dinner
Wander through the souks of this bustling city sampling olives, dried fruits, nuts, and pastries. After a vibrant evening exploring the spices of Marrakesh, sit down for a delicious dinner in the iconic Djemma El Fnaa.
Edited by Alisè Vitri
Text: Copyright © GetYourGuide Press Office
Photos: For editorial use only - Copyright © Shutterstock
All rights reserved. Copyright © Sisterscom.com
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