Summer heat, jostling crowds and inflated prices are so overrated! Sure Travel brings young travellers six reasons to skip the high-season trip to Europe and go in winter instead – savings of as much as R3,275* when you book and pay for Contiki itineraries with your Sure Travel agent before 16 August 2018 is just one of them...
The introverted and spontaneous will love travelling Europe in the winter. For the most part, there’s little need to stress about where you’ll stay or book every activity in advance – queues are relatively short and there are far more options to choose from. With no crowds to bump into and detract from the sites, it’s arguable that you’ll have a more enjoyable visit, and more time to savour each attraction. Plus, restaurants, cafes, and bars are primarily full of locals, not tourists.
These street markets are set up all over the continent during December in a tradition dating back to the 15th century. They’re the best place to pick up unique winter decorations and treats for family stocking stuffers, and also a foodie’s dream. Sample sugared almonds, potato “tornados” on a stick, all kinds of wursts, as well as glühwein.
Pronounced “hue-gah”, this Danish word is used to describe a feeling or moment that’s cosy, charming or special – whether alone or with friends, at home or out around town. These warm-fuzzy feelings are bound to turn up on a winter trip to Europe – hot chocolate, warm fires, snuggly scarves and mittens.
Not a fan of the powdery white snow you’ll find dusting most European cities? Head south! At the southern reaches of Portugal, Spain, Greece and Italy, you’re likely to find some sun and mild or even warm weather (we’re talking 15 to 20 degrees) at any time of year.
Winter is an amazing time to get your fix on the slopes of the Pyrenees or the Alps. Suit up and hit the slopes at one of the many world-class resorts in France (such as Chamonix) or St. Anton, Austria – they’re the birthplaces of alpinism after all! There’s also great skiing in Andermatt, Switzerland; Idrefjäll in Sweden and Livigno, Italy.
It’s the ultimate travel hack: booking a trip during the off-season to take advantage of lower flight and transportation fares, accommodation prices and entrance fees for museums, attractions and other sights.
Winter travel (such as flying on Christmas Day) or avoiding the Christmas-New Year’s rush when people head home to visit family, can yield big savings. January, for instance, is generally the cheapest month of the year to fly.
Right now, save up to R3 275* with Contiki when you book with your nearest Sure Travel agent and pay before 16 August 2018. Here are some of the incredible European adventures available from the leader in youth travel for 18- to 35-year-olds:
From R21,003 per person sharing
Travel period: 22 to 30 October 2018
This is the ultimate winter escape, to some of Europe’s best cities. With so much to do – and a cool group of like-minded young travellers to do it with – you better ensure your photo-snapping finger is at the ready.
Visit 8 World Heritage Sites, see Amsterdam’s gabled houses and canals, hoist your stein at a traditional beer hall in Germany, and take a private boat cruise through the canals and islands of Venice. In Rome, picture gladiators of old at the Colosseum and perhaps catch a glimpse of the Pope at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City. Florence, meanwhile is an artist and architect’s dream – then travel onwards to Switzerland and Paris, visiting vineyards, the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe and a French perfumery.
Starting from R15,998 per person sharing
Travel period: 20 October to 4 November 2018
Don’t have much time to spare? Visit seven countries in just over a week with Contiki’s European Magic itinerary.
Starting in London, you’ll see the Cliffs of Dover and then head over to Amsterdam to wonder at this mischievous bike-lined city. Moving through the Netherlands, you’ll be whisked off to Germany’s Rhine Valley, known for its hilltop castles and cuckoo clocks. Then in Munich, don some lederhosen and drink a pint – or two – before travelling on to Italy’s famous city of Venice. With its romantic waterways and twisting alleys, be sure you don’t get lost – otherwise you’ll miss the next stops in Lucerne and Paris.
Starting from R19,874 per person sharing
Travel period: departing 22 October 2018
Better begin practicing your hola and gracias – this Spanish adventure is a heady mix of partying and cultural immersion.
See the Royal Palace in Madrid, the Alhambra in Granada & the Rock of Gibraltar, then cap off a fantastic holiday by watching the sun set over the Mediterranean on the beaches of Ibiza. In between, you’ll visit Seville and the city of the “Running of the Bulls Festival”, Pamplona.
Starting from R14,204 per person sharing
Travel period: departing 20 October 2018
Italy is on most self-respecting traveller’s bucket list – for good reason. Contiki’s Italian Espresso will give you a chance to see some of its most-loved cities (Rome, Florence and Venice) at moderate pace.
This trip allows for free days to wander (or sample coffee, pizza, pasta and gelato) at your own pace, with plenty of extras thrown in, including a guided tour of a 16th century Tuscan winery and live culinary and craft-making demonstrations.
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Save up to R3,275* on winter trips to Europe when you book and pay for your Contiki trip before 16 August 2018. Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent to enquire or book or call 0861 47 48 49.
*The Save up to 7.5% Early Payment Discount is valid for new bookings made between 25 April and 16 August 2018 on trips seven days or longer from Contiki’s 2018/19 Europe Winter brochure. It is valid on land tour prices only and does not include trip airfare and taxes. Early Payment Discounts do not apply to bookings made within 45 days of trip departure.
