For those seeking new adventures and respite from Singapore’s heat, trade the tropical humidity for crisp autumn air and winter wonderlands in Europe and the US this year end. Imagine scenic train rides through Norway's largest and deepest fjord, sipping port wine with loved ones in Portugal’s Douro Valley (where harvest season starts in September) or lobster dinners amid Maine’s fall foliage. In winter, Christmas markets in Germany and Austria come alive with the aroma of mulled wine and gingerbread.
Go off the beaten track in Croatia, with its rich history dating from Roman times, and swing by Zagreb’s award-winning festive market for traditional goodies. Don’t want the hassle of planning your trip? Let tour experts handle the logistics and unlock extraordinary experiences while you focus on making memories. For authentic experiences beyond the usual tourist trail, Trafalgar offers opportunities to connect with locals.
If you prefer a more leisurely pace, the ‘ Business Class’ Tours offered by Trafalgar’s sister brand, Insight Vacations , provide even more comfort with premium coaches, stellar hotel stays and exclusive guided experiences. At the upcoming Natas Travel Fair, happening from Aug 16 to 18, both Trafalgar and Insight Vacations are offering up to 25 per cent off, plus a $188* discount per couple. Get inspired for your next autumn and winter journeys here.
Witness the transformation of landscape colours with a scenic train ride in Norway and road trips in Boston and Maine. Engage with locals over farm-to-table feasts in Bergen and visit vineyards near Porto, during harvest season to sip locally made wine. The season’s cooler temperatures are also ideal for exploring historic cities and Unesco sites, minus the bustling summer crowds.
Experience the Nordic countries like never before as Denmark, Norway and Sweden unveil landscapes cloaked in autumnal splendour. Trafalgar’s 14-day journey, Scenic Scandinavia and its Fjords , takes you past meandering lakes, serene forests and majestic fjords. Ride the spectacular Flam Railway along Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, and explore Bergen’s colourful Bryggen district.
You will also get to dine with a local family – the Ovre-Eide family will be your hosts as they welcome you to their historic livestock farm, which has been a working farm since the 1500s. This is just one of hundreds of Trafalgar’s signature “Be My Guest” experiences , designed to enable meaningful connections between local hosts and travellers. In Copenhagen, discover the real stories behind the beloved fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen, and visit the Amalienborg Palace Quarter with its gorgeous 18th-century facades.
Or embrace your inner child at the Tivoli Gardens, Europe’s oldest amusement park. For those looking to explore the region’s rich heritage, the Country Roads of Portugal tour by Insight Vacations balances premium comfort – like stays at the five-star Corinthia Hotel Lisbon – with intimate cultural encounters. The 11-day adventure starts in Lisbon’s historic downtown district before venturing to the hilltop village of Monsaraz – one of the best places to soak in panoramic vistas stretching from the Spanish plains to the azure waters of Alqueva Lake.
Take a step back in time at Tomar, the former seat of the Knights Templar and home to the 12th century Templar Castle and its magnificent rotunda. In the Unesco World Heritage town of Porto, culture and history buffs can admire old world architecture and iconic painted tiles. This is followed by a meal paired with locally-produced port wine – a sweet red wine produced in Portugal’s Douro Valley – at an authentic Porto restaurant.
A few hours away is the fortified town of Obidos, where visitors are welcome to wander its narrow medieval streets with houses adorned with flowers. Across the Atlantic, witness more autumnal beauty on Trafalgar’s Autumn Colours tour . The nine-day journey from Boston to Maine features some of the best spots for scenery and blissful weather.
In North Conway, traverse “The Kanc”, a scenic American byway that cuts through the White Mountain National Forest offering postcard-worthy views of the autumn foliage . Walk on crisp fallen leaves as you participate in a unique experience with Raven Wildlife Programs, gaining insights into local ecology and wildlife with a local specialist. At Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, join a local specialist and naturalist to learn about the lobster fishing industry, marine ecology and local ecosystems before completing the day with a classic lobster dinner.
Early birds will enjoy the first sunrise in the United States at Cadillac Mountain. Marvel at the intense hues of New England’s forests and mountains as you head south before making a pitstop at the iconic 1879 Nubble Lighthouse. Journey past fisheries and seaside dwellings that have sheltered everyone from local lobstermen to holidaying presidents.
For a magical winter holiday, soak in the atmosphere of traditional Christmas markets at lesser-known European fairytale destinations and join the locals as you feast on festive delights. Alternatively, celebrate the season in a more unconventional destination like Zagreb, where you can ice-skate and discover the city’s charming streets. Trafalgar’s eight-day German Christmas Markets tour takes you to some of the country’s most iconic Yuletide markets from Frankfurt to Berlin.
Half-timbered houses in the medieval town of Rothenburg form a picture-perfect backdrop, as does the Old Town Hall with its romantic architecture. At the famous Christmas market in Nuremberg, the stalls are redolent with freshly-baked gingerbread. In Weimar, embrace centuries of festive spirit at the Eisenach Christmas market – held in the Unesco World Heritage Wartburg Castle.
Journey to Dresden to admire the magnificent restoration of a city ravaged during World War II. Christmas traditions abound as you browse the stalls at Dresden’s Striezelmarkt, Germany’s oldest Christmas market. For the gourmands, the tour includes the chance to savour an authentically German Christmas feast of Swabian and South German flavours, with a local family.
For the ultimate winter escapade, go for the eight-day Insight Vacations tour of Christmas Markets of Croatia, Slovenia and Austria . The ‘ Business Class ’ Tours in Vienna, Ljubljana and Zagreb provide premium accommodations, exquisite dining, and curated experiences. In Zagreb, ice-skate at King Tomislav Square and explore Croatia's historic capital, which has boasted the best Christmas market in Europe for three years in a row.
In Slovenia, visit the subterranean wonders of the Postojna Caves, before continuing to the capital Bratislava. The city’s rich history is influenced by various cultures, from Austrians and Bulgarians to Hungarians and Germans. Vienna’s grandiose advent markets offer seasonal gifts and treats to surprise loved ones at home.
Go on an exclusive guided tour of the grand Schonbrunn Palace, with its marvellous frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gilded ornaments. Dreaming of a white Christmas? Consider Insight Vacations’ nine-day Alpine Christmas Markets tour of France, Germany and Austria . Visit Mozart’s birthplace in Salzburg, Austria which reveals fascinating insights into the composer’s short but celebrated life, then indulge in a traditional dinner at Swarovski Crystal Worlds.
Of course, a white Christmas would not be complete without the sight of snow-capped mountains – which visitors will find at the charming medieval town of Innsbruck. In Munich, sip on comforting mugs of gluhwein (hot spiced wine) at the Christmas Market, and stroll through the cobbled streets of Freiburg in Germany’s Black Forest. Over at the fairytale-like environs of Strasbourg, cinnamon treats perfume the air at France’s oldest Christmas market.
Finally in Zurich, explore Europe’s largest indoor Christmas market at the main railway station, with over 160 wooden chalets offering Swiss chocolates and gifts. Planning your autumn or winter adventure? From Aug 16 to 18, enjoy up to 25 per cent off Trafalgar and Insight Vacations tours worldwide, plus an additional $188* off per couple. Visit Trafalgar’s booth 4H48 at the Natas Travel Fair (Expo Hall 4 and 5) for more.
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