There is something rather wonderful about winter travel. The crowds thin out, the light turns golden and soft, and destinations that feel ordinary in summer suddenly become extraordinary, think ice hotels, husky trails, glass igloos under the aurora, and Christmas markets glowing in the snow. At Untravelled Paths, winter is when some of our very best small-group experiences come into their own, and we have pulled together our top picks to help you find your perfect cold-weather escape.

Better still, if you book in September you can make it happen for less. For a limited time, we’re offering 15% off all standard prices and 10% off already discounted prices, on any trip dates between November 2026 and the end of March 2027. Whether you have been dreaming of the Northern Lights, a Sahara sunset, or mulled wine in a medieval square, now is the moment to turn it into a booking. Read on for our favourite winter adventures, then get in touch before the offer disappears.

Winter Wonderlands

If you want snow-dusted towns, fairy-tale scenery and a proper sense of winter magic, start here.

The Winter Transylvania Experience is a firm favourite, and it is easy to see why. Over seven nights you will wander Brasov’s snowy cobbled streets, visit the eerie Bran Castle (better known as Dracula’s Castle), and try your hand at husky sledding through the Szekely land. The trip’s undisputed highlight is a night at the Hotel of Ice on Balea Lake, complete with an ice bar, dinner “on ice” and a cosy sleeping bag to keep you warm until morning. If you are short on time, the Transylvania Husky Experience packs the essentials, Bucharest, Brasov, husky sledding and Bran Castle, into a punchier four-night version.

For something a little different, The Mini Winter Slovenia Experience combines Ljubljana’s festive charm with the fairy-tale beauty of Lake Bled, a scenic train ride through the snow-covered Julian Alps, and a stay in a luxury spa hotel in the tranquil Logar Valley. It is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

Travelling as a family? The Family Lapland Experience ticks every box, from a night in Santa Claus Village to husky and reindeer encounters, a snowmobile chase for the Northern Lights, a magical night in a snow igloo, and a day on the slopes at Pyhä. Arctic adventure that works for grown-ups and little ones alike.

Winter Adventure

For those who like their winter holidays with a dash more adrenaline.

The Mini Winter Iceland Experience crams glaciers, ice caves, the milky-blue Blue Lagoon, the glittering Diamond Beach and thundering waterfalls into just four nights, with the Northern Lights making a bonus appearance if the skies play ball. It is Iceland’s winter magic distilled into a short, unforgettable break.

The Adventure Lapland Experience is Lapland at its most active: husky sledding through the forest, a snowmobile hunt for the aurora, a traditional sauna and ice plunge, and a night spent in a snow igloo under the stars. Three nights of proper Arctic adventure.

And for something that sounds almost too surreal to be true, The Morocco Skiing Experience lets you barter in Marrakech’s souks one day and carve down Africa’s highest piste the next, with a donkey on hand to carry your skis. The scenery through the Atlas Mountains alone is worth the trip.

Into Wild

Two experiences for wildlife lovers who fancy tracking some of Europe’s most elusive creatures.

The Iberian Lynx Experience pairs the colour and culture of Seville and Cordoba, tapas, flamenco and stunning architecture included, with days spent searching for the rare Iberian lynx in the Sierra de Andujar National Park during its winter mating season, when sightings are at their best.

Meanwhile, The Grey Wolf Experience takes you deep into the Carpathian forests from a cosy wooden cabin, tracking the aloof and mysterious grey wolf alongside the chance to spot lynx and brown bears too. Patience, a warm coat and a sense of adventure are all you will need.

Once In a Lifetime

Some trips simply deserve the title.

The Lapland Experience is our ultimate Arctic escape, with nights spent in glass-roofed accommodation so you can watch for the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. Add husky sledding, a hot tub, an ice restaurant, a Lappish sauna and ice plunge, and optional skiing at Finland’s premier resort, Levi, and you have a genuinely once-in-a-lifetime winter break.

For heat rather than cold, The Sahara Desert Experience takes you from the mayhem of Marrakech, via the extraordinary kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, to a camel ride across the dunes as the sun sets over the Sahara. Dinner under a blanket of stars follows, in one of travel’s most magical settings. Before finishing with some relax and relaxation in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. For those pushed for time then you might want to consider our 4-night Mini Sahara Experience.

Epic Journeys

For those with a little more time, these longer adventures are built for exploring in depth.

The Costa Rica Experience takes in nine nights of extraordinary biodiversity, from the jungle canals of Tortuguero and the rumbling Arenal Volcano to the surf and sunsets of the Pacific coast and the misty magic of Monteverde’s cloud forest.

The Guatemala Experience is seven nights of colour and history, wandering the UNESCO streets of Antigua, boating across Lake Atitlán’s volcano-ringed villages, browsing the legendary Chichicastenango market and standing beneath the ancient temples of Tikal.

And The Western Cape Safari Experience brings together the very best of South Africa: Cape Town and Table Mountain, wine tasting in Franschhoek, penguins at Boulders Beach, an elephant sanctuary in Plettenberg Bay and, as the grand finale, a private reserve safari in search of the Big Five.

Ultimate Christmas Markets

If it is festive cheer you are after, look no further than The Transylvania Christmas Markets Experience. Over three nights you will take in the twinkling lights of Bucharest, Brasov’s beautifully decorated Christmas tree, and Sibiu’s medieval market square, complete with mulled wine and an ice rink, all rounded off with a visit to Bran Castle. It is Transylvania at its most magical and festive.

Ready to Book Your Winter Escape?

However you like to spend your winter, whether that is chasing the aurora, tracking wildlife through the snow, or sipping mulled wine in a Christmas market, there is an Untravelled Paths experience with your name on it. Remember, our September offer, 15% off standard prices and 10% off discounted prices on all trips between November 2026 and the end of March 2027, won’t last forever, in fact it expires on the 30th September 2026. So head to our website to check availability, or get in touch with our team today to start planning your next unforgettable adventure.

Written by James Chisnall