British winters can often feel long, dark, and dreary, leaving many of us yearning to escape and visit somewhere extraordinary – and our Premium Adventures are here to offer the perfect remedy. Having all the quality of our highly rated Exodus trips, our incredible Premium Adventures have added extras like exceptional included experiences and unique premium accommodations, with itineraries led by our most experienced leaders. So, we’ve rounded up four Premium Adventures that are ideal for booking this winter, if you want to treat yourself and avoid the British chill!
1. Cape Town & Garden Route
If you’re craving sun, our Cape Town & Garden Route Premium Adventure in South Africa offers the perfect escape from the dreary British winter. Highlights include visiting resident penguins at Boulders Beach, admiring the dramatic stalagmites in Cango Cave near Oudtshoorn, and spotting huge herds of elephants in Addo Elephant National Park. You’ll also get time to walk through the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, where it’s not uncommon to see bonteboks, elands, springboks, wildebeest, baboons and ostriches.
For wine aficionados, this Premium Adventure includes a wine cellar tour and wine tasting with an experienced sommelier in one of the world-renowned Stellenbosch estates. In the evenings, you’ll also be unwinding in a mix of wonderful hotels and guesthouses en route. One of our favourite accommodations has to be the 120-year-old Windsor Hotel in Hermanus which sits directly opposite Walker Bay. Known as one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world, you may be able to spot southern right whales breaching during their breeding season from July to November, right from the comfort of the hotel restaurant. But even if you’re visiting in the wintertime, Bryde’s whales can often be spotted in the bay all year round.
During our winter months, the Western Cape region in South Africa enjoys pleasant, warm temperatures that range between 23°C to 26°C—which is perfect for exploring Cape Town and the surrounding national parks and nature reserves along the Garden Route. Travelling in the dry season, also means that walking trails are in great condition, and the clear skies provide optimal views on Table Mountain and at Cape Point.
2. Snowshoeing in the Dolomites
If you’re seeking a true winter wonderland experience, the Dolomites provide the ideal backdrop. Our Snowshoeing in the Dolomites Premium Adventure takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in northern Italy, like the Alta Pusteria Valley and Fanes-Sennes Natural Park. On this 8-day trip, you’ll snowshoe past glistening alpine lakes and through open meadows and snow-covered forests towards viewpoints with breathtaking panoramas of Durrakopf, Strudelkopf and the iconic peaks of Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Snowshoeing is a great way to access areas that are unreachable by other modes of transport, and our expert local leader will take you on routes that allow you to discover secluded areas of this UNESCO open-air museum, so you can learn about the remnants of trenches, tunnels, and observation posts from World War 1 that may still be seen throughout the park.
Come evening, there’s no better place to unwind than the 4-star, family-run Hotel Adler. Offering the perfect blend of alpine charm and modern luxury, Hotel Adler comes complete with an indoor and outdoor swimming pool and a world-class spa, where you can arrange wellness treatments. After a full day in the mountains, you’ll also be treated to hearty Alpine cuisine and South Tyrolean specialities, like speck ham, polenta and dumplings, all paired with fine wines at their restaurant.
To see these spectacular winter scenes at their finest, we’d recommend travelling between the months of December and March. In December, fresh snow blankets the mountains, and you’ll see villages across the Dolomites draped with festive decorations. While in mid-January and February, there’s usually more consistent snow coverage which provides optimal conditions for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. From March onwards, you can expect warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours, with plenty of snow in higher altitudes. So, it all depends on your preference whether you want milder weather or festive yet shorter days.
3. Cycle Indochina & Angkor
Our Cycle Indochina & Angkor Premium Adventure takes you on an extraordinary cycling journey that allows you to tick off key highlights across Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Beginning in vibrant Bangkok, you’ll explore iconic landmarks and side streets before crossing into Cambodia. Cycling across Siem Reap, you’ll encounter the Wat Athvea temple and explore the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the tree-covered ruins of Ta Prohm by bike and bus. Afterwards, your route veers through rice paddy fields and rural countryside around Battambang, before reaching Phnom Penh, where you’ll learn about the region’s harrowing history with visits to the Tuol Sleng and Killing Fields. On to Vietnam, you’ll cycle the tranquil waterways of the Mekong Delta, visit floating markets and experience traditional river life before ending your journey in Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s largest city.
Like all of our Premium Adventures, this trip is enhanced further with incredible included experiences and premium accommodations, so you can enjoy a Khmer noodle-making masterclass, a luxurious overnight stay at the Mekong Riverside Boutique Resort & Spa and three wonderful nights at the intimate Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa.
During winter, temperatures across Southeast Asia are much more pleasant, which makes for excellent cycling conditions compared to the heat and humidity you’d experience in the summer. Travelling in the cool, dry season also means minimal rainfall, so you can explore Angkor’s ancient temples and ruins and cycle through the rural countryside without muddy trails hampering your experience.
4. Pura Vida Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a haven for wildlife and our Pura Vida Costa Rica Premium Adventure offers the opportunity to experience this Central American gem to the full. Think boat tours through the Tortuguero waterways, tree-top hanging bridge excursions in the Monteverde Cloud Forest and an epic volcano hike in Arenal.
With chances to spot howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, scarlet macaws and much more, this adventure is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in itself, but we’ve upped the ante even further with our premium accommodation that allows you to really immerse yourself in the nature around you. On this trip, you’ll spend two nights at Paradise Hot Springs, a boutique thermal water resort located near La Fortuna. Here, you can unwind in their eight natural hot spring pools or enjoy their jacuzzi with hydromassage features. You can also head to the hotel’s Ficus Coffee Bar, which boasts spectacular panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano.
Winter is one of the best times to visit Costa Rica, as it falls within their dry season (December to April). The weather is still pleasantly warm, mostly sunny, and perfect for outdoor exploration – a welcome contrast to the damp and cold weather in the UK. Costa Rica’s ecosystems also thrive during this dry period, offering unparalleled opportunities to spot wildlife. Olive ridley and leatherback turtles may be seen nesting along the Pacific Coast, while three-toed sloths and spider monkeys can be more visible through sparse canopies. The elusive resplendent quetzals may also be particularly active in these months as it’s their breeding season.
If you’d like to treat yourself to a Premium Adventure this winter, check out our full Premium Adventures collection here.
