Winter In Europe: The Best Way to Beat the Winter Blues
More and more Road Scholars are discovering the charm of exploring Europe in winter, and it’s easy to see why. Besides saving money in the off-season, you can wander the streets like a local. With summer crowds long gone, you can explore, learn and enjoy Europe without the summer hustle — or heat! Plus, winter gives Europe a whole new level of intimacy and accessibility. Without the crowds, you can dive deeper into the local culture and history, experiencing museums, restaurants and cultural spots with a more relaxed feel.
Annika in the French Riviera
Take Annika J., for example. She’s a Road Scholar regular who eagerly anticipates her winter journeys. What inspired her to start traveling to Europe in the off-season can be summed up in three words: winter in Chicago. “As any Midwesterner will confirm,” she says, “the winters can be very long — we’ve been known to have snow on Easter — and we’re always looking for escapes to warmer climates.” For Annika, Road Scholar’s Winter in Europe programs are the perfect way to break up the cold months.
Annika loves how accessible everything is in winter. “The shops, restaurants and museums are much less crowded, long lines are almost nonexistent, and the locals tend to be much more willing to chat. The weather is usually in the 60s and low 70s, unlike Mediterranean countries in the summer where temperatures can soar well into the 90s.”
Annika in Nice, France
Her first winter adventure was to Greece in 2019, where she explored historic spots like Delphi and Olympia — places she’d only read about in books. Since then, she’s ventured to Spain, Italy’s Amalfi Coast and the French Riviera, all during the off-season. “Each destination has been a delightful mix of history, art, culture, traditions, natural beauty and savory cuisine.”
Her advice for anyone considering a winter experience? “Definitely go! But sign up as soon as you can, especially if you’re a solo participant like me. These programs fill up fast, and you don’t want to miss out.”
Massena Dream in Nice, France
She’s already signed up for Winter in Portugal for 2025. “I like having something to look forward to,” she says. “When I come back to Chicago after one of these adventures, winter doesn’t seem quite so long.”
So why not make your winter a bit brighter? Join us for a Winter in Europe experience and discover the magic of exploring without the summer crowds.
Where would you like to spend your colder months? Join the conversation on Facebook.