ESCORTED TOURS WINTER DESTINATIONS


Lush green in winter, crisp white in summer, there’s no such thing as a bad view from the Swiss Alps’ Glacier Express


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GLACIER EXPRESS IN WINTER Europe also boasts its share of iconic rail journeys, and these are at their scenic best come


winter. The Glacier Express climbs through the heart of the Swiss Alps, affording views of snowy mountains, steep-sided valleys and chocolate-box villages along the way. Lush green in summer, crisp white in winter, there’s no such thing as a bad view, but a tour lets passengers sit back and soak it in while someone else does all the hard work. Arena Rail’s winter tour is based in


Interlaken, and also includes a journey on the Golden Pass Line to Lucerne, a trip along a cogwheel railway up Mount Rigi, and visits to Bern and Lake Thun. Book it: Arena Rail’s Glacier Express Winter Magic is priced from £879, departing February 16. The price includes return Eurostar to Paris, onward rail to Interlaken, four nights’ B&B accommodation and excursions. arenatravel.com


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WALKING IN THE CANARIES Active holidays are often at their best outside


peak season, when temperatures are better suited to building up a sweat. In the Med, that usually means spring or autumn, but head as far south as the Canary Islands, and you’ve got to wait until winter to tap that active market. Headwater’s new winter collection includes La Gomera, taking in coastal walks with breathtaking views and the Unesco-listed subtropical forest


of Garajonay National Park. Senior programme manager Charlotte


McCutcheon says: “La Gomera is perfect in winter – temperatures are still good with an average of 18C and six hours of sunshine a day. It’s the second-smallest of the Canary Islands and a great place for walking.” Book it: Walking on La Gomera starts at £1,519 with Headwater from October to April. The price includes guided walks, seven nights’ accommodation and meals with wine. headwater.com


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RED HOT CHILE With the attention focused on the new British Airways flight


to Santiago this year, it should be no surprise that sales to this South American spot are soaring. Cox & Kings has seen passenger numbers to Chile rise by 66% year on year, so now’s the time to strike while the iron’s hot, and suggest a group tour. Cox & Kings’ Splendours of Chile has a December 15 departure that means spending Christmas Day in Torres del Paine National Park. Customers will also watch the sun set over the Atacama Desert, take a private boat trip on Lake Todos los Santos and get the inside track on a traditional estancia (ranch) in Patagonia. Book it: Cox & Kings’ 15-day Splendours of Chile group tour starts at £3,545, including flights. coxandkings.co.uk


ABOVE: The


Dolomites, Italy BELOW:


Torres del


Paine National Park, Chile


mountains and the scent of warmed mulled wine,” says Titan agency sales manager Edwina Coppock. Spending Christmas Eve across the border in Innsbruck enjoying a guided tour and Christmas market visit (look out for the tree decorated with thousands of Swarovski crystals), then Christmas Day in fairy-tale Rodengo, is the perfect escape for those who want a festive feel while discovering a new destination. Book it: Titan offers Christmas in the Dolomites from £1,199, based on a December 23 departure. The price includes flights, five hotel nights, 11 meals, excursions and door-to-door pick-ups. titantravel.co.uk


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DOLOMITES DELIGHTS “Nothing conjures up images of Christmas quite like snow-capped


31 August 2017 travelweekly.co.uk 51


PICTURE: SHUTTERSTOCK


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