Snow, sun or sightseeing - Thrilling winter adventures

People lured to stay in the UK by talk of a ‘barbecue summer’ this year may now be rueing their decision and considering a winter holiday instead. The Adventure Company has some fantastic winter trip suggestions to suit all budgets and requirements.

“Winter is a great time to travel since most people will have extra time off work and school,” comments marketing manager James Ingham. “We would recommend booking early, however, since flight demand around Christmas is high and prices sky rocket on last minute bookings.”

Below is a small selection of great value winter trips with The Adventure Company.

Best for snow bunnies: High Peaks Snowshoeing in Bulgaria

For one of the best value winter getaways, head to the snowy mountains of Bulgaria for a winter trekking holiday – on snowshoes. This week-long adventure explores the dramatic snow-clad forests, peaks and valleys of the Rila Mountains. Daily hikes of four to five hours take walkers to sights including the 70m Skakavitza waterfall, which is often frozen solid in the winter; the historic Rila monastery; Mount Maliovitza; and the celebrated Seven Lakes area.

Departures are available between December and March with prices starting from £569 plus €125 per person local payment. Prices include flights, transportation, accommodation, activities as per the itinerary, the services of a local guide, plus most meals (seven breakfasts, five lunches and six dinners).

Families can head to the Rhodope Mountains on the Bulgarian Winter Experience, to enjoy cross country skiing, snowshoeing animal tracking and star gazing.

Best for sun-seekers: Felucca Adventure in Egypt

Egypt is one of the closest destinations to the UK for winter sun, also offering great value on the ground. A two-day Felucca cruise along the Nile is one of the trip’s highlights, with train, horse-drawn carriage and donkeys being amongst the other forms of transport use, all helping immerse travellers in to the Egyptian way of life. The 10-day trip includes all of Egypt’s iconic sights, including the pyramids, the Sphinx, Aswan, the Valley of the Kings, the temples at Luxor, plus Cairo, where there is free time to explore and test haggling skills at the bazaars.

Winter departures for the Felucca Adventure start from £749 plus £75 local payment per person. Prices include flights, transportation, accommodation, activities as per the itinerary, the services of a local guide, plus some meals (nine breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners).

A family version of this trip, Feluccas and Pharaohs, is also available.

Best for culture vultures: Salsa Cubana in Cuba

Latin America meets the Caribbean in Cuba and this trip combines fascinating culture and history with stunning scenery and tropical beaches. The adventure starts in Havana with classic American cars, echoes of Hemingway and the sound of salsa beats drifting in the streets. Elsewhere on the 16-day trip, travellers will walk through the tobacco fields of Viñales, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trinidad, visit colonial towns and relax on the beaches at Baracoa.

Salsa Cubana is available year-round but December to April are good months to travel – after the hurricane season and before the scorching summer. Prices for this winter start from £1,499 plus £155 local payment per person. Prices include flights, transportation, B&B accommodation, activities as per the itinerary and the services of a local guide.

Families can enjoy a slightly more condensed tour on the Viva Cuba! Trip

Booking details

All of the trips listed above can be booked online at adventurecompany.co.uk. People can also visit the homepage to see all the winter departures

Trips are also available on a land-only basis for customers preferring to make their own flight arrangements.