Believe it or not, many of us have enjoyed a White Christmas. Instead, we endure “cold” seasons that see us having to find ways to keep warm in temperatures that can dip as low as 70 degrees on some days. Because of this, many of us long to finally get to enjoy a holiday season accompanied with snow. And yet others of us only know a holiday season where snow falls each day, creating a need to shovel the driveway before heading to work and a reason to hope that the car hasn’t gotten too cold and will start when we get off work.

Whether you live somewhere cold and would like to take a sightseeing tour in a warmer climate or you want to go skiing or see snow for the first time or even if you just want to get away for a little while, the winter season is a popular one to take a trip to Europe. Many parts of Europe are quite warm during the winter season and in fact, many areas offer a different cuisine for the winter season. In addition, cultural events also come alive in winter, with opera, theater and symphony events often coming to life in the winter. Oftentimes European kitchens offer food specialties involving heavy sauces that you wouldn’t normally find during the summer months.

Check out some of the top destinations of winter sightseeing tours in Europe below in no particular order:

• Rome: One of the most beautiful cities on the planet, a package tour of Italy must include Rome. A city that spans more than 2,500 years, Rome was the center of the Roman Empire and the centerpiece to many classic movies. On top of being romantic, shopping and ancient sights, the city is one of the most photogenic and best places to visit during the upcoming winter season.

• Venice: Italy tours, become an even greater option during the winter with the inclusion of the Venice carnival. Drawing comparisons to Mardi Gras, this eight day festival includes pageants, commedia dell’arte, concerts, balls and more. This winter tradition is oftentimes shrouded in fog, giving it that much more of a European feel and drawing even more visitors to this tremendous vacation spot during the winter.

• Barcelona: Known for being nice and warm during the winter months, Barcelona tours also have the luxury of being less-popular than other European destinations during the winter for some reason. Enjoy shopping at Las Ramblas and every type of food imaginable at one of the city’s many markets.

Escaping the winter can be a great way to take that package tour you’ve always wanted to take. Make sure to book your sightseeing tour of Europe with Tours4Fun and enjoy the best winter tour you’ve ever taken!