Winter Getaway?
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| A Vatican-size manger scene adorns St. Peter's Square each Christmas. |
By Rick Steves
Last night my wife Anne asked, "Well, where are we going this winter?" I thought, hmmm...London, Paris, Prague, Rome?
We've worked hard this year. For us an off-season week in a great European city has become a tradition. It's a much needed break — an escape from the kids, the news, fast food, and traffic. Big cities are great in the winter...no crowds, tour guides thankful for the work, great (actually incredible) airfares, restaurants packed with only locals.
With our week-long winter getaway tours we settle into one great hotel in one great neighborhood and, with a small group of travelers, enjoy the expertise and enthusiasm of a city-savvy guide. If you've never spent an entire week savoring the charms and wonders of a cultural capital, you're missing a real travel treat.
Where are we going? Plays and antique shops in London? Fine dining and empty museums in Prague? Pub crawls and Gaudi in Barcelona? Nope, this time it's Rome — digging deeper into the treasures of the Vatican, private time with the ancient sights, exploring the medieval quarters — la dolce vita without the crowds or heat. Bella Roma here we come!
Now how about you? We have a great selection of winter getaways with seats still open.