Winter Wonderlands

Antarctic Peninsula
DEPARTS: 28 December 2009 DEPARTS: 28 December 2009

In Antarctica, everything is extreme. Mostly uninhabited, it is the coldest, highest and driest continent on the planet – yet there’s nothing quite like it if you want to experience the beauty and spectacle of Mother Nature at her very best. The hauntingly beautiful Antarctic Peninsula, with the most moderate climate, is a majestic, dramatic wonder and provides a haven for the greatest concentration of wildlife on the continent. Guests on this trip have optimum time to witness dramatic landscapes and huge icebergs, explore the narrow fjords and sheltered bays and enjoy unforgettable walks surrounded by snow-capped peaks and crystal-blue seas.

The tour by World Expeditions’ tours focuses on maximising enjoyment of this untouched land without compromising the unspoiled natural world, however there will still be plenty of spontaneous opportunities for wildlife encounters: you will get the chance to walk among the multitude of penguin rookeries and seal colonies, identify the sheer variety of seabirds and whales as they surface close to the boat – and if you feel adventurous, you can even camp out for the night, at one of the world’s most spectacular and pristine environments!

Price: From £3,625 per person excluding flights

Active Arctic and the Ice Hotel, 7-day trip to Sweden.
DEPARTS: 20 December 2009, 30 December 2009

This week long active trip spent in remote areas of Lapland is the perfect way to get in the mood for winter. Travellers will have the opportunity to try dog-sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, snowshoeing and igloo building. There will also be the opportunity to spend a day experiencing traditional Sámi culture and life, including a reindeer sleigh ride. One of the final nights of the trip is spent at the Ice Hotel which is constructed from snow and ice each year.

Price: From £1,659 pp including flights, accommodation, transport, activities as per the itinerary and most meals.

A Fairytale Christmas, The Royal Pavilion, Brighton
WHEN: 5 - 6, 12 - 13, 20, 22 - 23 December 2009

Brighton’s most iconic visitor attraction is putting on a series of themed weekends in the run-up to Christmas including costumed guided tours, seasonal entertainments and Father Christmas. The Royal Pavilion was the spectacular seaside palace of the Prince Regent (George IV), which was transformed by John Nash between 1815 and 1822. The Royal Pavilion Tearoom, with its famous balcony, overlooks the Pavilion gardens, which have been returned to their Regency Splendour.

Explore the Alladale Wilderness Reserve

Imagine a crisp winter’s morning, with the sweet smell of burning logs on the fire and a fridge stocked full of scrumptious, locally sourced ingredients to cook up a feast with; whether a hearty cooked breakfast, a warm bowl of fresh soup for lunch or a cosy wild boar pie for dinner. This could be you, your friends and family at Alladale this winter.

Enjoy your own luxury cottage in the heart of the Scottish Highlands where everything has been catered for, from the fully stocked kitchen, to a fire burning bright and a warming glass of mulled wine on your return from a chilly day on the glens. All you need to think about is how to fit in all the activities available during the day, from a 4x4 safari to spot the elusive elk and wild boar to hiking, pony trekking, mountain biking and clay pigeon shooting.

Price – Alladale offers nightly rates in Eagles Crag from £700 (2x double room)and in Ghillies Rest from £400 (1x double, 1x twin) and includes a fridge stocked full of locally sourced, organic ingredients to cook up a feast with, along with the option of dinner cooked for you by a chef from Alladale Lodge and left for you to heat up. Also includes a personal ranger to take guests on 4x4 wilderness safaris, fishing lessons, hikes and mountain bike rides.

Ski for your life in Whistler
Book by 30 November for travel 8-30 January and 2-31 March 2010.

Experience one of North America’s top year-round mountain resorts ahead of the Winter Olympics, in style at the Four Seasons Resort Whistler, with Ski Dream. Make the most of the hotel's dedicated Ski Concierge to simplify a day on the mountain, providing customised rentals, equipment transfers and direct ski lift access. They even warm your boots for you pre ski, carry your poles and skis to the lifts and pick you up at the end of the day with steaming hot chocolate and cookies! With superb spa facilities and mountainside dining, you couldn’t ask for more.

Price - £1099pp in a deluxe room. Includes direct Air Canada flights to Vancouver, local transport and $400 Food + Beverage or Spa credit.

Enjoy the luxury of the Cairngorm Mountains

Aviemore and the Cairngorms is home to some of the most stunning winter white scenery and wildlife in Scotland, and a wide range of snow sports activities for all to enjoy a little closer to home. Walk up Cairn Gorm, Britain's sixth highest mountain, then return to the Ptarmigan restaurant at the Top Station just below the summit, experience  dog sledding in Rothiemurchus Estate or enjoy the sights of the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd . And if its plain old skiing that’s your thing, you can even do that too.

Take a Christmas market break to Krakow
Depart between 1st November and 27th December

Krakow is home to extensive traditional Christmas markets in the centre of Europe's largest medieval square, Rynek Glowny. Wooden stands sell a wide range of Christmas decorations and sweets as well as other goodies. Sample the excellent 'grzaniec' mulled wine and warming Polish treats, and buy small gifts and stocking fillers.

While you're there, experience the luxury of the only hotel on Europe’s largest medieval square, the Wentzl, a first class property situated in a magnificent 15th century city house. The Wentzl restaurant is a Krakow landmark, founded in 1792 and still receiving international acclaim more than 200 years on. The hotel’s 12 rooms are comfortable and atmospheric, and feature antiques and some original furnishings.

Price: A three-night break at the Wentzl Hotel costs £430 per person including flights from London Gatwick with British Airways, private transfers and accommodation with breakfast.