Five Places That Look Even More Beautiful Covered In Snow

Why does covering anything in a blanket of the white stuff make everything – from city rooftops to towering mountain landscapes – that much more easy on the eye? We can’t explain the phenomenon, but there’s no doubt that these already-beautiful destinations become even more magical on a snowy winter’s day. You probably don’t associate Turkey with snow. You’d be right not to, since the country is mostly hot all over, especially in the sweltering summers. However, visit the already-remarkable inland region of Cappadocia at the right time and you could see something truly otherworldly. The striking rock formations of the landscape – formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago – are a sight to behold in all seasons, but that extra coating of pure white powder turns this place into an unlikely winter wonderland. This is best seen, as ever in Cappadocia, with a bird’s eye view from the heights of an unforgettable hot-air balloon ride. You’ll spend a few days in Cappadocia on our 12-day Turkey trip, which includes a sunrise balloon ride. Snow can fall here as early as November and as late as March, so join our February trip for best chance of snowfall. As a general rule, the further north you go in the UK, the higher your chance of encountering a snowy landscape. That makes the ruggedly handsome countryside of the Scottish Highlands a perfect place to start. In winter, particularly January and February, you can expect to see dense forests topped with a dusting of powder, craggy mountain peaks engulfed and fields of white defined only by the little streams flowing through them. On our weeklong Scottish Rail Trip, you can see these magical sights from the warming comfort of a cosy train carriage, although be sure to pack some good walking gear, because we’ll also be exploring on foot, most notably in Cairngorms National Park, officially the snowiest place in the UK. The clue is in the name. The chilly temperatures of Iceland mean that snowfall occurs here for more of the year than it doesn’t. If there’s one colour synonymous with its surreal landscapes, that’s white, which contrasts beautifully with hardy black volcanic rock formations and the distinct hues of the Blue Lagoon. In fact it can be slightly odd seeing Iceland in the summer months, when verdant greenery emerges from beneath the melted snow. While still pretty, it just doesn’t quite feel like Iceland at its purest. Snow starts falling from October all the way through to April, with December, January and February offering the thickest coat. This is also the best time of year to catch the Northern Lights coming out to play – and that completes your postcard image of Iceland. We have five-day trips around the island in February, March and April, which includes an adrenaline-pumping afternoon spent snowmobiling across an icy white glacier. Few countries in Europe or Asia can match Georgia when it comes to natural beauty. This relatively small but continent-crossing nation is home to verdant wine regions and a subtropical Black Sea resort town called Batumi, but if snow is what you’re after, look up. The whole country is towered over by the epic Caucasus Mountains, home to several of Europe’s tallest peaks. The most notable in Georgia is Mount Kazbegi, with a truly spectacular snowy peak guarding the high-altitude town of Stepantsminda. Our nine-day tour of the country includes a stay at a gorgeous hotel at the foot of Kazbegi, as well as a guided hike to the fairytale structure of Gergeti Trinity Church, which stands proudly in the mountain’s far-reaching shadow. Snowfall occurs in Georgia from January to March, but you can expect to see white peaks atop the Caucasus all year round. Ok, so when isn’t this iconic structure a spectacular sight for sore eyes? The Great Wall is marvellous to look at all year round, especially during the blossoming of springtime, or when fall foliage is at its most multi-coloured. In northern regions of China, like Beijing and nearby Badaling, temperatures drop big time from December to February, and the white stuff comes falling down. Our Chinese Rail Trip starts in the capital and detours out to Badaling for sunrise and sunset walks along the wall. Trust us, with a blanket of white enveloping the rolling hills and a sprinkling of snow nestling up in the cracks and crevices of the wall, this place looks even more special during winter. Just remember to wrap up and be wary of the slippery steps. Join us in February or December for a fair chance of seeing the Great Wall in white.

Five Places That Look Even More Beautiful Covered in Snow

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