5 warm destinations for your winter trip

Lovers of high temperatures and blue skies are already feeling gloomy with the first rains and that crisp air heralding the autumn season. Ready, then, to resign yourselves to the cold and the daily routine? Absolutely not!
The world is so vast that there is always an option to suit everyone’s travel aspirations.
In this article we suggest 5 ideal destinations for continuing to feel caressed by the sun and the warmth, discovering some truly evocative places!

Egypt

Who has never dreamed of visiting the legendary Land of the Pharaohs? Ever since our schooldays, Egypt has exerted a strong pull on all of us. What better time to visit than the autumn-winter season, when the climate is mild and guarantees fine, sunny days?

There are a thousand reasons to visit this North African country. History and archaeology naturally spring to mind first, but there is much more. Such as, for example, sailing on the Nile, the river to which Egyptian civilisation owes its existence. The Nile winds gently through the country, creating evocative landscapes that turn golden at dawn and dusk in a light like no other.

The villages along its banks wake lazily and little by little daily activities resume: trade starts up again, fishermen cast their lines into the water, feluccas glide softly across the surface.

The majestic spectacle of the pyramids and temple complexes that dot the country from north to south is the passport to the kingdom of immortality and to the indelible memories of travellers. Giza, Karnak, Abu Simbel, Luxor, Saqqara: evocative names that are part of legend.

After the imposing archaeological remains, it is time to make way for the sea.
A trip to Egypt cannot do without a stay on the Red Sea, ideal for leisure and well-being in the setting of Sharm El Sheikh: you can devote yourself to the beach, snorkelling and diving in exclusive resorts equipped with every comfort.

Travel Inspiration:
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Thailand

Thailand is the translation of the local term Prathet Thai, land of the Thai, which in the Thai language means “free” or “independent”. And there is indeed something free and proud in the generous smiles and serene mysticism of the local people.

In general, it is advisable to visit Thailand from October to February: these are the coolest, driest months with the lowest humidity. You can enjoy clear skies and plenty of sun, but with a climate that is not excessively hot as in other periods of the year.

We start from the multifaceted capital Bangkok, a journey through space and the senses. The streets are a veritable concentrate of humanity: packed with traffic at every hour of the day and night. Modern skyscrapers alternate with pagodas and traditional quarters, in a marriage of past and present. The city also lives on the water, its second artery of communication: canals and floating markets, such as the one at Damnoen Saduak, run through the heart of the metropolis, offering unusual glimpses of life.

We leave the capital to discover Sukhothai, the ancient capital of Thailand, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. These last two represent the nerve centre of Thai spirituality: the most important temples stand here, including Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which holds sacred relics of the Buddha.

Framed by sloping roofs, ornamental motifs in the shape of real and imaginary animals, orchids and colourful flowers, the temples are mirrored in small lakes, dazzling the eyes with their eternal splendour. For those wanting a tan and beaches with crystal-clear water, Phuket is the ideal solution. Known as “the queen of Thailand”, this island is the right compromise between history, local traditions, leisure and a good dose of fun.

Travel Inspiration:
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Mexico

We move on to Central America, to one of the most iconic countries of the entire continent.
The best time to visit Mexico is during the winter months, which correspond to the dry season. The climate nonetheless stays warm throughout, ideal for welcoming the many travellers who visit its countless attractions every year.

Mexico is the cradle of the Maya and Aztec civilisations, among the most fascinating of the past. Precious archaeological remains survive to this day, including Teotihuacan, in its day an immense metropolis comparable in size to ancient Rome.

But this magnificent country offers much more besides, starting with its splendid natural landscapes, including spectacular canyons, nature parks, lush jungles, smoking volcanoes and cactus-studded deserts: a sensory adventure that truly involves everyone.

Exploring Palenque holds truly unique emotions, like taking a journey back through history. Chichen Itza, one of the wonders of the modern world, is the perfect backdrop for an enviable selfie. Cancun, the famous resort in Yucatan, is renowned for its beaches, buzz and nightlife. At the heart of the travel experience are the people: Mexicans are a very varied people, from the refined inhabitants of Mexico City to the more reserved people of Chiapas. All, however, share a great exuberance and a love of “fiestas”, as well as a natural inclination for socialising and courtesy towards guests.

Travel Inspiration:
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Sicily

Much has been said and written about the largest island in the Mediterranean. The fact is that when it comes to Sicily there is truly no end to the things to tell. For millennia it has been at the centre of history: Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, French and Spaniards followed one another, bequeathing part of their priceless heritage.

The Island of Lemons, as the great German writer Goethe called it, occupies an ideal position between the Italian peninsula and the tip of Tunisia, allowing you to enjoy an idyllic climate all year round, with mild temperatures and sunny skies even in winter.

The first thing you notice when you set foot on Sicilian soil is that unmistakable aroma, a blend of citrus, cinnamon and almonds.

Unique fragrances waft from the bars and pastry shops, where the most varied sweets take pride of place alongside the legendary brioches that accompany granitas topped with cream.

Sicily, in fact, is not just a destination but a genuine travel experience through the senses:
the land gives us unmistakable, genuine flavours at the table; in space, changing its guise at every corner, between white marble paving, precious mosaics and colourful Arab-influenced quarters; in time, passing from Greek amphitheatres to Norman cathedrals in the blink of an eye.

Framing Trinacria is the sea, among the most beautiful in Europe, dotted here and there with paradise islands, white beaches and fishing villages you would never want to leave.
This is why Sicily seems still to be living in the age of the Greek myths: it is not so hard to imagine that, in these parts, wonder never ends.

Travel Inspiration:
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Malta

A stone’s throw from Sicily, this beautiful archipelago rises from the waters.
The language is Maltese, from the same family as Arabic, with Sicilian and Italian influences in its vocabulary. English is the second official language. The cathedrals hold treasures by Caravaggio. There are prehistoric sites.

These few facts alone would be enough to define Malta.
The smallest member state of the European Union boasts an unparalleled wealth of history and culture.

In winter, a delightful spring reigns here, ideal for setting off to discover the treasures of the archipelago!

In Valletta and the Three Cities, majestic churches, refined palaces and amber-coloured fortifications follow one another. Sliema and St Julian’s are lively resorts, full of restaurants and bars.

Gozo, small and enchanting, has a simpler, more rural character, where the pace of life is slower and there is almost a 1950s British atmosphere.

The splendid island of Comino, mentioned in antiquity by the Greek geographer Ptolemy, was for many centuries a refuge for hermits. Today it is famous for the Blue Lagoon, a tranquil sea lagoon in shades of intense blue. Besieged by hordes of swimmers in summer, in autumn and winter it instead offers moments of great peace and serenity.

Travel Inspiration:
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Why choose a Guiness Travel Tour

For us at Guiness, a journey is a wonderful frame of life.
Our aim is not to “show” places, but to accompany travellers as they immerse themselves fully in the culture and beauty of their chosen destination.

All our itineraries are 100% independently planned, carefully designed and tested for over 30 years, thus allowing the product to evolve constantly, reaching a high, wide-ranging cultural level and guaranteeing maximum comfort in the services on the ground.

This is why we created the Guiness Exclusive Tour:
a unique travel experience, mindful of sustainability and rich in experiences, designed to give you maximum comfort, leaving you free to think of nothing but enjoying the moment.

Every one of our trips comes with guaranteed extras:

• Tour leader departing from Italy and accompanying the group for the whole duration of the tour
• Exclusive departures with a limited number of places
• Departures possible from all over Italy
• 24-hour assistance on every departure
• Cancellation without penalty up to 45 actual days before departure
• No surprise extra costs on arrival
• Free minibar service on board the coaches (guaranteed in all the countries visited)

Click here and discover all the exclusive Guiness Travel itineraries

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Guiness Travel T.O.