don't miss this exotic zone during X-Mass, New Year

If you can look past the plummeting temperatures and long dark nights, winter is a hugely rewarding season in which to visit Central and Eastern Europe. Frozen rivers, frosty branches and (if you re lucky) cobalt skies are only part of the story.

City life is at its most vivacious at this time of year, spa tourism takes on a whole new appeal, and seaside towns offer a degree of contemplative quiet you don t always get in summer. Meanwhile, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are all gearing up for centenary celebrations next year, so there s never been a better time to head eastward.