Semester Break Tours

The semester break is the two-week holiday schools take at the end of the first term. In the 2026-2027 school year, report cards are issued on Friday, 22 January 2027, and the break runs from 25 January – 5 February 2027; including the weekends, there are sixteen days off school from 23 January – 7 February. This page lists tours with departure dates that fall during the semester break.

When Is the Midyear School Break?

According to the Ministry of National Education’s 2026-2027 academic calendar, the first term ends on Friday, 22 January 2027, and the mid-year break runs from 25 January – 5 February 2027. The second term begins on Monday, 8 February 2027. This page includes tours with departure dates between 22 January – 4 February, so the return also falls within the break.

What Can You Fit into Two Weeks?

A sixteen-day school break is one of the longest holidays of the year and makes long-haul trips possible. Far East itineraries to Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and Bali are among the most popular semester-break options. For a short getaway, Egypt, Dubai, and the Balkans offer 3–5-night options.

Winter-Themed Tours

Late January and early February are among the best times to see the Northern Lights; Lapland, Tromsø, and Iceland tours run during these weeks. For ski holidays, the Alps and Bulgaria’s Bansko and Borovets resorts are popular, while domestic options include Uludağ, Kartalkaya, Palandöken, and Erciyes. Separate listings for these tours can be found on the Ski Tours and Northern Lights Tours pages.

Warm Destinations

For those seeking winter sunshine, good options include Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada on the Red Sea coast, Dubai, Phuket and Pattaya in Thailand, the Maldives and Sri Lanka. January–February is the dry season in Southeast Asia and ideal for a beach holiday.

Early Planning

The midterm break is a time when families with school-age children all go on holiday at once, so flights and family rooms book up early. If you’re travelling to a country that requires a visa, you should apply by early December. Child and infant prices are shown separately during the booking process for each tour.

Domestic Semester Break

The most popular domestic destinations for the midterm break are ski resorts and cultural tours featuring winter scenery. Uludağ, Kartalkaya, Palandöken, Erciyes and Sarıkamış are at their busiest during these weeks. The Eastern Express journey in Kars, horse-drawn sleigh rides on the ice at Lake Çıldır and the ruins of Ani are classic stops on winter tours. Hot-air balloon flights over Cappadocia’s snow-covered valleys are also a popular midterm-break experience. Passports and visas are not required for domestic tours; child prices are shown during the booking process.

Semester Break Prices

Since semester-break weeks coincide with school holidays, flight and hotel prices are higher than during regular weeks. Tours departing in the first days of the break are in the highest demand; dates falling in the second week may sometimes be more affordable. Prices for each tour by date are shown in the calendar on its page; child and infant prices are calculated separately during the booking process. Visa fees are not included in the price for most programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Is the 2027 Semester Break?

According to the Ministry of National Education calendar, report cards will be issued on 22 January 2027; the break runs from 25 January – 5 February 2027, and the second term starts on 8 February.

Where Can You Travel Visa-Free During the Semester Break?

Japan, South Korea (with K-ETA), Thailand, Singapore, Balkan countries, Georgia and Morocco are visa-free; visas for Egypt and the Maldives are obtained on arrival.

Can you see the Northern Lights during the midterm break?

Yes. Late January and early February are a good time to see the Northern Lights in Lapland and Northern Norway; sightings depend on weather conditions.

What criteria is the list based on?

Choose tours with departure dates that coincide with the semester break or that are specifically arranged for the break; exact dates are listed in each tour’s calendar.

How do I make a reservation?

Select your departure date and party size on the tour page and complete your booking online, or send us your preferred date and party size using the WhatsApp button to ask our team about availability and the final price.