We’re quickly approaching the end of summer, and before we know it, winter will be here. While we’d prefer guaranteed sunlight and pleasant weather to see one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals, Italy in winter is an experience not to be missed. It can be just as wonderful, if not more so, if thoughtfully planned! Here, we give our top recommendations for making a winter visit extra special.
Visit the Vatican
The Vatican is a must-see when in Rome, and the best time to visit is in the winter because it is quieter – there are fewer tourists to contend with. However, it does get very busy between Christmas and January 6th, so you may want to avoid it during that time. The Vatican museums are closed on Sundays, with the exception of the last Sunday of each month, when they are free, so keep that in mind when organising your itinerary. If you want to do something truly special – perhaps it’s your honeymoon or your first romantic getaway as a couple – consider hiring a photographer to capture the event!
Drive around Tuscany
There’s a lot to be seen through beautiful Tuscany, no matter what time of the year. Why not drive through Tuscany and take in the beautiful views and landscapes it has to offer. If you want to make the most of your driving experience, you could choose to have a Ferrari Tour in Italy, which would allow you to take a guided (or self guided) tour of Tuscany in a Ferrari (or other supercars, if you wish).
Don’t miss the Christmas market
If you happen to be in Italy during the Christmas season, you must visit one of the many fantastic seasonal markets. Some appear on a yearly basis, while others are new. One we strongly recommend visiting is the one at Piazza Navona, which is open all year. It sells a wide range of items, including jewellery, homeware, gifts, and clothing, as well as artisan food products from local vendors. It certainly inspires you to think about your loved ones back home!
Visit the carnival
The Italian Mardi Gras carnival fills the city with colour and music in February. The main point of it, like its more famous cousins in New Orleans and Rio, is to use up luxury meals and have one last huge party before the austerity of Lent. It is filled with floats, magicians, jugglers, musicians, a lot of colour, and a lot of noise, and it is the ideal location to go for fun and excitement.
Enjoy their cafes
Going to a fancy cafe bar and enjoying an espresso is one of the most iconic things you can do on a trip to Italy. It’s a fantastic thing to do at any time of year, but when it’s freezing outdoors, nothing beats a scorching hot espresso to warm you up.
Winter is unquestionably the best time of year to visit Italy. You can walk the winding streets and enjoy everything it has to offer without the stress and bustle of crowds, and the lights make it a truly wonderful experience at Christmas. Just remember to bring your hat and scarf!
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