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The Winter Season in Italy

01/11/2018  By thegrandtour 
WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO?…
Rome
In winter, Rome is quieter but no less beautiful. With fewer crowds, explore the city at a more relaxed pace, especially the Vatican and Colosseum. Please do check timetables, as in the winter the Colosseum closes early due to the dark.
After a day of strolling, the city has plenty of bars and restaurants, which in the winter are quieter but no less atmospheric.
In December, Rome comes alive with the hustle and bustle with preparations for Christmas.
Venice
There are a lot less crowds to detract from the wonderful surroundings during the winter months. Not only are the attractions quieter, but the air is cleaner than the pollution of the summer months.
From gondola rides, baroque architecture and great food and wine, Venice is a place for everyone.
We are all aware that Venice is sinking, so there is always a chance of a little extra water! Foot bridges are set up to walk across, but life goes on… the picture below is a marathon taking place with the flooding.
Tuscany
With vast vineyards stretching out in the countryside, Tuscany is a stunning place to visit in the winter months. The amazing imagery of the winter sun setting behind the hills, leaving the last rays to linger on the vineyards makes a fantastic photo and an amazing backdrop for a holiday.
With the opportunity for a visit to the stunning countryside and time to explore and enjoy some of Italy’s most famous Renaissance sites in the city of Florence, it is definitely impressive.
Naples
Naples is famous for Christmas Nativity Scenes, although something that all of Italy get involved in, Naples has a particulate flare for entertainment and sites during the festive season. Usually the scenes are set up in early December through to January.
Winter is sunny in Naples and is a much lighter climate. You can sunbathe in between visiting nativity scenes.
Food!
Is there a better way of finishing off a day of sightseeing or shopping than enjoying a dinner with good wine and warm comforting food?
Each part of Italy has its own unique and exquisite winter food. Some of the favourites;
Cassoeula, From Northern Italy. It is made with cabbage, tomato purée, onion, celery, chopped carrots, pepper and a variety of pork (the ribs, sausage and tail). Tradition is to eat the dish after the first frost of the season when the cabbage will be ready and tasty.
Image result for Cassoeula
Ribollita, a Tuscan soup, made with Cannellini beans, vegetables and left over bread. Ribollita literally means ‘reboiled’ and is considered a cucina povera, a poor recipe using up al the vegetables and stale bread in the house.
Related image
Pane dolce and Panettone, during the festive time, do try Panettone, a typical Italian sweet bread with raisins and citrus peels.
Seeing in the dark

With the earlier sunsets in the winter months, it means that you can spend time strolling through the city after dark. Many major cities light up their historical monuments. A gentle stroll can become a more beautiful and romantic experience.

What about the weather?
There are many fine, clear days to enjoy strolling through the cities, although the further south you go, the brighter and warmer the weather.
Rome and Naples have the mildest winter weather of the major cities. 

Is it still crowded?
It can still be busy during these times, but not as much as in the summer. Italian families tend to spend time together 24th December, meaning small, family run shops and restaurants may be closed. It is always best to book in advance. Weekends and National holidays can be busy with Christmas shoppers on the run up to Christmas.

The Next National Holiday
The next National Holiday is 8th December, Immaculate Conception, celebrating the Virgin Mary.

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