What can you do in winter? Anything exciting? Apart from Christmas and the traditions that fascinate tourists from all over the world, winter is a season that inspires two vacations in particular: capital cities and mountains. But this does not mean that you have to exclude the sea, or “tropical escapes” out of season. Those who can afford it, do it! In the cold season, which is often wrongly considered “ugly and boring”, we want to suggest five ideas for a wonderful vacation. Five ideas for five places that you should absolutely visit, in winter.
Bolzano: the magic of the Christmas Markets
Bolzano, the delightful capital of the autonomous province of Alto Adige-Sud Tirol, in Italy, is the ideal solution for those who love the Christmas atmosphere without the ocean crowds found in the Austrian and Swiss markets. Bolzano, surrounded by the Dolomites ranges, offers the largest and most beautiful Christmas Market in Italy but also the opportunity to be a base for further Christmas itineraries (the Markets of Merano, those of Bressanone and Trento, the Markets of Innsbruck and Graz across the border).
In addition to shopping at the lively stalls, you can visit the spectacular medieval castles that dot the Bolzano area, the Cathedral, the museums, the ancient parish of Gries and the colorful Evangelical Church. Bolzano is served by a local airport, Bolzano Airport (BZO) although you can also land at the more international airport of Verona.
Prague: art and beauty
The capital of the Czech Republic is effectively the new “Florence of the East” and it is no coincidence that it is sought after and renowned among art lovers. The ancient city, with its churches, elegant palaces, large squares and refined monuments welcomes everyone in an embrace of wonder. People come to Prague in winter because, in addition to the magic of Christmas, it offers top-level cultural events. Here you can admire the historic quarter (Stare Mesto), Kafka’s House, the churches of St. Vitus, St. Wenceslas, St. John of Nepomuk, Prague Castle and Charles Bridge. You land at Prague Airport (PRG) connected to the historic center by buses, trams, taxis and private transfer services.
Paris the “immortal”!
Winter in Paris is a classic “must”! Although the French capital is most beautiful in spring and autumn, the cold season allows you to admire it in full swing of its traditional and cultural events. The lights that play with the shape of the Eiffel Tower, the spectacle of the Champs Elysées in the rain, the Christmas decorations on the steps of Montmartre … And of course the museums (less crowded than usual) that invite everyone to admire the most beautiful artworks of all time. Choose to visit Versailles, on one of these winter afternoons, calmly and accompanied by the warm atmospheres of the season. Paris is served by many airports, but the most important is De Gaulle (CDG) . You can also reach the French capital by train and via the many European motorways that converge here.
Lapland: snow, ice and Northern Lights
Families choose this destination, in winter, because here – according to legend – Santa Claus lives! And who wouldn’t want to give their children the joy of looking out at the famous house of the “big man with the beard”, perhaps while he prepares presents… or rests, after the Christmas efforts! But Lapland is also fabulous for adults. Here, among endless ice (which can be traveled on tourist sleds) and Northern Lights, you can visit places like Rovaniemi, the Kemi Fjord, and the Arctic Circle! You land at the regional airport of Rovaniemi (RVN) well connected to all the airports of the Scandinavian capitals.
Warm winter in Dubai
If your winter holiday doesn’t go with the idea of ice and museums, take a plane and head towards the warm south. Towards Dubai Airport (DXB) , which will introduce you directly to the famous emirate. Here, with summer temperatures and deserts, you can get a tan, enjoy breathtaking views from the top of spectacular skyscrapers, go on adventurous excursions and dive into a sea of extraordinary colors. Your itinerary will include: the Burj Khalifa tower, the steel sail of the Burj Al Arab, the Artistic Fountains, the Miracle Green park, the historic Bastakiya district and a ride… “in a gondola” on the Dubai Canal. The snow and Christmas lights, here, are only cold and distant memories.