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Many say that if you want to travel around Italy, you have to do it in summer but don’t forget that Italy holds quite a few winter wonderlands. If you want to escape Milan this winter and explore somewhere new, here are four fantastic day trips that you won’t want to miss out on.

Como

Lake Como, Italy

Italy is home to many lakes but perhaps the most famous is Como. This is the perfect place to take a trip to in the winter months, just wrap up warm and take a stroll through the narrow streets and be filled with Christmas cheer.

What to do there

  • Visit the Christmas market in Piazza Cavour (from the 25th of November to the 7th of January) and peruse the stalls filled with traditional Italian products
  • If you go on a Saturday, check out the weekly market and pick up some locally sourced goods
  • Head to Lecco and embrace your inner ice dancer on the outdoor skating rink
  • Admire the breath-taking Christmas lights in the so-called Città dei Balocchi
  • Hit the slopes nearby and go skiing or snowboarding

Where to eat

  • The Christmas Markets: Grab a bite to eat as you stroll around Como and admire the sites – sample the famous risotto with luganega sausage (it’s sure to keep you warm!)
  • Ristorante Carillon: Try a regional delicacy that will keep you warm in the winter – pizzoccheri alla valtellinese which is tagliatelle, cabbage, sage, potato and cheese
  • Ristorante Momi: Feast on fresh fish from the lake while you look out at a beautiful view of Lake Como

How to get there

  • To go to the town of Como itself, it takes about an hour
  • By train, it takes around 45 minutes

Turin

Turin, Italy

Nestled at the foothills of the Alps, Turin has something for everyone whether you’re a car fanatic or a movie buff! It’s well worth a visit all year round but there’s something particularly special about Turin in winter – it really is a winter wonderland!

What to do there

  • Pay a visit to one of Turin’s many museums and find your passion
  • Take in the views from the top of the Mole Antonelliana - you can see the Alps really clearly!
  • Stroll through the Christmas markets and peruse the treasures
  • Explore the streets of Turin and admire the architecture
  • Visit the stunning churches and chapels that fill the city

Where to eat

  • Caffè Vini Emilio Ranzini: A family-run restaurant that offers delicious, traditional dishes in the heart of Turin
  • Dai Saletta: An authentic trattoria that lets you sample some delicious Piedmontese dishes in a beautiful setting
  • Porta Rossa: If you are a fish enthusiast, you’ll want to check out this place and try some tasty dishes

How to get there

  • By car, it’s about 2 hours away
  • By train, it’s much faster as it’s only a 1 hour trip

Lugano

Lugano, Italy

If you want to take a trip to somewhere a little bit different, you can just nip across the border to Switzerland and visit Lugano. This resort town may be Swiss, but it still feels Italian with a plethora of pizza restaurants and Italian speakers! It’s as beautiful in winter as it is in summer especially with the extra touch of Christmas spirit.

What to do there

  • Stroll around the Old Town and browse the stalls of the Christmas market that pops up during advent there
  • Admire the stunning Christmas tree in Piazza Riforma
  • Visit the Alprose Chocolate Museum and taste some delicious chocolate
  • Go up to Monte Brè and take in the views (you can even hike there if you want to keep warm!)
  • Stroll through the Parco Civico and take in the stunning views across the lake

Where to eat there

  • Grotto Grillo: A cosy restaurant that offers tasty dishes which is extremely popular with locals and tourists alike
  • Ristorante Pizzeria Cantinone: Located in a beautiful piazza, this is the perfect place for families with kids to eat out and enjoy classic Italian dishes
  • Gabanni: Stroll around the lake and take in the views with the best sandwiches Lugano has to offer (there are lots of tasty options!)

 

How to get there

  • By car, it only takes 1 hour and 20 minutes
  • By train, it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes

Valle d’Aosta

Aosta, Italy

If you want to visit a real winter wonderland, Valle d’Aosta is the perfect, little known spot to travel to. Here, you’ll find a mix of French, Italian and Swiss cultures that make it an extra special getaway.

What to do there

  • Take a walk through the Gran Paradiso National Park and see if you can spot a bearded vulture
  • Hit the slopes and ski or snowboard while taking in the beautiful views
  • Take in the Christmas markets in Aosta
  • Visit Fénis castle that is straight out of a real fairy tale
  • Explore the city of Aosta and its Roman ruins

Where to eat

  • Osteria da Nando: A simple, family-run restaurant that offers tasty regional dishes at affordable prices
  • Osteria dell’Oca: A welcoming, traditional osteria that only makes food from the local region
  • Officina della Pasta: Specialised in fresh pasta making, you’re guaranteed to find affordable, good food here

How to get there

  • By car, it’s just over a 2 hour drive
  • By bus, it takes about 3 hours
  • By train, it’ll be around 4 hours

 

How do you get there?

Once you’ve decided where you’re going, it’s time to plan your trip! Below are the best transport options, just click the link and start planning.