cappadocia , Turkey

Cappadocia Wine Country

Fairy chimneys get all the attention in Cappadocia, and for good reason. It’s a landscape like none other and rightly heralded, especially from above on a Cappadocia balloon ride. However, the adulation sometimes fogs over the many other attractions, like Cappadocia wine country. The same volcanic ash that established the the highly carvable tufa stone also enriched the soil’s nutrients significantly and created several compositional advantages, such as longer water retention and insulation from temperature fluctuations.

Typical cave hotel in Cappadocia, photo by Moyan Brenn via Flickr

Few people ever envision themselves staying in a cave, much less paying top dollar for it. Yet, among Cappadocia’s “fairy chimneys,” there’s no better way to immerse yourself after a Private Cappadocia Food and Culture Tour. A thriving tourism industry keeps them fully booked during peak season, especially around Goreme, but before putting down the sometimes high fees, it’s good to keep in mind these seven things to know about staying in a cave hotel.

Blood, Sweat and Tears

Cappadocia’s caves were originally carved out by populations seeking refuge and security deep in the earth. As such, the walls of many were shaped by bare hands more than a millennium old, imbuing the rooms with an indelible personal touch, literally.

One of a Kind

Owing to the extreme individual nature of the construction of each space, no two are identical. As such, don’t be afraid to check out a few rooms before selecting, if the option is available.

Cozier Than Expected

Stone is rarely softer than when it’s volcanic tufa. Most hotels have added several layers of texture on top of this to fluff it further, including thick carpets, wall hangings, plush linen, bedding, artwork and lighting.

Bling Baby Bling

A night’s stay at a Cappadocia cave hotel is no cheap experience. In fact, many represent the peak of luxury hospitality in the area and sport names like Relais & Chateaux, where nightly rates can reach several thousand dollars for the best rooms. Nonetheless, a few budget versions exist.

Good Day Sunshine

The best of the caves’ ancient builders endowed their homes with lots of south facing windows to allow large amounts of sunshine into the room. Open the door in midday and the brightness can be downright squintifying.

Wifi-Schmifi

As expected, solid stone, however porous, doesn’t make an easy conduit for a wifi signal. Don’t expect good coverage unless staying in a top end place, and even then, double check. Some rooms probably have stronger signals than others.

No AC Required, but…

Inside the stone, temperatures are kept mostly cool in the summer, but as many tourists won’t book without it, some places have installed it nonetheless. So don’t let the lack of it be an immediate deal breaker, especially if trying to budget.

Watching the Dervish Whirl in Cappadocia

As the world turns, so do the Dervish.

Horseback Riding in Cappadocia

Fairy chimneys, rock churches, and balloon rides garner so much of the attention in Cappadocia, that most visitors have forgotten the meaning of its name—“The Land of Beautiful Horses.”

The Greeks in Cappadocia

Since antiquity, Cappadocia has been the home to a rich variety of civilizations, cultures, religions and people. For more than 1,500 years, Christian Greeks have been part of this legacy, and one can still witness their impact in the many Christian and Byzantine remnants of the Greeks in Cappadocia, with more than 700 Greek Orthodox churches and over thirty rock-carved chapels, some that date back as far as the 6th century.

The Cave Art of Cappadocia

It was erosion and volcanic instability that formed the otherworldly landscape of Cappadocia, but millenia ago humans began taking advantage of the region’s soft tufa and began carving churches into the rock. The subterranean cities and religious architecture that began to emerge here in the fourth century AD were only part of the artistic works created here.

Visiting Cappadocia in Winter

Cappadocia is home to some of Turkey’s most beautiful and evocative landscapes, and although the region is worth visiting year-round, certain seasons have their advantages and disadvantages. Tourists arriving to Cappadocia during the winter have the rare opportunity to see the magical moon-like terrain covered in a layer of white snow.

The Cave Hotels of Urgup

Tourists in Cappadocia have the opportunity for a truly unique lodging experience: staying in a luxurious cave hotel.

Exploring Cappadocia’s Underground Cities and Fairy Chimneys

The Cappadocia region of Turkey is famous for its pillar-like rock formations and ancient cave dwellings. There are two standard tour routes that are offered in the area that give visitors a closer look at a wide variety of these famous sites: the red tour (also called the north loop), and the green tour (or the south loop). As many of the sites in the northern loop are within walking distance of Goreme and neighboring villages, we opted for the green tour in order to cover more ground as we did not have a car. 

Exploring Cappadocia’s Underground Cities and Fairy Chimneys

The Cappadocia region of Turkey is famous for its pillar-like rock formations and ancient cave dwellings. There are two standard tour routes that are offered in the area that give visitors a closer look at a wide variety of these famous sites: the red tour (also called the north loop), and the green tour (or the south loop). As many of the sites in the northern loop are within walking distance of Goreme and neighboring villages, we opted for the green tour in order to cover more ground as we did not have a car.

Christmas at Sicily Italy, Croatia, Greece

Greek Ruins in Sicily

We’re accustomed to thinking about the Roman ruins that we might see when visiting Italy. Italy is, after all, where the Roman Empire got its start. But it sometimes comes as a surprise to find that, particularly in the southern part of the country, Italy is also home to some of the best-preserved Greek ruins as well. The Greek ruins on Sicily are some of the island’s most popular tourist attractions, and with good reason.
The Greeks occupied Sicily and much of the southern part of Italy starting in about 750 B.C.E., when this made up part of what was known as Magna Graecia. Their most important settlement was at present-day Syracuse (Siracusa, in Italian) on the southeastern coast of the island, so it’s not surprising that the oldest Greek temple on Sicily is in historic Syracuse on Ortygia Island. That 6th century B.C.E. temple is dedicated to Apollo, and was later used as a mosque and a Christian church. Also in Syracuse are the remains of a 5th century B.C.E. Greek temple dedicated to Athena that were incorporated into the city’s cathedral, and a Greek Theater at which plays are still staged.
The Greek Theater at Taormina is Sicily’s second-largest (the one at Syracuse being the largest), although it’s more popular with visitors thanks in large part to Taormina’s popularity as a seaside resort. Taormina’s theater dates from the 4th century B.C.E., and overlooks the town and the sea below. This theater is also still used for plays and other performances today. There is another Greek Theater in Segesta, which also has a well-preserved limestone Greek temple.
Perhaps the most famous Greek ruins in Sicily are the ones near Agrigento in the so-called Valley of the Temples (although it’s not a valley at all). Here, you’ll find the remains of seven different Greek temples – some of them are considered the best-preserved Greek temples in the world. The temples at this archaeological site range in age from the 6th to the 5th centuries B.C.E., and the Valley of the Temples is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sicily. The temples of Juno Lacinia and Concordia are the two best-preserved on the site. Another temple dedicated to Zeus is believed to have once been the largest Doric style Greek temple ever built, although it’s in ruins now.
Even if history isn’t your first sightseeing thought when you think of a Mediterranean island, you’d be well-served by a guided tour in Sicily that focuses at least in part on the Greek ruins on the island. Sicily is such a melting pot that understanding each of the cultures that left its mark on the island can go a long way toward understanding the people who live there today.

“The Godfather” Sites in Sicily

The first Godfather film is a Francis Ford Coppola classic, beloved by millions, and although the majority of the story takes place in New York there is an important Sicilian component. There are some critical scenes filmed in Sicily at locations you can still visit today, essentially unspoiled and looking as they did in the early 1970s when the movie was made.

Norman Architecture in Sicily

Sicily sometimes feels like one of the most “conquered” places in the world. Over the centuries, the island’s strategic position in the Mediterranean meant that it was invaded and then ruled by the Greeks, Romans, and Arabs before eventually becoming part of a unified Italy. Among the conquering cultures were the Normans, who ruled over Sicily from 1061 until 1194. They left behind many buildings that are still standing, with a unique version of Norman architecture in Sicily. Indeed, the Normans occupied most of southern Italy, so you’ll see examples of Norman architecture from this period on the mainland, too.

Christmas in Sicily

The Christmas season is a fun time to be in Italy, as it’s a major holiday on the Italian calendar. Each part of the country has its own twists on celebrations, including Sicily. What makes visiting Sicily at Christmastime especially nice is not just the festivities but also the fact that the weather is usually milder on the island than it is further north in the Italian mainland.

Messina: Things to Do

Messina serves as the gateway city to Sicily from the Italian mainland, sitting as it does just across the Straits of Messina from the Calabria region. But Messina is one of the largest cities in Italy, and has enough attractions to keep most people entertained for at least a couple of days. If you want to get off the regular tourist trail a bit, let everyone else pour further into Sicily from the port in Messina – you can stick around and see the sights.

Where to celebrate New Years Eve in Croatia

Croatia’s hard-partying reputation makes it one of the best places in Eastern Europe to see in the New Year and visiting Croatia in winter is a great time to save on flights and accommodation. Among the most popular places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Croatia is Dubrovnik, where many of the city’s clubs and hotels host special parties, and locals gather along the central Stradun, where they’ll be live music from traditional Croatian klapa bands and rock and pop acts, family-friendly entertainment and plenty of street food to keep you busy until the countdown to midnight.

Visiting Cavtat from Dubrovnik

Just 18km south of Dubrovnik, the tranquil coastal town of Cavtat makes a popular choice for a day trip and as Croatia’s southernmost town, it’s the starting point for ferries to islands like Kolocep, Lopud, Sipan, Lokrum, Supetar and Mljet. With regular buses and boats running down the coast, visiting Cavtat from Dubrovnik is easy, and you’ll have plenty of time to take the sights in a day.

Discovering Split’s Islands in Winter

Winter might seem like an odd time to visit Croatia’s liveliest beach resorts, but with dramatic reductions on flights and accommodation and milder temperatures than the rest of Europe, a surprising number of out-of-season travelers are venturing to the coastal city of Split. Many of the resorts and attractions of the summer months close down throughout the low season, but there are still regular ferries and discovering Split’s islands in winter offers a rare chance to enjoy their beauty unmarred by the tourist hoards.

Shopping in Zagreb

One look at the designer-label-clad locals and you’ll be in no doubt that Zagreb is a city that loves its fashion and with everything from homegrown designer boutiques to international high street chains, the capital is Croatia’s top shopping destination.

Walking Dubrovnik’s City Walls

There are few European cities as undeniably picturesque as Dubrovnik, with its remarkably preserved medieval city walls soaring above the coastal cliffs, a crumbling fortress looking over endless swathes of glittering blue ocean and an expanse of orange-tiled roofs laced together by marble-paved boulevards. Not only is this one of Croatia’s most beautiful walled towns, but it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and, most recently, a top filming location for HBO drama Game of Thrones.

Best Winter Destinations in Croatia

Croatia is all-to-often written off as a summer-only destination, but visiting out of season does have its advantages and winter in Croatia is the time to bag a serious bargain, make the most of the country’s many spas or enjoy sightseeing without the high season crowds. Whether you want to make the most of the snow with a skiing trip, enjoy the last of the sun along the Adriatic coast or celebrate the festive season in the capital – here are 5 of the best winter destinations in Croatia.

Romantic Things to Do in Split

Whether you’re seeking an idyllic destination for a couples weekend, planning a honeymoon cruise around the Mediterranean or just want to make some unforgettable memories, the dazzling ocean views, top-end restaurants and secret island retreats offer plenty romantic things to do in Split.

Reasons to Visit Dubrovnik in Autumn

The summer holidays might be over for most of us, but Dubrovnik still hasn’t lost its appeal and the pearl of the Adriatic makes an ideal choice for a fall getaway. Still not convinced? Here are 4 good reasons to visit Dubrovnik in autumn.

How to Spend One Day in Zagreb

It might be one of few Croatian holiday destinations without a beach, but what Zagreb lacks in sand and surf, it makes up for with timeless charm and an effortless sense of style, and it’s hard not to be won over by the lively capital. The city is split into two main areas – Donji Grad, the ‘Lower Town’, and Gornji Grad, the upper town – so with just one day in Zagreb, you’ll need to plan your itinerary carefully to maximize time and make sure you don’t miss anything.

Skopelos, the Mamma Mia! Island

Hidden away in the Northern Sporades east of Athens, the unspoiled island paradise that is Skopelos has shot to world fame thanks to the 2007 shooting of the record-breaking film version of the ABBA musical Mamma Mia!. Doubling up as the fictional Greek island ‘Kalokairi’ in the film, lush little Skopelos stole the show and fans went to great lengths to uncover its identity.

Ski Resorts in Greece

As the country is primarily considered a summer destination it comes as a surprise to many people that there are ski resorts in Greece. But in fact the Greek mainland is composed almost entirely of mountains and foothills, from the Peloponnese in the south to the north around Thessaloniki.

Christmas in Athens

Greece is a deeply religious country and accordingly celebrating Christmas in Athens is a solemn occasion centered around family and the Greek Orthodox church. Celebrations may be more muted than ever in 2013 following several years of austerity.

Christmas in Italy, Rome, Verona, Sicily

While most travelers head for Italy during the summer to take advantage of the nice weather, there’s something to be said for spending Christmas in Italy. Any place is especially fun to visit when it’s decked out in its holiday finery, and the added bonus of experiencing Christmas traditions that may be new to you can make your trip even more exciting and memorable. Here are a few of the things to know about planning a trip to Italy during Christmastime.

Christmas Traditions

Christmas, called “Natale” in Italian, looks in Italy quite a bit like you might expect. Christmas trees are a newer addition to the traditional Italian decor, but now you’ll see big trees erected in public squares all lit up. The most common Christmas decor in Italy, usually seen starting in early December, are Nativity scenes – called “presepi” in Italian. These are found in public squares, in churches, in shops and restaurants and in private homes. Some cities even have living Nativity scenes enacted daily by locals in costume throughout the season.
Santa Claus goes by the name “Babbo Natale” – which is Father Christmas to us – but he’s also a more modern addition. The gift-bearing character is actually La Befana, a witch who rides a broomstick into Italian homes and leaves presents for children the night before the Epiphany (January 6th).
You may be familiar with outdoor Christmas markets in countries like Austria and Germany, and in Italy there are some cities that have similar markets. Most of these are in the north, especially the Germanic Trentino-Alto Adige region. Otherwise look for markets in major public squares, where you’ll often find vendors selling roasted chestnuts and (sometimes) hot mulled wine.
Italians have a big family dinner on Christmas Eve, but what’s on the table will differ from region to region. Sweets play a prominent role almost regardless of where you go, however, and there are some desserts you’ll only see at this time of year: including panettone, a sweet bread from Milan, and struffoli, deep-fried balls of dough from Naples.
Italy is predominantly Catholic, and Midnight Mass is held in churches throughout the country on Christmas Eve. If you’re in Rome, you can head to Vatican City to see the Pope’s Christmas Eve address in St. Peter’s Square.

Visitor’s Tips

Although winter is typically part of Italy’s low tourist season, there’s a small spike around the holidays – Christmas and New Year’s – that can mean a jump in the cost of things like airfare and hotels. This is especially true in cities that are well-known for their holiday celebrations, so plan ahead and book flights and accommodation well in advance.
Depending on where you go, many things may be closed (or on shorter hours) over the holidays, too. Check official websites to find out whether museums and other attractions are closed (many are closed on December 24-25); and when you arrive you may need to scout out restaurants that will be open, too. You should be able to get some help in that regard from the concierge at your hotel – and be prepared with a back-up plan of a picnic in your hotel room after a trip to the local food market just in case.
The weather in December varies quite a bit depending on what part of Italy you’re in. In the north and in any mountainous areas it can be very cold and snowy. Along the coasts it’s more likely to be cold and rainy. Further south, you may get some rain but it’s less apt to be cold – the temperatures in the south are much milder in winter (again, except for in the mountains). Check the current weather reports right before you leave so you know how to pack.

Basilica of San Zeno in Verona

Saint Zeno is an important figure in the history of Verona, so his church – the Basilica of San Zeno – is of particular importance, too.
The story goes that Saint Zeno converted all of Verona to Christianity in the 4th century, and was responsible for the construction of the first basilica in the city. That church no longer exists, however. After Saint Zeno died, a church dedicated to him was constructed over the site of his tomb. The present church dates to the 9th century, though much of what we see today dates from the 10th-15th centuries. It’s slightly out of the city center, but because of the saint’s importance it’s one of the most important things to see in Verona.
The Basilica of San Zeno is noted as a good example of Romanesque architecture, which was representative of the 10th century when the church was built, and the basilica became the blueprint upon which other churches in Verona were modeled. Among the main attractions of the basilica are the bronze doors – the fine relief sculptures show scenes from the Bible and from Saint Zeno’s life – and the rose window. There is a statue of a smiling Saint Zeno in the presbytery, and the crypt below the church is where the saint’s tomb is located.
The church is open in March-October from 8:30-6pm Monday-Saturday, and from 12:30pm-6pm on Sundays; and in November-February from 10am-1pm and 1:30pm-5pm Monday-Saturday, and from 12:30pm-5pm on Sundays. Admission is €2.50 (children ages 0-11 are free).

Visiting Sorrento from Rome

Rome is the kind of city that can keep travelers busy for weeks on end, but it can also be overwhelming. For those of you in need of an escape to a glittering seaside town with a slower pace of life, Sorrento is awaiting your arrival.
Sorrento sits on the (aptly-named) Sorrentine Peninsula, roughly between Naples and the Amalfi Coast. It’s often lumped in with the Amalfi Coast, and it shares many characteristics with that series of coastal towns, but it’s not technically part of the same geography. It is, however, easier to reach — particularly from farther-away places like Rome — since it’s served by Italy’s train network (unlike the Amalfi Coast). It can be a 2.5-3 hour trip one-way from Rome to Sorrento by train, so in order to make this a feasible day trip from Rome you’ll need to get a very early start. It’s even better if you can spend a night in Sorrento once you get there, to explore more fully and relax a bit more.
Besides being the ideal spot from which to see sights like Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, and the islands of Ischia and Capri, Sorrento is a popular tourist destination all on its own. Its proximity to Naples’ massive cruise port makes it a common shore excursion, and its relatively larger size (compared to the Amalfi Coast towns) makes it enjoyable year-round. The town is famous for beautiful beaches, boutique shopping and limoncello — Sorrento’s signature spirit.
To reach Sorrento from Rome, you’ll take a high-speed train to Naples Centrale station, a journey of roughly 1-1.5 hours, and then switch to the local and private train line called the Circumvesuviana. This is technically in a different station called Garibaldi, but it’s accessible from Centrale station — just follow the signs downstairs. From Naples to Sorrento is about an hour, and trains leave about every half-hour from Naples. You can also take a boat to Sorrento once you’ve arrived in Naples – the hydrofoil trip is quite short, but you’ll need to take a taxi or bus from the train station to the Molo Beverello port area.

Swabian Castle in Bari

The city of Bari is Puglia’s capital, and it’s a huge and important port. The historic center, however, has plenty of attractions that will whisky you back in time – as opposed to transporting you over the sea. One of the most notable is the Swabian Castle, also known as the Castello Normanno-Svevo.
The first castle on this site was likely built in the 1130s by a Norman King. The Normans ruled southern Italy starting in the early 11th century, taking the region from the Byzantines, but in 1156 the existing castle was destroyed when Byzantine troops re-took the city. By the early 13th century, the region was now under the control of the Swabian government from southern Germany. The castle in Bari we see today was rebuilt in 1233 by the Swabian King Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor. This is why the castle retains the names of both rulers – Normanno (Norman) and Svevo (Swabian).
Over the years since the Castello Normanno-Svevo was rebuilt, it has had several additions, but much of the 13th century structure remains. It stands as a great example of medieval building techniques, and features a stone bridge over a dry moat and several towers. The moat surrounds three sides of the castle, with the fourth side facing the sea.
The Swabian Castle in Bari was given to the Sforza family in the early 16th century, and later became property of the Kingdom of Naples when it was used as a military barracks and prison. Today, part of the the castle houses government offices, and the rest is used mainly for art exhibitions.

Verona on Two Wheels

The historic center of Verona is easy to explore on foot, but if you want a break from the usual transportation mode then you’re in luck – Verona offers you a few options for getting around the city on two wheels. With a couple of those options, you can even get out into the countryside easily – something that would take much more time if you were just walking. Here’s an overview of how to see Verona on two wheels.

Verona Bike Tours

Since Verona’s historic center is relatively flat, hopping on a bicycle for a leisurely bike tour doesn’t mean you’re huffing and puffing up and down steep hills. Instead, you’re cruising through cobbled streets admiring the view and learning about the city’s history from your knowledgeable guide. Plus, you’ll be able to cover more ground – exploring the other side of the river to a greater extent – than you would on foot. For a more rural experience, take a Verona bike tour of the famous Valpolicella wine country near the city, sampling the wine along the way.

Verona Vespa Tours

When pedaling a bike through the countryside around Verona just won’t get you there quickly enough, then it’s time to upgrade to a Vespa scooter. You can rent a Vespa in Verona and enjoy the freedom of exploring on your own – both in town and in nearby wine country – or you can take a guided tour. Either way, make sure someone is your designated driver if you’re planning to go wine tasting. Reward that person later by buying them dinner (or a bottle or wine to bring home).

Verona Segway Tours

For a truly unique transportation experience, hop on board a Segway tour of Verona to see the city. They give your feet a bit of a break, they give you access to places big buses can’t go, and they don’t keep you cooped up inside a coach. You’ll get to explore historical Verona on a modern vehicle, seeing all the top attractions in Verona.

Where to Spend Christmas in Italy and German

visiting Italy during the Christmas season offers two bonuses – you’ll avoid the high summer season tourist crowds, and you’ll get to see the country decked out in all its holiday finery.
December 25th isn’t the biggest holiday of the winter season in Italy (that’s Epiphany, in early January), but it’s still a great time to go – and you’ll find a festive atmosphere in every corner of the country. There are a few areas, however, that seem to take the holidays to another level.
Here are a few suggestions for where to spend Christmas in Italy.

Rome & Vatican City

Christmas in Rome. Photo credit: Victoria Reay via Flickr.

Heading for Rome over Christmas is probably the most obvious choice, and with good reason. In addition to the festivities in Rome itself, you also have Vatican City’s celebrations – it’s like getting two cities’ worth of holiday in one spot.
At the Vatican, the Pope delivers a Christmas Eve midnight mass (book tickets well in advance if you want to sit in St. Peter’s), there’s a huge Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square, and a life-sized Nativity scene in front of the basilica. In Rome, the Piazza del Popolo fills with over 100 Nativities, the Piazza Navona turns into a Christmas market, and Christmas Eve mass is held in historic churches throughout the city – including the Pantheon, where you’ll hear Gregorian chants.
Book a Rome Christmas Day Walking Tour and read more about Christmas in Rome and Vatican City

Venice

Christmas ornaments in Murano. Photo credit: Juliette Gibert via Flickr.

While winter in Venice can be cold and damp, Christmas can also be a magical time to visit.
Even if you’re not lucky enough to witness snow falling on the canals and gondolas, Venetians know how to ward off the chill with hot spiced wine and other holiday treats, sold in the Christmas markets. No matter your age, you’re bound to be charmed by the figure of Father Christmas arriving by gondola to distribute goodies, and Christmas Eve mass held in St. Mark’s Basilica is enough to make any trip to Venice worth it.
Keep in mind that many restaurants and hotels do close in the winter, so do your homework beforehand to find out what will be open.
Read more about having a Venetian Christmas

Naples

Figurines on Via San Gregorio Armeno. Photo credit: acetosa888 via Flickr.

Naples is home to a street that can rightfully be called “Christmas Alley” year-round. This city is the epicenter of Italy’s Nativity scene tradition, and the shops along Via San Gregorio Armeno that make both the detailed structures and the myriad figurines that inhabit them work (and sell) all year long.
The figurines range from the expected (holy family and shepherds) to the regional (pizza makers) to the topical (current political or sports personalities). They come in all different sizes, including some that are more than a foot tall for larger Nativity scenes in shop windows and churches. It’s an interesting stop in any season, but kicked into high gear over the Christmas holidays it all makes a little more sense.

Sicily

Christmas in Sicily. Photo credit: Leandro Neumann Ciuffo 

For a location with loads of Italian Christmas traditions but (likely) much milder weather, head south to Sicily.
Second only to the Neapolitans in terms of their affection for the Nativity scene, Sicilians erect elaborate Nativities everywhere (from public squares to churches to private homes), including a living Nativity in a cave near Trapani – in other words, locals dress up and re-enact the Nativity daily from Christmas Eve through the Epiphany.
On Christmas Eve, you’ll also see big bonfires in many towns, and this is also the night that marks the start of the holiday feasting. It won’t be balmy enough to hang out on Sicily’s gorgeous beaches, but you’ll get all the festive atmosphere and avoid most of the cold, damp weather found on the mainland.

Trentino-Alto Adige

Trentino-Alto Adige at Christmastime. 

Germany is known worldwide for its fabulous Christmas markets, so it stands to reason that the heavily Germanic regions in northeast Italy would have inherited some of those traditions – and they have.
Spend Christmas in the Trentino-Alto Adige and you’ll have snowy winter scenery straight out of a postcard (the nearby Dolomites provide a pretty stunning backdrop) while you sip mulled wine in the market squares.
This area is also a good base if you want to take day-trips into Venice or Verona without staying in either one the whole time, or if your idea of the perfect Christmas vacation includes access to world-class skiing.
Read more about Christmas Markets in Italy

Abruzzo & Molise

Zampognari. 

Along with the Christmas markets and feasts that go along with the holidays throughout Italy, the Abruzzo and Molise regions are home to an older tradition you won’t find in the main tourist centers.
Nine days before Christmas, the bagpipe-playing zampognari come down from the hills into the towns (dressed in period costumes), symbolizing the shepherds who visited Jesus upon his birth. The added bonus of heading for these rural regions of central Italy is that you’re more likely to be sharing the holiday with other Italians rather than foreign visitors.

10 Things To Do This Christmas

 

2. The Giant Observation Wheel at Winter Wonderland
3.  Natural History Museum ice rink  
4.  Hogwarts at Christmas at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
5.  WWT London Wetland Centre grotto.
6.  Exterior of the Geffrye Museum on a December evening
7.  Southbank Centre Christmas Market
8.  Christmas lights on Oxford Street
9.  The Giant Observation Wheel at Winter Wonderland
10.  

Christmas and New Year in London: Essential Information

London Underground sign Piccadilly Circus Tube station

A DLR train at a station © Transport for London

Over Christmas and New Year, there are changes to transport and opening times in London. Make sure you know what's happening with our festive practical information guide.London Black cabs lined up by the side of the road

London on Christmas Day

Virtually everything is closed for business on Christmas Day in London. Some places, including banks, remain closed on Boxing Day (the day after Christmas).
Almost all of London's attractions close for at least one day over Christmas, and many close from 24 to 26 December, as well as 1 January. There's considerable variation, so it's a good idea to check directly with specific attractions before travelling.
Discover all things weird and wonderful at Ripley's Believe It Or Not in Piccadilly, which is open on Christmas Day. There is also a chance to enjoy the traditional Peter Pan Cup Christmas Day race. Since 1904, swimmers have been braving the cold for this outdoor competition in the Serpentine lake. Wrap up warm and cheer them on! You can also book a Christmas Day tour, to see top attractions.
Some pubs and bars open for a few hours on 25 December, so you can pop in and share some Christmas cheer and soak up the special atmosphere with a warming drink or Christmas cocktail. Check with your local pub in advance for opening times.
For more ideas for spending Christmas Day in London, take a look at our guide to things to do on Christmas Day.

Public Transport Services over Christmas

Public transport is limited over the Christmas period. From Sunday 21 December 2014 to Sunday 4 January 2015 planned improvement works and service changes may affect your journey, so make sure you plan your journey in advance.
There is no public transport running on Christmas Day. Make sure you can get home safely on Christmas Eve as there are no night buses and public transport starts to wind down from early evening.
Some taxis are available although they may charge more on Christmas and Boxing Day. You should check details before travelling and book in advance to avoid extended waits.
Check the Transport for London website www.tfl.gov.uk before travelling.
There may be engineering work taking place which will affect train journeys over the Christmas period. Check for the latest updates on www.nationalrail.co.uk

Staying Safe Over Christmas and New Year

Any minicab journey that isn't booked by phone or in a minicab office is illegal, dangerous and puts you at risk of attack.
Simply download the free Cabwise app on your smartphone or text CAB to 60835 to access Transport for London's Cabwise service. You'll receive two minicab numbers and one taxi (black cab) straight back. See tfl.gov.uk/cabwise for full details.
Texts are charged at 35p per enquiry plus the standard text message rate. Roaming rates apply to overseas networks.

Hotels and Restaurants on Christmas Day

Many of London's hotels are open at Christmas and some hotel restaurants are open for Christmas dining on 25 December.
You can find hotel listings and contact details in our Where to Stay section.
Some restaurants are also open on Christmas Day. You are strongly advised to book your table in advance. You can find restaurant listings and contact details in our Food and Drink in London section.
If you fancy celebrating on the Thames, try a Christmas Day Lunch Cruise.

New Year's Eve Fireworks Display

Tickets are no longer available for the Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks celebrations.
You can still watch the fireworks broadcast live on BBC One, and there are still lots of great things to do in London on New Year’s Eve. Find more things to do on New Year’s Eve.
Central London will be very busy so plan ahead and use public transport to get around. Travel is free from 23.45pm, until 04.30am on New Year’s Day. Check Transport for London’s website www.tfl.gov.uk for details and make sure you plan your journey in advance. 
There is limited public transport on New Year's Day, so make sure you plan your journey in advance.

Boxing Day in London - Sale Time!

Activity returns to London on Boxing Day and the January sales start in many London shops.
Public transport also resumes but with a limited service so plan your journey before you leave the house.
More about Christmas in London.