Italy is an ideal holiday venue during the winter with a surprisingly diverse climate. The many monuments, attractions, streets and shops are less crowded and most of all, the incredible winter bargains are an additional bonus impossible to resist. The climate in the south is warm and dry than in the north and central areas during winter. The mountain regions are cold with heavy snowfalls.

Most of the airlines and hotels offer discount packages during winter that affords an ideal opportunity to realize your dream of spending some of that much earned vacation visiting Italy. As you know, Italy is internationally famous for its cuisine, art, fashion, luxury vehicles and its natural treasure of beautiful coasts, lakes and mountains. Entire families head towards the regions that overlook the Alps like Aosta Valley, Piedmont, Lombardy, Veneto, Trentino and Friuli Venezia Giulia to participate in skiing and mountain climbing.

If you want to escape the frigid temperatures, head towards the Amalfi coast, one of the warmer regions of Italy although there are occasional showers. Please note that some of the hotels and restaurants close for winter. Climbing to the top of Amalfi's Cathedral, shopping for ceramics in Vietri sul Mare or excursions to Sorrento, Naples, Mt. Vesuvius, Capri and Pompeii are some of the activities that will keep you entertained. Venice in winter is more peaceful and will give you the chance of viewing this floating city. The festive season in Italy starts around 8th December and continues till Epiphany on 6th January. Celebrations take place all over Italy and the famous presipio, nativity scenes are on view. Generally there are firework displays and public events on New Year. A popular belief in Italy is that it's lucky to wear red underwear to usher in the New Year. Whatever traditions you follow, Italy is a beautiful place to vacation during winter and will fill your holiday album with many memorable pictures of a truly wonderful experience.