When the classic “bridge” arrives, in Italian schools and work offices we witness scenes of magnificent collective euphoria. Among all the bridges, one is particularly appreciated: the Immaculate Conception , a very pleasant “anticipation” of the Christmas holidays. For us obsessed with travel, the bridge is a succulent opportunity to organize a wonderful holiday-flash. But the question is: where to go
A weekend in a European capital is a fascinating idea, but considering the limited time available, perhaps it would be better to focus on the pearls of the area, destinations at km 0 or almost … Here are our suggestions, the most stimulating ideas to spend a weekend of relaxation and fun .
Destination Cost 3 days / 2 nights Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige from € 168.00 – find out more
Bressanone, Trentino-Alto Adige from € 176.00 – find out more
Merano, Trentino-Alto Adige from € 168.00 – find out more
Aosta, Valle d’Aosta from € 190.00 – find out more
Turin, Piedmont from € 180.00 – find out more
Genoa, Liguria from € 176.00 – find out more
Milan, Lombardy from € 170.00 – find out more
Asiago, Veneto from € 180.00 – find out more
Terme di Saturnia, Tuscany from € 320.00 – find out more
Terme di Stigliano, Lazio from € 310.00 – find out more
Isernia, Molise from € 164, 00 – find out more
Naples, Campania from € 166.00 – find out more
Salerno, Campania from € 170.00 – find out more
Trapani, Sicily from € 170.00 – find out more
Catania, Sicily from € 180.00 – find out more
1 – Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige
It is a city particularly rich in art, history and culture . On the occasion of the Immaculate Conception and the approach of the holidays, delicious Christmas markets are set up . On the stalls you can find a bit of everything, from typical products to wooden toys, from clothing to gastronomy. Walking through the streets of the center it is possible to take a look at the stalls but also at the beautiful monuments, while sipping mulled wine.
Finally, around 850 km of ski slopes are available in the surroundings of Trento, with several ski areas served by almost 300 ski lifts, such as Paganella Ski (Get directions) and the Pejo ski area (Get directions).
SEE ALSO : What to see in Trento
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2 – Bressanone (BZ), Trentino-Alto Adige
In South Tyrol the tradition of Christmas marketsit is active almost everywhere, and Bressanone is among the most famous and chosen by visitors. The typical stalls are set up in the central Piazza Duomo and offer many handicrafts and food and wine delicacies. Not only the market but also many activities such as guided tours of the Cathedral, tour of the city in a carriage, a traditional and characteristic exhibition of nativity scenes at the Bishop’s Palace and the typical Krampus parade.
But for a winter weekend with all the trimmings, you cannot avoid having a nice ski trip at the Plose ski area , easily reachable by ski bus. Ideal slopes for families, various snowshoeing itineraries and even an amusement park await you!
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3 – Merano (BZ), Trentino-Alto Adige
Photo by G2. Merano is the right destination for a different weekend than usual, especially on the occasion of this holiday close to Christmas. It is one of the most attractive locations on the Peninsula, especially when it comes to the famous Christmas market which takes place in the splendid historic center. The more than 80 exhibitors will make local products, typical handicrafts, Christmas decorations and wooden objects available to visitors.
Merano offers various things to see and do: it also has an excellent ski area (Merano 2000 – Get directions) and above all a spa(Get directions) cutting-edge particularly appreciated; in short, everything you need for a weekend of traditions, sport and relaxation!
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4 – Aosta, Valle d’Aosta
The tradition of Christmas markets continues also in Valle d’Aosta. At the regional capital, the Marche Vert Noel is a real Christmas village, set up near the suggestive setting of the Roman Theater. It is considered one of the most beautiful of its kind and consists of about 50 chalets where you can buy local products, handicrafts and gastronomic specialties. Also in Aosta, on the occasion of the Immaculate Conception, every year events, shows, demonstrations by local artisans are organized, as well as evocative performances of Christmas choirs and entertainment for children.
After enjoying the classic Christmas atmosphere, take advantage of the rest of the weekend to visit the wonderful places such as the Roman Theater, the Arch of Augusta and Porta Pretoria , but also the Bard Fort and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. And if there is time left, thatthe center of Aosta is directly connected to the Pila ski resort , reachable in just 18 minutes by cable car (Get directions)!
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5 – Turin, Piedmont
Turin has been awarded the title of one of the most interesting cities in northern Italy, thanks to the great artistic and cultural heritage, the beautiful squares and the rich availability of museums. With Christmas at the gates, the Savoyard city acquires an even more magical light, thanks to the markets, the gigantic Advent calendar installed in Piazza Castello and the Santa Claus Village at the Reggia di Venaria Reale.
But above all, in the month of December Turin shines again with its ” Luci d’Artista “, a veritable open-air contemporary art exhibition that every year illuminates the squares and streets from the center to the suburbs.
In short, the month of December is an excellent time to visit the city that made the history of united Italy. From the Mole Antonelliana to the Egyptian Museum, take advantage of the bridge to admire the most beautiful attractions of Turin.
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6 – Genoa, Liguria
Spending a few days in Genoa could be an excellent starting point for a family to try out different activities: a visit to the Aquarium, the Children’s City, the Millo building, Porta Siberia and the Cotton Warehouses which, for the occasion, they will dress up in the Christmas spirit .
As for the Genoa aquarium, various Christmas activities are planned . On the weekend of the Immaculate Conception, along the guided tour, Santa Claus will be present to collect the letters of the children . Also along the path, there will also be several trees that every child can decorate with a drawing of their favorite fish. Finally, on the occasion of the Immaculate Conception weekend, the ” night with the sharks ” will be proposed“, or a night visit to the Aquarium with the setting up of camp beds with a view of the shark tank for overnight stays in a sleeping bag.
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7 – Milan, Lombardy
Remaining in Italy but breathing more Europe you can opt for Milan, where the party starts as early as December 7, the day in which Sant’Ambrogio, the patron saint is remembered. The Scala season opens , many VIPs participate in the first; in front of the Castello Sforzesco the traditional and ancient Oh Bej Oh Bej fair takes place, with many typical stalls offering handicrafts, gift items and delicacies, and let’s not forget a little shopping for Christmas.
Finally, don’t forget to visit the attractions of Milan, and especially its symbol: the Duomo. You can admire the city illuminated by Christmas lights from the top of its terrace by purchasing the special entrance ticket online.
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(VI),
Veneto fireworks, it is possible to engage in winter sports on the slopes of the plateau. Like any self-respecting mountain resort, here too there is no shortage of spas and wellness centersdedicated to those who prefer to relax.
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9 – Terme di Saturnia, Saturnia (GR), Tuscany
We move to Tuscany, this time in the famous Terme di Saturnia, an ideal destination to spend a long weekend of the Immaculate ‘sign of relaxation. In the area there are several thermal springs, but the best known are the “Cascate del Mulino”, or natural pools of sulphurous water with a constant temperature of 37.5 ° C that flow from the ground near an ancient mill, giving a paradisiacal scenario in the Maremma Grossetana .
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10 – Terme di Stigliano, Canale Monterano (RM), Lazio
Photo by stigliano pecci. A few kilometers from the capital, located in the municipality of Canale Monterano, there are the Terme di Stigliano (Get directions), an ideal refuge for those who want to escape the city without going too far. Known since ancient times for their precious waters, the spas are surrounded by suggestive vegetation and the tranquility of the countryside, in short, a real escape from the chaos for a couple of days of pure relaxation.
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11 – Isernia, MoliseIn the days of the Immaculate Conception in Isernia the National White Truffle Fair
is staged . The event is organized by the Province and is known nationally but also internationally, with the aim of making the general public known and enhancing this excellent product of the Molise area, the Tuber Magnatum Pico. Why not take advantage of a few days of vacation to taste the fragrant and precious product
Beyond the fair, Isernia has several attractions to admire such as the Fraterna Fountain, the National Museum of the Paleolithic, the Cathedral of San Pietro Apostolo and the Museum of Santa Mary of the Nuns.
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12 – Naples, Campania
A city of indisputable charm but also known for its strong contrasts, Naples at this time of the year is permeated with a cheerful atmosphere enriched with Christmas lights. At Spaccanapoli, the road that cuts the city in a straight line “splitting” it in two, it is possible to admire historic buildings and ancient churches , breathing its most authentic heart. Do not miss the Via dei Presepi , San Gregorio Armeno, where there are the famous artisan shops of cribs.
SEE ALSO : What to see in Naples
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13 – Salerno, Campania
Photo of Viaggio Routard. Every year the city of Salerno lights up thanks to the event called Luci d’Artista , very similar to the one held in Turin. Since November these particular light installations take place in the city, giving the Christmas period a unique and magical atmosphere, attracting thousands of visitors.
The Ponte dell’Immocolata could be an excellent opportunity to visit the city of Salerno, which boasts interesting attractions such as the Arechi Castle, the Maritime Station and the Duomo . For more information on what to see and what to do in Salerno, we suggest you read this article.
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14 – Trapani and Erice, Sicily
We move to Sicily, where we find Trapani and its surroundings. It is an ideal destination for the Immaculate Conception Bridge thanks to the rich program of cultural and entertainment initiatives that includes exhibitions of artistic nativity scenes, concerts and characteristic musical parades, not only in the historic center of the city, but also in other nearby locations such as the delightful Erice , the “Land of Nativity Scenes”, where the annual Ericenatale festival is held.
Also in the surroundings of Trapani is the village of Custonaci famous for its suggestive living nativity sceneorganized inside the Mangiapane Cave, which every year attracts tourists from all over Sicily and the rest of Italy.
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15 – Catania and Etna Park, Sicily
Still in Sicily, but this time on the eastern side, there is one of the most underrated winter destinations in Italy . We are talking about the Etna Park, in the province of Catania.
On the slopes of the largest active volcano in Europe are the so-called “Etna villages”, lovely villages such as Trecastagni and Zafferana Etnea which are certainly worth a visit.
Obviously there is no shortage of ski resorts, like that of Piano Provenzana in Linguaglossa (Get directions) and Nicolosi (Get directions). Finally, it is impossible not to mention the capital Catania, a city of immense Baroque charm and a commercial center of Sicily thanks to the presence of the Sicilia Outlet Village (located on the border with the province of Enna, Get directions) a real shopping village perfect for shopping Christmas.
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