In Italy, winter has arrived: it’s time for skiing, or perhaps relaxing in a luxurious spa. Opportunities abound to visit characteristic hamlets and try seasonal local food, which in January becomes a celebratory act at many traditional feasts.
Our first destinations are all in northern Italy, starting with Aosta, Vicenza, and Cremona. But there are also fascinating regions in central Italy, like Abruzzo and Emilia Romagna, plus Sicily, an intriguing region for its art and architecture, and a pleasure to explore even in this chillier month.
Remember: our Top 10 provinces for January have been selected from thousands of reviews by our users, like you!
1. Aosta
January’s Top 10 list starts with Aosta where you can embark on a culinary and cultural experience right next to the ski slopes!
Visit the Food Museum as well as the Wine Museum. The former is located in Maison Bruil in the hills of Introd. Here you can discover local products and learn about food conservation techniques used in ancient times, some of which are still practiced in the mountains today. The Wine Museum is located in Donnas and features traditional objects and tools used for harvesting and winemaking. This area is famous for the Donnas DOC wine, an absolute must on the menu!
While there, don’t miss Introd’s lovely Parc Animalier and the Dora Bridges of Rhemes.
The entire province of Aosta is like a treasure trove and can be admired step by step, from its hamlets to its castles and churches. If you like touring castles, take note of these two: Castel Savoia, near Gressoney-Saint-Jean, Margherita of Savoy’s residence of choice, which overlooks the entire Belvedere valley up to the Lyskamm glacier; Castle of Issogne, which belonged to the bishops of Aosta, an example of Renaissance Gothic architecture which houses various art treasures.