The combination of delicious food, spectacular scenery and a warm welcome make Italy the perfect destination all year round. However, it’s towering alpine peaks of the iconic Dolomites and Gran Paradiso National Park, provide exciting terrain for winter tours in Italy. From cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to downhill skiing, the diverse landscapes create a vast outdoor playground for winter activities.
Italy is only a short flight from the UK, and you can arrive in Turin or Innsbruck, just over the border in Austria, to get quick access to your winter destination. Winter temperatures can bring periods of fine settled weather and from Christmas through to the end of February average daytime temperatures range between +4º and -15º C in the shade. These temperatures can feel surprisingly comfortable, largely because the air is very dry, and you will often be on the move.
On winter tours in Italy, cross-country skiing is one of the best ways to explore the snowy scenery and you’ll find a large number of loipe (pre-cut skiing tracks) that wind through a beautiful winter wonderland. Because cross-country skis can be used on both flat ground and steep ascents, they’re great for exploring mountainous areas such as the Dolomites.
Whichever method of transport you choose on winter holidays in Italy, you’ll be greeted with idyllic alpine scenery and mountain views. After a day of exploring scented pine forests draped in snow and epic peaks, unwind in the sauna or outdoor hot tub and tuck into some traditional Italian dishes back at the hotel.
Sexten Valley: Making up Italy’s iconic Dolomites, the Sexten Dolomites is a fabulous region full of history and skiing trails that snake through the South Tyrol and north-eastern Italy. Nestled between the Sexten Dolomites and the Carnian Alps is the Sexten Valley, a wildly beautiful and nature-filled area that has become synonymous with skiing and mountain climbing. Alpine meadows and ancient pine trees create a romantic backdrop while the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the Three Peaks of the Dolomites, are the main focal point.
Alta Badia: Arguably one of the most well know skiing regions in Italy in the heart of the South Tyrolean Dolomite Mountains, Alta Badia is a popular destination for winter holidays in Italy. Its gentler slopes of San Cassiano and Corvara are perfect for anyone that is new to skiing but still wants to explore the stunning scenery of the Dolomites. There’s a real sense of calm in the air which provides a relaxing atmosphere where you can develop your skills. But if you’re a seasoned skier, there are 130km of well-maintained slopes to explore.
Madonna di Campiglio: Affectionately known as the Pearl of the Dolomites, Madonna di Campiglio is a popular location for awinter activities in Italy. Skiing was introduced to the area in the early 20th century owing to its picturesque setting and alpine peaks that are hugged by the Dolomites and the Adamello Presanella range. With approximately 150km of slopes to explore, Campiglio is one of the largest ski areas in Italy. If you like a challenge, you can also trek along the Via Ferrate for some of the finest views in the world.
Villabassa: Enjoying a mild climate with plenty of sun and a dreamy position high up in the heart of the Dolomites, Villabassa is a much-loved destination for winter trips to Italy. This pretty spa village has become the starting point for skiing and winter walking along the Val Pusteria trail. But it’s not all about the skiing here, Villabassa also has a rich history and is home to several religious buildings such as St Anna Chapel and St Magdalene Church which houses a splendid Franz Kock organ.
San Cassiano: One of the prettiest alpine villages in the Dolomites, San Cassiano nestles at the foot of Continurines and Lavarela. In the winter months, adventure seekers travel here to ski down the famous Foram toboggan run, which stretches for over 7km from Lagazuoi. The Armentarola cross-country skiing centre also attracts the regular skiing crowd as it forms a part of the exceptional Dolomiti Nordic Ski. For some wonderful apres-ski, there’s a wide selection of restaurants and bars in the village where you can mingle with other skiers and walkers in the area.
This tour was well paced and a great introduction to South Africa, especially for travelers who enjoy exploring the world and finding the unexpected. One of the biggest surprises was the food. The cuisine was so unique and, as our guide advised us, plentiful. Paired with excellent South African wine, you are completely spoiled. Don’t hesitate to try new things such as Bobotie or ostrich.
All of the areas we visited were beautiful. I particularly loved Hermanus with its charming vibe and a spectacular whale watch, and I will dream of Tsitsikamma for a long time. Gazing into tide pools and spotting a beautiful octopus was incredible. Of course, a big part of Africa is the wildlife and this tour gives you plenty of exposure to many of the animals you hope to see. The elephants at Addo felt like something out of a movie. Cape Town is also fascinating. I had no idea the Cape of Good Hope was so vast. The beauty cannot be surpassed. We were lucky enough to have a perfect view at the top of Table Mountain, as well. The people are incredibly kind and friendly wherever you go and it we enjoyed experiencing the mixture of cultures.
The accommodations on this tour vary, but we enjoyed them all. The guesthouse in De Rust was so special as the hosts cooked incredible meals for us each night and treated us like special friends.
All in all, the time in South Africa was something I will never forget. The people, the scenery, the animals, the food…all of it was so much more than what I expected.
Visiting the Azores was honestly unforgettable. The scenery was next-level — black volcanic ash, vibrant green forests, and bright hydrangeas everywhere in July. We saw so many whales and dolphins, all really close to shore because the sea gets so deep so quickly – it’s one of the best places in the world for year-round sightings. And hopping between the islands (they’re only about an hour apart by ferry!) felt like discovering hidden pockets of history — each one had its own personality. We even saw a pod of whales during one of the crossings!
Excellent tour of Bosnia & Montenegro, with its variety of scenery and fascinating history. Organisation and itinerary were very good. The tour was fairly full on, but no early starts or really long journeys. We were quite a large group,17 of us, but fortunately the tour bus was quite spacious and we got on really well. Food was good. Hotels were variable. The tour leader, Fatima, was very good, as were the local guides. As we only had a few hours in Dubrovnik it would have been good to have a short guided tour there.
