Skiing

Skiing in Turin

Where could be more of a perfect skiing destination than the city which hosted the 2006 Winter Olympics? A convenient budget airport close by, the Valle di Susa lies west of the city and is close to the border with France. The most fashionable resort is Sestriere, which is modern with 20 ski-lifts and an ice-skating rink. Other resorts include Sauze d’Oulx and Bardonecchia if you’re looking for something a little bit different.

Adventure

Walk the Via Ferrata (‘Iron Ways’) in the Dolomites

The Via Ferrata are iron walkways designed to make walking in the mountains easier. They were used and constructed mainly in the First World War, when the Alps and Dolomites were important strategic areas. In fact, many soldiers were killed by avalanches used as weapons. Dynamite would be placed at strategic positions and timed to cause the most damage and destruction.

The Winter is a fantastic time to visit and day tours are available from local towns such as Cortina d’Ampezzo. The scenery is truly breathtaking!

City

Milan

The perfect city for a winter getaway! We may be a little biased, since Susanna is originally from Milan, but the mixture of history, culture and fashion means that it is an incredibly exciting city and there really is something for everyone.

The Al Duomo in the Piazza Duomo is adjacent to one of the most beautiful shopping arcades in the city, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) is situated to the south side of the Piazza, a truly splendid building and worth a peruse after lunch and shopping!

Countryside

The Amalfi Coast

Home to some of the most fantastic towns, historical sites and landscapes, the Amalfi Coast is the perfect destination if you like fantastic sightseeing and brilliant food. From the charm of Sorrento to the drama of Pompeii, visiting off season will give you an opportunity to explore without the scrum of tourists. It is probably wise to visit in later Winter and to check the availability of accommodation in advance, since many places are shut during January and February.