L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015 www.italoamericano.org 18 L'Italo-Americano Winter bargains: why January is a great time of the year to visit Italy W hen most think about their dream vacation in Italy they envision t h e m s e l v e s s t r o l l i n g a r o u n d quaint streets basked in perpetu- al sunshine, eating gelato and wearing airy cotton dresses and shirts purchased at a local bou- tique. But while warm weather is great for traveling up and down the boot, an Italian holi- day during the summer can also mean large tourist crowds, high- er airplane fares, higher prices, longer lines at museums and exhibits and, sometimes, scorch- ing hot temperatures. So why not plan a trip to Italy in January or February? After the Epifania – January 6th – Italian kids go b a c k t o s c h o o l a f t e r t h e i r C h r i s t m a s a n d N e w Y e a r ' s break, while workers go back to their offices and businesses and everyday life resumes as usual. From January 7th on prices drop – whether you are looking at hotel rates or fast train tickets to see as many towns as possible – and tourists can be found in much smaller numbers around large cities and famous attrac- tions: two factors that can make a vacation much more afford- able and enjoyable. If you are crazy about shop- ping, you absolutely shouldn't miss Milan's saldi, the all out January sales all stores put out in the capital of fashion. Look f o r b a r g a i n s s u c h a s 7 0 % o r even 80% off in the Quadrilatero della Moda, the four streets – Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga and Via del Gesù – where all the glitzy, upscale names in fashion have their boutiques, from Armani to Valentino and everyone in between. Keep in mind that this sales are extreme- ly popular, so if you want to find the best deals you have to show up early, around 9 a.m. when the stores open their doors. Looking for something more affordable? The same sales can be found in less expensive stores as well, so seek them out in Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the shopping street that leads to Piazza del Duomo. Here you can visit the cathedral and relax at Giacomo Bistro, the restaurant inside the Museo del Novecento, with an amazing v i e w o f t h e s q u a r e a n d t h e Duomo, or keep shopping until you drop down Via Torino and CHIARA ASSI Corso di Porta Ticinese. While most couples celebrate t h e i r l o v e i n F e b r u a r y o n Valentine's Day, Venice can be incredibly romantic any time of the year, but especially so in J a n u a r y w h e n t h e c a n a l s , bridges, calle and campi are sur- rounded by a mist that gives the town an even more mystical a t m o s p h e r e . E n j o y w a l k i n g a r o u n d t h e f a s c i n a t i n g o l d streets of Venice without having to push through large crowds of tourists and day trippers from cruise ships, and indulge in a well deserved glass of red wine in one of the many wine bars s c a t t e r e d a r o u n d t o w n . O f course, the winter is a great time of the year to visit muse- ums and the beautiful palazzos of Venice without having to stand in line: enjoy the master- p i e c e s o f C a n o v a a t M u s e o Correr or discover the amazing work of Mariano and Henriette Fortuny – a couple whose intu- itions and work changed textiles and fashion forever – at stun- n i n g l y b e a u t i f u l P a l a z z o Fortuny. Rome, too, has a lot to offer in the winter and its countless beautiful monuments, churches and squares can be enjoyed with less crowds and virtually no lines. So if you have always wanted to visit the Coliseum, the Fori Imperiali, the Pantheon and even the Musei Vaticani without having to wait for hours or without having to share your awe with too many tourists, now it's your time to go see them. Even always crowded Piazza di Spagna can be much less frequented in January, giv- ing you the opportunity to take a picture on the famous steps without a bunch of strangers in it too. And of course, because of Rome's location, you can enjoy some very mild temperatures, especially during the central hours of the day, and even have lunch al fresco, although you might want to seat close to a heater. Thanks to the Roman weather, the famous city mar- kets can be amply enjoyed dur- ing the cooler season: a stroll to the Porta Portese market can be even more enjoyable and less demanding than during a hot and windless summer day, so you can enjoy the bargain hunt- ing without breaking a sweat. Rome's countless monuments, churches and squares can be enjoyed with less crowds and virtually no lines in winter ALL AROUND ITALY TRAVEL TIPS DESTINATIONS ACTIVITIES If you are crazy about shopping don't miss Milan's "saldi"

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