Christmas & New Year Tours in Italy
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10 best Christmas & New Year Italy tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaItaly travel expert at TourRadar
- New Year's Eve with Sicilian Secrets 25/26 - 8 Days in Sicily
- New Year's Eve with Sicilian Secrets 25/26 - 6 days in Sicily
- Christmas Markets in Naples 2025
- Christmas with the Countess Luppis
- Christmas in Venice (port-to-port cruise)
- Italian Discovery
- 5-day Best of Italy: Rome, Florence & Venice
- Italian Treasures
- New Year's Eve with Sicilian Secrets 25/26 - 5 days in Sicily
- Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome: essential (3* hotels) low carbon tour by train
New Year's celebrations light up Palermo's historic center during this Italian holiday tour. The charming Christmas markets of Castelbuono showcase Fiasconaro's holiday panettoni. Caltagirone's famous nativity scenes steal the show, featuring a spectacular display with 300 animated figures, all while guests enjoy premium 4-star accommodations throughout Sicily.
Duration 8 days Destinations Catania, Syracuse, Noto, Piazza Armerina, Caltagirone, Agrigento, Marsala, Monreale, Palermo, CefaluSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Italian, Spanish Operator Dimensione Sicilia - Dimsi Incoming Operator Srl From
- NZ$2,778
Sicily's festive treasures come alive during Christmas and New Year celebrations. The remarkable 300-figure nativity scene and Christmas markets of Caltagirone captivate visitors. Ring in 2025 among Palermo's illuminated squares, with an optional traditional New Year's Eve dinner, while residing in premium 4-star hotels.
Duration 6 days Destinations Catania, Syracuse, Noto, Piazza Armerina, Caltagirone, Agrigento, Marsala, Monreale, Palermo Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Italian, Spanish Operator Dimensione Sicilia - Dimsi Incoming Operator Srl From
- NZ$2,338
Duration 3 days Destinations Naples, Armeno Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Italian Operator Campania Overland From
- NZ$2,279
MS Michelangelo hosts magical Christmas celebrations in Venice. Midnight mass, festive dinner with local wines, and holiday-decorated Doge's Palace tours fill the days. Seasonal markets in Murano and Burano complete the festive atmosphere.
Duration 5 days Destinations Venice, Chioggia, Burano, Murano Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- NZ$2,059
Italian Discovery
123 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The scenery was breathtaking, and we met some fantastic people along the way.”
April, traveled in October
The holiday season comes alive with festive tours of Rome's Christmas markets and Venice's St. Mark's Square holiday lights. Special holiday meals and New Year's celebrations await, while guests rest at 4-star hotels like St. Martin Rome and Delfino Venice Mestre.
Duration 11 days Destinations Rome, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Venice, Montepulciano, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Eskapas From $5,192
10% Off- NZ$4,673You save $519
5-day Best of Italy: Rome, Florence & Venice
23 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a fantastsic tour! The tour was so knowledgeable and always so helpful.”
San, traveled in July
Duration 5 days Destinations Rome, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Venice, Montepulciano Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Carrani Tours From
10% Off- NZ$1,734
Italian Treasures
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodations were not needed in Venice, but our stays in Roma and Amalfi were lovely.”
Jonathan, traveled in March
Winter magic unfolds from Venice's St. Luca Square's holiday lights to Rome's seasonal markets near the Colosseum. Holiday atmosphere fills Palazzo Fortuny, while seasonal boat tours along Amalfi Coast lead to New Year celebrations in historic settings.
Duration 10 days Destinations Venice, Rome, Sorrento, Amalfi, Naples Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $5,860
10% Off- NZ$5,274You save $586
Palermo's illuminated squares and Castelbuono's festive markets set the scene for an enchanting Italian Christmas. Traditional Sicilian panettone beckons at Fiasconaro bakery before New Year festivities commence in Palermo's historic center. The 4-star Romano House Hotel serves as your base while visiting UNESCO heritage sites.
Duration 5 days Destinations Palermo, Monreale, Cefalu, Castelbuono, Mount Etna, Taormina, Catania Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Italian, Spanish Operator Dimensione Sicilia - Dimsi Incoming Operator Srl From
10% Off- NZ$2,116
Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome: essential (3* hotels) low carbon tour by train
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The plan was perfect for each city that we visited on the list. The hotels were very good and the package offered the right attractions at each city.”
Anuradha, traveled in December
Duration 9 days Destinations Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Meet and Greet Italy From
10% Off- NZ$3,309
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Italy
- Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan: signature (4* hotels) low carbon tour by train
We liked the fact that all the arrangements were made for us without much hassle. Itinerary was good. But my husband did not go for the Sistine Chapel tour which I would like to ask for a refund. And there were two tours that were booked only for 2 persons instead of 3. These were the tours to Pisa and the Milan Duomo but the tour agents were kind enough to add one more. The one tour that went wrong was the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum tour. The tour starts at 4pm. The voucher does state to 'Please arrive 30 min prior to departure'. We were there at 3.45pm and the person, Hussein at the counter told us we were late and the tour had left. Another couple who were African descent that arrived after us was also told the same. He said we could get a refund. We were infuriated! An Italian guide tried to solve the problem by asking us to join the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum tour at 5.15pm giving us directions at where to meet. Then return the next day for the Colosseum tour. We agreed reluctantly because we have a Vatican City, Sistine Chapel tour as well which would be tiring for us. The Palatine Hill and Roman Forum tour guided by Eliana was a big group of 50 over people apparently she had to take two groups because another guide did not show up. There was no audio guides for us so we could not hear her and it was just a pure waste of time. The next day, we returned to the same office on Via del Monte Oppio 10 which I must say is not an easy place to find uphill and downhill. There is no visible sign to indicate the place. My husband who cannot walk fast because of leg problems decided to skip this tour and the Vatican City tour because he did not want to come back again to the same place. This time we were there at 3.25pm for the 4pm tour. An Italian lady told us to wait as the tour would start at 4pm. An American family of three came in at 3.50pm, the lady told them to wait till 4pm. She then told us at 4pm to follow her, locked up the office and took us to the meeting point at the Colosseum. I could not believe why this could not be done the day before???? This American family could join the tour when they joined us at 3.50pm!!! It is completely ludicrous and outrageous!!!! We were there before 4pm and we could not join it! We are so disappointed with the service here! Fortunately we had another day in Rome to rejoin the tour but the inconvenience of returning where we could have spent the time going somewhere else.
- Italian Discovery
My wife and I had a wonderful 10 day tour of Italy covering most sites of south and north of Italy. We had excellent communication with Eskapas travel advisor Alex before the entire length of the trip. The food and atmosphere unexpected. Amalfi Cost, Capri, Sorrento, Florence, Venice We really liked it. We highly recommend it
- 5-day Best of Italy: Rome, Florence & Venice
We had a blast! We had the tour organized by Fantasia by Carrani tour. It was great! Clara was an amazing guide. She explained everything and was a fun guide. She knew a lot about all the sites that we visited. She also gave us tips on where to go during our free time, which was amazing. It was a nice experience for first time travellers to Italy. The meals can be improved, but they were not our main concern. The hotels that were booked were pretty great and in safe areas that were close to the city centres and close to transportation. I highly recommend booking this tour if it is your first time in Europe.
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours in Italy
What special Christmas & New Year activities are included in Italian tours?
December tours in Italy center around key holiday traditions with access to midnight mass at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome traditional Christmas markets in Venice's Campo Santo Stefano and views of New Year's Eve fireworks over the Colosseum. Guests often stay at seasonal hotels like the Hotel Continental in Venice which adds holiday touches to both decor and dining. A TourRadar traveler noted "The traditional welcome dinner in Rome was magical with local seasonal specialties and Christmas decorations everywhere."
What are the accommodation options during Christmas & New Year tours?
The holiday season brings festively decorated 3- and 4-star hotels throughout Italy. Popular choices include the Hotel Due Torri along the Amalfi Coast the Delfino Hotel in Venice-Mestre and the Rome Garden 3* in central Rome. These properties typically include holiday meals and prime viewing spots for festivities. One TourRadar guest shared: "The Hotel Mediterraneo in Florence was beautifully decorated for Christmas and the staff went above and beyond with special holiday touches."
What special holiday meals and foods are included in Christmas & New Year tours?
Holiday tours feature signature Italian celebrations like the "Feast of the Seven Fishes" on Christmas Eve followed by extensive Christmas Day lunches. Hotels such as Rome Garden 3* and Hotel Due Torri serve regional dishes including panettone tortellini in brodo paired with local wines. A recent traveler noted: "The Christmas dinner at our hotel in Venice was incredible - seven courses of local specialties and prosecco at midnight." New Year's celebrations often include gala dinners with traditional good luck foods like lentils and cotechino.
What are the special holiday highlights during a Christmas & New Year tour in Italy?
The holiday season brings distinctive experiences across Italy from Christmas Eve mass at Venice's St. Mark's Basilica to festive markets in historic squares and multi-course celebration dinners. One guest reported: "The Christmas Eve experience in Venice was magical - from the festive atmosphere to the special dinner and midnight mass celebration." Tours often feature New Year's Eve galas in Rome with firework views visits to decorated landmarks like the Colosseum and seasonal concerts in Florence's Duomo.
What are the best destinations in Italy for Christmas & New Year celebrations?
Key holiday destinations include Rome for Vatican celebrations Florence for its Renaissance holiday ambiance Venice for New Year's festivities and Milan for upscale shopping and Christmas markets. Strategic hotel choices like the Grand Hotel Adriatico in Florence or Hotel Campanile in Venice Mestre provide easy access to events. TourRadar travelers note "The Republic hotel in Rome was perfectly located to enjoy both Christmas markets and midnight mass."
What is the weather like during Christmas & New Year in Italy?
Winter conditions vary across Italy's regions. Northern cities including Milan and Venice see temperatures of 30-45°F with occasional snow while Rome and Florence maintain milder conditions between 40-55°F. Southern areas like Sicily stay relatively warm around 50-60°F. As one traveler observed: "We experienced beautiful crisp winter days in Florence and some snow near Lake Como which made everything look even more festive."
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