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Snow-dusted mountains, world-renowned cuisine, timeless cities, and magical festive marketsmake a holiday to Italy a fabulous option for UAE travellers looking for a winter break. Whether it’s exploring the dramatic Dolomites, joining truffle hunts in Piedmont, or enjoying the quieter beauty of Rome and Florence without the summer crowds, Italy in winter offers something special for every kind of traveller.

With direct flights from Dubai to Milan, Rome and Venice, and an abundance of Muslim-friendly dining and family-friendly stays, a holiday to Italy is the perfect choice for a winter escape. Not sure where to begin? Here are a few of our favourite spots to help you make the most of your seasonal sojourn.

Make the most of mountain life in the Dolomites

The iconic Dolomite mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Italy, transform into a snowy wonderland in winter. With cosy wooden chalets, mountain skylines and log fires aplenty, the Dolomites add a dusting of magic to any Italian holiday. Ski enthusiasts and snowboarders will find the region boasts world-class slopes, while non-skiers can enjoy cable-car rides to panoramic viewpoints, admire frozen jewels like Lago di Braies, and enjoy peaceful snowshoe hikes.

In December, many of the mountain villages host magical Christmas markets with rows of stalls selling hand-carved ornaments, steaming mugs of hot chocolate, and roasted chestnuts.  While halal restaurants can be limited in the smaller ski towns, larger bases such as Bolzano and Trento offer Turkish and Middle Eastern eateries.

If you are searching for the perfect snowy break with a little extra luxury, we also have an excellent selection of Switzerland holiday packages, ideal for honeymooners and families. 

Truffle about in Piedmont

For the gastronomic traveller, it’s hard to visit Italy in winter without enjoying the seasonal delight that is the truffle. Between September and January, Piedmont, in the northwest of Italy, becomes a paradise for food lovers, thanks to its world-famous white truffles.

Alba, the region’s truffle capital, hosts bustling markets where the earthy aroma of truffles fills the air and chefs prepare seasonal delicacies.The city is also home to the International Alba Truffle Fair which runs from October to December. Join a truffle-hunting excursion with local experts and their dogs, then retreat to a rustic countryside inn to savour hearty winter dishes.

Whilst in Piedmont, explore the misty hills of the Langhe, dotted with medieval castles and vineyards, the area feels especially atmospheric in the colder months.

Experience the festive elegance of midwinter Milan

A shopping and fashion paradise, Milan literally sparkles in the cooler months. The iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is draped in fairy lights, Piazza del Duomo glitters with one of Italy’s tallest Christmas trees, and high-fashion boutiques get competitive rolling out dazzling window displays for the season.

Beyond shopping, winter brings a cultural buzz. Take in a performance at the legendary La Scala opera house, enjoy world-class art at the Pinacoteca di Brera, and adventure out of the city on a day trip to snowy Lake Como or the Alps.

Milan also boasts one of Italy’s best halal dining scenes. Enjoy halal-certified fine dining along with sumptuous Middle Eastern grills in what is arguably the fashion capital of Europe.

Enjoy the delights of Florence & Tuscany without the summer crowds

For those keen to experience the timeless beauty of Florence, winter is the perfect time to visit. With shorter queues for the Uffizi Gallery and Brunelleschi’s Dome, the city is quieter and calmer in the cooler months. Crisp air carries the scent of roasted chestnuts sold from street carts, while the Arno River glistens under golden sunsets.

The surrounding Tuscan countryside offers scenic misty vineyards, medieval towns like Siena and San Gimignano, and seasonal comfort foods such as ribollita. San Gimignano is also home to the Museo Della Tortura, an intriguing museum showcasing more than 100 instruments of torture. Alternatively, the rolling hills of Tuscany offer plenty of family fun with lots of cookery classes, museums and galleries, and activities including horse riding. 

Enjoy the timeless beauty of Rome

Much like Florence, the Colosseum and Roman Forum are far less crowded in winter, allowing leisurely exploration. Piazzas glow with Christmas lights, and festive markets pop up around the city. The Piazza Navona market is especially charming, with colourful stalls, carousel rides and decadent and delicious local sweets. On New Year’s Eve, fireworks over the Colosseum create an unforgettable backdrop for ringing in the year.

January brings the Epiphany celebrations, while February’s Carnevale fills the streets with parades and masked festivities. Rome is home to the Grand Mosque of Rome, one of the largest in Europe, and offers plenty of halal dining options across the city. Many family-friendly hotels also cater to Muslim travellers with flexible meal requests.

Soak up the Sicilian sun

For UAE travellers preferring a milder winter, Sicily offers sunshine, sweeping coastlines and a treasure trove of history. Palermo’s colourful Ballarò Market bustles with life, Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples looks majestic against clear winter skies, and Mount Etna, often capped with snow, adds a dramatic backdrop to the island.

Winter also brings citrus harvests, filling markets with the fragrance of zesty blood oranges. With fewer tourists, Sicily feels authentic and serene, perfect for a slower-paced holiday. Dining out in Sicily is a breeze as the region's cuisine leans heavily on seafood and vegetarian dishes, making it naturally Muslim-friendly. With its Arab-influenced gardens, domed architecture, and Mediterranean warmth, Sicily offers Muslim travellers both comfort and cultural resonance.

If you want a little more sun and a lot more heat, a holiday to The Maldives could be a good option. Check out our recommendations for the best family resorts in The Maldives for inspiration. 

Discover Italy with DW Travel

At DW Travel, we make planning your Italian getaway simple and stress-free. Whether you’re chasing snowflakes or sunshine, Italy’s winter charm is timeless. And with DW Travel handling every detail, all you need to do is pack your bags and step into your very own Italian winter wonderland. 

From flights and transfersto private tours and hand-picked accommodations, we’ll take care of every detail. With our expertise in halal-friendly dining, family-oriented stays and exclusive VIP experiences, you can relax knowing your Italian winter journey will be seamless from start to finish.