What to Do in Italy in December

December is one of the most evocative periods to visit the Bel Paese (Beautiful Country), a month when the cities of art are dressed in lights and the atmosphere becomes magical. If you are wondering what to do in Italy in December, the answer lies in the perfect combination of culture, indoor warmth, and the pleasures of the table.

While temperatures drop, the doors of the most prestigious museums, historic theaters, and excellent wineries open to offer unforgettable experiences sheltered from the cold. Hidden Experiences guides you to discover refined itineraries that celebrate the authentic soul of Northern and Central Italy, transforming your winter trip into a journey of beauty and taste. Choose the discreet elegance and historical richness that only the Italian winter can offer.

Teatro alla Scala

The pulsating heart of Milanese culture shines particularly bright in December, with the inauguration of the opera season making this month the most vibrant. Participating in a guided tour of the Teatro alla Scala allows you to immerse yourself in the temple of world opera, a place where art and history merge into majestic architecture.

• History and Prestige: Discover the secrets of a theater that has hosted the greatest artists in history.

• The Theatrical Museum: The visit is not limited to the stage. You can explore the prestigious adjacent Theatrical Museum, where you will closely admire stage costumes, musical instruments, and memorabilia related to iconic figures like Verdi and Puccini.
  
• Exclusive Atmosphere: Admire the splendor of the boxes and the foyer, symbols of Milanese elegance and witnesses to centuries of entertainment history.
  

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the temple of opera: Book your guided tour of the Teatro alla Scala and experience a moment of pure Milanese magic.

Pinacoteca Ambrosiana

The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana offers a unique intellectual refuge, away from the frenzy of Christmas shopping. This historic institution is not just an art gallery, but a true treasure trove of knowledge.

• The Ambrosiana Library: The Pinacoteca houses the Biblioteca Ambrosiana, where you can closely admire the world’s largest collection of drawings and insights by Leonardo da Vinci, the famous Codice Atlantico (Atlantic Codex), in the evocative Sala Federiciana.
  
• Renaissance Masterpieces: You will encounter masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance, including Raphael’s iconic Cartoon for the School of Athens and Caravaggio’s celebrated Canestra di frutta (Basket of Fruit).
  
• Semi-Private Tour: Enjoy a direct dialogue with the works thanks to small group sizes and expert guides.
  

Immerse yourselves in the genius of Leonardo and the masterpieces of the Renaissance. Discover our semi-private tour of the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana.

MAUTO (National Automobile Museum)

In Turin, MAUTO represents an essential stop for those who wish to understand the technological and social evolution of the 20th century through design. In an indoor month like December, this avant-garde museum offers a fascinating narrative that goes beyond the simple means of transport.

• Evolution and Design: The museum’s chronological path hosts over 200 original automobiles, from the pioneers of the early century to modern style and speed icons of Formula One.
  
• Torinese Identity: You will realize how the automobile is not just an object, but an element that has profoundly shaped the urban planning and social fabric of Turin and the entire country.
• Interactive Experience: Multimedia and scenic installations make the visit engaging for all ages!
  

Explore the history of Italian design and technology. Book your guided tour of MAUTO in Turin.

Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum in Turin is internationally recognized as the oldest in the world dedicated entirely to Nilotic culture, second only to the one in Cairo. December is the ideal destination for a winter day dedicated to ancient history and for traveling back in time sheltered from the cold.

• Millennial Treasures: Its priceless collection includes colossal statues, finely decorated sarcophagi, and papyri that tell the life of the pharaohs.
  
• Guided Experience: To optimize your visit and understand the deeper meanings of the exhibits, we recommend one of our guided experiences with authorized guides.
  
• Cultural Comfort: The avant-garde structure is located in the historical center, perfect for a high-quality cultural break.
  

Discover the secrets of Ancient Egypt in Turin. Book your guided experience at the Egyptian Museum.

Egyptian Museum and Turin Walking Tour: A Complete 3-Hour Experience

Don’t limit yourselves to exploring Ancient Egypt: also discover the secret and royal soul of Turin. Our combined experience is the perfect itinerary for those who want to maximize their time in the city, combining two of the most iconic attractions in a coherent guided tour.

This unmissable 3-hour experience offers you the best of the Piedmontese capital:

• Cultural Immersion: Get to know the priceless treasures of the Egyptian Museum in Turin with a guided tour of its most famous artifacts.
  
• Urban Discovery: Your guide will immediately lead you into the Savoy heart, revealing the secrets and majestic architecture of Turin’s historical center.
  
• Efficiency and Depth: A single solution for a complete understanding of history, from the Pharaonic dynasties to the splendor of the House of Savoy.
  

Book our guided tour of the Egyptian Museum and Turin Walking Tour now!

Wine and Cheese in Monforte d’Alba

The Langhe in December offers poetic landscapes, often shrouded in a mist that gives an almost magical atmosphere, and enveloping flavors. In Monforte d’Alba, in the heart of Piedmont, the pairing of great wines and Piedmontese cheeses is an unmissable sensory experience that will warm you up.

• Excellence Tasting: You will have the opportunity to taste the celebrated wines of the area, such as Barolo or Barbera, guided by expert sommeliers who will reveal every aromatic note.
  
• Local Cheese: Discover the dairy richness of Piedmont with high-quality artisanal selections.
• Langa Atmosphere: You can enjoy the warmth of a historical cellar while outside the fog envelops the UNESCO Heritage hills, a fascinating contrast typical of winter in the Langhe.
  

Treat yourselves to an excellent gourmet experience. Book your Wine and Piedmontese Cheese Tasting in Monforte d’Alba.

Lunch with Tasting in San Gimignano

Tuscany maintains its charm even in winter. A tasting in the countryside of San Gimignano allows you to savor the best of the region in a relaxed setting, far from the crowds.

• Complete Experience: In addition to including a guided tour of the farm, a traditional Tuscan lunch in the cellar will follow, making you feel at home.
  
• Vernaccia and EVO Oil: During lunch, you will be able to taste the famous Vernaccia di San Gimignano, the first Italian white wine to receive the DOCG status, and locally produced extra virgin olive oil.
• View of the Towers: You will also have the chance to admire the medieval skyline of the tower-filled city from a privileged perspective, immersed among the vineyards.
  

Savor authentic Tuscany at the table. Reserve your spot for the guided tour and lunch with tasting in San Gimignano.

Tasting in Valdobbiadene

For those looking for an unforgettable toast, the Prosecco DOCG hills are the ideal destination for a day dedicated to taste and scenic beauty.

UNESCO Hills: In Valdobbiadene, you can visit a winery immersed in the heroic vineyards, a breathtaking landscape recognized as a World Heritage Site.

• The Prosecco Method: During the visit, the celebrated Prosecco Method will be revealed to you, discovering the sparkling process and the different variations of the world’s most loved wine.
• Venetian Hospitality: The experience is enriched by warm Venetian hospitality, which will make you feel part of the local wine tradition, turning your stop into a true moment of winter celebration.
  

Toast to your Italian winter. Discover the details and book your guided winery tour with tasting in Valdobbiadene.

Hidden Gems: Bergamo and Livorno

For those seeking an authentic travel experience away from the most beaten paths, Italy in winter reveals two “hidden gems” rich in character: Bergamo and Livorno.

Bergamo

• You can choose between the famous Città Alta (Upper City) to discover the vibrant and modern Città Bassa (Lower City), strolling along the elegant Sentierone and admiring the breathtaking view of the hills from the neoclassical architectures of the Bastioni di Porta Nuova.

Discover our walking tours of Bergamo and let yourselves be enchanted by the cities within the city!

Livorno 

If you are exploring Tuscany instead, Livorno will surprise you with its maritime and authentic charm:

• Explore the Venezia Nuova district by navigating the Medicean canals, or immerse yourselves in the culinary tradition at the Mercato delle Vettovaglie, where you can taste local street food like the 5 e 5 or the famous fish soup Cacciucco. These niche places offer a fresh and cultural perspective on the Bel Paese.
  

Don’t settle for the usual itinerary, discover the most authentic and hidden side of Livorno with our walking tour.

Conclusion

Choosing what to do in Italy in December means granting yourselves the luxury of time and discovery. From the quiet halls of the museums in Milan and Turin to the robust flavors of the Piedmontese and Tuscan hills, the Italian winter offers a rare elegance. Take advantage of the tranquility of the low season to access this heritage in a privileged way. Trusting Hidden Experiences guarantees exclusive access to itineraries designed for those who wish to experience culture and food and wine with depth and style.

Discover Italy in winter with Hidden Experiences: from the museums of Turin to the flavors of Tuscany, book your exclusive tour of culture and taste now!