While each country has their own unique traditions [...]]]> ‘Tis the season of celebration all around the world, and for many European countries, December 13th starts off the holiday season with the feast day of Santa Lucia! This holiday, though most commonly associated with the Scandinavian countries, originated with the birth of one Lucia in Syracuse, Sicily!

While each country has their own unique traditions on this day, the Italians are not to be left out! In fact, when it comes to celebrating in Italy, every day is a holiday!

The Eternal City: Rome

Rome, in her vast empire, was often referred to as the capital of the world. In her zenith, no other city on earth could compare to her. And even today, with her historical, religious and artistic offerings, this thriving economic and cultural metropolis hardly has an equal even among the greatest cities of the world! From the Vatican to the famous Colosseum, there is always something memorable to experience in the Eternal City.

Serene Sorrento

This picturesque hillside village, overlooking the Bay of Naples, has long been known for her kindness to travelers. The beautiful orange and lemon groves characteristic of the city add freshness and provide for her famous limoncello. Combine her proximity to Pompeii and the island of Capri with her stunning view of the sea and the sent of citrus in the air, and you have the perfect spot for a holiday destination.

La Bella Sicilia (Sicily)

Sicilian first and Italian second, the citizens of Sicily feel an enormous loyalty to their island home. Situated in a coveted spot just off the toe of Italy’s boot, Sicily was likely the most conquered island in the world. All of this conquering brought numerous foreign influences into the land, and resulted in unique Sicilian culture, art, cuisine and even language. While still a relatively undiscovered bit of Italy, Sicily is truly a national treasure. In fact, from the beauties of Taormina and Mount Etna to the architecture of Palermo and the wonder of Agrigento, it’s sure to be amore at first sight in beautiful Sicilia!

While commercial by nature, the sense of holiday materialism is actually diminished at [...]]]> Christmas markets became widely popular during the late Middle Ages in the German Empire. In fact, there are accounts of a certain priest of Nuremberg who complained that his Christmas Eve service was neglected because all the patrons were shopping at the market!

While commercial by nature, the sense of holiday materialism is actually diminished at the Christmas markets: the wares are not X-boxes or cell phones but homemade crafts, toys and ornaments—gifts to be cherished! What better way to kick off the season, then on a tour through the festive markets of some of Europe’s most beautiful cities?

Even as young children we instinctively sense that it is our traditions—family, cultural, and religious traditions—which lend the Christmas season particular joy! The same sense of tradition gives the Christmas Markets of Europe their charming allurement—the traditional flavors, aromas, crafts, music and energy. In Strasbourg, France, visited on our Alpine Christmas Markets Tour, the tradition goes even deeper: each of the coveted 200 stalls, beautifully set against the background of the delicate Strasbourg Cathedral, is handed down through familial generations—much like a family heirloom.

With many lasting contributions to holiday tradition, (i.e. the Christmas tree), it is little wonder why the famous German Christkindlesmarkts are the best places to find not just holiday cheer, but truly festive Christmas gifts as well. From lambskin shoes and stone candle holders to intricately crafted, wooden Christmas Pyramids, you’ll find the most memorable gifts nestled throughout the German Christmas Markets. Always a special delight for shoppers is Nuremberg’s historic market, where you’re sure to catch a glimpse of the holiday Zweschgenmännle—little Prune Men made from dried fruit and nuts!