Christmas market in Bolzano, South Tyrol, Italy

The Christmas market in Bolzano, in the South Tyrol, is the largest in Italy. Due to its very special charm, this market attracts a crowd of visitors in Walther Square, beautifully decorated for this season. Bolzano, compared to other European cities is one of the best destinations during the romantic Christmas’ season.
For about a month, the Christmas spirit invades the streets and alleys of the capital city of the South Tyrol, surrounded by the glow of lights and romantic, flickering candles, a moment to wrap it in a magical light.
When Mother Nature is doing its job and covers the city of Bolzano with a soft white snow, then the magic of the winter at the foot of the Cathedral of Bolzano is perfect. You can visit it on a group trip, in couple or with your family and your children, the Christmas market in Bolzano offers magical moments for you and your loved ones.
This year there are 80 exhibitors, 8 partners, 3 food stands and a small market for children.
At the foot of the large Christmas tree we find a nativity scene in true rustic alpine version there: the Holy family with oxen and asses inside a barn in miniatures, reproduced with antique wooden and shingle roof, just as farms or mountain huts. Different stalls, in the form of a small house, exposing objects of their own production always strictly local, according to strict regulations: figurines, wooden decorations, accessories (slippers and hats), traditional clothes of the stationery to the small musical instruments, candles and Christmas statues which are decorated with handmade ornaments. The craft is 30% of the exposure.

Tips

To follow the health measures, the 'green pass' is mandatory even as the distance of one meter and you must wear the mask. A maximum of 1000 people at a time is allowed.

This year the Christmas market is from November 26th, 2021 to January 6th, 2022, from 10 :00 to 19 :00 except on December 24th cause it closes at 14.00 and on 25th which is closed. December 31st is open, but the hours are from 10:00 to 18:00, and for January 1st from 12:00 to 19:00.

The ideal is to arrive in the morning and spend the whole day in the city. In the market, you can participate in the tasting of various products directly from the producers on the spot. There are always fresh and tasty products ranging from hot wine to the apple pancake or delicious hot strudel and apple juice.

For lunch, you will find many restaurants, cafes and bars. And of course, you can not miss eating a pastry tasty and fragrant, packed by the expert hands of which keeps the secrets of the recipes.

There are tours organized from several cities to spend just the day at the market.
The market, with all its magic, is unforgettable!

Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Great Stirrup Cay is a 250-acre private island in the Bahamas that belongs to the Norwegian Cruise Line cruises and is completely reserved for their passengers who will join the shore on a small boat. You can disembark at the time of the day suitable for you and return to the ship whenever you want, the boat service is constant. The island has beautiful white sand beaches with an infrastructure dedicated to cruise passengers who make a stopover in this little paradise. You have plenty of sunbeds distributed everywhere so no need to worry about finding one and if you prefer, there is a paying section where you can rent a kind of tent with 2 sunbeds to protect you a little from the sun and to have more privacy. You will find some restaurants (with hot or cold dishes) and bars; tacos, burgers, pizza, fresh fruit and more. Several activities are as possible as excursions. There are kiosks that sell crafts and souvenirs and prices are in US dollars. Another section with a lagoon will be inaugurated very soon. You will have the opportunity to rent a villa or studio for the day.

Tips

Bring your beach towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and your boat access card even a little money if you want to buy souvenirs.

Regarding the drink package, you keep your package on land valid in all bars.

If possible, book your excursions before boarding to make sure you have your place.

Stresa, Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Piedmont, Italy

Stresa is a town in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola in Piedmont, the Po Plain, Italy. The town, situated 200 meters above sea level, is an important touristic village on the west shore of Lake Maggiore, owes its fame to the nearby Borromean Islands (in front) and is quite famous for its luxury hotels. The Grand Hotel in Borromees Islands is the oldest of them (1861); famous for having hosted Ernest Hemingway. This is an original medieval city that attracts tourism especially from early spring to late fall. Its proximity to Switzerland, also makes it for easy access. Its hills are decorated with beautiful and wealthy mansions further that the luxury hotels that line the lake shore. It also has the starting point for shuttle boats leading to the islands and major cities around the lake. Mount Mottarone is known as a ski resort as busy as the city, in addition, from there you have a magnificent view of the lake and the Alps. The city has two important events; the evening procession and celebreation of the Virgin for Easter and the Musical Week of Stressa and Lake Maggiore which takes place mainly in the city but that counts with some rooms in nearby locations. It is a classical music festival.

Tips

You can arrive there by train, the city is communicated with the line connecting Milan to Lausanne. There is a beautiful walk at the lake with cafes, restaurants and bars. To taste some typical thing, try the Margheritine, flower shaped cookies that were created in 1857 in occasion of the First Communion of Princess Margaret of Savoy who lived in Stresa. Another typical cookie is Reborino, created in honor of the poet Clemente Rebora, with ingredients that had quoted him in his poem. To accompany these delights, nothing like the Stresa Tea, made with herbs and flowers of the region.