European winter

You are gong to get recommendations all over the board on this one. I've been to most of the places you mention, some in the dead of winter. Still its about personal enjoyment and what works for one doesn't for another.

I've been to Rome at Christmas. I wouldn't do it again. Dubrovnik in my mind is as much about the sea as anything else. With temperatures between 45 and 55 and it being about the rainiest time of the year; I just think I would feel cheated after such a long and expensive trip. Milan and northern Italy I would be more acceptable to because winter is a longer season and they have built more of their culture around it. Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary and Germany; heck even Moscow! I would be very comfortable with; again because the winter is a substantial part of the culture. A great winter vacation is to follow the Christmas markets down through Germany, Austria and Hungary.

Salzburg is downright magical in winter! So lovely...fewer tourists too. I've been to Venice in winter as well and, although it was very cold, I thought it was much better than summer with the sweltering heat and crowds. Again, not as many tourists, and you can see just as much as you would if it were warmer. Just bundle up!

Haven't been to Brixen during winter but the skiing and Christmas celebrations and decorations must be wonderful this time of year. I would give anything to see the Dolomites and the villages there during Christmas!

I too went to Venice one February after skiing outside Innsbruck.

They had the wooden sidewalks up, as the high tides were up into St. Marks Square. All the ladies had their mink coats on, and we didn't have to deal with tourists.

And we were pretty uncomfortable. I reserve Spring and Fall for our vacations.

I've spent a Xmas in Innsbruck and loved it as well as Salzburg. Truly delightful time of year to go. Many years later I was in Garmish and Grainau in the summer.(highly recommend staying in Grainau over Garmish) I can see having a fabulous time in the winter. Great people/yummy food! enjoy. Can't speak to Italy travel in winter but assume it would be fine.

Hi Leanne,

We just did a "Christmas Market" trip for the 2nd time in 3 years to some of the places you mentioned. Personally, I think 5 nights for Brixen/Bressanone is 1 too many. Nice enough markets, plus the Diocean Museum is very worthwhile, but maybe for a day. There's also Bolzano plus the excellent "Ice Man" exhibit at the Museum of Archaeology. Ortisei and Chiusa/Klausen also have markets. Not far from Brixen, Sterzing/Vipiteno is very charming, but the market is small and good for a few hours at best. I'd stay in the Innsbruck area (we love Hall in Tirol) for a few nights. Innsbruck during the markets is all that and then some. Hall in Tirol feels more like a local event and is very nice. We LOVED it. Same for Salzburg. During your Salzburg stay, include Berchtesgaden (loved the market and atmosphere here), Hallein, St. Gilgen and a boat cruise on the Wolfgangsee. Be sure to include a stop at St. Wolfgang on the cruise. Absolutely beautiful.

We have some photo's from our recent trip, late Nov. through early Dec. 2013, and our previous trip during late Nov. 2010, at:

http://www.worldisround.com/home/pja1/index.html

Note that some places only have markets on weekends or Thurs. - Sun.
Innsbruck, Hall in Tirol, Salzburg, Brixen, Sterzing/Vipiteno are open all week.
Berchtesgaden, Hallein, St. Gilgen, St. Wolfgang are open Thurs. - Sun.

Paul

My winter trips were more February than December/January and over the years we have hit Rome a couple times, adding in Florence and Venice, Barcelona, and in a month London.

I tend to be of the opinion that Cities make great destinations in the off season, fewer crowds, everything is open, maybe not great for sitting on a Piazza, but overall a good experience.

Tourist centric areas though tend to suffer, some almost shut down entirely, same with areas where warm weather outdoor activities rule. For your itinerary, I would wonder about most of Croatia, better a warm weather destination. Other than that, all the other stops are cities or areas known for cold weather activities.

In general, costs should be cheaper, except when you get to Switzerland and Austria, where it could be high season.

Spent Christmas 2012 in Venice and it was perfect! No crowds, weather great for wandering.