Holiday ideas

Italy in March: our Top 10 travel destinations

Spring is around the corner! As the days grow longer and warmer, it’s time to plan a trip somewhere new. Don’t you agree?

  • 1. Piacenza
  • 2. Vicenza
  • 3. Padua
  • 4. Modena
  • 5. Turin
  • 6. Asti
  • 7. Milan
  • 8. Caltanissetta
  • 9. Parma
  • 10. Bergamo
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Spring is around the corner! As the days grow longer and warmer, it’s time to plan a trip somewhere new. Don’t you agree?  

To enjoy spring season at its finest, check out our Top 10 travel destinations for March. They’ve been selected by thousands of agritourists just like you!

1. Piacenza

First place on our list for March goes to Piacenza, a province meant to be enjoyed at a slow pace. Historical cities, amazing art, great food, lovely river views, and the pretty Po valley are meant to be savoured. 

Map out your itinerary ahead of time and be sure to include Piacenza’s medieval hamlets like Bobbio, Castell’Arquato, Grazzano Visconti and Vigoleno. Plan stops at the many monuments and abbeys - like the abbey of Chiaravalle - which were beacons for pilgrims traveling the Via Francigena during the Middle Ages.

The province of Piacenza boasts numerous fortresses. There are over 300 castles, some of which are open to the public. Of special note are: Gropparello, Paderna and Rivalta, plus Palazzo Farnese in Piacenza - a symbol of the golden age under the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza. 

Other attractions include the Aquarium and Po’s Ethnographic Museum, the archeological area of Veleia Romana and Villa Verdi at Sant’Agata (Villanova sull’Arda) - home to the great maestro, Giuseppe Verdi. Families will also enjoy the Water Park in Rivergaro, and the fairytale park at Castello di Gropparello. 

Looking for an adrenaline rush? The Trebbia river gorges offer exciting rafting and kayaking excursions, and up in the mountains at Passo Penice and Ceci (Bobbio) you can go snow skiing. Yes, even in March! 

Piacenza tempts the traveler with enticing food itineraries which wind through the hills and valleys between wineries and farms. Be sure to try the area’s most popular red wine, Gutturnio, and typical cold cuts like coppa, salami and pancetta. In March Piacenza hosts Sorgente del Vino Live, a three-day wine tasting festival featuring a bevy of traditional local wines.  

Does Piacenza sound like the perfect destination for a March getaway? Then take a look at the agritourism in the province of Piacenza for the perfect accommodations!

2. Vicenza

Another great destination for amazing art, food and nature is Vicenza. A magnificent combination of vineyards, villas and castles, it’s won the hearts of our agritourists, earning the number two spot on our list for March.

Veneto boasts 39 gorgeous villas built in the 1500s by Andrea Palladio. Their opulent architecture and precious art earned Vicenza a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1994. Italian artist, Giandomenico Tiepolo, also contributed to the beauty of Vicenza, adding his creative touch to important monuments like the Pinacoteca in Palazzo Chiericati, Villa Cordellina Lombardi in Montecchio Maggiore, and many other historic buildings.

If visiting some of Italy’s loveliest castles sounds appealing, here are a few not to be missed: Castello Superiore and Castello Inferiore in Marostica, Castello degli Ezzelini in Bassano del Grappa, and Castello dei Maltraverso in Montebello Vicentino.

Don’t miss Vicenza’s incredible “natural work of art" - Montagna Spaccata. Created by erosion, the deep fissure in the rocks has created a canyon 92 meters long which is a thrill to explore for the whole family. Nearby, relax at Recoaro Terme spa, while on the plateau of Asiago you can go skiing, snowboarding or ice skating as long as the snow lasts.

Don’t miss Vicenza’s tasty itineraries: here the Wine Road and Strada del Gusto pass by some very famous cellars, farms and shops selling local specialties. Typical products include baccalà alla Vicentina, Asiago cheese, prosciutti and soppressa, and the land abounds with asparagus, white radicchio and truffles from Colli Berici. Grappa from Bassano and local wines pair perfectly with the delicious local food. 

If you’re in the mood for some local culture, take part in Carnevaletto, an event held at Camporovere on the first weekend in March featuring a fun ski contest in costume. During the same period, the Sagra di San Rocco takes place in Brendola. Families with children will love the parade and kid-friendly entertainment. 

Have you chosen Vicenza for your trip in March? Then take a look at the agritourism in the province of Vicenza for the perfect accommodations!

3. Padua

Ranking third on our list is Padua, a province that boasts over 3,000 years of history and, consequently, countless monuments of great historical value. The city of Padua is a cultural mecca year-round, offering an annual roster of fabulous local events. From art to music, theatre to cinema, sports to folklore, there are endless opportunities to experience this fantastic part of Italy.

A natural oasis in the heart of the plains, the Colli Euganei are home to a mesmerizing patchwork of forests, vineyards and olive groves dotted with extraordinary villas, castles, abbeys and historic hamlets. The farms in Abano, Montegrotto and Galzignano are ideal for a relaxing wellness retreat, and at the Terme Euganee spa you can soak in the beneficial waters famous throughout Europe. Located in a splendid natural setting, the spa’s verdant nature alternates with Mediterranean brush and has many trails for walking, biking and even horse riding.

Make time to visit Monselice, Este and Montagnana, which are all easily reached from Padua. In Monselice you’ll find a romantic trail on the slopes of Monte della Rocca. The path passes by several delightful churches from the 1600s, an 11th century castle and a traditional city market. The home of famous poet, Petrarch, the Duomo di Santa Tecla and Castello Carrarese are three other great attractions located in Este and Arquà Petrarca. Finally, don’t miss Museo dei Castelli, Rocca degli Alberi and the alluring medieval atmosphere in Montagnana.

Have you chosen Padua for your trip in March? Then take a look at the agritourism in the province of Padua for the perfect accommodations!

4. Modena

Welcome to the heart of Emilia-Romagna, the province of Modena. In this magical area of Italy you’ll find splendid scenery, ancient farms, rustic homes and bucolic views of castles, towers and hilltop hamlets.

The province of Modena is rich in history and famous for food, and cars! The capital city of Modena boasts a very rich architectural and artistic heritage, such as the white marble Romanesque Cathedral, Piazza Grande and the Ghirlandina bell tower, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

March heralds the arrival of spring and in Modena the new season is celebrated with an important event: Modena in Fiore. On March 17th and 18th florists from all over Italy display their flowers and plants at this annual exhibition. If you have a passion for gardening and a green thumb it’s a definite ‘to-do’ on your itinerary.

As we mentioned, Modena is one of Italy’s greatest food capitals. Don’t go home without tasting the tortellini, lasagne, and lard! Here you’ll also find zampone, cotechino and locally produced balsamic vinegar, plus tigelle and so much more. Dishes that all go down perfectly with a glass of local wine like the lively red Lambrusco. How can you resist?

Have you chosen Modena for your trip in March? Then take a look at the agritourism in the province of Modena for the perfect accommodations!

5. Turin

For a different kind of trip, head to the province of Turin where you can still enjoy skiing down the Alpine slopes or opt for a tour of the city’s resplendent Savoy residences.

A natural wonder, Turin is home to several protected parks including the Riserva Naturale del Sacro Monte di Belmonte and the Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso. The roots of the noble Savoy family are in Turin, and their aristocratic residences are part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

The capital city’s many palazzos and monuments blend contemporary and ancient architecture. Among the porticos and elegant cafes you’ll find the Egyptian Museum and Museo Nazionale del Cinema at the Mole Antonelliana, a famous city landmark.

Take a sightseeing trip around the province to admire fortresses like Forte Fenestrelle and Forte Exille, as well as abbeys along the Via Francigena. Sacra di San Michele, one of the most spectacular churches in Piedmont, is an absolute must-see.

Along the way, allot some time for exploring Turin’s lovely historic towns: Ivrea, Susa, Chivasso, and smaller hamlets like Mélezet. And if you’re looking for some wintersport fun, just take your pick from Sestriere, Bardonecchia, Oulx, Sauze d’Oulx, Cesana Torinese and Pragelato.

It goes without saying that Turin’s local food scene is scrumptious. The province abounds with traditional heirloom recipes and excellent wines, and is home to the famous chocolate, gianduia

We don’t want to reveal everything… visit Turin and experience its exceptional beauty for yourself!

Have you chosen Turin for your trip in March? Then take a look at the agritourism in the province of Turin for the perfect accommodations!

6. Asti

If you plan on visiting Asti in March come by car and head straight for Monferrato! This lovely part of the Asti province in Piedmont presents a breathtaking landscape of rolling hills clad in vineyards and hazelnut trees. 

Among its hamlets we recommend Nizza Monferrato, famous worldwide for its excellent wines, and Montiglio Monferrato and Cortazzone - lovely towns where you can admire two interesting Romantic churches. Albugnano, known as the rooftop of Monferrato, offers a spectacular panoramic view. 

Visit the city center in Asti for a walk and some shopping, and then take the SP58 to reach San Damiano d’Asti in the Valle del Borbone. Here you can admire the City Hall and Church of San Giuseppe, a lovely example of Baroque architecture. Nearby, you’ll find the Cisterna d’Asti and Museo Arti e Mestieri di Un Tempo, a museum with 21 rooms displaying about 6,000 ancient work tools.

Drive towards Monferrato through the vineyard landscape, stopping in Costigliole d’Asti and then Calosso to visit its medieval castle.

Have you chosen Asti for your trip in March? Then take a look at the agritourism in the province of Asti for the perfect accommodations!

7. Milan

How about a few days in Milan for some shopping and sightseeing? Milan is seventh on our list for the month and well worth the trip. 

Spend your day exploring the fashion capital’s world-renowned shopping streets and Galleria, and admiring city landmarks like the Duomo and Castello Sforzesco

After exploring the city and a enjoying a traditional lunch of saffron risotto and cutlets, head out to the greater province. We suggest a visit to Abbazia di Chiaravalle and Viboldone, two abbeys set in a spectacular natural setting. The Chiaravalle monastery dates back to the 12th century and bears traces of every century since then. Inside you’ll find a unique selection of local products made by monks. Viboldone is one of the oldest medieval complexes in Lombardy. Some of the frescoes in its rooms were painted by Giotto’s apprentices.

We also suggest taking some time to explore one of the province’s six regional parks: Parco Adda Nord, Parco Agricolo sud Milano, Parco delle Groane, Parco Nord Milano, Parco della Valle del Lambro, or Parco Lombardo della Valle del Ticino. Even Monza, with its grand Duomo and Villa Reale, is a great destination for an afternoon excursion.

Have you chosen Milan for your trip in March? Then take a look at the agritourism in the province of Milan for the perfect accommodations!

8. Caltanissetta

A trip to Sicily in March? Why not? March is one of the best months to visit Sicily as it’s no longer inundated with tourists. To organize a special holiday, choose the province of Caltanissetta as your destination.

Caltanissetta hides amazing treasures. Take Butera, for example, a town which dates back to the Middle Ages and is home to a sensational fortress. From Butera, head down to the sea where you can stroll along the shore if the sun is shining.

In addition to Butera, visit Niscemi and Gela. Niscemi is known for its artichokes, while Gela offers many trails where you can explore archeological treasures.

Interesting lakes and natural landscapes distinguish this province, making it ideal for walks, trekking and bird watching. Both Riserva Naturale Orientata del Monte Capodarso and Valle dell'Imera make excellent spots for an outing.

Have you chosen Caltanissetta for your trip in March? Then take a look at the agritourism in the province of Caltanissetta for the perfect accommodations!

9. Parma

Parma is a foodie capital! Some of Italy’s most delicious products come from here, including Parmigiano Reggiano, prosciutto and coppa. Gourmands may go home with an extra kilo or two, but trust us, you won’t regret it!  

In addition to eating here, there and everywhere, there are four food-centric museums in Parma where you can explore local flavors and learn about the production of parmigiano, prosciutto, salami, and even tomatoes. 

When you’ve had your full, head to Fidenza Village for some shopping. One of Italy’s top outlet malls, it has more than 100 designer shops!

Have you chosen Parma for your trip in March? Then take a look at the  agritourism in the province of Parma for the perfect accommodations!

If you love sports, the province of Bergamo is right up your alley! 

Just outside the city of Bergamo you’ll find Val Seriana which is great for biking. The valley’s abandoned railway track has been turned into a bike path, allowing riders to peddle through various townships like Clusone, Val Verde and Sombreno. The trails vary according to difficulty but the majority are suited to all levels of riders. So, how about it? 

If you love adrenaline, try one of the many adventure parks around the province. There are parks in Monte Purito, Clusone, Gromo, Gandosso and Roncola with levels for the whole family. 

Prefer to relax? Then we suggest the mountain spas in Sant’Omobono, Valle Imagna or Trescore.

Have you chosen Bergamo for your trip in March? Then take a look at the agritourism in the province of Bergamo for the perfect accommodations!

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