LONDON, December 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Citalia, the leading Italian Specialist, is wishing its customers and Italy lovers a very Merry Christmas and Happy Epiphany.

Christmas is upon us and people from around the world will be celebrating their traditional Christmases with friends and family. Not all countries will be eating our traditional turkey and pigs in blankets but will be eating anything from stews and fish in Mexico to Kentucky Fried Chicken in Japan. Some countries will be celebrating the festive holiday on another date, not the traditional 25^th December.

The diverse country of Italy celebrates Epiphany on the 6th of January. Very much like the traditional English Christmas; La Befana, Epiphany's equivalent of Father Christmas, arrives on her broomstick during the night of 5th January and fills children's stockings with sweets and toys. Like our very own Santa, La Befana will leave coal for all those naughty children!

La Befana, is a tradition that was believed to have originated in central Italy but has now spread to the whole of the country. La Befana is represented as an old lady, wearing a black shawl and is covered in soot. She is a smiley lady that enters houses through the chimney carrying a bag or hamper filled with her gifts. The Italians will spend their day opening their doors to welcomed visitors, watching children unwrapping their gifts and laying out tables full of cakes and traditional Italian liqueurs.

Citalia, the leading Italian specialist for 85 years, is offering its customers great deals on last minute holidays to Italy during Epiphany. Stay at the four star Palazzo dal Borgo in lovely Florence for three nights from £349 per person. Departing 4 January 2013 from London Gatwick on a Bed and Breakfast basis, this offer includes one free night and a saving of up to £241 per couple.

Florence is an abundance of art and culture holding many attractions. Home to some of Italy's best cathedrals and churches and museums, there is plenty to see and do amongst Florence's beautiful scenery. Enjoy a holiday to Florence where the locals love life, in the centre of renaissance, in one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and spend Epiphany with the Italians. Who wouldn't want to have two Christmases!

For more information on last minute Florence holidays and city breaks to Italy visit http://www.citalia.com or call an Italian travel expert on 0844-415-1956.

SOURCE Hayes and Jarvis Travel Limited T/ATUI Specialist Holidays