La Piazza Dario's top 5 things to do when visiting Rome, Italy.

You know the saying, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do!" If you have a trip planned to Rome, while you will most likely tour the most famous spots of Rome, such as the Colosseum and Pantheon, there are several other experiences we think are well worth having while in this grand city. Granted, some of our top five things to do when visiting Rome are just as famous, if not more so, than the aforementioned sites. However, others things that we suggest doing while in Rome are more about the experience than the place.

It can be easy to sign up for a sightseeing tour in a foreign country and forget about allowing yourself to fully experience what it's like to live in that country. However, experiencing Italy like a Italian is half the fun! With that said, below is a list of our top five things to do in Rome, from sightseeing, to meal suggestions. Enjoy!

Top 5 Things to Do "When in Rome"

1. Eat like an Italian: Indulge in the magnifico tastes of Italy, such as gelati and pasta fresca, all while dining out late (nobody eats dinner in Italy before 8:00 pm!), and enjoy the ambiance of la piazza!
2. Make a wish at the Fontana di Trevi: When in Rome, making a wish at the Fontana di Trevi, in English the Trevi Fountain, is a must. Legend has it that those who toss a coin into the fountain while making a wish, will one day return to Rome - and who doesn't want to return to Rome!
3. Enjoy the local spirits: Although drinking Italian wine, such as chianti, barolo or pinot grigio, may be a no brainer while visiting Italy, don't let the local Italian liquers pass you by either. Even if indulging in an afterdinner nightcap isn't something that you usually partake in, allow yourself to get lost in the flavours of Italy with Italian digestivo favourites, such as limoncello, amaro, or grappa.
4. Take a day trip to Pompeii: Discover a place frozen in time by the natural events that occurred because of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Although this trip will have you venturing outside of Rome, the historical impact it has to those who visit, make it worth leaving the city for a day.
5. Visit the Vatican: Even if you're not a religious person, a visit to the Vatican City is well worth it. Beautiful solid gold lettering can be found within the city, along with gorgeous architecture, history galore, the Swiss Guard and - need we say more? To top it all off, perhaps you'll see the Pope! Plus you'll be able to say that you've been to the world's smallest state.

Have you been to Italy? Share your favourite things to do when in Rome in the comments below!

If you're unable to get away to Rome, or Italy in general, in the near future, allow us to help satisfy some of the cravings! Join us for lunch or dinner and enjoy an authentic Italian meal by our head chef, Chef Claudio Ranallo, who was born and raised in Abruzzo, Italy.

(Image via Pixabay)

Celebrate the warmer weather with chilled Italian lemon liqueur!

The weather is warming up here in Vancouver and, as the skies become sunnier, our craving for refreshing, citrus-infused digestifs is growing! One of my personal favourite digestifs, especially during the warm evenings of spring and summer, is the Italian lemon liqueur known as limoncello.

Made from lemon zest that is steeped in grain alcohol, and then added to simple syrup, limoncello is served chilled in small glasses, made of ceramic or glass. It is mainly produced in regions found in Southern Italy but it is enjoyed throughout the entire country.

I first enjoyed limoncello one hot summer evening while visiting Rome. After our meal, my dinner party and I were offered complimentary glasses of this particular liqueur and, upon my first sip, I knew it would become a staple throughout the remainder of my trip. All at once, refreshing, sweet and tangy, limoncello is the perfect digestivo to sip on after having enjoyed a delicious Italian meal.

Come join us at La Piazza Dario and end your meal with this light, citrus liqueur!

(Image via Pixabay)

Would you stay in a 75 square foot living space if it was just a stone's throw away from some of Rome's most famous locations?

Last week Business Insider published a story on an architecturally stunning 75 square foot house, a living space that they are referring to as the "smallest house in Italy." Built by architect and designer, Marco Pierazzi, and located within walking distance to famous landmarks in Rome such as the Pantheon and Saint Peter's Square, the space had previously been a rundown alleyway house with only one room. Presumably seeing the value in its location, Pierazzi fixed up the one-room space, which now functions as a kitchen, bathroom, dining room, bedroom and living room, all of which are fully operational. Pictured above is the view from the top of the apartment.

With the birth of their child, Pierazzi and his wife moved out, however, they still own the space and rent it out to friends and visitors of Italy. Learn more about Italy's smallest house and take the tour!

Would you ever consider staying in Italy's Smallest House when visiting Italy? Share with us in the comments below.

(Image via Pixabay)

Five things you must do when visiting Italy in the Summer.

Got Italy and all things Italian on the brain? We definitely do! Italy is a beautiful place to visit year-round but if you've been dreaming of taking a trip to Italy or are in the midst of planning one this summer, here are five things you absolutely must do while you're there.

1. Go for a gondola ride in the canals of Venice. Although the city of Venice is a wondrous sight year-round, the gondola ride doesn't seem quite as magical if it's pouring rain or you're freezing!
   
   
   


2. Visit the island of Capri and boat into the Grotta Azzurra, or Blue Grotto, a cavern that casts a bright blue hue on its surrounding walls due to the reflection of the beautiful water below, lit up from the sunlight that peaks through small crevices in the cavern.
   
   
   


3. Do a wine tour in Tuscany. Nothing lights up the beauty of a wine route like the summer sun. The Chianti wine route is supposed to be breathtaking.
   
   
   


4. Visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii. Again, a tour around Pompeii is definitely more enjoyable when the weather is cooperative!
   
   
   


5. Cool off with authentic Italian gelati. Nothing taste quite as good in the summer heat as a double (or triple!) scoop of gelato. You know the saying..."When in Rome!"
   
   
   

If you're unable to get to Italy this summer, or anytime soon, come pay us a visit and we'll do our best to fill the void with some delicious, authentic Italian cuisine!

(Images via Pixabay, Pixabay, Pixabay, Pixabay & Pixabay)

Whether you are planning a trip or just curious, here are some fun travel facts about Italy!

Every city has its quirks and customs and Italy's popular tourist destinations are no exception! Whether you are in Rome, Milan, Florence or Venice, you'll discover that each city has unique customs and ways of life that can be useful to know before you arrive! Let's explore...

Florence:

• Address numbers are defined by colours: red and 'r' are used for shops and black is residential. That's why you may not find 28r and 30 next to each other!
• What's an automatic sign of being a tourist? Ordering a cappuccino after midday apparently!
• If you are tempted to buy a knock off designer purse from street hawkers, don't! That purse can end up costing you a 1000 euro fine!

Rome:

• When dining out, service is always included, but it might be good to ad %10 anyways.
• On the flip side, check your change. Romans hardly tip their drivers.
• Never mind the metro system. Try walking or taking taxis instead.

Milan:

• It's the Italian city of fashion! Although there's no dress code in restaurants, your outfit matters.
• If you are looking to grab a cab in Milan, hailing one just anywhere won't do. Catch them at a stand or give them a call, but remember that you are charged from the time your call is made.
• Aperitivi (or a the Italian happy hour around 6-10pm) is an essential Milanese custom.

Venice:

• Gondolas are for sightseeing and they aren't cheap, costing you around 80 euros. Taxis are not cheap either and can cost you the same as a gondola!
• There are public toilets but they'll cost you around €1,50. Still they can be convenient while exploring the city of canals.
• If you are there in November or December, it's Acqua Alta ('high water') season. Bring those gumboots!

(Information via Luxe City Guides; Image via Pexels)

It's Friday and what perfect time to watch a beautiful program about Italian life than today?!

What does it really mean to be a gondolier in Venice? How do Sicilians define themselves and separate from the island's mafia labels? How does a young Roman teenager find joy in high speeds races amidst the grand history of her home? Did you know that world's most dangerous horse race occurs in Sienna?

There is so much to learn about Italy and its people. If you find yourself even remotely intrigued and in the mood for some Italian culture, we've got a perfect plan for a relaxing night off:

1. Come visit La Piazza Dario for an authentic Italian meal. Chef Claudio guarantees your enjoyment of his delectable dishes (you'll probably end up wishing you ordered more to take home!).
2. Get into your comfy clothes (pajamas maybe?) and put on the Discovery Atlas, Italy Revealed (click to watch) and immerse yourself into the stories of Italian people from all over the country!

Now how's that for a plan?!

(Image via Pexels)

You know it's in Italy but discover exactly where the home of Chef Claudio Ranallo is!

By now, if you hadn't before, you've probably learned quite a bit about the beautiful region of Italy known as Abruzzo from the La Piazza Dario blog. From the region of L'Aquila, to the beautiful scenery that can be found within the entire Abruzzo territory, right down to Abruzzo's most well known dish, Maccheroni alla chitarra, or "guitar" pasta, we've covered some of the most fantastico aspects of this Italian region. However, you may still be wondering, "Where the heck is it?"

Hugging the coastline of the Adriatic Sea and beside the region of Italy that is home to Rome, Abruzzo can be found almost smack dab in the middle of Italy.

Have you ever been to Abruzzo? We'd love to hear about your trip in the comments below!

(Images via Pixabay)