If you're going to Venice, visit Murano!

Murano is a colourful gem just a short boat ride away from Venice. It is a frazione of the comune of Venice and is best known for it's skilled glassmakers. Murano is composed of seven islands linked by bridges. If you are looking for an interesting and unique souvenir, a beautiful piece of glass art is the perfect way to go! 

Fun Facts! 

Murano earned its reputation as a centre for expert glassmaking all the way back in 1291 when the the glassmakers were ordered to relocate their foundries in order to remove the risk of fire and destruction of Venice's wooden structures. Glassmakers become some of most prominent citizens through ages. 

Here's a fun video with even more fun facts about the history of Murano glassmaking!

(Image via Pixabay)

Looking for vacation inspiration?

Just the thought of Italy causes our mouths to water and stirs the desire to travel. You probably don't need more inspiration to travel to Europe, especially Italy (can you tell we are biased?!). However, perhaps you might need inspiration on which cities to pick for your next vacation. In Italy alone there are so many fantastic locales to visit. That's why we're sharing this video of one global citizen's journey through Venice and Florence.

Of course, if you need a taste of Italy before you go, we're much closer than a plane ride!

See you soon and enjoy!

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)

Celebrating all that is Italian on The Drive!

Yesterday, Sunday, June 9th marked another year of The Drive's Italian Day on Vancouver's well known street, Commercial Drive. A street festival like you've never seen before, this year's festivities was named Carnevale di Venezia, which literally translates to Venice Carnival.

With balloons, street entertainers, and, of course, Venetian style masks, Commercial Drive, closed down for the day to accomodate all of the Italian festivities, food and entertainment. If you missed the festivities yesterday, watch the video from 2012's celebrations below to get a glimpse into what Italian Day is all about!



Assuming you didn't get your fill of delicious, authentic Italian food yesterday, pop into La Piazza Dario for a home-style Italian dinner you won't soon forget!

Learn more about Italian Day.

Discover Italy, one destination at a time!

There are so many places to see in Italy, from the small lesser known beautiful places like Ateleta to the tourist popular Venice! Today, we're looking at Venice and the incredible inner workings of the floating city of romance and literature! 


Venice Backstage. How does Venice work? from Insula spa on Vimeo.

 Got a taste for Italy now? Come visit us and we can share the authentic flavours of Italy with you!