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)

Cin cin to a new week with the Italian wine Pinot Grigio!

Although pinot is not an Italian word, it is derived from the French word for pine, pinot grigio denotes the Italian version of the the pinot gris grapes of France. It is believed that the wine is termed pinot due to the pine cone shaped arrangement in which these grapes grow and, further to this, the grigio, or gris, presumably refers to the grey colouring of the grapes.

A light, fruity and clean taste, pinot grigio is the perfect wine to try if you're new to white wines. It's not too acidic nor is it overbearingly fruity. Even if you're not new to the world of white wine and would consider yourself a wine connoiseur of sorts, if you have yet to try pinot grigio, there's no time like the present. Up until recently, I didn't stray too far away from sauvignon blanc believing that it was the only type of wine that I liked. However, after recently discovering pinot grigio, I can safely say that it is now definitely one of my favourites!

With plenty of pinot grigios to choose from on our menu from all over Italy, including labels such as Banfi and Santa Margherita, a label that boasts the first Italian pinot grigio in the world, you're bound to find a pinot grigio that you'll love.

Feel free to peruse our full wine menu before dropping by!

(Image via Pexels)