Famous Blown Glass

Italy is famous for its blown glass. Because there is so much to choose from, you shouldn't come home empty handed! But be careful, only a few of the shops offer the quality glass! One of the best shops for glass work is Fornance Campagnol-Marega-Salvadore in Murano, Italy! Heres a video showing how they make it:
http://youtu.be/k7R6gGrRE3k

Italiano Facts

• Italy is said to have more masterpieces per square mile than any other country in the world.
• Over 50 million tourists a year visit Italy. Tourism is vital to Italy’s economy and provides nearly 63% of Italy’s national income.
• The name Italy comes from the word italia, meaning “calf land,” perhaps because the bull was a symbol of the Southern Italian tribes
• Italy is among the world’s leaders of the fashion industry. In the 1950s, Italian designers such as Nino Cerruti and Valentino led the world in creating stylish fashions. Additionally, Armani, Versace, Gucci, and Prada have become internationally recognized. Italy is also known for fine sports cars, such as the Ferrari and Lamborghini.
• Italy has three active volcanoes: Vesuvius, Etna, and Stromboli.
• Italy invented the ice cream cone, eyeglasses, cologne, and the typewriter.

from lifeinitaly.com

Best places for Dinner/Dessert

1) Riviera in Venice, Italy ($$$)
Refreshing atmosphere by the water, great service, and a beautiful non-touristy place to have dinner! Ranked #7 of over 3,000 restaurants in Venice!

2) La Proscuitteria in Florence, Italy ($$)

If you just want a simple tray of some of the best fresh meat and cheese of Italy come to Florence's #6 rated restaurant! This is the locals hang out/date night favorite. 

3) Gelateria Paolin in San Marco, Italy ($)

Italy is known for their dessert 'Gelato' which is similar to ice cream but less thick and creamy and natural flavors rather than artificial. You will find Gelaterias all over Europe, but this is one of the recommended Gelaterias in Italy! The two most popular flavors are expresso and coconut! 

Best places to eat for Breakfast/Lunch

Breakfast/Brunch
1) G.B. Bar in Milan, Italy ($)
This cafe is a great local place to have brunch for less that $10. Said to have the best Paninis in Milan!

Lunch
2) Alfredo's Fresh pasta to go in Venice, Italy ($)
A fun place to grab incredible pasta, made fresh daily thats a cheap and easy meal!

3) Busa-alla Tore in Murano Island,Venice, Italy ($$)
This is one of our family's favorite places to eat in Italy. Some of the best fish you'll ever have is in this quiet courtyard cafe off of the main shopping strips in Murano! *Very reasonable prices for the quality.

Things to do in Northern Italy

While in Italy, here is a list of possible things to do:

• In the winter, you can ski in the Valtellina (Valley of Teglio) in the Swiss Alps

• You can travel to Venice and stroll in a gondola in the Venice canals and stay in a traditional Venice house known as a palazzo. Venice is a very popular tourist location.

• Lake Como is a beautiful lake and a perfect place to relax. It is a major tourist spot for relaxtion.
• It is You can visit the wine vineyards of Veneto and taste the most three famous wines, Bardolino, Valpolicella, and Soave with some of Italy's top cheeses.

• In Rome, you can throw your coin in the Trevi Fountain, tour the historical Pantheon and then see the Colosseum. 

Map & Music

http://youtu.be/8v4V-XPobWg

(this isn't really a link to anything, just some loud Italian music)

The Perfect Italiano Meal

The ideal Italian meal consists of extremely traditional Italian foods such as bruschetta, risotto, and gelato.

Bruschetta is grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with olive oil and tomatoes. It is a popular apetizer in Italian meals.

Risotto is a rice meal cooked in a broth that makes it creamy. Risotto is usually served before the main meal as a small first course.

Gelato is the Italian word for ice cream and is a softer ice cream. It is found at gelaterias and is a popular dessert, just like ice cream but is lower in fat. A coppa is known as a cup to order it in and you typically order more than one flavor.

Popular drinks include wine, coffee, and mineral water.

A Picture is worth 1000 words

Venice canals in Italy

Manarola on the Mediterranean

This picture of Manarola on the Mediterranean Sea describes Italy's flair and culture.  The small village of Manarola on the coast of Italy represents the fun and carefree enviroment.

Doganale Italiana (Italian Customs)

In Italy, Italain is the main language spoken while English is spoken as well as French.

Italian Greetings:
Buongiourno! (Hello and good morning!)
Salve! (Hello and good bye!)
Buonasera! (Good afternoon! Good evening)

Polite Phrases:
Grazie (Thank you!)
Molte grazie (Thank you very much!)
Prego! (You're welcome!)
Mi scusi. (Excuse me.)

Rude Italian Gestures:
http://youtu.be/jVfW-IU2jAc
Also, chewing gum and slouching in public are especially rude.

Best Way to Travel

Ferrovie dello Stato

The best way to travel and make your way around Northern Italy is using the train tracks. The Ferrovie dello Stato is the most popular railroad lines. They can jet you across the cities in northern Italy easily.

Italia in Winter

The best time to visit Italy is in the winter because although the weather is very cold, there is a light dusting of snow. During January, Carnevale occurs in Venice in January and February. It is the Italian mardi gras that occurs which occurs 40 days before Easter.

Venice, Italy in January

The weather is extremely cold so packing several warm layers to throw on would be the best idea. Italian winters do not get very much rain but snow can be seen.

Some creepy masks at Carnvale

Welcome to our blog! We hope to help you with your travels to Northern Italy!! We will show all the hot spots and attractions in Northern Italia! Ciao!

- A, D, L

*this is not a real blog. It is a school project*