This article originally appeared in the April 2018 issue of Dream of Italy. Costume and fashion designer Susanna Lazzaro is the owner of Atelier Scatola Magica in Venice, a “magic box” out of which come extraordinary clothing and accessory creations, each piece unique and authentic made in Italy. Lazzaro’s sense of and passion for fashion came at an early age: …
Podcast Episode #3: Steve Born on Finding Serendipity in Italy
Should you take an escorted tour to Italy, plan a trip on your own or something in between? The age-old question when traveling to Italy. Luckily, travel industry insider Steve Born of Globus and Monograms has some answers. Host Kathy McCabe and Steve talk about how you simply must make time for serendipity in Italy and how to do that. …
Book Excerpt: The Gondola Maker by Laura Morelli
We had our book club with author Laura Morelli on August 14, 2019 to discuss her book The Gondola Maker. Click here to watch the video. You can purchase a copy here, but first enjoy an excerpt: I chew my lower lip while I wait to see my father’s gondola catch fire. Beneath the boat, a pile of firewood is stacked so …
What’s New in Italy in 2019 – Venice Art Biennale (November 2018)
This article originally appeared in the November 2018 issue of Dream of Italy. Find the main What’s New in 2019 article here. The 58th International Art Exhibition at the Biennale di Venezia will take place from May 11 to November 24, 2019, at the Central Pavillion (called Giardini) and the Arsenale, as well as other venues around Venice. The title of the 2019 exhibition is …
Q+A on Biking in Italy with Maria Elena Price of ExperiencePlus!
From Venice to Florence with expert guides and great accommodations, this easy-level bicycle tour will take you to magnificent spots including family farms, traditional restaurants and to see local views you can only get traveling by bicycle. This tour has most all of the elements of a great trip to Italy: history, cuisine, gorgeous landscapes…and great cycling. Maria Elena Price …
Unique New Stays in Venice: Casa Burano
This article originally appeared in the August 2018 issue of Dream of Italy. Find the main article here. Those who have visited the quaint fishing island of Burano in the northern lagoon of Venice will easily remember the facades in every color under the rainbow together with hordes of visitors. Burano is usually only a day-trip destination for visitors, but the …
Adventures With Sarah: Rick Steves Italy Expert
This article originally appeared in the October 2017 issue of Dream of Italy. 2019 update — Sarah just served as guest editor of our Special Report: Palermo. Sarah knows Sicily! If you have ever visited Italy, it is likely you’ve used Rick Steves as a resource, reading one of his books, watching one of his TV shows, listening to one of …
From the TV Show: Cima Rosa B&B in Venice
In the Venice episode of the second season of Dream of Italy on PBS, Kathy visited the renovated Cima Rosa B&B, located in a 15th-century palazzo. Venetian Daniele Vallot and his American expat wife Brittany Hymore have restored a 15th-century palazzo as both a family home and a B&B on the Grand Canal. The light-filled dining room of Cima Rosa …
From the TV Show: Beadstringing Lesson in Venice
In the Venice episode of the second season of Dream of Italy on PBS, Kathy enjoyed a uniquely Venetian experience stringing beads! As an impiraressa (bead stringer), Marisa Convento takes the glass beads made by the perlera (bead maker) and turns them into jewelry, embroidery and ornaments. To learn her craft, take the three-hour Beadstringer for a Day class (72€ …
From the TV Show: How to Make a Spritz in Venice
In the Venice episode of the second season of Dream of Italy on PBS, Kathy learns how to make a Spritz, Venice’s world-famous cocktail. The Spritz is one of Venice’s most famous drinks, and perfect for a hot summer day. Here’s how you make one: Start with ice in a tall glass. Add two parts Aperol, the sweetest of the …