A flight to Verona lets you tap romance at its source (Shakespeare set Romeo and Juliet here); wander Verona’s beautiful Centro Storico (Old Town) and visit nearby Lake Garda. In summer, pile on the romance by catching an opera under the stars in Verona’s Arena (an intact Roman amphitheatre).
Step back in time in the Centro Storico through which the river Adige winds. Piazza Bra is Verona’s heart. Discover the beautiful Romanesque Basilica of San Zeno, 21 Via Cappello (Juliet’s balcony) and masterpieces by Veronese, Titian and Tintoretto at the Civic Art Museum, housed in Verona’s Castelvecchio (a medieval castle).
Escape the crowds with a drive around the Veneto to see Palladio’s grand villas (an hour by car from Verona) or mix with the locals at Verona’s Saturday morning Mercato Grande. Antique lovers are in for a treat – wander the little shops around the Gothic church of Sant’Anastasia to uncover treasures.
The Veronese are addicted to garlic salamis, their sweet and clear grappa digestifs and delicious wines including Valpolicella and dessert wine Recioto. Do try Verona’s speciality – peperate – which is beef boiled in a pepper sauce, served with cheese.
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