A weekend of love, wine and opera. All good things come in threes and what can be more appropriate in Italy’s most romantic city?
A beautiful old cultural city on the Adige River is the perfect setting for the history of Romeo and Juliet. But charming Verona, in northern Italy, is so much more than “just” the story of the troubled love couple…
Verona is the wine country of par excellence, with three different wine routes around the city – and of course, you’ll drink a fruity Valpolicella wine in Verona. The proximity to the wine regions of Valpolicella makes it easy for an afternoon excursion. There are many companies that arrange half-day tours from Verona and that will take you to a couple of different wineries – for tasting and guided tours. If you want to get there on your own, it is easy to take a taxi to Valpolicella’s nearest wineries. Drive yourself or arrange transportation. You choose, depending on how much time you have – and how much wine you can drink.
The Vinitaly wine fair in the spring, the second weekend in April, is one of Europe’s largest events, and during 48 intensive hours, the city is swarmed by wine people from all over the world.
Another must and the city’s main “attraction” is Piazza Erbe. Verona has many charming piazzas, but this diamond-shaped piazza is the oldest in the city and something extraordinary. For over two thousand years, the city’s everyday life has revolved around the square, which is located in one of Verona’s entertainment districts in the old part of the city. Here, you are surrounded by history – Palazzo della Ragione, built on Roman ruins; the Torre dei Lamberti bell tower, built in the 11th century; the Greek statues that surround the 15th century Palazzo Maffei palace; the medieval merchant house Casa dei Mercanti, which today is a bank; and the Fontana dei Madonna Verona, the fountain with its madonna (the statue is from the Roman era but the name Madonna was added later). When you get tired of history you can enjoy the food and the market or study the street life in the city from one of the cafés or bars that surround the square.
Highlight! Enjoy an opera at the Great Roman Arena, Arena di Verona. The ancient Roman amphitheater is one of Verona’s most famous symbols. If you want extra magic, choose an evening show. According to ancient tradition, candles are distributed in the audience and lit while the opera starts and the darkness falls with perfect timing. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.viennaticketoffice.comor at the ticket office next to the arena. The venue is located on Verona’s largest square, Piazza Brà, in the cozy historic center. The square is also one of the most important tourist areas in the city and there are several historic buildings and a large selection of restaurants nearby as well.
Don’t miss! Day trip to Lake Garda. If you have more than a day in Verona, a day trip to Italy’s largest lake and the beautiful surroundings is a must. Buses run from Porta Nuova to various villages near the water.
Tip! Finish off the evening at one of Verona’s oldest and most classic bars – Il Caffé Filippini – it has served guests since 1901. A refreshing break, ending a weekend in one of Italy’s most loved cities.
Getting around
Verona is small and it is easy to walk around the town by foot. The Verona Card costs 20 euros for 24h or 25 euros for 48h. Then, almost all attractions and free bus trips are included.
Your Verona Card is activated the first time you use the card. You can buy the card at most tourist attractions, the tourist office or various tobacco shops. More info here: http://www.veronatouristoffice.it/verona-card/
From Verona Airport you can take a direct bus to Porta Nuova railway station. One-way travel costs 6 euro and the buses run every 20 minutes. The journey from the airport takes about 15 minutes and from Porta Nuova you then take the bus or taxi to their accommodation. There are also taxis that are cheaper and smoother if you are several that share. Then you also arrive straight to the door.
Tourist tax
In Verona, as well as in all Italian cities, tourists must pay municipal tourist tax on overnight stays at hotels or similar. The tax is usually paid in cash and counted per night and per person. Usually the tax is paid when checking out. The price varies depending on the municipality and the standard of the accommodation but about 2-3 € per night and person is to be expected.
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When you travel to romantic Verona with Norwegian Holidays you are covered by the Swedish Travel Guarantee Act. You also have the safety to always have someone to contact if you have any questions or want additional information regarding your trip to Verona. We are there for you before departure, during the trip and, of course, when you have returned home.
