To quote the opening prologue from Romeo and Juliet; “in fair Verona, where we lay our scene” and that’s exactly where I’m going to take you on this City Break to Verona – on a beautiful romantic adventure around sweet Verona; the home of the world’s most famous star crossed lovers.
I ventured to sweet Verona with my little sister for her birthday as she wanted to spend it in Italy and after discussing numerous Verona hotel options we decided to book a beautiful room at the il Sogno di Giulietta (via Cappello,23 – Casa di Giulietta); probably the world’s most romantic hotel due to its location – in the courtyard of Juliet’s balcony.
We were provided with the gorgeous Luna Suite which was much bigger than we were expecting and had the world’s biggest bathroom. Unfortunately I did need help to use the shower; I’m easily confused!
This was my first visit to Italy as a gluten free traveller and it did bring me out in a cold sweat thinking about what I was going to eat especially at breakfast time however I shouldn’t have fretted as the hotel were happy to provide a gluten free option for breakfast and the best hot chocolate in Verona. (My gluten free goodies are the top photo)
When we first arrived in Verona, we were caught up in the Carnival that was taking place in the city so our taxi driver could take us only part of the way into the town however he gave us the best directions in the world and ten minutes later we were at the hotel. We were lucky enough to catch the end of the Verona Carnival and get into the spirit that had engulfed the city which included getting covered with confetti – I’m not sure how I managed to get the confetti in my bra and knickers!
On the Saturday we caught a train to Venice from Verona to catch the Carnival festivities that were taking place in Venice over the weekend but the weather was pretty pants to say the least and a number of the big events were cancelled. If you fancy you can read all about our Venice Carnival adventures here.
Unfortunately on Sunday the weather hadn’t improved but we took our trusty broken umbrellas and went off to explore Verona. There are so many things to do in Verona that you need to make a plan of what you really want to see if you have only 24 hours to explore the city; so we had a list – Verona Arena, Juliet’s Balcony, Giullietta’s Tombstone and Piazza delle Erbe.
With a map in hand we went in search of the Verona Arena which is the stunning Roman Amphitheatre where performances are still held today in this well preserved ancient structure. Performances start in mid June so if you are looking at visiting Verona then this website will give you all the details including ticket prices and dates.
Our next stop was Castelvecchio or the “Old Castle” which is now a Museum holding numerous sculptures. For me the outside of the building was stunning and I enjoyed walking around the small garden area.
The bridge behind the Castelvecchio is one of the most photographed images you will see (obviously after the balcony!) and it’s beautiful – remember I have a thing for bridges!
After admiring the bridge we were pounding the pavement again in search of Juliet’s Tombstone. If you are looking at posting a letter to Juliet then you can do so from the Museum, there is an official “Dear Juliet” letterbox.
We decided to just wander back to the Arena and get lost in the side streets admiring all the beautiful buildings which was so easy to do…
…If you are looking for a holiday where you can admire a balcony or two, then Verona is the city for you…
…and you never know who you might bump into!
Piazza delle Erbe was our next stop and this is home to some of the most gorgeous buildings with faded frescoes that you will ever see and they just take your breathe away. The area is very touristy and we did have dinner in the Piazza on our first night and the meal wasn’t memorable.
Our final stop was Juliet’s House at Casa di Giulietta – the area is always going to be teeming with tourists as this is Verona’s top tourist attraction however if you are guest of Sogno di Giulietta then you have access to the site even at night time. The Museum is worth visiting just so you can get a view over the courtyard and your photo on the balcony.
Obviously due to Romeo and Juliet and then the success of movie “Letters to Juliet
The one Verona restaurant recommendation I would provide to you would be Ristorante Greppia which offers typical Veronese Cuisine, is popular with the locals (always a good sign!) and has a few gluten free options on the menu.
Travel Tips for Verona
– On the first Sunday of each month, the entrance fee to the Museums is €1 – a bargain!
– The city is easy to walk around and all the big tourist attractions are close by so ballet flats are perfect to explore the city in (just don’t wear them when it’s raining!)
– A bus runs regularly from Verona Airport to the Train Station for €6 pp each way and a taxi will cost you approximately €25 – 30 from Verona Airport to Piazza delle Erbe
– From London you can fly to Verona with British Airways or Easyjet
Would I go back to Verona – yes! I think fair Verona has stolen my heart and is now my favourite place in Italy however I might need to go back to Florence just to make sure!
What’s your favourite place in Italy? Did you love Verona as much as I did?
xx
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