When I first came in Verona, I was just around 15 years old and it seemed to me the kind of city of real lovers – but I was only 15 as I told you. The age when most of the girls around the world is still wondering about the love of our fairytales..

And then, Verona became the perfect place for live acoustic music. Yes, the Arena of Verona is probably the most impressive place to attend a live concert.

But, this time I was here again for a quick tour of the city. And again, as it was for me at the age of 15, dreaming about my fairytale story.

So the tour I’m telling you about is probably a mix of romance, fun and relax. As it was for me.

Night 1 – Verona

Why am I starting with a night, instead of a day? Because that’s how my journey started.
And honestly, Verona can give you so much at night that you’ll really be amazed.

Where to go to? First of all, go for a Spritz. Wherever you go, it could be the best ever. And it’s simply because you will be in the land of the Spritz.

And then, go for dinner to any of the real local small tavern in Verona and taste the typical “maybe not perfect dishes for summer” bollito con la prearà (beef with a sauce of breadcrumbs, cheese, marrow, broth and black pepper).

Or, try the pastissada de caval – meat chopped and macerated in the full-bodied red wine of Valpolicella, flavored with spices and vegetables, and cooked over low heat. Of course, with polenta!
The Taverna di via Stella is the perfect place for all the local specialties!

And then, all you have to do is take a few steps along the river, enjoying the fantastic view.

Day 1 – Verona

The Arena

What is the best way to start a day in Verona? Visiting the Arena, of course!

But, first of all a tip on how to visit museums, churches and attractions in Verona: go and buy the Verona Card.
I bought mine for 24h at the price of 18€, but it allowed me to access any paid place in Verona.
Even for me, who would have benefited from the student discount almost everywhere, it was still cheaper.

This is the grand Roman amphitheatre where famous gladiators once battled and hunts of dangerous exotic animals took place. Built around the middle of the 1st century, some decades before the Colosseum in Rome. So it can definitely be considered as the fundamental of this kind of architectural.

Despite of that, it is still used today. For over a hundred years, Arena di Verona (a Roman amphitheater) transforms into an open-air opera theater every summer. If your travel there from June to August, then you can watch a ballet or opera in the evening.

The House of Giulietta

Anyone who thinks about Verona, obviously thinks about Shakespeare and his masterpiece: Romeo and Juliet. And of course immediately afterwards at Juliet’s house.

Known for the balcony where Juliet stood as Romeo declared his love, thousands visit this place every year. The house dates back to the 13th century and was owned by the family del Capello.

Love is truly in the air in this romantic location, where love letters cover the entrance to the courtyard.

Via Mazzini

As always, shopping is part of every journey I go for.

And if you’d like to go shopping in Verona, this street is for sure one of the must.
That’s the most elegant and busy street of the city that just happens to be ever shopper’s paradise.

Piazza delle Erbe

Looking for a place surrounded by historical buildings, great restaurants, and bars? Then go to Piazza delle Erbe.

I was there on Saturday and the square hosted a typical local market, where to eat, drink and buy any possible souvenirs of the city and not only.

The day was very hot and I literally fell in love with the fresh fruit glasses sold here. And the prices were also soooo good! €3.50 for a perfect afternoon break and you can also choose the variety you prefer!

Torre dei Lamberti

At a high of 275 feet (84 meters), made by 368 steps, the “Torre dei Lamberti” is the tallest tower in Verona which was built by the powerful Lamberti Family in 1172, and you can’t obviously miss it!

The view from the top it’s incredible. You can take the elevator for 1€ or you can simply do a little exercise to reach the top!

The Dome

A beautiful and elaborate example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture to be explored for free with the Verona Card – a audioguide is also included.
Like everything else in Verona it’s perfectly cared for and in every detail.

The complex is made up of the Chapter Library, the Cloister of the Canons, the Baptistery, the Church St Helena, and the Bishop’s Palace.

This Cathedral is awesome, incredibly rich in detail, and the only thing I didn’t really like at all was the new presbytery. Right because it is too new, too modern, compared to the context of the church.

The Church of Sant’Anastasia

Not very mentioned in the 1 or 2-days tours of Verona, but this is the largest church in Verona.

If you look at the façade, you will definitely think it is a poor church even in the interior. But it0s definitely not.

St. Anastasia is a superb gothic building, boasting a majestic apse and a high bell tower.

And there would be much more to see in Verona… but for now my tour of the city stopped here, to head towards the pure relax of the city of Sirmione, on the Lake Garda.

Night 2 – Sirmione

Famous for its thermal baths (and yes, I’ll also write about them later) Sirmione is actually one of the most beautiful villages to be visited on Lake Garda.

After such a hot and intense day in Verona, I enjoyed a bit of relax on the lake, cradled by the wind while sitting in the shade of a tree.

A wonderful view and an aperitif (of course, spritz!) at sunset: wow!

And then what better way to end the day than with a good dinner of lake fish? Try Al Cavallo for a good quality/price ratio for some grilled fish or a very Italian pizza!

Day 3 – Sirmione

And here we are for a perfect day exploring such a nice village as Sirmione and for 4-hours of great relax at the famous Thermal Baths here.

Can you believe that Sirmione dates back to the 5th/6th century BC?

The Scaliger Castle

Surrounded by the lake except for the artificially structured harbour, which was originally designed to protect Verona’s fleet, the castle has three towers and a 47 metre-high main tower.

And, the view from the top was spectacular!

Walk towards the center of the village, literally full of ice cream shops: I think I counted 6 in 200 meters of road!

So enjoy an ice cream walking through these wonderful and ancient streets.

Thermal Baths

The most relaxing part of the weekend? The Thermal Baths, of course!

I spent 4 hours in that I think it’s a kind of paradise, literally. I went completely lost among saunas, whirpools, showers, relaxing loungers..

Go for a 30-minutes experience called “Zerobody Mattress“, for a real floating experience! A perfect way for escaping from reality with your body and mind!

Never fo on trips which anyone you do not love.  –  cit. Ernest Hemingway (& me)