Winter Break: Verona

Wander winding Italian streets, soak up the drama of the soaring Roman arena, and shop to your heart’s content – Verona is perfect for a short winter break.

So wrap up warm, take a partner or a couple of friends, and embrace the romance of this beautiful ancient city.

STAY

Whether you’re after a boutique B&B or 5* decadence, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Verona. We loved the stylish décor and luxurious four-poster beds at Hotel Bologna, or get a picturesque balcony and free bike hire at cute Giulietta e Romeo.

SEE

The incredible ancient arena is hard to miss! Towering over Verona’s main piazza, step and climb 44 tiers of pink and white marble seating for fantastic views over the city. Opera is regularly performed in this outdoor amphitheatre – grab tickets (and a cushion!) for a night of culture like no other.

Get your fill of designer shopping in the streets around the arena, and then take time out from the bustling piazzas for a wander along the 16th Century Venetian walls around Castelvecchio.

No visit to this city would be complete without stopping by the tiny courtyard of Casa di Giulietta – the fictional site of Juliet’s famous balcony scene in Shakespeare’s classic story. The crowds of Instagramming tourists might take away a little of the magic. But for die-hard romantics there’s nothing to stop you adopting a dramatic pose, and throwing out a few lines of “Wherefore art thou Romeo?” (Not that we did this, honest…).

SIP

The main Piazza Bra is the perfect place to people-watch. Grab a table, wrap up in the snuggly blankets, and sip a smooth espresso, or a crisp Prosecco, whilst you watch the (extremely well-dressed) world go by.

Verona is packed with fabulous restaurants – if you want to stay near the main square try Liston for delicious pizzas, or step slightly away from the action for hearty homemade dishes at Tre Marchetti. Finish with unbeatable gelato in a myriad of flavours – it might be Winter, but if you don’t have at least a scoop of real Italian ice cream you will definitely regret it!

So there you have it – our top tips for a Winter break in Verona. Where would you recommend at this time of year? Share with us @tweetjanes