Verona

[AvonCallingBarksdale]

Thinking about a jaunt to Verona in October half term - me, DH, DD12, DS15 and DM80. Any recommendations for nice hotels, places to visit, things to do, weather. We’re thinking 3 days. Budget 2K. TIA

I have been on day trips several times. The amphitheatre (arena) is of course the star sight. Also the Castle Vecchio, the Ponte de Castle Vecchio, the Basilica San Zeno Maggiore, Piazza delle Erbe, Giardino Giusti, Piazza Bra, Torre Dei Lamberti, Castle San Pietro plus of course that famous balcony! (Which is often a graffiti covered mess!)

I have not stayed in a hotel, but I would look at the booking sites for central areas because many sights are within walking distance. See what people recommend. The shopping streets are atmospheric and wandering about is very pleasant. A day trip to Lake Garda on the train is also very doable if you stay an extra night.

Reply not as comprehensive as pp but it is the most beautiful city. We flew here when we stayed in Lake Garda and spent the day. One of my favorite Italian cities.

We're off week after next. Will report back, but found a place via booking site, no problems. We're there for the opera in the amphiteatre ( disclaimer, not a fan but persuaded!).

It’s very popular and quite busy all the time, I found it a bit much to be honest. We stayed at the Accademia, lovely room but breakfast was chaos. Going out in the evening was fun though, very lively restaurants, but that was probably because I was enjoying the wine quite a lot.

It’s not quite so busy out of Opera season. October isn’t the same as the summer and Italy is often chaotic! It’s Italy! DD spent longer there and loved it.

That will be a wonderful experience though travailtotravel.

Ha! Yes, Italy can be chaotic (Venice airport!!), but I don’t expect it in a hotel of that standard. We went in late September.

If no opera is on, it's a lot cheaper. We stayed at the Grand Hotel who would have been 3x as much two nights later. And still got to watch technical rehearsals in the Arena with a picnic dinner. The archaeology museum up the hill is excellent. If you want to see that infamous balcony, try early or late in the day before the hordes of teenagers on school trips get there. Lovely town, easy to get to from the airport.

We last went for a couple of days last June and stayed at the Hotel Europa (www.veronahoteleuropa.com/en/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9ZeQg_Cn4wIVzZIYCh1kzgtdEAAYASAAEgL71fD_BwE) which is just around the corner from the Piazza Bra (where the arena is). The location was brilliant - the hotel itself was fine, clean and has big rooms - it's a bit beige and not a big 'wow' style wise though!

Verona is easy to cover in a day or two. The arena is the big draw - out of Opera season, it's used by other performers who you can hear sitting out having dinner in the Piazza Bra (bad Euro pop when we were there!). The Piazza Bra has lots of standard fare restaurants and bars and you'll find the same food elsewhere away from the Piazza for less money. It is very atmospheric in the evening though. The Piazza delle Herbe is another good very pretty place for places to eat and has a small market during the day.
To get the most beautiful view over Verona, climb up to the Piazzale Castel San Pietro - you'll find the start of the steps near the Teatro Romano (ruined Roman theatre). It's a bit of a hike up (there are water fountains on the way) but its worth the climb.
Other than that, I'd just recommend wandering - it's not a huge city! The Romeo and Juliet balcony is something everybody ticks off their list - it's packed out and not very impressive! There is a statue of Juliet in the courtyard - if you're wonder why so many pictures are being taken of people squeezing her breasts it's because apparently it's lucky (my DH is still waiting!).
If you have time, do a day out of Verona. There is a bus station outside the train station (about a 15-20 minute walk from the Piazza Bra) where buses go hourly to Lake Garda. Sirmione is one of the first stops and is pretty. Can't remember the bus number but sure a quick Google will tell you! It's on the trainline to Venice which takes about an hour 15. If you don't fancy Venice, Vicenza is pretty and less of a journey. Train tickets in Italy are bookable in advance cheaper than on the day and you'll find the details on the Trenitalia site.
There is a hop on and hop off bus (my youngest DD for some unfathomable reason is a fan of them) with 2 routes (I think!) that covers the majority of the city. We did it on the last day to kill some time - I'd suggest walking the city is nicer but if you want to cover ground quickly, it's an option!
Finally, if you fly into Verona there are regular buses from the airport to the city that drop you at the train station. You catch the bus back to the airport from there as well.
Have a great time - I love Verona and hope you enjoy!

Went there in June and stayed in a lovely Airbnb which was on a quite neighbourhood and just a short walk in to the center.

abnb.me/VIRikkXvbY

There is a free walking tour which is amazing, the girl who runs it, Francesca, is just so entertaining and passionate about her city, www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g187871-d12699740-Reviews-Free_Walking_Tour_Verona-Verona_Province_of_Verona_Veneto.html?m=19905

Other than that we were on wine tastings so probably not very suitable with the DC, but if it is of interest we went with Pagus wine tours, brilliantly organized and worth every penny.

Have fun

This is great, thanks everyone. My DM and DF used to go to Italy a lot and my DM would love to go again but since DF died she’s reluctant to go alone - too daunting for her now, so I thought we’d all go
Great tips thanks