Verona

Day 1: Classical Verona and stately squares Settle into Verona’s signorile rhythm among Roman stones and elegant piazzas. Today balances headline sights with quieter corners so you feel the city’s atmosphere rather than just ticking boxes.

• Morning: Start in Piazza Bra for coffee on the liston, then tour the Arena (go right at opening to avoid groups; parts may close on opera set-change days June–Aug). Consider a Verona Card if you’ll be visiting multiple sites; it usually pays for itself by day’s end.
• Midday: Drift through Piazza delle Erbe’s market and climb Torre dei Lamberti for city views (lift available; best light late morning). Lunch a few streets away on a short handwritten menu; avoid the picture-menu places on the main squares.
• Afternoon: Glance at the courtyard of Juliet’s House or pre-book a timed museum slot (crowd control now applies and pickpockets work the crush). For a more intimate legend, detour to the Pozzo dell’Amore in Vicolo San Marco in Foro; then decompress with a gelato and a slow wander via the Duomo’s cloister or San Fermo’s cool nave.
• Evening: Aperitivo in Piazza dei Signori beneath Dante, then dinner under the arcades on Sottoriva (book if it’s the weekend). If in summer, finish with an opera at the Arena (bring or rent a cushion; smart-casual dress; candles at dusk are magic); in winter, stroll the river in the nebbia for a beautifully melancholy finale.

Day 2: Hills, gardens and the Adige Cross the river to where Verona breathes more slowly. Views, Renaissance greenery and neighbourhood haunts reveal the city behind the postcard.

• Morning: Be on Ponte Pietra early, then visit the Roman Theatre and Archaeological Museum (quiet, atmospheric, great context). Ride the funicular or climb to Castel San Pietro for a sweeping panorama; the soft morning light flatters the terracotta roofs.
• Midday: Meander to Giardino Giusti for cypress-lined paths, grottoes and a tranquil upper terrace view; it’s glorious in spring bloom and shady in high summer. Pick up picnic bits or enjoy a light lunch nearby before the day’s heat.
• Afternoon: Explore Veronetta’s small ateliers and lived-in streets; pause for coffee on Via XX Settembre. Option for the active: an e‑bike loop into the Torricelle hills for a sunset viewpoint (book ahead; take water in summer, layers in winter when hills catch the chill).
• Evening: Dine casually in Veronetta at an osteria with a tight seasonal menu and local wines by the glass. Wander back via the river; if skies are clear, return to Castel San Pietro for the city lights, or in cooler months catch a chamber concert in a small church.

Day 3: Medieval power and a taste of Valpolicella Blend fortress grandeur with sacred art, then choose an indulgent countryside escape or a deeper dive in town. Leave room to linger; Verona rewards unhurried goodbyes.

• Morning: Tour Castelvecchio and its museum (allow 2–3 hours; Carlo Scarpa’s design details are superb), then cross the crenellated bridge for photos without the midday crowds. The Adige’s bend here frames the city beautifully in autumn’s golden light.
• Midday: Head to the Basilica di San Zeno for Romanesque serenity, Mantegna’s luminous altarpiece and the peaceful cloister (dress modestly; Mondays can see reduced hours). Lunch in the surrounding neighbourhood; on select Sundays the antiques market adds village charm.
• Afternoon: Option A: Half‑day in Valpolicella for a cellar visit and tastings (book transport or a driver; peak demand during the vendemmia). Option B (in-city): the Duomo complex and riverside walk, or a cooking class featuring risotto all’Amarone. Shoppers can loop Via Mazzini; aim for late afternoon when it’s lively but not packed.
• Evening: Final aperitivo by the river on Lungadige, then a convivial dinner sharing antipasti and a bottle of Amarone or Soave. Cap it with a quiet moment at Ponte Pietra or the Pozzo dell’Amore; in December–February, the Christmas lights or Verona in Love installations add a warm glow to the winter air.

By Air

• Verona Villafranca (VRN/Valerio Catullo) – 10 km SW of the centre. 15–20 minutes to Verona Porta Nuova by ATV bus 199 (airport shuttle) running every ~20 minutes; taxis take ~15–20 minutes.
• Venice Marco Polo (VCE) – approx. 120 km E. 1 h 30–2 h to Verona: bus to Venezia Mestre (20–30 minutes) then direct trains (1 h 10–1 h 30).
• Bologna (BLQ) – approx. 145 km S. 1 h 15–1 h 45: Marconi Express (7–8 minutes) to Bologna Centrale, then high-speed train to Verona (50–60 minutes).
• Milan Linate (LIN) – 2–2 h 30: bus/metro to Milano Centrale (25–35 minutes) + high-speed train to Verona (~1 h 10).
• Milan Malpensa (MXP) – 2 h 30–3 h: Malpensa Express to Milano Centrale (~50 minutes) + train to Verona (~1 h 10).
• Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY) – 2–2 h 30: bus to Bergamo station (10–15 minutes) + train via Brescia (~1 h 30).
• Treviso (TSF) – ~2–2 h 30 via bus to Treviso/Mestre + train.

By Train

• Main station: Verona Porta Nuova (primary hub for high-speed and regional services; adjacent bus station for local/regional buses). ~15 minutes’ walk or 5–10 minutes by city bus to Piazza Bra/Arena. Secondary station: Verona Porta Vescovo (east side, regional lines).
• Key direct times:
  • Milan Centrale: ~1 h 10–1 h 25 (Frecciarossa/Italo/Regionale Veloce).
  • Venice S. Lucia/Mestre: ~1 h 10–1 h 30.
  • Bologna Centrale: ~50–60 minutes.
  • Florence SMN: ~1 h 30–1 h 50 (some direct services).
  • Rome Termini: ~2 h 50–3 h 10 (via Bologna).
  • Bolzano/Bozen: ~1 h 30–1 h 50.
  • Munich: ~5–5 h 30 (DB-ÖBB EuroCity, some direct).
• Lake Garda links: Peschiera del Garda ~13–17 minutes; Desenzano/Sirmione ~20–25 minutes.

By Car

• Motorways: A4 (Milan–Venice) east–west; A22 (Brenner–Modena) north–south.
• Typical drive times (traffic dependent): Milan ~1 h 30; Venice ~1 h 20; Bologna ~1 h 20–1 h 40; Florence ~2 h 30; Innsbruck ~2 h 30–3 h; Munich ~4 h 30–5 h; Lake Garda (Peschiera/Desenzano) ~20–30 minutes.
• Main exits for the city: Verona Sud (centre/Fiera), Verona Nord, Verona Est.
• The historic centre is a ZTL (limited-traffic zone). Use perimeter car parks (e.g., Cittadella, Arena, Porta Palio, Tribunale) and continue on foot or by bus.