Verona City Breaks

'In fair Verona, where we lay our scene' wrote Shakespeare with the city now famed for housing Juliet's balcony and world-renowned for its outdoor opera, fair Verona is situated on the Veneto Plain neighbouring the spectacular Dolomites and scenic Lake Garda. Once called Piccola Roma (little Rome), this prosperous, although relatively small city, is a wonderful blend of ancient history, inspirational music, classical wines and wonderful cobbled streets. It is vibrant, especially during the summer months, and visitors on Verona holidays will delight in Piazza Bra which houses the famous Arena di Verona.

Arena di Verona A popular site to visit on holidays to Verona is the world-famous and remarkably well preserved Arena amphitheatre which dominates the Piazza Bra and is the stage of the world-famous and spectacular Verona opera extravaganzas held from late June to the end of August each year. Celebrating its 90th Opera Festival in 2012, the Verona opera saw the works of; Tosca, Turandot, Romeo and Juliet, Aida, Carmen and Don Giovanni and after a successful introduction in 2011. As one of the world's biggest amphitheatres still in existence today we highly recommend paying it a visit on holidays in Verona, alongside the many other captivating historic churches, museums and palaces that are also housed within the city.

Cuisine The culinary art of Verona makes full use of locally grown ingredients from the full bounty of the Veneto Plain. The most important item on the menu is the humble potato which appears in the guise of gnocchi; during the Verona Carnival week, Papa del Gnocco is the king of the celebrations. Tortellini and risotto also feature highly and almost all meat dishes are served with polenta, another staple ingredient. An abundance of rivers and lakes in the region ensure that freshwater fish is often the star of the daily menu. Famed typical wines from the region include Soave and Valpolicella.

Two Centre Holidays A trip with Classic to Verona can be combined with a stay in Venice, or by the Italian Lakes; Lake Garda is the closest and under 90 minutes travelling time by car. We can tailor make your holiday to include private transfers between resort destinations; we can fly you in to Verona and out of Venice, or indeed Verona!

When to visit For milder weather and fewer visitors, the best time to visit Verona is during late spring and early autumn. However Verona comes to life from June to August with its festivals, al fresco cafes, and shows at the Arena di Verona, so if you don't mind the heat or the crowds, then summer is a good time to travel.

Call us on 0800 008 7288 and start planning your luxury Verona holiday.