Verona

Verona is a magical city in northern Italy where art, history and culture combine to give you wonderful memories. Home of Romeo and Juliet, it is known all over the world as a city to fall in love with.

Veneto is one of the best known and most popular tourist destinations in the world thanks to its cultural heritage, its cities rich in unique attractions, its landscape, and its fascinating variety of environments and ecosystems.

It was Le Corbusier, the famous French naturalised Swiss architect, town planner, painter and designer, who called them “the most beautiful architectural work in the world”. A paradise for those who love sport, untouched nature, uncompromising mountains and traditional flavours: the Dolomites, the legendary mountain range of the Eastern Alps, a UNESCO World Heritage List site. The so-called “pale mountains” are distributed over three regions, Trentino Alto Adige, Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia. An absolutely unique habitat in which to enjoy breathtaking views.

We suggest a 15-kilometre circular route, the so-called Prosecco Superiore Ring. A historical nature itinerary among vineyards and historic villages , to be explored on foot or by bicycle, for an all-round immersion in local culture and food and wine.

In the area of Lake Garda, where the hills slope gently down towards the shore, the olive-vine agrarian pair is combined with meadows, finding its highest expression. The Romans gave rise to the flourishing, popular olive oil cultivation in the Benaco area. The climate and the slope of the hill ridges here are enough to dispel soil and climate parameters that geographically delimit the ideal oil crop, allowing the plants to develop and produce fruit. Today, small farms dedicated to oil production dot the lake area, making it unique in beauty and harmony. But what are the characteristics of Garda PDO extra virgin olive oil? With a light to medium fruity aroma depending on the sub-zone of origin and the olive ripeness degree, this oil has olfactory nuances ranging from artichoke to freshly cut grass, passing through leaves, hay, herbs, flowers and green pepper. The only certainty is the sweet, fresh almond that presents on the nose and taste with an intense and persistent note. Round and soft on the palate, Garda PDO oil is entirely balanced.

Atmosfera surreale, attrazioni adrenaliniche e una cura al dettaglio che rende l’esperienza un sogno ad occhi aperti: stiamo parlando di Gardaland Resort che più che un parco divertimenti è un’icona, vera garanzia tra scenografiche attrazioni e annuali novità. Si trova a pochi passi da Peschiera del Garda, sulla sponda meridionale del lago, è l’ottavo parco europeo per numero di visitatori, si estende per 545.000 metri quadrati, offre 30 attrazioni disseminate in 10 aree tematiche: il problema, l’avete già capito, non è che cosa fare, ma da dove cominciare!

One of the major Italian art collections The Castelvecchio Museum exhibits important collections of medieval, Renaissance and modern art (up to the 18th century). There are 29 rooms dedicated to the exhibition of paintings, sculptures, archaeological finds and weapons. The museum also houses a Drawings and Prints Cabinet, a Numismatic Cabinet, and the Sala Boggian is dedicated to temporary exhibitions. Designed with modern criteria between 1958 and 1974 by Carlo Scarpa, it is located in the Scaligera fortress of Castelvecchio. The castle was built between 1354 and 1356 by Cangrande II della Scala to have a fortified nucleus of control over the Adige near the northern access to the city. The restoration work brought to light the ancient Porta del Morbio, which opened in the 12th century walls, and returned to the city a museum site universally recognized as one of the masterpieces of Italian museography. The works are exhibited in chronological order, beginning with early Christian finds and ending with paintings from the 1700s.

Beating heart of the city of Verona For many centuries, Piazza delle Erbe was the fulcrum of the social, economic and religious life of Verona. In Roman times it housed the Forum, the length of which is retained by the current square. In the municipal period it was the seat of political power, and with the Scaligeri it became a lively center of arts and commerce. First under Venetian and then Austrian rule, it hosted the civil and criminal court, but it always remained the favorite meeting place and market of the Veronese people. The square is surrounded by buildings and monuments that have marked the history of Verona. These include the Palazzo del Comune, the Torre dei Lamberti, Palazzo Maffei and the ancient Torre del Gardello. The oldest monument in Piazza Erbe is the fountain with the statue, known as Madonna Verona. It is a Roman statue which, according to an epigraph of the fourth century, was transferred with solemn ceremony to the Forum, around 380. Also worth mentioning is the capital known as Tribuna, a monument used in the past for various ceremonies such as the installation of the Podestà and the white, marble column, in front of Palazzo Maffei, surmounted by the lion of San Marco, symbol of the Republic of Venice. Even today the central area, called the toloneo, hosts the market every day, while the square is always a very lively place thanks to the many bars, cafes, taverns and shops all around it.

The largest church in Verona Sant'Anastasia is the largest church in Verona and a masterful example of Italian Gothic style. Its construction began in 1290 and was paid for by the Della Scala and other families of Verona. As you enter the church, you can see the extraordinary uniformity of color rendered by the marbles in the columns and on the surfaces, with flooring in red Veronese marble alternated with the white marble from Istria and black basanite. The Basilica of Sant'Anastasia, in addition to containing numerous works of art, houses the fresco St George and the Princess, a major work by Pisanello, located above the Pellegrini Chapel. The holy water stoups at the entrance are also famous. They are supported by hunchbacks, figures representing the efforts made in the construction of the basilica. Touching their hump is said to bring good luck.

The first authentic outdoor opera amphitheater Located in the historical center and an iconic symbol of the city, the Arena di Verona hosts a large number of events and shows every year. A famous tourist destination boasting a structure that is 31 meters high and holding 30,000 seats, the amphitheater is imposing, majestic and dominates the center of Piazza Bra, offering a truly unique open air entertainment experience, surrounded by the magical setting of the Arena with its beauty and history. From opera to ballet, symphony concerts, choral performances and more, the Arena di Verona confirms itself as one of the richest and liveliest artistic hallmarks ever. In addition to its architectural beauty, the location is known for the Opera Festival, an event that began in 1913 with the first performance of Verdi's Aida, and still today, with the historical event of opera music held during the summer months. It is possible to visit the historical monument of Verona, to learn about its history and admire its beauty.

The must-see spot for all lovers The house of Juliet, protagonist of William Shakespeare's tragedy, is one of the must-see spots when visiting the city of Verona. To get there you go through a passageway whose walls are totally covered with love notes, signatures and lovers’ comments. As you come out of this short tunnel, you find yourself in the courtyard of the house, overlooked by the famous balcony where Romeo and Juliet met on that fateful moonlit night. There is also a statue of Juliet in the courtyard. It is a copy of the original work by Nereo Costantini, built in 1969 and kept inside the house. According to tradition, touching the statue's right breast brings good luck. Juliet's House dates back to the 13th century and was owned by the Cappello family, whose coat of arms is carved on the inner arch of the courtyard. Legend has it that this was the house of the Capulets. The medieval-style house was in fact restored by Antonio Avena in the mid-1930s and is now a museum.

One of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in Italy The Basilica of San Zeno was consecrated in 807. The relics of Verona's patron saint and eighth bishop, St. Zeno, who converted it to Christianity, have been enshrined there since then. Considered one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in Italy, today the building looks the same as it did in 1138, except for the Gothic apse area and the wooden ceiling. The Basilica is divided into three levels: the parish church, the crypt, where the remains of St. Zeno are kept, and the presbyteral church, where the famous Triptych by Andrea Mantegna is housed. The facade of the Basilica looks harmonious and features deep colors. Its very staid look and delicate decorations immediately highlight the large rose window known as the "Wheel of Fortune" and the perfection of the architectural lines.

From Venice to Chioggia, from Abano and Montegrotto Terme to Vicenza, from Bassano del Grappa to Treviso, to then close the loop and return to the Serenissima Republic of Venice: a circular route through the most beautiful cities in Veneto. Enjoy all this while riding a bike on easy-to-follow dirt bike paths alongside rivers, between sea and lagoon, villages and castles, spa waters and hills.

Imposing, beguiling and unexpected: Lake Garda has so many different aspects when looking out over its waters from Gardone Riviera or Sirmione, Peschiera or Riva del Garda. Peaks and valleys define its perimeter, small towns on its shores interrupt the expanse of lush vegetation characterizing the area. In short, staying at Lake Garda will certainly ensure inspiration, relaxation and well-being. You will come across echoes of history, magnificent castles and delightful villas in perfect symbiosis with the contemporary world, interpreted in a thousand ways and even celebrated at table serving excellent local produce. Oil, wine and citrus fruit: here are some of the treasures of this part of Italy. It's up to you to discover all the others...

Aimed at all walkers, whether expert hikers or not, the Cammino delle Dolomiti is a circular route that starts and ends in Anzù di Feltre and covers no less than 30 stages. Walk through some of them with us, amidst the enchanting natural scenery of the Veneto Dolomites, a UNESCO heritage site, and the testimonies of monasteries and small villages, discovering the originality of these landscapes.

Two destinations in the Veneto Region for skiers looking for unusual destinations to enjoy sport and well-being of the soul.

One of Italy's most picturesque cycle paths, the Mincio cycle path, is a very easy route. It connects b to the city of Mantua, passing through fields of poppies and wheat and charming villages, and skirting the river Mincio, in a route that is almost 50 km long. Sunny weather, the wind in your hair and nature: this scenic route is ideal for spending a Sunday off the beaten track.

Lush lands, silent slopes and breathtaking views make the Veneto Dolomites the ideal destination for cycling enthusiasts. So, if you’re like us ,and holidays and relaxation are synonymous with two wheels, we recommend a cycle tour – you can thank us later! Ready? 5 stages: start from Cortina d'Ampezzo, head down towards Pieve di Cadore and cycle alongside the Piave river to Belluno. From there, continue towards Vittorio Veneto, through the hills that lead to Treviso, along a riverside route all the way to your final destination, Venice.