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7 Day Verona And Lake Garda Holiday Itinerary
Our Guide To Spending A Week In & Around Verona
Ah Verona, such a gorgeous city and full of history, majestic architecture and wonderful food. It's also the gateway to Lake Garda and the various incredibly beautiful towns that line the shores of the lake, like Peschiera del Garda, Bardolino, and Riva del Garda.
There are so many ways to enjoy this part of Italy. From a short city break in Verona, maybe with a cheeky train ride to Lake Garda for the day, a full week enjoying the resorts and towns by the Italian Lakes (definitely worthwhile hiring a car and exploring for this one & having an outdoor swimming pool), or trying out our 7 day itinerary below, taking in a little of everying. Holidays to Verona and Lake Garda come in all shapes and sizes, but we think this is the perfect way to explore the area...
Day 1 - Arrival Day
You might arrive in the morning, you might arrive in the evening, so take today as a bit of an orientation day. Settle into your hotel. Get to know the area you're staying. Say 'Buongiorno' to the owner of the pizzeria across the road.
Verona Airport is about 12km from the main city centre and there's an easy shuttle bus (the Verona Airlink - Line 199) which runs from outside the airport terminal to Verona Porta Nuova train station every 20 minutes throughout the day. You can buy your ticket from the machine in the arrivals hall or directly from the bus driver (card payment only).
Where To Stay: there are some great hotels in the heart of the old town, including the impressive Grand Hotel Des Arts (pictured). A few of our other favourites are below too.
Where To Eat: is about 12km from the main city centre and there's an easy shuttle bus (the Verona Airlink) which runs from outside the airport terminal to Verona Porta Nuova train station every 20 minutes throughout the day.
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Day 2 - Walking Tour Of The City & Old Town
After a spot of breakfast at the hotel, or running over to Pasticceria Camesco across the road, head towards La Città Antica, the historic centre. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, this part of the city was founded over 2,000 years ago, the remnants of which can still be seen today. Here you'll find the Arena di Verona Roman amphitheatre which is still used today as a cultural centre hosting events like the summer opera.
After spending the morning around the Arena, wander up through the narrow streets, taking in the historic architecture before you stumble upon the infamous Casa di Giulietta, Juliet's House, of Romeo & Juliet. In fact it's probably less stumble and more hear the crowds. If you want to see Juliet's balcony with fewer crowds, head here first thing in the morning before the organised tours have even started, and head on to Piazza delle Erbe, which is walking distance.
Where To Eat: Osteria Trattoria Al Duomo - A sweet little Italian restaurant in the heart of the old town.
Day 3 - City Outskirts
Now that you've done some of the main parts of the Old Town, it's time to take a look at some of the rest of the city. One of the best ways to do this is to follow the river.
From the Hotel Indigo, walk down towards Porta Nuova gate, turn left, and head into the Giardini Raggio di Sole. Continue through towards the banks of the Adige River and cross over. Although it's not too glam to start with, as you start wandering along the lungadigi (the streets along the Adige) towards Veronetta.
As you head up, veer right to visit places like the beautifully designed Giardino Giusti gardens before you head up to the panoramic view point at Opera don Calabria church.
Wander back towards the river and up to Piazza del Foro and the Roman Theatre Archeological Museum (Museo Archeologico al Teatro Romano). This impressive theatre and Roman ruins once hosted the plays, and still hosts events today.
You can then head back through the Citta Antica and see any bits you missed out on yesterday.
Where To Eat: Trattoria da Ropeton is the perfect place for lunch. Stop on the way from the Giardino Giusti to the Piazza del Foro to try out some of their affordable Veronese specialities at this old school eatery.
Day 4 - Peschiera Del Garda (Lake Garda)
Today's the day you jump on a train to Lake Garda, and by far one of the prettiest towns around the Lake, for the first of two day trips. Just a 15 minute train ride from Verona Porta Nuova station is the lakeside town of Peschiera Del Garda.
Peschiera Del Garda - Things To Do
A short walk from Peschiera del Garda train station will have you wandering through the manicured gardens and monuments of the islands here. You'll almost be forgiven for thinking you're in Venice.
Stroll up and through the Porta Verona gate, along the famous Piazza della Serenissima (pictured) and then out along the Lungolago Mazzini, a long stretch of coastal promenade which offers gorgeous views of the lake.
Where To Eat: The Centro Storico is home to some of the best restaurants in the area. Try Ristorante Il Cantinone which has classic Italian dishes.
Day 5
Today, you're back exploring Verona, this time in the north/west of the city.
Head out and up to the Museo di Castelvecchio on the banks of the Adige River, exploring the palace before crossing the famous Ponte Scaligero bridge (pictured) and exploring the Pozza dell'Arsenale, Giardini Alessandro Canestrari and the Arsenale Franz Josef I museum.
Although Borgo Trento (this part of the city) is more leafy and residential, if you have the time (and the energy), keep walking north to head up to Santuario della Madonna di Lourdes, a hilltop church boasting views of the city you'll want to share with your friends.
Where To Eat: Grab a slice of pizza on the go from La Sfarinata, a popular pizzeria in this part of town.
Day 6 - Garda
No trip to this part of Italy is complete without a day trip to the town of Garda, and that's easily doable from Verona by bus.
Garda
The 162 and 163 buses run from Corso Porto Nuova, close to the Hotel Indigo Verona, all the way up through Lazise, Cisano and Bardolino (also great lakeside towns to visit), before arriving in Garda. The journey takes just over an hour with multiple buses running throughout the day (although make sure to known when the last bus is). You can download the ATV app here to buy your ticket.
One of the best things to do here is to walk straight down to the Giardini Pubblici beofre taking the long walk along the Lungolago Garda, past the port and up to Corno di Garda beach (Spiaggia Corno di Gardi). On the way you'll pass some beautiful spots for photos, as well as some seriously impressive homes and hotels, including the very grand Hotel du Parc.
If you love to walk, why not get off ar Bardolino (pictured) and walk all the way along the shore to Garda?
Where To Eat: Being where it is, you can expect to pay a premium here, especially if you eat at the Piazza Catullo. Today might be the day you pop into a supermarket, grab some "picky bits" and enjoy a packed lunch while enjoying views of Lake Garda, or at the beach if the weather is nice.
Day 7 - Departure Day
Today's the day to head home. Depening on when you're flying, you might need to head straight to the airport when you get up, or you might have a few hours to grab those last minute souvenirs, go back to your favourite part of the city, or simple enjoy another delicious pizza and glass of Valpolicella.
If you have plenty of time today or are staying longer, why not try switching around the itinerary and booking onto another excursion. Food tours with a local guide are the perfect way to explore the city more, trying local delicacies and ensuring you haven't missed any parts of the city.
Alternatively a try out to the vineyards and Valpolicella wine tasting can be another ideal way to while away the day before a late flight home.
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