Verona, Italy

Choosing where to go in this nation of soul-stirring cities, world famous art, and waist-expanding food and wine is likely to be your biggest problem.

Verona, roughly midway between Venice and Lake Garda, should definitely be on your list. The city that inspired Romeo and Juliet is no work of fiction – it’s every bit as romantic as Shakespeare imagined.

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Must see:
The impeccable (and earthquake-defying) Roman arena in the centre of town is the world’s third largest. A marvel from the outside, it’s even more thrilling when seen from stage level. To get the most from it, and to see all its nooks and crannies, book yourself on a tour.

Must eat at:
Al’Duomo, not far from the cathedral, is a typically Veronese establishment that specialises in the kind of good old fashioned local cooking that townsfolk just love. This is a great sign – so you should book to get the chance to eat with them.

Must be there for:
In mid-summer evenings in Verona, the air is rich with the sound of world class opera in a world class venue – the arena. Performance dates vary across the summer season, so check (and book) well in advance with the venue.

Well-travelled tips:
- The balcony that’s said to have inspired one of the greatest love scenes in literature is a short walk from the arena. But Juliet’s House – the Case di Giulietta – sadly has very dubious historical significance.
- Window shop (or go wild and splurge) along Via Mazzini, Verona’s upmarket shopping street, where you’ll find most of Italy’s major fashion brands.

Visa:
British citizens do not need a visa to visit Italy.