Giardino Giusti
Across the River Adige from the historic centre of Verona, explore the sculpted gardens of the Giardino Giusti. Considered a masterpiece of Renaissance landscaping, this magnificent Italian garden, belonging to the noble Giusti family, was designed in the 16th century. The garden contains an Italianate mix of the manicured and natural; age-old trees, gargoyles, fountains, grottoes and ancient inscriptions all nestle in the carefully landscaped setting. The Garden has also been visited by some famous faces throughout the year - including Goethe and Mozart.
Arena di Verona
The centrepiece of Verona is undoubtedly its ancient amphitheatre, Arena di Verona, built way back in the first century. This well-preserved Roman monument has seen it all - from gladiatorial Roman combat, to a recent One Direction concert! During the summer months, Arena di Verona hosts an open-air opera festival that attracts visitors from all over the world. Outside the arena, the Liston is a sleek curve of wide marble pavement nestling a plethora of restaurants, gelaterias and cafes, allowing for relaxing hours of eating, drinking and people-watching beneath the Italian sunshine.
Shopping
Verona is an affluent Italian city filled with style-conscious, well-heeled residents and discerning visitors. Wander into the many designer boutiques that line the traffic-free road, Via Mazzini. Centuries-old marble pavements guide shoppers past stores such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Fendi, while great quality leather goods boutiques can also be found here. There are also a number of tempting gelaterias along the street, in which you can sample Italy’s world-famous gelato.
Sightseeing
Verona is a picturesque city with a history dating back some 2,000 years to Roman times. The fortified city is protected by 16th-century walls that cosset a number of important buildings and landmarks - such as Castelvecchio, which is now a museum devoted to fine art. This splendid, compact building is well worthy of exploration, offering no fewer than twenty-nine rooms of exhibits. The Duomo, Verona's 12th-century cathedral, looks rather austere externally, but inside hides a visual feast of red marble columns and 16th-century frescoes, alongside a painting by Titian. Many literary visitors are tempted to visit Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House) because of its connection, of course, to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
Wine-Tastings
Due to the perfect climate and fertile soil in which to grow grapes, the region is filled with vineyards and wine estates. In fact, they surround the city of Verona. Just a thirty-minute drive away, you'll find the Valpolicella wine region, on the north western perimeter of the city, whose wine estates produce famous reds such as Valpolicella, Recioto and the robust Amarone. Many producers are delighted to show visitors around and provide wine-tastings, with the opportunity to purchase a bottle or two to take away.
Carnevale di Verona
Verona's annual carnival occurs on the Friday before Ash Wednesday and has been a traditional celebration for the Veronese for hundreds of years, since it marks the end of the city's epidemic of hunger and illness in 1660. Events include a masked parade that leaves from Piazza Bra and weaves its way through a six kilometre route through the city, accompanied by the music of local bands. The event culminates in The Gran Gnocolada at Piazza San Zeno, where the traditional peasant food, Gnocchi, is distributed to signify the city's return to plenty many centuries ago. This extremely popular festival attracts a huge number of visitors to the city, so if a visit to Verona appeals during this time, please ensure you've contacted your Travel Consultant to book your stay at Palazzo Victoria, to avoid disappointment. In 2016, the carnival takes place on February 5th.
Flight Information
British Airways from London Gatwick to Verona. UK regional depatures and charter flights are also available.
Flight Time
From London Gatwick to Verona: 2 hours, 5 minutes.
Travelling With Children or Without an Adult
Children travelling without both parents should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. Please contact the relevant Embassy for the county you are travelling to for further information.
Visa and Advance Passenger Information
All passengers must ensure they have a valid, acceptable passport, any required visa and any other documentation for both the final destination and any stop-off points en route. Please make sure that Advance Passenger Information is submitted in advance to travel for all destinations. Failure to hold correct documentation or submitting incorrect details with Advance Passenger Information or Visa applications may result in refusal of carriage or entry into a country. Please check with the relevant Embassy regarding visa requirements well in advance of your travel date. Charges may apply for some visas.
Passengers not travelling on a British Passport are advised to contact their relevant Foreign & Commonwealth office for individual Visa requirements.
For up-to-date resort information, visit www.fco.gov.uk
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and you should take health advice about your specific needs from your general practitioner or a specialist clinic as early as possible before travel. Those planning to become pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their healthcare provider to assess their risk of infection with Zika. For information about Zika, other mosquito-borne diseases (such as Dengue fever and Chikungunya), Lyme Disease (caused by tick bites), and to receive advice on mosquito bite avoidance measures, please visit Insect and tick bite avoidance.
In addition, we highly recommend that you seek specialist advice from your doctor and, where recommended, obtain vaccinations or tablets for protection against, for example: Malaria, Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid. In some cases, treatments for Malaria should begin well in advance of travel. Travellers may also be required to show Yellow Fever Certificates on arrival in certain destinations i.e, some African countries. Please note that you are strongly advised against scuba-diving for 24 hours before travelling by air. We would also like to draw your attention to the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and recommend that you consult with your doctor before travelling.
Visit the FCDO website and select your destination country for the very latest travel advice: Foreign Travel Advice. Additional sources of information include: Public Health England, The National Travel Health And Network Centre, Foreign And Commonwealth Office and your General Practitioner or a specialised clinic.