Verona-Garda

"Two households, both alike in dignity (In fair Verona, where we lay our scene), from ancient grudge break to new mutiny, where civil blood makes civil hands unclean" is the opening line of Romeo and Juliet, the famous work by William Shakespeare set in Verona. And what better way to start our tour in one of the most romantic cities in the world? Verona, located on the banks of the river Adige, in the northeastern region of Veneto, is after Rome, the second Italian city for the presence of well-preserved Roman remains. And in fact, to take a step back in time, just get lost in the arches of the Arena, Roman amphitheater temple of international opera, walk between the steps of the Roman Theatre, also used today for shows and performances, or walk on the Stone Bridge, built by the Romans around the first century BC.

What makes this city, which was Roman, Gothic, Byzantine, Lombard and then Scaligera, Visconti and finally Venetian, unique is the harmonious combination of all these dominations. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the historic center of Verona boasts countless monuments and attractions not to be missed, in addition to those already mentioned, such as Juliet's house, one of the most visited sites in Italy, and the medieval Piazza delle Erbe, the "living room" of the city, where a characteristic market is held daily, and then Castelvecchio, an imposing military fortification commissioned by the Scaligeris, now houses the Civic Museum, which houses significant works of Italian art. And if all these wonders are not enough, you should know that Verona is surrounded by territories of great cultural and enogastronomic interest, such as Valpolicella, an area of hills covered by vineyards, where the famous Amarone wine is produced, and Lessinia, with its rich environmental and naturalistic heritage, famous especially for its cheese production.

At about half an hour's drive from the city of Verona, then it is a must to visit Lake Garda, the largest Italian lake, divided between three regions: Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige. It is one of the most important tourist destinations of the Bel Paese, thanks to its quiet atmosphere, almost of other times, and its breathtaking landscapes, including scenic roads along the coast, Renaissance villas, Romanesque villages, romantic lakeside villages, all sealed by tastings of local wine and olive oil. As you may have guessed, Verona and its surrounding territory are also custodians of extraordinary culinary and enogastronomical excellences. From red radicchio to rice of the vialone nano variety, from Lessinia cheeses, from Garda fish and olive oil, to pandoro and Amarone della Valpolicella, there are many typical products to taste in these areas, for a 360° sensorial experience, able to satisfy even the most demanding traveler.