WELCOME TO VERONA
Cruise Nation are delighted to bring you our great range of Verona Cruise & Stay Holidays. These packages all feature a cruise sailing from the port of Venice in Italy. As one of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean, Venice brings a great deal of choice of cruise lines and itineraries to sail throughout the year. Our Verona Smart Packages feature FREE stays in one of many handpicked hotels which are all centrally located in Verona providing you with the ideal base from which to explore all that this spectacular destination has to offer.
With our Verona Cruise & Stay packages, your flights will always be included. We also offer flights from a number of regional airports throughout the UK giving you much greater flexibility and making your holiday experience as smooth as possible.
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Verona has a treasure-trove of historic architecture for you to set your sights on including a Roman amphitheatre which is still in use today, serving as a dramatic backdrop for the mesmerising opera events hosted here.
You can also visit the world-famous Casa de Giulietta and see the legendary balcony. So inspiring is the story of Romeo and Juliet that many visitors have put pen to paper themselves and written letters for loved ones and stuck these to almost every spare inch of the walls of the courtyard.
The food culture in Verona is simply irresistible too. Restaurants are casual and unpretentious, leaving the food and the flavours to be the main focus of your attention.
If you’re planning to stay in Verona for a few nights, you may want to allocate some of your time toward a day trip to Lake Garda, which is Italy’s largest lake and one of the most beautiful areas of Europe.
For a pre cruise stay which offers history, architecture, culture and delicious dining, then Verona is a great choice. To see what else this amazing city has in store, check out the rest of our travel guide.
Weather in The Mediterranean
Things to do in Verona
Museo di Castelvecchio
Built in the 1350’s, Castelvecchio is one of the most important ancient battlements in northern Italy…
Museo di Castelvecchio
It was severely damaged by Napoleon in the WW2 bombings but was later reinvented by architect Carlo Scarpa. Visiting the museum today you can appreciate the architecture and the collection of medieval artefacts housed there.
Giardino Giusti
These neatly manicured gardens are considered a masterpiece of Renaissance landscaping…
Giardino Giusti
They are named after the noble family that has tended to them since they opened to the public in 1951 and according to local legend, couples who manage to find one another in the maze are destined to be together forever.
Torre dei Lamberti
During the middle ages, many people constructed tower residences as they were considered a sign of wealth and power…
Torre dei Lamberti
Only a few of these towers still remain today and one of them is Torre dei Lamberti which is located in Piazza Erbe. Torre dei Lamberti was built in 1127 and it is currently the tallest tower in Verona.
Casa de Giulietta
The house of Juliet is one of the most visited points of interest in Verona, so prepare yourself for the crowds taking selfies with the worn statue of Juliet!…
Casa de Giulietta
Whilst you’re here, stop and take a moment to appreciate the love letters which are posted all over the walls, up to 2 metres in height. If you’re feeling poetic, why not even write your own love letter?
Arena di Verona
This Roman amphitheatre is still in use today…
Arena di Verona
Built in the first century, this Roman amphitheatre is still in use today and is internationally famous for the large-scale opera performances held here.
Lake Garda
If you’re in Verona for a few days, then you may want to use some of your time for a visit to the stunning Lake Garda…
Lake Garda
It’s the largest lake in Italy and it’s surrounded by mountains and forests making it a haven for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits. You can reach Lake Garda from Verona by bus and the journey is approx 2 hours each way.
Restaurants in Verona
Ristorante Greppia
Located in a quiet square off the Via Mazzini, this small and friendly restaurant offers fresh and delicious northern Italian dishes.
Pescheria I Masenini
This popular seafood restaurant is located where Verona’s Roman fish market was once held. The dishes have an inventive use of flavour such as black ink gnocchi with lobster ragu or sea bass carpaccio with zesty green apple and pink pepper.
Gelato Ponte Pietra
The gelato here is made from alpine milk sourced from Alto-Adige and it’s some of the best gelato you’ll ever try! Choosing from all the flavours will be hard but white chocolate and hazelnut (bacio bianco), candied orange and cinnamon or mille fiori which is honey with bits of pollen from the local hillsides, are among the most special.
Pintxos Bistrot
Pintxos Bistro takes its inspiration from Catalan tapas and here you can enjoy a variety of Italian dishes including pasta, cheeses, ham and even internationally inspired foods like sushi and sashimi. This venue is a particularly popular spot during opera season and there is no sign for the restaurant so make sure to research its location and book ahead before you go!
Verona Nightlife
Antica Bottega del Vini
Offering an extensive wine list, great food and an enjoyable atmosphere, Antica Bottega del Vini is one of the best restaurants to go to for a traditional dining experience in Verona. Even if you’re not in the mood for a full meal, this is a great spot just for the wine and nibbles alone.
Osteria Caffe Ripasso
Located just outside what is considered the main area for tourists; Osteria Caffe Ripasso is popular with locals. It serves as a cafe come wine bar and you can enjoy an aperitif and a tasty meal for a reasonable price.
San Nicolo Wine Bar
Wine lovers will rejoice at the thought of a visit to this wine bar which is a stone’s throw from the Arena di Verona. There is a wide selection of local wines on offer and if you’re not sure which to try the friendly bar staff are always happy to provide suggestions based on your preferences.
Events in Verona
Verona Opera Festival
The Verona Opera Festival is a truly magnificent spectacle. It’s set in the ancient Roman amphitheatre which is equally as dramatic as the breathtaking performances. The festival takes place from June to September and features operas such as Carmen, Aida and Turandot. If you’re interested in attending one of the concerts during your stay, why not take a look at our Verona Opera Cruise and Stay Holidays which include tickets to one or more of the performances.
Markets
Verona hosts local produce and farmers markets on a weekly basis. These markets make for an interesting look into the culture of Verona and offer an authentic experience of the everyday life of the people who reside here.
Carnevale
The Carnevale dates back to 1615 and it’s held on Shrove Tuesday. More than 500 floats participate in the parade and those with a sweet tooth will appreciate the 15,000kg of sweets which are thrown into the crowd.
Festa dell'Uva a Monteforte
Taking place on the second Sunday in September, this festival is all about grapes! The biggest competition is the grape crushing but there are plenty of other attractions including live music and local food.