I’m a sucker for romance, and whenever I am asked about a romantic spot that has really stuck with me, my mind always wanders back to Verona, in Italy. Stunning architecture as the backdrop for candlelit dinners, glasses of fabulous wine enjoyed on balmy evenings, deliriously happy couples riding Vespas along the charming narrow streets, and delightful hotels nestled among some of the most beautiful cobbled streets in the world; you couldn’t really ask for more.
Recommended read: Verona is for Lovers
The clichéd images of the city that you’re bombarded with online actually don’t do this wonderful place justice. You really have to see it for yourself, even if only for a weekend, to experience the true romance of Verona. For any keen traveller wanting to impress their beau, I can thoroughly recommend a trip to this gorgeous city. Here are my tips on how to make a day in this city extra special and thoroughly memorable.
A Romantic Day in Verona
Sightseeing – The Famous Balcony
There’s no better place to start your romantic introduction to Verona than at the world famous Juliet’s Balcony. Hidden away on Via Cappello, this 13th century building is dominated by the balcony where Romeo declared his love for his beloved Juliet in Shakespeare’s famous play.
Young couples flock here to soak up the amorous atmosphere, and single visitors lay their hands on Juliet’s statue in the hope that they too will one day find love. Why not write each other a love letter and tuck it into the wall below the balcony, as thousands of others have done? Capture this romantic gesture on a selfie and send it to the gang back home and no doubt they’ll be impressed!
You can also visit the interior of the house then stand on the balcony to re-live the most romantic moment in history. Entrance is € 6.00 (or € 1.00 on the first Sunday of every month between October and May), and the house is open from 08.30 – 19.30 on Tuesdays to Sundays and 13.30-19.30 on Mondays.
Recommended Read: A Synopsis of Romeo and Juliet
Enjoy Lunch for Two
When love is in the air and you want a truly memorable dining experience, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Verona. From the Michelin-starred Il Desco to the fabulously trendy Al Cristo, there are plenty of options. My personal favourite is the 150-year old Locanda Castelvecchio. The great value traditional food is of excellent quality, while the setting, in an antiquated building opposite the castle, is cosy, quaint and charming in every way. A meal of three courses will cost around €40, without the wine, which is also very reasonable if you’re celebrating a special occasion.
See what others think about Locanda Castelvecchio.
Aperitivo
Join the locals and indulge in the traditional Italian aperitivo before dinner. One of the best places in Verona for couples, in my opinion, is Aquila Nera. I love it because, after a few Aperol Spritzes, you can just stroll around the corner to the Arena for the Opera (see below).
Arena Tickets
Even if you’ve never really fancied opera, you have to go to this one! The experience of a live opera performed in an ancient arena under the moonlit sky is like nothing else. When I first went I thought I’d leave after an hour – but four hours later I was still transfixed. Tickets for the cheap seats are very affordable – and the cheap seats are definitely the most romantic! Take a picnic and a bottle of fizz, cuddle up on the stone steps and allow yourselves to be carried away.
For more information on performances and tickets see here.
Moonlight Stroll
There is nothing more romantic than a moonlit stroll with your loved one, and Verona provides the perfect setting. There are so many walks you can go on in and around this city, but if love really is in the air, head across the water towards the Teatro Romano. From here you can wander though a cypress grove until you reach Castel San Pietro. The views here, when the glistening sun sets over the historic city centre (now in front of you) are truly spectacular.
How To Get To Verona
Of course, flying to Verona is always a possibility, but if you really want to woo the woman of your dreams, why not make the journey to this romantic city extra special and travel by train? Take the Eurostar to Paris, from where you take the Thello overnight train that runs along the shores of Lake Geneva before reaching beautiful Lake Maggiore and then, finally, Verona. You get some stunning night skies in this part of the world and, on a clear night, from the train you’ll be able to see the Alps rising up in the distance.
For a faster travel option, flying to Verona is very easy. Direct flights from London Gatwick to Verona Airport start from £100 per person with easyJet, but you can also book with Monarch or British Airways, who both offer some excellent deals. Other airports within easy reach of Verona include Venice, Bologna and Milan.
Flying time is around two hours and your onward airport transfer service from Verona Airport takes less than an hour, so you and your lovely lady could be sipping a glass of something delicious in no time at all. Shuttle Direct are the go-to airport transfer service from Verona Airport, or indeed any of the other airports mentioned. Offering fixed price transfers, a personal meeting on arrival and private vehicles, it’s the perfect way to get your holiday off to a great start.
Where to Stay:
Relais De Charme Il Sogno Di Giulietta – For any couple wanting to splash out on their romantic getaway, Relais De Charme Il Sogno Di Giulietta could not be more apt. Set in the courtyard of Juliet’s house, these elegant rooms are like something from a film set. Stunning décor, exposed beams and lavish furnishings perfectly complement the modern facilities, with the flat screen TV, spa bath and free Wi-Fi hardly seeming out of place. The courtyard under the famous balcony in the evenings is only open to hotel guests and another major plus is breakfast in your room!
Hotel Scalzi – Want to save a bit of cash on your accommodation so you can splash out on other aspects of your trip? The Hotel Scalzi is a medium budget option, but still very romantic, with a lovely ambience resonating throughout. It’s just a short walk from the Arena and the friendly, helpful staff can provide information so you can plan your own city sightseeing. A generous continental breakfast gives you a great start to the day and air conditioning provides a welcome relief after a long day pounding the streets.
B&B Romeo e Giulietta – If you’re planning to spend your hard earned pennies on an exclusive anniversary gift and need to budget on your accommodation, B&B Romeo e Giulietta is the one to go for. Right in the centre of the city, close to Giulietta’s house and lots of shops and eateries, you couldn’t be better placed for exploring. Rooms are classically decorated, with style and an element of romance. Wi-Fi is free and there are kettles in every room – great for that early morning cuppa.
About Shuttle Direct
If you want to make your onward travel as seamless as possible, book with Shuttle Direct. We are the number one choice for transfers between airports, cruise ports, train stations and hotels in Europe and North Africa. Our team are there to provide an efficient, professional and reliable service that you can book in advance. Let us take the stress out of transfers, so you can simply sit back and relax.
