Whenever I daydream about romantic escapes, my thoughts turn immediately to Italy. Who can blame me, really? Candlelit dinners on the piazza, long walks under that impossibly blue sky, trundling over cobblestones on the back of a Vespa, a glass (or two) of Chianti out on the balcony… could anything be more perfect?
If you’re a globetrotter with a passionate side, I recommend whisking your sweetheart away to Verona – a city that represents the very pinnacle of that picture-perfect Italian romance you’ve probably only seen on Pinterest or in the movies. Whether you’re there just for the weekend or planning to stay all month, here are my top picks that will make you fall in love all over again.
Wherefore Art Thou Romeo?
The obvious place to start your romantic getaway is at Juliet’s House – yes, that Juliet. The spirit of Shakespeare’s famous play, perhaps the most famous love story of all time, is alive and well at this 13th century house that once belonged to the dell Capello family (close enough to ‘Capulet’, right?). In the courtyard you’ll see a bronze statue of Juliet; look up and you’ll see a doorway leading out onto a balcony. True, the balcony was added in the 20th century, but that shouldn’t stop you from re-enacting the famous balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet (make sure you brush up on your Shakespeare).
Inside the house there’s a small museum, which holds a collection of costumes from film versions of the famous tragedy. In the corridor leading out onto the courtyard, you’ll find colourful display of graffiti and love notes – romantic gestures left by the many lovers who visit this house every year. Don’t be shy – add your own!
Casa di Giuletta, Via Cappello, 23
Tel: 045 8034303
Hours: Tue-Sun 8:30am-7:30pm, Mon 1:30pm-7:30pm
Prices: €6.00
See and Be Seen
Originally Verona’s forum during the time of the Roman Empire, the Piazza dell Erbe (‘Market Square’) is still the place to be centuries later. Ringed with beautifully frescoed old houses, the Piazza is always buzzing. Browse the market stalls and shops, stop to listen to the crooning buskers, toss a coin in the town fountain (don’t forget to make a wish), or simply relax under an umbrella at a nearby café and watch the world go by.
Piazza dell Erbe, 37121 Verona, Italy
A Romantic Overlook
Looming over the Piazza dell Erbe, the Torre dei Lamberti should be your next stop. This 84-metre-high watchtower once had defensive purposes, but now provides spectacular panoramic views of Verona. There is an elevator that can take you about two-thirds of the way up, but you’ll have to walk up the last bit – trust me, it’s worth it! The view, especially in the early evening, just screams for a kiss and a cheesy selfie…
Via della Costa 2
Tel: +390 45 927 30 27
Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00am-6:00pm, Sat & Sun 10:00am-7:00pm
Prices: €8.00
What’s Cooking, Good Looking?
Remember that scene from Lady and the Tramp with the spaghetti and the Bella Notte serenade? For me, that’s what Italy is all about – food and romance! Try your hand at cooking some Italian classics with a four-hour cooking class right in the heart of Verona. You and your amoré will learn to cook pizza, pasta, bread, and tiramisu at a cooking school inside one of the city’s historical buildings near the Piazza delle Erbe. The real treat is that, after you’re finished cooking, you can sit down to enjoy your joint creation together – accompanied by a good glass of Italian wine, of course!
Meet outside Porta Borsari, Corso Sant’Anastasia, 7, Verona, Italy
Tel: Call +1 855 275 5071 for questions and booking
Hours: Class meets at 10:00am
Prices: from €91.00
The Garden of Love
If you and your sweetheart just love long romantic walks, I highly recommend a stroll through the Giardino Giusti. These 16th century gardens are a trip back in time with their manicured hedges, elegant cypresses, fountains, grottoes, and stone statues. Local tradition holds that lovers who are able to find each other in the garden maze are destined to be together forever… will you give it a go?
Via Giardino Giusti 2
Tel: +390 45 803 40 29
Hours: Open daily 9:00am-8:00pm
Prices: €7.00
How to Get to Verona
If you’re trying to get from London to Verona, you’re in luck. There are plenty of nonstop flights available to Verona Airport with both mainstream and budget airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet (both departing from London Gatwick). With total flight time just two hours, your romantic escape can be underway sooner than you think.
Once you’ve landed, set the tone for holiday ahead by ordering a private transfer to collect you at the airport, which is about 12 km from the city centre. Verona airport transfers with Shuttle Direct are easy to book, prompt, and efficient. Arrange yours online to have a car waiting for you when you step off the plane.
Get a Room:
Hotel Marco Polo – With its blend of rustic and modern, the Hotel Marco Polo is an ideal choice for the contemporary cosmopolitan couple. Cosy up in a double room with exposed wood beams and a billowing white bed canopy, or lay back in the adjacent wellness centre with sauna, hot tub, and spa treatments.
Hotel Colomba d’Oro – Want to immerse yourself in that old-world Italian charm? Look no further than the four-star Hotel Colomba d’Oro, located inside a restored medieval convent in Verona’s historical centre. You’ll be lovestruck as soon as you enter the lobby, with its soaring ceilings, antique reception desk, and intricate woodwork. In the morning, enjoy an expansive breakfast buffet served in a colourful room with mosaics and original stone walls.
Due Torri Hotel – Planning to go all-out on your romantic getaway? Book yourselves a grand deluxe double room at the Due Torri Hotel. Located right in the middle of Verona’s historical district, this sumptuous five-star hotel is old-fashioned luxury with a modern twist. Expect to fall in love with your room as soon as you walk in the door – each is individually decorated in shades of bright turquoise, passionate red, and deep gold. On the rooftop terrace, enjoy an aperitif or a candlelit dinner while you admire the red tiled rooftops of Verona.
About Shuttle Direct:
Shuttle Direct is the top provider of transfer services throughout Europe and North Africa. Offering affordable private and shared transfers to and from hotels, airports, train stations, cruise ports and more, Shuttle Direct can cater to all of your travelling needs. Whether you’re flying alone with your sweetheart or bringing the whole family along, you’ll find the transport services you require on our website.
