Beautiful Verona is a city of Roman ruins, medieval buildings, Italian culture and romance, famous as the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Verona's historic heart is surrounded on three sides by a loop of the picturesque River Adige and is a UNESCO world heritage site.
Verona's main attractions include Juliet's balcony and the great Roman Arena - the imposing amphitheatre built by the Romans in the first century AD, which is now used as an open air opera house. The charming narrow streets and picturesque piazzas of Verona make the city a pleasure to explore, while an abundance of pavement cafés offer the perfect opportunity to relax with a drink, savour the atmosphere and watch the world go by - a truly Italian pastime.
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Discoveries
The historic lakeside town of Desenzano, set on the southern shores of Lake Garda, is our charming base. With a peaceful harbour, a characterful old town and an efficient rail service, we are perfectly placed for exploring. This delightful holiday includes a cruise to enchanting Isola del Garda to visit the opulent Villa Borghese-Cavazza and a...
Classic
(323 reviews)Based in the exquisite fortress town of Sirmione, set on a picturesque peninsula overlooking Lake Garda, and staying in an elegant spa hotel, this captivating holiday includes some fabulous excursions. Join us as we glide through Venice's turquoise canals on an unforgettable gondola ride - passing Venetian palazzos, intriguing architecture and...
Discoveries
(216 reviews)Soak up the laid-back atmosphere of one of Italy's most beautiful lakes on an all-inclusive holiday to peaceful Lake Garda. Sail to the idyllic lakeside towns of Sirmione and Malcesine to uncover colourful streets, impressive scenery and amazing views. Enjoy guided tours of two of the region's most fantastic and fascinating cities as you explore...
Classic
(11 reviews)Celebrate the festive period in two of Europe's most spectacular winter destinations. Shimmering Lake Garda at Christmas is truly enchanting, while traditional Innsbruck is the perfect place to enjoy New Year's celebrations. This wonderful holiday includes day trips to historic Verona and timeless Venice, two heritage rail journeys, a visit to a...
In the centuries following the departure of the Romans Verona's history featured episodes of romance, drama, political intrigue and bloody murder to rival anything that Shakespeare could conjure up when he set his play Romeo and Juliet in the city. Successive territorial conflicts and hostile occupations, the Black Death and the rise of fascism during the Second World War defined some of Verona's darkest hours.
Happily, Verona has managed to emerge from the shadows of its turbulent past and is today a relaxed and cosmopolitan city that invites guests to admire its abundant architectural treasures, indulge in cultural pursuits - especially opera - and even visit the purported house of Juliet Capulet with its famous balcony, beneath which a besotted Romeo declared his love for her.
Duomo di Verona
Verona's twelfth-century cathedral replaces an earlier church destroyed by an earthquake. Although Romanesque in appearance outside, the cathedral's magnificent interior was remodelled in the Gothic style between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries and is notable for its superb frescoes and sculptures and for the exposed foundations of the original eighth-century church.
Torre dei Lamberti
Begun in the twelfth-century this eighty-four metre high tower lost its uppermost section when struck by lightning in 1403, only achieving full restoration in 1464. It was converted to a clock tower in the eighteenth century and today visitors can ascend the tower (by stairs or a lift) to obtain panoramic views over the city.
Museo di Castelvecchio
This stunning terracotta-coloured fourteenth-century castle stands on the bank of the Adige and houses Verona's Art Museum which features an outstanding collection of medieval and Renaissance-period artworks including paintings, ceramics, frescoes and sculptures.
Piazza delle Erbe
One of Italy's most historic public squares, Piazza delle Erbe was the site of Verona's Roman forum and is surrounded by beautiful buildings dating from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Today visitors can dine or relax with a drink in one of the Piazza's many cafes or wander the ever-present market that is now held here.
03/01/2025 · By Ian Holt, Karen Overend, Sam Preece
Explore the top UNESCO World Heritage sites around the world, from breathtaking natural wonders to iconic historical landmarks. Discover these must-visit destinations with Great Rail Journeys.
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20/12/2024 · By Dave Riley, CEO
From all of us at Great Rail Journeys, we wish you a wonderful festive period. Take a look back at 2024 and get a glimpse at our new holidays for 2025.
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10/08/2023 · By Sam Priestley
Champagne amid snowy scenery, travelling through frosty landscapes, and having your Christmas lunch served to you in luxury, there’s no Christmas and New Year quite like the one you’ll experience when on a festive trip. But some places do the celebrations better than others and some destinations just seem to embody the season. Here’s our pick of where to spend Christmas and New Year.
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08/09/2020 · By Katie Shaw
Europe’s cities are treasure troves of culture, teeming with iconic, must-see sights to enthral even the most seasoned of tourists.
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