The petite city of Verona is the home of star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet – but it gained star status long before Shakespeare found inspiration beneath Juliet’s balcony.
Back in the first century, Verona was a Roman stronghold. Arena di Verona – one of the most impressive Roman sites in Italy – transforms into a spectacular opera venue each summer. And the Teatro Romano still hosts plays and music performances 2,000 years after it was built.
Elsewhere, pink marble townhouses and piazzas (including the cavernous Piazza Bra) hide away osterie wine bars stocked with local Soave and Amarone wine.