Verona and Lake Garda

Verona is an old Roman city on the River Adige and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000. At its heart is the Roman Arena, which hosts an opera festival every summer, surrounded by squares, markets and medieval buildings.

You walk from Piazza delle Erbe to Juliet's House and its balcony, then cross the Roman Ponte Pietra and climb the hill opposite for a view of the whole city. Verona is a natural stop between Milan and Venice.

About 40 minutes away is Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake, and the town of Sirmione with its castle surrounded by water. For families with children, the Gardaland theme park is near the lake's south-eastern shore.