Verona sits in the heart of Italy’s Veneto region, a city often called the city of love. Its charming architecture and connection to Romeo and Juliet make it a romantic spot. Beyond the city itself, the region offers incredible day trip opportunities. I’ve found that renting a car offers the most flexibility, especially for reaching more rural areas. However, Italy’s efficient high-speed rail network connects many major cities, providing a budget-friendly option for many excursions.
Ala
Just south of Verona, nestled at the foot of the Lessini Mountains, is the charming town of Ala. It’s known as the ‘Velvet Village’ for its history in velvet silk production. Today, you can still feel that old-world charm with its medieval architecture and quiet streets. I love visiting places like this when I want a slower pace.
One of the most unique attractions here is the Antique Piano Museum. It houses beautiful antique pianos, some even played by famous composers. If you’re lucky, you might catch a live concert on the first Sunday of the month, bringing the sounds of the past back to life. The surrounding vineyards offer a peaceful backdrop.
Getting to Ala is quite straightforward. By car, it’s about a 50-minute drive. If you prefer public transport, a direct train from Verona Porta Nuova takes around 35 minutes and is very affordable.
Bologna
Bologna is a vibrant city, often a little overlooked by tourists heading to Rome or Florence. It’s known for its incredible food, stunning architecture, and rich artistic history. The locals have given it nicknames like ‘La Dotta’ (the wise one) for its ancient university and ‘La Grassa’ (the fat one) for its delicious cuisine. I always make sure to try as much of the local food as possible when I visit.
The heart of Bologna is Piazza Maggiore, a historic square dating back to the 1200s. You’ll also find Saint Petronius Basilica here, a massive and unfinished church with a fascinating history. The city is filled with Roman ruins and offers breathtaking views from its medieval towers.
The drive to Bologna takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, a direct train from Verona Porta Nuova to Bologna Centrale is a great option, typically taking between 50 minutes to an hour. It’s often possible to find tickets for under €10 if booked in advance.
Borghetto
Considered one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, Borghetto is a tiny, romantic hamlet near Lake Garda. It feels like stepping into a fairytale, with its well-preserved watermill, medieval castle, and stone houses lining the Mincio River.
What’s special about Borghetto is that some of the ancient watermills have been converted into guesthouses, offering a unique stay. It’s the perfect place to absorb history and then explore the nearby lake for outdoor activities, like paddleboarding or hiking in the hills. I once stayed in one of these converted watermills with Michael, and it was unforgettable.
The drive to Borghetto takes around 45 minutes. For public transport, you can take a 15-minute train to Peschiera del Garda, followed by a walk and a bus. It’s a bit more complex but certainly doable.
Brescia
Brescia is an important industrial city, but its true appeal lies in its historical treasures. It boasts some of Italy’s best-preserved Roman public buildings, particularly within the UNESCO-listed Brixia archaeological park. I always find it amazing how layers of history coexist in these Italian cities.
Within the park, the Temple of the Capitoline Triad is a must-see. In the city center, you’ll find two cathedrals standing side-by-side: Duomo Nuovo and Duomo Vecchio. Brescia Castle, perched on a hill, offers stunning views over the city and surrounding vineyards.
By car, the journey to Brescia is just under an hour. Direct trains from Verona Porta Nuova are also efficient, taking about 40 minutes and costing under €8.
The Dolomites
The Dolomites are a breathtaking mountain range in Northern Italy, part of the Alps. These iconic limestone peaks are a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for their stunning scenery and hiking trails. In winter, they become a popular destination for skiing.
Known as ‘the pale mountains,’ they span the border between Italy and Austria. Their jagged peaks are a marvel to behold. I’ve always wanted to go hiking here in the summer; the views are supposed to be spectacular. The area also has a rich history, being home to the Ladin people for centuries.
Driving to the Dolomites can take around 2.5 hours. Public transport options include a FlixBus from Verona to Cortina d’Ampezzo, which averages about 4 hours and costs under €12.
Vicenza
Located between Verona and Venice, Vicenza is an architectural gem. It’s the city of Andrea Palladio, a 16th-century Renaissance architect whose designs profoundly influenced architecture worldwide. I particularly admire his focus on harmony and proportion.
Vicenza boasts twenty-three buildings designed by Palladio, and there are twenty-four Palladian villas scattered across the Veneto region, all recognized by UNESCO. Key sights include the Teatro Olimpico, Palladio’s final design located within an old fortress, and the stunning Palladian Basilica on the main square. The Palladio Museum offers a deeper insight into his work.
The drive to Vicenza takes about 1 hour. Direct trains from Verona Porta Nuova are also a good option.
Venice
Venice is one of Europe’s most iconic cities, known as the “City of Water,” “City of Masks,” and “The Floating City.” Its countless bridges and magnificent architecture create a truly unique and romantic atmosphere. It’s a place I could wander through for days.
Must-see attractions include the Bridge of Sighs, Doge’s Palace with its Venetian Gothic style, and the golden Saint Mark’s Basilica. Taking a gondola ride is a classic Venetian experience, and sampling cicchetti, small local snacks, is a must. The Ponte di Rialto is the oldest bridge crossing the Grand Canal.
The drive to Venice takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, a direct train from Verona Porta Nuova to Venezia Mestre usually takes just over an hour and costs between €10-15.
Padua
Padua is another city mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays and was the birthplace of Andrea Palladio. It’s a medieval city with a vibrant feel thanks to its large student population and Italy’s second-oldest university, founded in 1222. I find that university towns always have a great energy.
Padua is home to the Orto Botanico di Padova, one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Scrovegni Chapel is a small church with an astounding interior covered in intricate frescoes. The Basilica of St. Anthony and Piazza dei Signori are also significant landmarks. Don’t miss a coffee at Caffè Pedrocchi, a historic café.
The drive to Padua takes just over 1 hour. A direct train from Verona Porta Nuova to Padova is fast, taking about 50 minutes and costing under €10.
Mantua
Mantua, often nicknamed ‘La Bella Addormentata’ (Sleeping Beauty), is a historic gem known for its significant role in opera history. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage City with over 4,000 years of history. I love discovering these quieter, less-visited places in Italy.
The stunning 15th-century Basilica di Sant’Andrea is at the heart of the city. The Rotonda di San Lorenzo is its oldest church, originally dedicated to Venus. Ducal Palace, the former home of the Gonzaga family, and Te Palace, a Mannerist architectural masterpiece, are other key attractions. It’s a place where you can truly step back in time.
The fastest route by car takes about 45 minutes. Direct trains from Verona Porta Nuova to Mantova also take around 45 minutes and are very affordable, costing less than €5.
Madonna della Corona
This sanctuary, near Spiazzi, is dramatically perched on the vertical cliff face of Mount Baldo, over 2,000 meters above sea level. It began as a hermitage in the 15th century, offering a place of silent reflection. It’s a deeply serene and inspiring location.
The original church was built in 1530. Despite its precarious location, it has remained remarkably intact. You can reach the sanctuary by walking from the nearby village of Spiazzi, a walk that takes about 20 minutes along a designated path, or a longer two-hour hiking route.
The drive to Spiazzi takes about 50 minutes. Reaching it by public transport involves taking two buses from Verona, and connections can be infrequent, so checking schedules in advance is essential.
Ferrara
Ferrara is another UNESCO World Heritage City in Northern Italy, celebrated for its contributions to literature, politics, gastronomy, and the arts. It’s a city steeped in Renaissance charm, known for attracting great minds during the 15th and 16th centuries. I find the atmosphere in cities with such a rich artistic past is truly captivating.
Key sights include Este Castle, a moated medieval fortress, and Palazzo Schifanoia, a beautiful Renaissance palace. The Museum of Casa Romei is another stunning palace that now serves as an exhibition space. Ferrara offers a slower pace of life, perfect for immersing yourself in history without the crowds.
The fastest drive to Ferrara takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes. Public transport involves a train journey with one change, taking around 2 hours and 15 minutes and costing under €15.
Lake Garda
Lake Garda, or Lago di Garda, is the largest and most popular lake in Italy. It’s located in the foothills of the Alps and offers stunning views, charming lakeside towns, medieval castles, and picturesque mountain scenery. My family loves spending time by the lake; it’s always so relaxing.
Peschiera del Garda is the closest town to Verona and is known for its churches, a 16th-century fortress, and beaches. Activities around the lake are endless, from swimming and hiking to boat trips and exploring local markets. You can easily spend several days here.
Reaching Peschiera del Garda by car takes less than 30 minutes. A direct train from Verona Porta Nuova to Peschiera del Garda is very quick, about 15 minutes, and quite affordable, especially if you take the Trenord train.
Milan
Milan is one of Northern Italy’s most iconic cities, a bustling metropolis known for fashion and culture. As Italy’s second-largest city, it offers a constant buzz of activity. I always enjoy the energy of Milan, but I also make sure to seek out its quieter spots.
The Duomo di Milano, a magnificent Gothic cathedral, is a must-see, offering panoramic city views from its rooftop. Leonardo’s Vineyard is a unique historical site, and exploring Piazza del Duomo is essential. The Pinacoteca di Brera houses an impressive art collection. Milan is also a paradise for shoppers.
Driving to Milan can take about 2 hours and 50 minutes, so taking advantage of public transport is highly recommended. A direct train from Verona Porta Nuova to Milano Centrale is efficient, with the fastest journeys taking around 1 hour and 15 minutes for under €15.
Rovereto
Rovereto is a city of art, wine, and food, home to MART, a major center for contemporary art. The town is characterized by its winding streets and terracotta-roofed houses. I appreciate how many smaller towns in Italy offer a wealth of cultural experiences.
Visitors can explore Rovereto Castle, dating back to the 14th century. The city is also home to the Bell of Peace, the world’s largest ringing bell, which tolls nightly as a symbol of world peace. Rovereto was also where Mozart held his first concert in Italy, and a Mozart Festival is held annually.
The drive to Rovereto takes about 55 minutes. Direct trains from Verona Porta Nuova are also quick, around 50 minutes, and very reasonably priced.
Trento
Trento is a dazzling Renaissance city surrounded by mountains, blending Italian and Austrian influences to create its own unique culture. I find these border cities often have the most interesting traditions.
A prominent landmark is Buonconsiglio Castle, a 13th-century complex filled with art and adorned with frescoes. The main square, Piazza Duomo, features Trento Cathedral and the Fountain of Neptune. The Tridentine Diocesan Museum offers insights into the city’s local history.
The fastest route by car takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes. Direct trains from Verona Porta Nuova to Trento are also convenient, taking just over an hour and costing under €10.
Treviso
Treviso, surrounded by the Prosecco Hills, is rumored to be the birthplace of tiramisù. This charming town is crisscrossed by canals and narrow alleyways, offering a canal-lined atmosphere similar to Venice, but often with fewer crowds. It’s a wonderful option if you want a taste of Venetian charm without the overwhelming numbers of tourists.
The main square, Piazza dei Signori, is the historical heart of the town. You can also see Porta San Tomaso, an impressive marble gate, and the ancient Walls of Treviso, remnants of its fortifications under Venetian rule. It’s a place where I enjoy just wandering and discovering hidden corners.
The drive to Treviso takes about 1.5 hours. Public transport involves a train journey with one change, taking approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes for under €15.
There are so many wonderful places to discover around Verona. I hope this guide helps you plan your own adventures.