DESTINATION VERONA
VERONA
Verona's skyline from Lambeti Tower, with Piazza delle Erbe in foreground
& LAKE GARDA
So many highlights to pack into a break to Verona. From the beautiful Lake Garda to the famous balcony from Romeo & Juliet, this is an enthralling trip that dictates a full itinerary. Daniel Poole was lucky enough to find out more.
NEW TE ROU
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DESTINATION VERONA
Visitors can drink their fill of Verona itself and then visit the clear waters and adjacent olive groves of Lake Garda just a few kilometres away
N
ESTLED beside the flamboyant River Adige in the north of Italy, enriched with renowned orchards and historical gems, is the beautifully preserved ancient city of Verona, promising its guests a tranquil bubble of outstanding beauty. Verona just oozes charm and beauty, not to mention history with its links to the glories of Ancient Rome. And this lovely historic city is the perfect destination for an unforgettable summer holiday. Just a short flight from Southampton, awe-struck visitors can begin their journey at one of the best-conserved Roman amphitheatres, whose ancient stone steps are made up of 44 levels, holding up to 22,000 spectators. As one of the finest of its kind, the Roman Arena was built in the reign of Diocletian (about 290 A.D), originally conceived for the ‘ludii’ stadium games. Today, during the months of July and August, it hosts the world famous Arena di Verona Opera Festival, which this year will launch its 88th performance since its induction in 1913. An unmissable spectacle! Verona is also famous world-wide as the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Popular destinations include Juliet's house and famous balcony, the Roman theatre, archaeological museum and the museum of frescoes. The centre of Verona is full of fine churches and museums. It’s architecturally stunning, 64 SOUTHAMPTON AIRPORT SUMMER 2010
Juliet's balcony from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet
scattered with evidence of a glorious medieval past. The church of San Zeno Maggiore, supported by two marble lions built in the 12th century, boasts bronze doors, a rose window and an accompanying 14th century tower - truly a site to behold. Piazza dei Signori is home to the octagonal bell tower Torre dei Lamberti. At 274ft it is the tallest building in Verona, providing a panoramic view of the city and inside are two ancient bells called the Rengo and the Marangona. Shopping is an important activity in Verona. The town centre offers every type of store for
excellent international retail therapy! Take in the vibrant daily market held in Piazza delle Erbe, once the forum of Roman Verona. The social and cultural focal point of a summer holiday in Verona is the marble paved Piazza Brà, packed with outdoor cafés that come alive in the summer. Indeed Verona is packed with impeccable cafés, wine bars and restaurants that serve the finest cuisine. One of the oldest and most characteristic restaurants in the city today is Ristorante 12 Apostoli, situated in the city centre where many designer shops attract wallets and purses. The restaurant itself has had its structure restored to an outstanding glory, whose wine cellars are supported by numerous remains that fell naturally from the Verona amphitheatre itself. The food here is of a standard that only so few can even hope to match and never override. First class accommodation is not hard to come by in Verona. Situated in the heart of Medieval Verona stands the impressive Due Torri Baglioni, a hotel that is renowned for its level of high standards, as well as its display of precious antiques of the 17th and 18th century. Since its foundation in 1334, famous guests have had the opportunity of staying here, even Mozart himself. The décor throughout is one that resembles the churches that are within close proximity of the hotel, including its marble floors and vaulted ceilings.
Verona Highlights ★ siGhtseeinG • Piazza Brà, the focal point of Verona • Juliet's famous balcony and tomb • Roman Arena • Castelvecchio museum • Scala family tombs • Piazza Delle Erbe • Roman sights • Church of San Zeno • Sanctuary of the Madonna di Lourdes, a fantastic viewpoint • Roman Theatre with summer performances • Giusti Gardens
★ shoppinG Via Mazzini is the main shopping street for the top fashion names and great value stores. The local wines, such as Soave and Valpolicella, are good buys.
★ eatinG out Clockwise (left to right): Lamberti Tower; Verona's Roman amphitheatre; the town of Malcesine with its Scaligeri castle, alongisde Lake Garda
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Cafés and restaurants lining Piazza Brà
Malcesine to Monte Baldo cable car with views of Lake Garda
travel informAtion For more details contact: Flybe on 0871 700 2000 www.flybe.com or inghams on 020 8780 4433 www.inghams.com alternatively visit your local travel agent.
Sanctuary of the Madonna di Lourdes
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But Verona is not just the city itself but the gateway to a region rich in culture and heritage. Visitors can drink their fill of Verona itself and then visit the clear waters and adjacent olive groves of Lake Garda just a few kilometres away. The Scaligeri castles erected along the luminous shoreline of the lake jealously guards the art and history of the area, as do lake's churches, rising only 500m above sea-level. Visitors can even take trips right up to Monte Baldo, known as the "Garden of Europe", at a height of 2200m, home to countless species of rare plants, ancient traditions and picturesque hamlets. The lush vine-yards of the Valpolicella and its villas are a stone's throw away and then you can go up to the Regional Nature Park of Lessinia with its woods, "malghe" (traditional cow-sheds), snowy peaks, interesting geological features and prehistoric archaeological sites. And then, cover a few more kilometers and you'll reach the Eastern Section of the Province with its towns encircles by austere fortifications, medieval castles and splendid villas. And all this just an hour or so away from Southampton. With its immense artistic and cultural heritage, Verona isn't just a stoppingplace but well worth a prolonged visit.
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A gateway to culture and heritage
Cuisine and wine in Verona are renowned to be of a high standard and the centre is full of quality restaurants. For watching the world go by, you can't beat sitting at the pavement restaurants in Piazza Brà and at the Brec Bar there is a good value self-service restaurant, ideal for lunchtimes.
Verona's Roman amphitheatre
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