Verona Hotels & City Breaks

About Verona

Resting on the serpentine River Adige and backdropped by green hills with laden orchards, Verona is a magical blend of ancient history, inspirational music, sacred art and world-renowned gastronomy exemplified by classical wines. The city welcomes visitors with wide esplanades paved in russet marble, which stroll to courtly piazzas graced with artistic buildings. A host of impressive churches, including San Zeno Maggiore, protest a piety that appears to be contradicted by the luxuriant opulence of Piazza Brà, Piazza dei Signori and Piazza Erbe close to which Shakespeare set his tragic love story, Romeo and Juliet.
Verona's Roman amphitheatre possesses miraculous acoustic properties, which welcome an unrivalled opera festival, featuring the works of master composers interpreted by a star-studded cast. The population of Verona also enjoys a sumptuous social life conducted in cafés, wine bars and restaurants. Caffé Dante, established in 1865, on Piazza dei Signori is a hotbed of intellectual fervour whose patrons first decided to stage operatic events in the city's Roman Arena. To glimpse decorative divas indulging in their second most cherished passion, at least one visit to Ristorante Il Cenacolo, Via Teatro Filarmonico, should be attempted. Its walls are prepared with complimentary letters praising its cuisine written by Jose Carreras, Luciano Pavarotti, and Kiri Te Kanawa.
Another equally famous establishment is Ristorante 12 Apostoli, Corticella San Marco. Plates sing with pescatrice alle mandorle (monkfish in almond sauce) and bowls of tortellini with white truffle shavings. Hosts of other attractions include the stylish boutiques on Via Mazzini, the Giusti Gardens, the Gothic tombs of Arche Scaligere and Juliet's balcony.

PRE-BOOK YOUR OPERA EXPERIENCE

88th Arena di Verona Opera Festival 2010

For a truly unforgettable experience, spend an evening at the finest outdoor theatre in Italy. Verona's renowned 1st century Roman Arena is the venue for a breathtaking season of opera which runs each year from the end of June until early September. Please call our Travel Centre for further details and prices.

2010 Opera Dates

AIDA by Verdi: 19, 25, Jun; 3, 8, 13, 18, 22, 22, 27, 31 Jul; 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 26, 29 Aug.

MADAM BUTTERFLY by Puccini: 26 Jun; 2, 9, 14, 17, 21, 28 Jul; 6 Aug.

CARMEN by Bizet: 10, 15, 20, 23, 29 Jul; 12, 18, 21, 24, 27 Aug.

TURANDOT by Puccini: 18 Jun; 1, 16, 24, 30 Jul; 13, 20 Aug.

IL TROVATORE by Verdi: 7, 11, 14, 19, 25, 28 Aug.

The Sights

Natural History Museum
Juliet's Balcony
Gallery of Modern Art
Archaeological Museum
Piazza dei Signori