The home of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona is an incredible city located in the North of Italy, and it has a lot to offer visitors interested in history through the Middle Ages and all the way back to Ancient Rome. During this short break you will also visit the beautiful Sirmione peninsula and sail along the Lake Garda.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Verona: a city of history, opera, and love that needs to be on the bucket list of every traveller seeking to experience the beauty of Italy in the most authentic way.
Sirmione: located on the shore of Lake Garda, this small historic town is home of the ‘Grotte di Catullo’ the ruins of an ancient Roman villa.
Day 1: ARRIVAL VERONA
Upon your arrival in Verona reach the hotel on your own and check-in (transfer available as an optional extra). After checking in you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to make ice cream from scratch (the experience starts at 15.30 hrs). The chef will cook alongside you, teach you and follow you step-by-step to complete the recipes together. You’ll really feel at home in our cosy kitchen, and you’ll learn what makes Italian Gelato so good. Get tips and suggestions about basic Gelato and Sorbetto techniques to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients. Follow the suggestions of the local chef for choosing the best ingredients to make a perfect and super tasty Gelato. Prepare fruits, spices and other seasonal ingredients, and learn some specific techniques like churning or egg pasteurization. Mix the ingredients and create a real work of art: your artisanal Gelato is ready to freeze. During this hands-on class you'll also learn the traditional recipe to make the "Semifreddo", a delicious and super yummy frozen dessert made with seasonal fresh fruits and cream. When everything is ready you will enjoy your hand-made desserts. During the class you'll also receive the recipes, so you can create the yummy Gelato and Semifreddo at home for your family and friends.
Overnight in Verona.
Day 2: VERONA
After breakfast at the hotel, join an express Verona Arena tour and visit the amazing Roman amphitheatre. Meet the local guide and start the Verona Arena guided tour to visit the famous site: the great Roman amphitheatre of Verona. Enter with your priority ticket and listen to the local expert telling you about Arena construction, its current and ancient use, and the historical legends behind it. Walk under the old marble arcades and listen to stories of gladiators and of the ancient Roman games that used to take place here. Admire the preserved ‘Ala’, which is the only piece remaining of the outer third circle. Discover facts and anecdotes about the long and extraordinary history of the great amphitheatre. The Arena, which survived an earthquake in the 12th century, is still nowadays the city’s favourite open-air Opera Hall, for its unique sound quality and history.
Overnight in Verona.
Day 3: VERONA – SIRMIONE – LAKE GARDA – VERONA
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the charming town and the clear blue waters of Lake Garda. Meet the local guide in Verona city center, get on board a comfortable van to start this relaxing experience and head to Lake Garda. Reach Sirmione, a breathtaking medieval hamlet, famous for the clear waters, the beautiful castle and the charming palaces full of flowers. Enjoy a boat tour around the Sirmione peninsula and admire the beautiful and elegant villas, the landscape and a part of the Grotte di Catullo made of an ancient Roman villa at the head of the village. After this relaxing and refreshing moment, you'll start exploring the village with your local expert that will show you the most fascinating corners walking through the cobblestone lanes and will tell you all about the history and local culture of this peninsula town. Delve into the history of the village and feel like living in the past by walking through the charming streets and the "botteghe". After the visit you'll have some free time to go shopping or relax by the lake. Sirmione is also famous for its amazing Gelato! So don't miss the opportunity to taste the yummy Gelato before going back to Verona.
Overnight in Verona.
Day 4: DEPARTURE VERONA
Enjoy your last breakfast in Verona and if time permits take the last walk to say “arrivederci” to the city or do some shopping. Transfer to the airport or train station is available as an optional extra.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Italy. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
