Verona and Lake Garda, Perfect Two Centre Itinerary
We have been touring Northern Italy by motorhome, driving some epic Alpine roads, tasting delicious local food and wine whilst also taking time to relax by some beautiful lakeside towns. The road now leads us into a perfect combination of two destinations that make sense not only geographically, but also because of what both locations have on offer. From Medieval Verona to the romantic location of the shores of the gorgeous Lake Garda we found the perfect blend between exploring and relaxing.
I was also keen to visit my childhood friend Luisa, who I saw more than 30 years ago…sorry Luisa, that does make us feel quite old indeed. She now lives not far from Lake Garda with her Italian husband Carlo and their son Jonathan.
We headed first to Verona, where we had a very important appointment. If you are following our motorhome trip you would know that we have been having problems with our fridge, it has been misbehaving whenever we stay in places that are off-grid and we are using gas as the fuel for the fridge. Therefore Brian has been in contact with a motorhome garage in Verona (Campertechno), where they reassured us that they could fix our little problem. So we headed there first arriving at lunchtime and finding the garage was closed for lunch.
It was almost 3 pm when we finally got someone to have a look at our motorhome fridge. We were expecting to have many “lost-in-translation” moments whilst trying to explain fridge issues, but we were pleasantly surprised that our mechanic spoke good English. He was also super-efficient and fixed our fridge in no time at all. Since the motorhome fridge was still under warranty it did not cost us anything at all… although we did give him a generous tip. Not having the fridge able to work on gas meant we had to always find a site with an electric hook-up which was a real pain, we love the freedom to wild camp when we can – so it was a huge relief to get back to full functionality, full freedom.
Once we got our fridge fixed we drove for just a few minutes to the small Agroturismo Campsite and luckily they had a pitch for us which included an electric hook-up. Located not far from the center of Medieval Verona, it proved to be a great location. We decided to relax for the rest of the afternoon and to explore the town the following day.
Verona
Made famous as the location of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet tragic story, this city is a lot of fun. Being a huge Shakespeare fan (who isn’t?) I wanted to indulge in some “Romeo and Juliet tourism” and although Brian was not particularly impressed by the star-crossed lover’s story- turned-money-spinning-tourist-trap, he was quite happy to indulge me. Verona was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, so it is not just all about Shakespeare here.
First, let’s go to the theatre or rather the Verona Roman Amphitheater:
Roman Arena
Located in the historic center of Verona, this 1st century AD Roman Amphitheater is well preserved ( it has even survived a 12th-century earthquake) and it is still being used today for Opera festivals and contemporary shows. In Ancient times it could host nearly 30,000 people, who would come from all corners of Italy to witness some gruesome gladiator fighting. It is an impressive building and we really enjoyed having a good nose around whilst imagining what would have been like to be here 20 centuries ago.
Brian and I at Verona Arena
There was hardly anyone visiting when we arrived at around 10 am on a Thursday morning at the end of September, we almost had the place to ourselves. It cost us only 10 Euros to visit it and we felt that it was totally worth it. Usually, it is possible to get a “Verona Card”, which can be a very good value for money card allowing entrance to all the main sites such as the Arena, Juliet’s House, Museo Archeologico, and the Teatro Romano plus some other sites and including public transportation around town.
There are two versions of the card; 24 hr card and a 48 hr card ( see their website for more information). Unfortunately, they were not issuing the card during our visit, because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House)
Although almost everything about this place is fiction, I was still interested in visiting it. The house itself dates back to the 13th century and it was once inhabited by the Capello family (a surname similar to the one used for Juliet Capelletti, of the Romeo and Juliet story). But the famous “Juliet’s balcony” wasn’t added until the 20th Century.
Alone on Juliet’s balcony…”Romeo, Romeo, wherefor there art thou Romeo?”
A statue of Juliet behind us with a very shiny breast.
The small courtyard has a statue of Juliet with a very shiny right breast. People usually rub her right breast whilst wishing to be “lucky-in-love”. Although I am not sure why, since poor Juliet was indeed a very “unlucky-in-love” girl. I did not partake in this rubbing breast ritual, but I did go upstairs for the obligatory photo at “Juliet’s balcony”. Inside there was also a little museum with costumes that would have been fashionable during the Renaissance-era and apparently the actual bed used in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film adaptation of the Romeo and Juliet story.
I remember seeing photos of huge crowds and queues of people in this little courtyard wanting to go up, but during our visit, there was hardly anyone there, in fact, I was alone on the balcony looking at my Romeo down in the courtyard ( I noticed that he was starting to look quite impatient with me enjoying the balcony views…of dear).
Just a short walk to our next attraction we arrived at the Torre dei Lamberti.
Torre dei Lamberti
A lift whisked us up most of the way to this 84 meters high tower for a panoramic view over Verona and the surrounding countryside…and what a gorgeous view it was.
Panoramic views of Verona from the tower.
The tower’s construction began in 1172 by the then powerful Lamberti family. Two bells were placed in 1295 and they each have retained their Ancient names: Rengo which called for meetings of the city council and Maranga which warned Verona citizens of fires.
Courtyard of Torre dei Lamberti
There are also steps that run along the vertical inner perimeter (368 steps) up to the belfry, but we were glad to have been able to use the elevator and save our legs.
Once back at ground level, we continued walking until we came across the Scaliger Tombs, just off Piazza di Signori. The small site is surrounded by ornate cast-iron work to match the equally amazing Gothic style tombs created by the Scaliger Family, one of Verona’s most prominent and once upon a time the ruling family of Verona.
Scaliger ornated Tombs, behind Brian.
We continued to wander through Verona’s Historic Center, via its many little side streets lined with outdoor cafes, wide piazzas such as Piazza Bra and Piazza Delle Erbe. There are so many churches in this town, including the Duomo and also my favorite the Gothic 13th Century Basilica of St. Anastasia. So we made our way there next.
Basilica of St. Anastasia
The Basilica’s interior was just stunning, with impressive frescos and artwork. St. Anastasia is the largest church in Verona. To enter I paid 3 Euro ( Brian was not interested in going inside) and it was totally worth it in my opinion. The four main churches in Verona will cost the same entrance price ( around 3 Euro), which will all add up in the end, and hence why getting the Verona Card can be cost-effective. Some of the less prominent churches in Verona are free to enter, although a donation is encouraged.
We walked across Ponte Pietra, one of the prettiest bridges in Verona, taking us to the other side of the Adige River for our lunch alfresco. We were keen to take the funicular up to Piazzale Castle San Pietro, although the castle is closed it would have been nice to get another panoramic view from a different perspective.
Castle San Pietro, strategically located on top of the hill. Not open to the public, but there are great views of Verona from the top.
But after having had a delicious relaxing lunch, we were both feeling a bit lazy and Brian’s knee was starting to hurt a bit, therefore we decided to start our walk back home.
The end of our two nights stay in Verona was fast approaching (we only really had one full day to explore, since fixing our fridge took priority on day one) and although we did miss out on visiting some of the sites such as the Renaissance gardens of Giardino Giusti, just across the river from the Historic Centre, the Museo di Castelvecchio and the Roman Theatre ( not to be confused with the Roman Arena, which we did visit) we have no regrets.
Verona makes for a perfect city break, two to three nights would be enough to see the main sites. It is a very walkable city, so staying central is a very good idea. We stayed for two nights at an Agriturismo campsite (GPS N45.42215 E10.99403) which was a short walking distance from the center.
Avoid visiting Verona during the summer months of July and August, since it will probably be mobbed. We visited at the end of September and found it to be perfect, although the main reason for it being so quiet was the decline in tourist numbers because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Feeling a bit cultured out we were looking forward to the next stop in our itinerary; the romantic Lake Garda.
Lago Di Garda/ Lake Garda
Just a short drive of just over one hour from Verona we arrived on the shores of Lake Garda. Covering 370sq km it is the largest of the Italian Lakes. This ladle-shaped lake is situated in a very unique position with the Trentino Alto-Adige mountains to the North, the Lombardy region to the West, and the Veneto to the East. We soon found ourselves parked up for a 3 nights stay at the friendly campsite ( Camping Bergamino GPS N45.45117 E10.67045) with relaxing lake views, stunning sunsets, and entertaining kite surfers. We got one of the best spots to park our van, right on the edge of the lake and we made the most of these amazing views.
We can easily get used to these views from our home-on-wheels.
The towns and villages around the lake enjoy the unique milder microclimate, ensuring a Mediterranean landscape of olive groves, vineyards, and orchards. We rode “Little Bill” our scooter around the region and took our time exploring the many quaint towns surrounding the lake. On our first full day of exploring we checked out the East side of the lake, starting at elegant Bardolino.
Bardolino
Situated on the Eastern shore Bardolino is a town in love with the grape, and therefore it was perfect for wine tasting since there are more than 70 vineyards and wine cellars around this region and with so much to choose from, we headed to Museo del Vino soon after breakfast. Set within the Zeni Winery, the museum tells the story of wine production in this region and ends with a delicious free wine tasting session. Even at this time in the morning we could not resist tasting some of the many varieties on offer. Although Brian had to be quite restrained since he was driving our scooter.
Wine tasting can’t get any better than this place.
Wine Museum at Bardolino.
Fortunately, after the wine tasting, we did not have far to go and we ended up exploring the waterfront area of Bardolino and grabbing a coffee at one of the many outdoor cafes.
Bardolino, on the shores of Lake Garda, has a really nice long promenade.
Each little town around the lake brings its own discoveries, with ancient castle walls, flower-lined promenades, an unhurried pace of life, and a scent of flowers in the air. The clear waters of the lake gleamed under the morning sun. We relaxed for ages just people-watching sitting on very comfortable wooden chairs strategically placed along the lakeshore. There was a wedding party going on somewhere around the lake and newlyweds were doing a very noisy circuit around the town in an old open-top car.
We really enjoyed our morning in Bardolino, but with more to explore, we reluctantly moved on to the equally charming town of Lazise.
Lazise
Another pretty old town with narrow streets and a well preserved old walled castle the “Castello Scaligero”. We parked Little Bill at the large car park close to the castle, which was an easy walk into town. The small harbor and the lakefront were very lively with people walking over the patterned paved promenade, lined with ornamental wrought iron lamp posts.
Entrance to the old town of Lazise.
Pretty harbor of Lazise
People enjoying the lake views ( is that a pizza on that box?)
There were lots of shops and restaurants with outdoor tables for alfresco eating, but it was all very busy and looking a bit too much like a tourist trap. This town was a bit too busy for us, also it was already getting late in the afternoon so we decided to head home. We chilled out at our campsite for the rest of the afternoon – it was quite windy by the late afternoon and the kite surfers were putting on quite a show for us with their incredible skills and colorful kites. From our home-on-wheels, we enjoyed some of the best sunsets we have ever had and also an amazing rainbow over Lake Garda.
Mesmerizing rainbow over Lake Garda.
Sirmione
We visited this pretty town the following day. Riding Little Bill early in the morning and parking in the large car park opposite the drawbridge into the town, we got there just before the crowds of tourists started arriving. It would have been really difficult to park a car in town, people were already driving round and round looking unsuccessfully but parking the scooter is always such a breeze – just brilliant!
Built at the end of a thin peninsula on the southern bank of Lake Garda, quaint Sirmione sticks out like a long finger. Famous for the enchanting Rocca Scaligera, a medieval castle overlooking the lake, and also for the soothing thermal baths found around the town.
The impressive Rocca Scaligera sits guarding the entrance to the old town, surrounded by the turquoise water this well-preserved 13th Century fortress looks like a fairy-tale castle.
Boat tours depart from here. The Rocca Scaligera in the background.
Deemed the “Pearl of Lake Garda” Sirmione is the most popular town on Lake Garda and it is easy to understand why since it is also arguably the prettiest. At the tip of the peninsula, there is also the Archeological site of Grotte di Catullo.
For such a small town there was actually quite a lot to see and do here.
It was the busiest of the Lake Garda towns we had visited so far. We spent our time strolling around the lakeside trails, grabbing a coffee at a beauty spot, and exploring the old town.
We sat at this lakeside cafe for a while enjoying people watching, relaxing, and drinking great Italian coffee.
This path takes you to the end of the peninsula
The punters here enjoying some thermal waters.
To visit the castle it was necessary to have an advanced booking, therefore we were unable to enter, although we did hear that the interior was quite plain and underwhelming and a visit would be mostly about the great views from the tower. In any case, I would have liked to visit, but unfortunately, it was not possible.
The pedestrianized old town itself is so quaint with colorful Italian houses lining the narrow streets, charming shops, cafes, and restaurants.
We also really enjoyed Jamaica Beach, with the flat slabs of rock extending out and forming small pools of waist-deep water at the top-end of the peninsula. It was an easy walk there from the town center. There was a trendy cafe/bar with tables, sun loungers, and good music not far from the water’s edge. It would have been easy to stay put for a while sipping a few drinks and enjoying the sunshine, but we had more exploring to do.
Jamaica Beach
There were a few people swimming here at Jamaica Beach, but to be honest, the lake water was quite cold and although it was a very sunny day, the air temperature was not that warm. Also, we did not bring our swimming costumes and towels.
When we left later on in the afternoon the car park was full to the brim and there was a huge queue of cars trying to get into any possible space. We gave our scooter parking space to a Harley Davison biker and returned home for another spectacular sunset from our own home-on-wheels.
Little Bill, enjoying our lakeside views
Life by the lake was good, but it was time to move on since we had so much more to explore on this Italian motorhome trip adventure.
Our last night in this region was at a car park near the home of my lovely friend Luisa. I had not seen her for over 30 years and was therefore really looking forward to catching up with her and also meeting her Italian husband Carlo and her son Jonathan. In Brazil, Luisa lived very near my home, back in the day and we went to the same school. We spent our teenage years dancing to the sounds of the late ’70s early 80’s disco music and going to the local disco clubs on a Saturday night in our high heels and big hairstyles.
Luisa, myself, my sister Virginia and our beautiful friend Rosangela (known as Preta) were inseparable. Preta was the only one of us to have a boyfriend and most importantly her boyfriend had a car, a Volkswagen Beatle called “Zangão”. We would all pile into his car every Saturday night and drive to the night-club or one of the bars in our home-town or in the neighboring town. We were all teenagers and not old enough to be drinking alcohol or even getting into nightclubs, but we never let that stop us. Looking back now I think we were quite reckless, but those were also such fun and carefree days.
With my lovely friend Luisa at her home near Lake Garda.
Luisa cooked us a delicious Italian meal and we spent a really enjoyable evening together, eating, drinking great wine and chatting in a mixture of Italian, Portuguese and English. It was very special to reconnect with her after so many years.
We left early the following day bound for the Cinque Terre and the next leg of our journey.
I love all the pictures, especially of Verona. There is a cute love story movie set in Verona, “Letters to Juliet” starring Amanda Seyfried and Vanessa Redgrave. Your pictures remind me of the movie which I have seen multiple times, I think because of the beautiful scenery in the film.
I’m sure I’ve mentioned we haven’t yet visited Italy because I was waiting until we had several months to do so. We had plans to make it happen, but we returned to the states because baby was due. One day I hope we’ll get there, but who knows what is going to happen to International Travel? Your RV is a great solution to travel across Europe. You don’t have to deal with crossing the pond! 🙂
Patti, I have seen the movie “Letters to Juliet”, it is such a lovely film. I have wanted to visit Verona for a very long time and I was not disappointed. It is enchanting, you almost feel like taking part on a movie set. I think you are very wise to wait and visit Italy when you have a good couple of months to spare, since there are so many incredible places to visit there. I know you love your train travelling and I am sure you and Abi would really enjoy the excellent rail network they have in Italy, connecting all the main cities and attractions.
We don’t have any travel plans for 2021, but we do hope that some motorhome travelling will be possible, it is a great way of exploring, particularly now during COVID times.
We only had an afternoon in Verona, and a small boy in tow, so we didn’t see a great deal. I gather the opera season is well worth being there for and it’s a beautifully situated town. We stayed at Bardolino and it wasn’t very touristy but this was more than 25 years ago! We loved Lazisse. Sirmione was a bit busy but we did manage the castle and battlements. The following year we stayed at Torbole and Riva was beautiful too. A lovely part of the world, Gilda 🙂 🙂
Jo, sounds like you had a little taste of Verona. During the Opera season will probably be very busy, but also a great time to visit Verona. It would certainly be amazing to see a show at the Verona Amphitheatre. Bardolino makes it for a really nice base for exploring the region. Was the small boy your son? It is indeed a lovely part of the world and really good for families with kids, since there are lots of water activities.
Yes, James would only have been about 5 and in love with pasta, pizza and hydrofoils! 🙂 🙂
What a fantastic post. Looks like you had a fun time. Cheers!
Thank you guys, we really enjoyed this region. Verona was so fascinating with lots of history and culture and then afterwards spending a few days on the shores of Lake Garda was just the ticket 🙂
Loved the story and great pictures.
Have you guys found there are continuing strong restrictions for travel from and into many countries due to Covid ? I think 🤔 I’m going to wait unit 2022 to go abroad. I love your stories of the challenges you face traveling in your motor home.
Stephanie,
During September and October 2020 there were no restrictions in Italy, all the restaurants, shops and attractions were open. In fact the infection rate was lower in Italy than in many other European countries. We did have to wear a face mask/covering when visiting museums, churches and whenever going into supermarkets and other indoor places. Travelling with a motorhome/RV was an easy way of keeping to social distance and self isolating. We did eat out sometimes, but most of the time we would choose outdoor eating areas. We cooked our own meals most of the time.
Since returning home in November, we have been on some sort of lockdown, and currently it is quite a strict lockdown here in England. I am not sure if we will be able to travel in 2021, but we really hope that perhaps in late Spring early summer we can travel again by motorhome/RV…fingers crossed. Thank you for visiting the blog and your lovely comment 🙂
i havent been but wow it looks spectacular! Take care travelling at the moment.
Thank you Andy.
Currently we are not actually travelling, since we are under quite a strict lockdown here in England. But I do have quite a few blog posts for our travels in Italy back in September and October. I will be posting them in the next few weeks. I can’t wait to be travelling again soon, as am sure so are you 🙂
I do love your tales from Italy. We’ve been to Venice, the Amalfi Coast and Rome – all the usual spots for first timers. Thanks for suggesting that there is more to Italy than just the obvious.
Thank you Suzanne,
I have a few more blog posts on our travels in Italy which I am planning to publish in the next few weeks. I find it hard to write/blog whilst travelling and also since coming home I have been a bit lazy with blogging.
We have been to Rome and Venice a few years ago, so we decided to visit other places on this trip. But we did visit the Amalfi Coast this time and I will be writing about it soon 🙂
Hi Gilda – your photos are making us dream again, mostly of blue skies and warm sunshine! The post all brings that lovely region to life…I visited lots of those places sometime way back around early 2000s – and am still buying Bardolino wine to this day, as a result! Fingers crossed that we’re all on our travels again soon..!
Thank you guys, I think we can all enjoy some vicarious travelling at the moment. I dream of enjoying blue skies and warm sunshine again soon. As you know the weather here in England has been so wet and miserable, but Spring will arrive soon.
Bardolino wine is very special, we are still drinking the wine we brought home with us. Like yourselves we did a dry January, but we are catching up now 🙂
What an enjoyable blog. I love reading a great story that uses pictures instead of the other way around. Thanks for adding another destination to my list.
Thank you Steve. The photos are a great way to keep the memories alive. I have a terribly bad memory, so it really helps me to tell the story. I do also keep a travel journal for some extra detail. I hope you will make it to Verona and Lake Garda in the near future 🙂
Romeo, Romeo where art thou Romeo? What gorgeous photos to brighten our hearts and lives in the wintry weather. As I’ve mentioned before it was wonderful to follow your Italian adventures on social media. Hoping come spring or summer you will be able to be back on the road again. If anything here in Canada travel restrictions are increasing. Looks like we will be living vicariously for some time.
Sue, wasn’t Shakespeare such a genius? How can anyone not love his poetic and incredible writing. Although he might not have even ever set foot in Verona, but there is something very special about this town and the romance of “Romeo and Juliet”.
I agree that vicarious travelling will be the only way to see places for the time being…and who knows when international travelling will be allowed again?
I am loving your winter posts and photos, you really get proper snow there, it looks so beautiful. Skiing must be such a joy, I love how your granddaughter is learning to ski so fast, she is a “pro”.
Your home-on-wheels has carried you and Brian to some charming places. The early fall months of September and October seem ideal for your northern Italian road trip. The oblique light you captured in your arresting photos appears flawless, and the climate looks utterly balmy. I can only hope to enjoy some of the same experiences some day. I have family in Asti that I would love to visit on a future trip.
Joe, having the home-on-wheel made this trip possible for us. Thank you for the compliments on my photos, Italy is certainly a very photogenic country. September and October were great months to travel in Italy, we got very lucky with the weather…for most of the time. Visiting Asti was in our plan, but unfortunately we had to cut our trip short and return home before getting there. We want to return to Italy in the future to visit the Piedmont region, since the food and wine there are supposed to be amazing.
With all you one-month-at-time travelling was there a favourite place for you? I think Italy will definitely have to be on your list.
You are so lucky to have such a wide range of natural, cultural and entertaining destinations to explore in your roaming residence. As you know, it is difficult to single out a favorite place, but if pressed to pick just one, we would agree that it was our month in the Basque Country. Ideal weather, convenient public transport, proper balance between city and countryside, yummy food, invigorating coastal hikes, welcoming people, and fascinating culture. I am sure a trip to Italy would also include everything we hope to find in a monthly stay.
Basque Country is an excellent choice. Brian and I disagree as to what is our favourite country to travel by motorhome (although we have only been to a handful countries in Europe so far). He would chose Norway, but I would choose Spain.
This is a such a beautiful part of the world Gilda! I’ve loved reading your account and seeing your beautiful photos. We’ve been to Maggiore and Lake Como plus Bolzano (and Venice for that matter) but have never got to Verona or Lake Garda. My parents loved Lake Carda and stayed at Bardolino (a long time ago now). You were so lucky to get there when you did and to be able to reunite with your friend would have made it extra special. Hope all is going well for you – it’s been a tough time over there, take care X
Rosemay, thank you for joining us on this trip “vicariously”. We feel so grateful to have been able to travel there for two months. Having the motorhome made it possible for us to travel safely…or at least as safe as we could possibly be.
It has been hard to be in lockdown, as I am sure it is hard for you guys also. One can only hope that the vaccination program will be successful and we will all be able to travel again soon. Keep well xx
Thanks Gilda – I enjoyed the “vicarious” tour very much! A motor home would make you feel safer than staying in hotels. We have been very lucky here in Perth and only experienced lockdowns at the start of the pandemic last March, April and May then a recent one due to a breach in hotel quarantine. It must be so hard with the endless lockdowns you have had to endure in the Uk. The hardest thing for us is that we have had to manage concerns with our extended families in the UK from afar. It is simply too risky to travel there even if we could get permission from the Australian government to leave the country on compassionate grounds. You run the risk of getting stuck overseas for months on end not to mention all the testing and quarantine requirements at either end. It is especially hard for my husband at the moment due to a very serious health situation involving his UK family – he is supporting as best he can remotely. I know we are not alone and so many people are facing these challenges at present. One can only hope, as you say, that the vaccination programme will be successful and it will be safe to travel again – may take a while though I think before quarantine travel will be possible. Let’s hope the pandemic starts to lose momentum very soon. Take care and stay safe xx
I’ve also realised there was a typo in my previous comment (Lake Garda not Carda)!
Rosemay, you certainly have been very lucky in Perth, Australia. I think the government there got it right from the start and you only endured one long lockdown. Here we are already on a third lockdown and not sure when we will be able to have our freedom again. Our PM is due to make an announcement about that on Monday 22nd.
So sorry to hear about your husband’s family not been in good health, it is so difficult to give support from afar. I think there are many families in the same situation and it is so hard for everyone. I do feel positive that things will start open up soon again. Take care xx
Ps. don’t worry about the small typo…it happens to us all.
Yes Gilda I think we have been lucky in the way things have been managed here – quick decisions were made early on such as bringing in mandatory quarantine for returning travellers. The recent lockdown we had here in Perth was short-lived and precautionary until the authorities knew what the situation was and meant that we could open up again quickly when the threat had passed. Even with vaccines our quarantine system is likely to stay in place for quite a long time probably well into next year. Do hope that things start to improve soon for you, take care xx
Beautiful post and photos. Wondrous Italy never fails to enchant us. What a bonus to meet your friend. Although a few decades had passed, time is imaterial as far as friendships are concerned. You both looked so happy to be reunited. Thank you for delighting us with your blog.
Val, thank you for travelling vicariously with us. Italy can never disappoint, no matter what place you visit there. This region was particularly interesting and beautiful…but Italy is full of these magical places. Meeting up with Luiza was the “icing on the cake” a really lovely reunion after such a long time. Keep well my friend 🙂
Gilda,
What a joy vicariously traveling now through northern Italy through your great post! I loved reading about your visits to Verona and to all the towns by Lake Garda and now want to include that region on a future trip to Italy with my Romeo!
I hope the restrictions ease up soon for you in England and that you’ll be able to get back out on the road again. Steven and I have been very fortunate being able to take three separate road trips totalling 14,000 plus miles over four months here in the US since we couldn’t travel overseas. Steven especially is itching to go much further afield come fall if at all possible.
In the interim, I shall look forward to your upcoming posts on Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast!
Annie, thank you so much and it is such a pleasure to have your company vicariously. I hope you will make it to Verona and also Lake Garda with your lovely “Romeo” in the near future.
Lockdown has been hard for everyone, but perhaps not for much longer…fingers crossed.
I am enjoying your US posts also, there are so many fabulous places to explore there. I hope we will visit the US in the future, but meanwhile will travel vicariously with you 🙂
Where to start? 🙂 Beautiful photos and experiences, you two! The water in the Garda Lake is exquisite. And the architecture in Verona mind-blowing. Can you believe I never read the Romeo and Juliet story? Did they teach English literature in Brazil when you grew up?
Such weird times… Half of the tourist attractions are closed and you can’t buy the city passes, but the towns are swamped and people soak in the water, on top of each other, without masks on. No wonder the virus is still spreading. I feel that responsible travel is possible right now: wear a mask indoors in public places and when within six feet of others, use hand sanitizers often, and don’t have physical contact. But, everyone would have to be responsible to make it work: locals and tourists alike. And that’s where the problem occurs… 🙁
There are so many historic building in Verona, the architecture is indeed very beautiful. Although Verona was the set for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet story, no one really knows if he has ever set foot there. I have been a huge fan of Shakespeare for many years, back in Brazil we did have both Brazilian and English Literature at school and that was when I first heard about him and read some of his books (translated to Portuguese back then). I really enjoyed visiting his birth town of Stratford-Upon-Avon a few years ago and have seen many of his plays. We used to have an open air theatre on Brownsea Island here in Dorset and every year they had one of his plays, we would go along for a picnic and stay for the evening performance, every Summer.
I agree, wearing a mask indoors and in public spaces is so important, unfortunately not everyone feels the same. Brian and I wore our masks all the time in Italy, when indoors or public places, but we did take our masks off briefly for photos, including when we met up with our friends.
I remember visiting Largo di Garda one summer back when I was maybe 10 or so. It was a great summer and a great place for a kid. Thanks for taking me back on memory lane.
Otto, I am glad you have good memories of Lago Di Garda and it is a pleasure to take you back there vicariously. I agree that it is a great place for a family holiday, there are lots of things to do for kids in this region of Italy. There are so many very pretty villages around the lake and the wine is delicious.