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Verona

Verona...as everyone knows is the Italian city of love par excellence! 

That's why I decided to go to celebrate my Valentine's Day! 

This time too I have to thank BoscoloGift because on this occasion too I made great use of one of their boxes that was given to me for Christmas! In this case, both the train journey and a night in a hotel for two people with breakfast were included. The hotel in question was the Montresor Palace, a 4* star quite close to the centre. Compared to the station, however, we were forced to take a taxi as it was a bit inconvenient. Let's say that, if it hadn't been for the gift box given to me, I don't think I would have ever chosen it either in terms of type of structure (I rarely opt for 4*... only if they're really convenient!!) nor for the distance from the centre. I would have simply settled for a 2/3* a few steps from the city centre. Even more so since we only had one weekend and therefore only one night! But oh well... I didn't spend anything so I can't complain! :) 
Once we arrived at the station we immediately got the VeronaCard at a tobacconist and then took a taxi to go to the hotel and leave the trolleys, before starting our tour of the centre! For a change the weather was crap!! Usual bad luck.. Once we checked in, we still decided to make it on foot... at least on the outward journey... even though it was about twenty minutes away... We made the first stop when we came across the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore to take some photos... after which, along the Adige river, we found ourselves under the Castelvecchio with its bridge. Obviously once you get there you are in the center, so we took a tour of the beautiful streets all lit up with heart-shaped lights for the Valentine's Day and we arrived at the foot of the famous Arena. Do you want not to come in? After all, it is a "miniature" Colosseum and at least the interior is still completely intact!!

When we went, perhaps precisely because it was Valentine's Day, there were all the hearts and dedications written in the sand in the center of the Arena. Obviously, in this case you have to be lucky not to experience any type of event as otherwise you might find it closed as many concerts and shows often take place there, especially in the summer months!! After leaving the Arena we took a walk around the center (despite the bad weather..) reaching Piazza delle Erbe and finally we headed towards Juliet's house to see her balcony and the famous bronze statue where it is said to bring lucky to touch them... nothing little of me that.. the TITTLE!! in fact it's all worn out!! :) 

After getting enough water it was time to head back to the hotel for a break and a change of clothes. Since it was the evening of St. Valentine's Day, we decided to treat ourselves to a romantic dinner and opted for the Teodorico Re restaurant... with a view of the city as it is located on the hill of San Pietro with an adjoining castle and panoramic point. Reaching it wasn't easy because as we didn't have a car we had to travel by bus which was obviously reduced in the evening...but I have to say that it was really worth it! In my opinion it deserves even more for lunch! On our return after dinner we had to have a taxi take us to the hotel. 

The next morning, after breakfast, we left for the center... luckily the rain was kind to us!! We visited the Castelvecchio which houses a large museum of medieval and Renaissance weapons but also Roman statues and a varied collection of paintings. Afterwards we decided to climb the Torre dei Lamberti to admire the view of Verona some more. I don't recommend too much... or rather... if you have time, do it... but if you've counted it like we had, dedicate yourself to something else! After the tour of the tower (exhausted from having climbed hundreds of steps on foot!!) we went for a bite to eat and walked towards the hotel to collect the trolley and start heading towards the station to avoid missing our train !! Obviously also in this case the classic weekend is not enough to see it... but it is a good excuse to return... perhaps in good weather!