VERONA - THE CITY OF WINE & ROMANCE (ITALY)

CASTEL SAN PIETRO - THE BEST VIEWPOINT OF VERONA

As the sun slowly sink beneath the horizon, and the sky garnishes with fiery red, crimson and amber, the clearness of the atmosphere, the mellowness of light, and all-encompassing serenity become even more intense. Among the darted cypress trees at Castel San Pietro the dusk brings a completely new perspective.

The brilliance of the colours is brushing the young loving couples. They are sitting on the low wall gazing at each other with misty eyes. The young face is cradling into the curve of the velvetly soft neck, while the other is placing gentle kisses on the unshaven chin and cheeks of the lover.

While big flocks of people from all over the world who come to the city to live a bit of fantasy and romance, crowd around the Juliet’s balcony (Casa di Giulietta) there is a real love and romance happening here and just in front of your eyes.

Castel San Pietro is a corner of peace and quiet with spectacular views of Verona just a few steps from the city centre. You can reach San Pietro hill by car, funicular (2 EUR return ticket) or through a stairway situated just right in front of Ponte Pietra. This is a very special place in Verona. Come here at sunset and live your own romance.

PIAZZA DELLE ERBE - THE LIVELY HEART OF VERONA

The city of Verona was made famous by Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers. Many come here to rub Juliet's bronze breast, hoping to get lucky in love, but end up falling not for a person but smitten with love for this admittedly romantic city.

From the city's lively heart, Piazza delle Erbe, and the Castelvecchio (Old Castle) with its fortified bridge to the beautiful Cathedral of Verona and San Zeno Church, Verona simply amazes. Due to impressive historic buildings and major role in the days of Roman Empire, Verona is quite often reffered as a 'little Rome' and one cannot argue. It has its charm.

Piazza delle Erbe is probably the most bustling square in Verona. People have gathered here since Roman times, when this was a forum. Today, everyday there is a small street market held here. You can buy all kinds of stuff, (from the high value down to chinese plastic trinkets to fresh fruits and herbs). In the eveinings young Veronans fill the bars and enjoy the refreshing aperitivo and snacks. You know what they say? When in Rome, do like Romans do, so grab a glass of aperol spritz in one of the many bars and add some extra joy to the moment in Verona.

Pss. Hungry? Looing for non-touristy local cusine experience? Head to Locanda degli Scaligeri & Il Punto Rosa Hosteria.

a night at the OPERA - arena di verona

Accommodating 20,000 - Arena di Verona - is the natural historic backdrop for the spectacular musical productions. The well-preserved amphitheater is the third largest in Roman world. There is a summer opera festival place held in Verona every year. The festival that cannot be missed.

Whether you are an opera lover or not, you should experience an unique opera tradition in Italy. La Traviata, Carmen, Aida? Performances usually begin at sundown in the Verona Arena, and when the opera begings the audience lights up the night with small candles.

VINITALY IN VERONA

If Venice has Prosecco, and Rome has Frascati, then Verona has it all and even more. Verona is a host of the world’s largest and prestgious wine expo - Vinitaly. It takes place every April and features wines and vineyards from all corners of the country Wine, food, music & enterainment, the magic of the city itself, what more you could ask for?

SLIGHTLY OFF THE BEATEN TRACK - VENICE (ITALY)

MUSICA A PALAZZO: OPERA IN VENICE

Walking into the magnificent 17th century baroque Palazzo Barbagio Minotto through the Louis XIV style doors, decorated with vine leaf shape bronze handles and stepping onto the flooring inlaid with dive and other finest wood is like diving into the past. The dim candle light enhances the exquisite indoor and all the carefully selected furnishings.

The wonderful selection of costumes inspired by the 18th century style, worn by the main characters appearing and vanishing at every act, complement the setting.  The is a home to the Musica a Palazzo, one of the most fascinating places in Venice, offering a completely new way of experiencing the opera.

Every act of the opera is set in a different hall of the palace and the audience (approx. 50 people). The boundaries between singers, the instrumentalists and the audience are completely blurred, pulling them into the act and letting them feel the power and passion of the drama from within.

I TRE MERCANTI : PROBABLY THE BEST TIRAMISU IN VENICE

The origins of Italy’s iconic dessert started in the kitchens in historical gorgeous town of Treviso, located northwest of Venice. Tiramisu means literally “pick me up”/”pull me up”. It is said that the famous cake or cup layered with mascarpone, sponge cake, savoiardi (also known as ladyfingers) drizzled with espresso and dusted with cocoa powder was actually used as natural viagra and served in the past to reinvigorate exhausted clients inside brothels of Treviso. How much truth is in it?

We cannot argue with one. This famous little shop in Venice makes the most delicious tiramisu in town. Indulge yourself an try pistachio or classic coffee flavour.