Pick up your hire car at Verona Airport and lose yourself in the city that inspired Romeo and Juliet. Ski-bunnies can take their love to the slopes just outside town.
"With our unique and breathtaking range of artworks and monuments you'll fall in love with Verona at first sight. Hey, it worked for Romeo and Juliet!"
Romeo and Juliet did, of course, both commit suicide. But don't let that put you off! Verona is still a very amiable city and few places can boast such a plethora of stunning Roman and Renaissance architecture.
Verona is quite often referred to as a mini Rome, a fairly accurate comparison, although it's far less touristy and bustling and, with its squares and narrow roads, has an intimate, almost cosy quality.
The locals take pride in their picturesque heritage city and love to make the most of its rural surroundings too. Does romance course through their veins? You'll have to find out that yourself.
Summer in Verona can be very hot and expect the odd thunderstorm. Winters, meanwhile, are very cold but with bright blue skies and plenty of snow just outside the city, it's a fine skiing location.
Equestrians, brace yourselves: they're quite keen on eating horse over here. Try the gnocchi with horsemeat ragu or Pastissada, a traditional horsemeat stew.
George Clooney is always inviting celebrities to his nearby Lake Como pad, so there's a chance you'll cross skis with a Hollywood megastar. Fingers crossed for the Brangelina brood.
Shakespeare set another of his plays in the Italian city, the comedy The Two Gentlemen Of Verona - but never actually visited the place himself.
"There is no world without Verona walls, but purgatory, torture, hell itself." - Romeo, in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
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1. Verona Arena
Built in the first century, this jaw-dropping edifice is the third largest Roman amphitheatre in the world and the setting for opera and musical performances today.
The arena has its own car park for visitors.
2. Palazzo degli Scaligeri
The della Scala family ruled Verona during the Renaissance and this impressive palace was where they resided, surrounded by opulence.
Park in either Via Trota or any of the several small roads that surround the monument.
3. Juliet's House
Arguably Verona's most famous landmark, this is the place for romantics. Don't forget to touch the bronze statue of the tragic young woman for luck in love.
Unfortunately, there's no parking on the street where the house is, but you can park at either Vicolo Stella or Via Nizza.
4. Torre dei Lamberti
For an incomparable view over the city, clamber up the steps of this tower. Building work began in the 12th century but presumably procrastination set in as it was only completed in 1463.
Park in Pagina Dodici Society in Corte Sgarzarie.
5. Chiesa di San Fermo
This religious structure offers visitors two churches in one: an 11th century Romanesque building which in the 13th century was revamped into a Gothic place of worship.
You can find a place to park in either Dogana or Via Satiro.
1. Monte Bondone
Just the place for serious skiers. This is not a resort, more a skiing fraternity so expect a low-key apres ski scene and an early rise for the freshest snow.
Follow the A4 towards Modena/Brennero/Milano, then take exit Brescia Est. Continue straight onto the SS45bis, following signs for Bondone. You'll be there in less than an hour.
2. Arabba
Part of the Dolomiti Superski Area, boasting an impressive 553 individual pistes. There's something here for all levels of skier, but beginners and intermediates will benefit most from the abundance of blue and red runs.
Follow the A22/E45. Take exit Bolzano Nord-Bozen Nord towards the SS12, then pick up the SS242 and continue onto the SS243 and SS244 towards Arabba. The journey will take over two and a half hours.
3. Madonna di Campiglio
There are a variety of slopes for all abilities, mostly tree-lined and picturesque, so bring a camera. And with 90 miles of ski runs and a 50,000 square mile snow park, you're truly spoilt for choice.
Follow the A22/E45. Take exit San Michele all'Adige-Mezzocorona and join the SS43 (continue onto the SS42). Merge into the SS239 and follow signs for Madonna di Campiglio. It will take you just over two hours by car from Verona.
4. Venice
And now for something completely different. There's nowhere quite like Venice, so grab a gondola and max out your credit card in the city of romance, quickly, before it sinks.
It takes under two hours to reach Venice by car - just pick up the A4/E70 towards Valdastico/Venezia. Note that you will need to take the ferry to reach Venice. The journey should take you a little over an hour and a half.
" A lot of Verona's city centre is pedestrianised, so consider that when you go to the main tourist attractions. Keep your wits about you as the streets can be very narrow and there are a fair few tight corners to navigate. A major bonus is that you can usually find parking spaces pretty easily and often it's free both in the centre and just outside the city. "
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