The town of Verona stands at the foot of the Lessinia Hills. The river Adige runs through it and both its climate and its vegetation are influenced by the closeness to Garda Lake. The province of Verona is 3.097 square Km large and it is a crossroads between Brescia and Mantua (Lombard towns), but also among Trento, Vicenza, Padua and Rovigo (that are very important centres in Veneto). This special location is the reason why Verona is an important reference point for the regions of northern Italy.

A thriving town in its own right, it's also an appealing tourist destination for weekend breaks. It's rich in archeological sites and has a beautiful medieval centre. The Roman Arena, where concerts and operas are performed in the summer, is the city's grandest sight (original capacity 20,000), but the so-called 'Juliet's balcony' is also a principal port on the Shakespearian tourist trail. You can spend a long time exploring the narrow streets lined with palazzi that make up the historic centre (there's also a mini-train tour if you're feeling lazy). Some of the churches contain fine works of art, while the ruined Teatro Romano over the river has excellent views from the terraces where the ancients watched plays.

If you're planning a longer stay, or want to see more of Italy, Verona is usefully located for Venice or for the lovely Lake Garda. It's easy to travel by public transport from the lake to Verona (bus or train), so combining the two destinations makes an interestingly varied holiday.