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Discover the city of love with a train ride through the streets and the most important places to discover.

The complete tour takes about 25 minutes, with a commentary in four basic languages (Italian, English, German and French) and four additional ones (Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and Japanese). The beginning and end of the tour is located in Piazza Brà (Liston side).

During the summer period or under certain conditions the service may make changes or additional trips.

When to visit

Opening times.

Trenino Turistico Via San Giuseppe Artigiano, 19 ( Directions ) Mail: [email protected] Tel: +39 045 6206842

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For Verona Card holders, this item is free of charge or a discount applies

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Verona Tourist Office - IAT Verona Via Leoncino, 61 - (Palazzo Barbieri, Piazza Bra) 37121 Verona

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One Day in Verona, Italy: The Ultimate 24-Hour Itinerary

From the first cobbled step I took in Verona , I was spellbound. This city, with its melange of love tales , architectural wonders, and tantalizing bites, etched a special place in my heart. My days exploring its alleyways , coupled with detours to the serene Lake Garda , have inspired this guide. Drawing from firsthand insights and tips, I’ve crafted a 24-hour itinerary to help you make the most of one day in Verona.

Now, if you’re reading this, you’re likely pressed for time, wanting to extract the essence of Verona within the constraints of a day. Believe me, 24 hours, if planned right, with the appropriate city pass, staying at a centrally located hotel , can let you delve deep into this Italian marvel.

Verona, with its intimate charm and rich tapestry of history, strikes a perfect balance between scale and grandeur. It’s a comfortably walkable city, neither overwhelmingly large nor confiningly small. This compact layout makes it an ideal destination for a whirlwind visit, allowing you to meander through its storied streets, discovering its hidden gems without feeling rushed or lost. In essence, Verona offers the best of both worlds: the vibrancy of a city and the intimacy of a town, making every step of your journey an experience in itself.

Embark on this 24-hour Veronese adventure, not just as a checklist of sites but as a day brimming with potential stories. Verona will linger in your thoughts, beckoning a return.

Timeless Travel Steps is supported by our readers. If you purchase through an affiliate link on my site, at no cost to you, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Please read our Disclosure for further information.

TOP PICKS FOR VERONA

For the best experience of Verona, consider these tips:

STAY at Due Torri Hotel , overlooking the historic centre and enjoy breakfast over sunrise or dinner over sunset from its large roof terrace.

BOOK Food Walking Tour : Eat your way through Verona, taste their famous wines and see the city’s highlights with a local guide; An all-round experience in one 3.5-hour tour.

See More! Go to the Dolomites or Sirmione + Lake Garda for a day and be completely awestruck by the scenic views. Transportation is provided so, just sit back, relax, and enjoy. After all, you’re on vacation.

Download the VERONA CITY PASS for free local transport, including entry to the Arena, Lamberti Tower and museums

What to See in Verona in One Day: An Overview of 24-hour Itinerary in the Italian Medieval City

If you’re wondering what to see in Verona in one day, this itinerary has it all laid out for you. In one day, you can see the city’s landmarks, historic sites, Roman bridges, San Pietro Hill, renowned as the perfect place for best views of the city, and off-beat gems such as ‘whale-bone’ also. Here is a general overview:

In this one day in Verona itinerary, your journey commences with a 9 AM start, ideally from the bustling Porta Nuova station. Here’s my first tip: arm yourself with the Verona Card . Not only does it provide free transportation from Porta Nuova and around the city, but it also grants access to many of Verona’s iconic landmarks, like the Arena, Juliet’s House and Castelvecchio. It’s a gamechanger, especially when time is of the essence.

During your sojourn, you’ll encounter ancient arenas, romantic balconies, and riverside promenades. To ensure you maximize your time, I can’t emphasize enough the value of pre-booking ‘skip-the-line’ tickets. Having used them myself, they often meant more time soaking in the ambiance rather than waiting in queues.

Staying central was another decision I cherish from my time in Verona. The city unfurls differently when you’re nestled in its heart, with every landmark a short stroll away. This guide, inspired by my journey, is tailored for those who choose a centrally-located base.

Amidst this whirlwind exploration, let’s not forget the magic of serendipity . A surprise street performer, an unplanned café stop, or a gelato’s cooling embrace on a sunlit piazza — these spontaneous moments often become the most treasured memories.

Verona, Italy

Verona, Italy, a city deeply rooted in history and romance, has been a coveted travel destination for centuries. From the moment you step off the train at the Porta Nuova Station, or perhaps even fly into the Valerio Catullo Airport, you’re thrust into a UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with architectural splendour and age-old tales.

Begin your one day journey in Verona in the heart of the city at Piazza Bra , where the Roman Arena stands as a testament to Verona’s ancient roots. This arena isn’t just a relic of the past; it’s a living monument, often echoing with the melodies of the Verona Arena Opera.

As you continue, the cobblestone paths might lead you to Juliet’s house, where you’ll undoubtedly ponder, “Art thou Romeo?” A love story for the ages , this is one of the many tales that make Verona iconic.

Wander over to Piazza delle Erbe , a bustling square where you can soak in the local atmosphere and marvel at landmarks like the Palazzo della Ragione and the Arco della Costa. Adjacent to it is the Piazza dei Signori, overlooked by the towering Torre dei Lamberti and the historic Santa Maria Antica.

For those armed with a handy Verona card , you’ll find tips pointing to the 14th-century Bridge of San Pietro, offering panoramic views of the River Adige.

While some might be on a day trip from nearby Venice, a stay in a central hotel allows more time to explore and delve deeper into Verona’s allure.

Whether it’s the magnificent Santa Maria Matricolare (Verona Cathedral) or the scenic vistas from the hill of San Pietro, this beautiful city promises a plethora of things to see and experiences to cherish.

Your Verona itinerary for one day might be fleeting, but the memories and the love for this city will undoubtedly last a lifetime.

Here’s How You Might Spend One Day in Verona, Italy: Itinerary Overview

Arrival in Verona Morning:

• Porta Nuova Station: Beginning Your Adventure.
• Drop your bags off at your hotel in a central location.
• Verona Arena: Ancient Roman Legacy.
• Piazza Bra: The City’s Living Room.
• Juliet’s House: Echoes of a Timeless Love Story.
• Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, Verona’s Romanesque Marvel.

Mid-Day-Early Afternoon:

• Strolling to Piazza delle Erbe: Heartbeat of Verona.
• Palazzo della Ragione & Torre dei Lamberti: A Historical Climb.
• Arco della Costa: The Legend and the View.
• Piazza dei Signori: Verona’s Aristocratic Square.
• Santa Maria Antica: A Church Steeped in History.
• Verona Cathedral.

Late Afternoon-Early Evening:

• A Stroll along the Adige River and Castelvecchio + Castelvecchio Bridge.
• Ponte Pietra & River Adige: Picturesque Moments.
• San Pietro Hill: Sunset.

Evening-Night:

• Return to Hotel
• Dinner at a Traditional Osteria.

Optional: Verona Arena Opera Experience in the summer.

Night (post dinner):

• Strolling through the city.
• Explore Local Wine Bars & Nightcaps.

Overnight Stay: At a Central Hotel

Next Morning:

• If you stay at the Due Torii Hotel , you can enjoy a fabulous breakfast at its furnished roof terrace and watch the sun rise over the Arena + city.
• Breakfast in Piazza Bra: Savouring Espresso and Fresh Pastries at a Traditional Café: Start your second day in Verona with an authentic breakfast experience, setting the tone for a relaxed morning before departure.

VERONA CARD

Immerse yourself in the ambiance of the city of Verona that inspired the timeless tale of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ at your own pace with the flexibility of the 24-hour (€20.00) or 48-hour (€25.00) Verona Card.

With the Verona Card, you get Free use of the ATV Transport system within Verona city. The Card offers Free Entry to 15 top attractions including Verona Arena, Lamberti Tower, Juliet’s Balcony, Castlevecchio and San Zeno.

Three Quick Tips for Your One-Day Verona Itinerary:

Comfort is Key: Verona’s charming streets are paved with cobblestones. Ensure you wear comfortable shoes to make the most of your exploration without any discomfort.

Stay Hydrated: Verona can be quite warm, especially during the summer months. Always have a bottle of water on hand to keep yourself refreshed throughout the day.

Beware of Tourist Traps: While the allure of Romeo and Juliet’s tale is enticing, be cautious of overpriced souvenirs and eateries, particularly around the main tourist sites.

The Ultimate 24-Hour Itinerary in Verona

Morning arrival in verona, porto nuovo station (9:00 am – 9:30 am).

Starting at 9:00 AM at Porta Nuova Station, your 24-hour exploration of Verona begins. One of the main gateways to the city, this bustling station serves as the central hub for all transportation , seamlessly connecting Verona to its surrounding regions and beyond.

After a swift trip via ATV with your Verona Card, or taxi to your hotel to drop off bags, make your way to Piazza Bra, the vibrant heart of the city. From this central square, you’ll commence your splendid day, diving deep into Verona’s grand Roman legacy and timeless Shakespearean tales.

Verona Arena: Ancient Roman Legacy

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM

If you are located in the centre of the city , a short walk leads you to one of Italy’s grandest Roman arenas. The Verona Arena, with its imposing stone arches, is a testament to the architectural marvels of ancient Rome. As you stand in this amphitheater, imagine the roaring crowds from millennia past, captivated by gladiatorial combats or, in more recent times, the melodious strains of operas during the famed Verona Arena Opera festival.

Visiting the Verona Arena requires a ticket. You can purchase a stand alone ticket which includes priority entrance (recommended) or purchase the city pass which includes skip-the-line access to the Arena.

PRO TIP: The Arena stands as the city’s most frequented attraction. While tour groups typically begin to pour in around 10 AM, arriving slightly earlier offers a quieter experience. So, aim to visit first thing in the morning to enjoy those initial moments of tranquility before the crowds.

READ: Verona Arena: A Helpful Guide into History + Little Known Facts of a Medieval Marvel

Piazza Bra: The City’s Living Room

10:45 AM – 11:15 AM

Adjacent to the Verona Arena is Piazza Bra, often described as Verona’s living room. Lined with vibrant cafes and punctuated by the serene presence of the Palazzo della Gran Guardia, this piazza is where both locals and visitors congregate. It’s a perfect spot to indulge in an Italian espresso, absorb the city vibes, and maybe catch sight of an impromptu street performance.

READ: Piazza Bra: Discover 10 Must-Do Activities, Mostly Free.

Porta Borsari:

Porta Borsari is situated at the end of Corso Porta Borsari, which leads directly into the city center. If you’re walking from Piazza Bra (where the Arena is) towards Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta) or continuing on to San Zeno, you’d very likely pass by or near Porta Borsari.

This striking entrance is one of the ancient gateways to Verona, built in the 1st century BC and gives a glimpse into the city’s Roman history. Given its location, it’s a sightseeing spot in your walking itinerary. Even if it’s just a brief pause to admire its architecture and significance, it’s worth acknowledging as you pass by.

Juliet’s House: Echoes of a Timeless Love Story

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM

From Piazza Bra, wander through Verona’s alleyways to Juliet’s House, a testament to the undying love story penned by Shakespeare.

Stroll through Via Mazzini, Verona’s main shopping street, filled with boutiques, cafes, and stores. It’s a good place to get a feel for the city’s vibe and maybe pick up a souvenir or two.

At Juliet’s House, the famous balcony beckons, symbolizing the romantic rendezvous of Juliet and her Romeo. While the tale is fictional, the sentiments it evokes are genuine. Many travellers pen love notes or promises on the walls, hoping for a bit of that Veronese romantic magic.

PRO TIP: For Verona Card holders, admission to Juliet House is Free. However, you need to book a time slot for your visit.

READ: Romeo and Juliet in Fair Verona.

Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore: Verona’s Romanesque Marvel

12:30 – 1:00 PM

To cap off the morning, head west to the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore. Renowned as one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy, this basilica’s stunning façade, intricate bronze doors, and the tranquility of its cloisters showcase Verona’s ecclesiastical legacy. The interiors, adorned with masterful artworks, narrate tales from both Christian scriptures and local legends.

These destinations promise a morning steeped in history, romance, and the vibrant culture that makes Verona a must-visit on any Italian travel itinerary.

Mid-Day and Early Afternoon in Verona

Strolling to piazza delle erbe and lunch.

1:00 PM – 2:15 PM

After the tranquility of San Zeno, meander through Verona’s charming cobblestone streets, a beautiful journey that gradually unfolds the city’s character.

As you stroll, the bustling Piazza delle Erbe, the city’s historic market square, welcomes you. This square, a vital part of any one day in Verona itinerary, is an ideal spot for a relaxing quick lunch. Sample the local flavours, and let the ambiance of the square wash over you.

PRO TIP: The Italians have lunch between 1 PM and 2:30 PM but restaurants do cater for their tourists customers and serve lunch from 12:30 PM.

• Piazza delle Erbe, Verona: An Unmissable Bustling Historic Market Square
• The Best 19 Veronese Traditional Dishes You Must Try When Visiting this City;
• Verona Wine: A Helpful Guide to 11 Fine Garda Wines + Food Pairings;
• You might also like: 3 Best Food Tours in Verona.

Palazzo della Ragione & Torre dei Lamberti: A Historical Climb

2:20 PM – 2:55 PM

Re-energized from your lunch at Piazza delle Erbe, make your way to Palazzo della Ragione. This grand edifice is an emblem of Verona’s civic pride.

Then, for a truly unparalleled view of the city, climb the adjacent Torre dei Lamberti. As you ascend, the sprawling panorama of Verona unfolds, with terracotta rooftops stretching out towards the horizon, a sight that exemplifies the city’s “24-hour in Verona” charm.

READ: The Lamberti Tower, Verona: A Storied History and Vista Point.

Arco della Costa: The Legend and the View

3:00 pm – 3:20 pm

A stone’s throw away, you’ll come across the mysterious Arco della Costa, a gateway holding a curious whale rib. Legends swirl around this oddity, making it a point of intrigue on any what to see and do in Verona’s list. It’s also a great vantage point to admire the city’s bustle and architectural blend.

Piazza dei Signori: Verona’s Aristocratic Square

3:25 PM – 3:40 pm

Concluding this leg of your journey, the aristocratic Piazza dei Signori awaits. Enclosed by historic buildings and marked by statues, this square is a veritable trip back in time. Every stone and facade here speaks of Verona’s storied past. It’s a serene oasis, perfect for reflecting on the myriad impressions that this one day in Verona itinerary offers. Take a moment to sit, perhaps near Dante’s statue, and imagine the lively discussions and events that once graced this space.

Santa Maria Antica: A Church Steeped in History

3:45 PM – 4:05 PM

Tucked amidst Verona’s architectural marvels, the Santa Maria Antica stands as a quiet testament to the city’s spiritual history. Its elegant carvings are a testament to the craftsmanship of yesteryears.

As you step inside, the gentle play of light through the stained glass paints a story of faith and artistry. The church’s intimate size and ancient ambiance make it a peaceful retreat from the city’s bustle.

How far is Piazza dei Signori to Santa Maria Antica?:

Piazza dei Signori and Santa Maria Antica are very close to each other, located in the historic heart of Verona.

The distance is only a few minutes on foot, approximately 100-150 meters or so, depending on the exact starting and ending points within the piazza and the church area. It’s a very short and scenic walk amidst the historic buildings of Verona.

Verona Cathedral (Duomo di Verona): Architectural Splendour

4:10 PM – 4:50 PM

A stone’s throw from Santa Maria Antica, the Verona Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Matricolare, stands as a monumental highlight on any one day in Verona itinerary. As you step inside, you’ll be enveloped by its rich blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements.

The cathedral’s intricate facade, combined with its breathtaking interior artworks, serves as a testament to Verona’s storied past and the city’s deep-rooted religious and artistic traditions. Exploring its grandeur and absorbing its historical tales is a must-do experience that adds depth to your 24-hour Verona journey.

How far is Santa Maria Antica from Verona Cathedral?

The walk from Santa Maria Antica to Verona Cathedral (Duomo di Verona) is very short. The two landmarks are located quite close to each other in Verona’s historic center.

It would typically take less than 5 minutes to walk between them, via Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, covering a distance of roughly 200-300 meters. The proximity of these sites makes it easy to move from one to the other during a day of exploration in Verona.

Late Afternoon and Early Evening of Your One Day in Verona Itinerary

Stroll along the adige river + castelvecchio & castelvecchio bridge: medieval fortress & views.

5:00 PM – 5:45 PM

After absorbing the architectural grandeur of Verona Cathedral, head towards Castelvecchio. A brief, scenic walk of about 8-10 minutes will lead you to this medieval fortress, standing as a testament to Verona’s turbulent past.

If you prefer not to walk, consider hopping onto the local ATV buses. With your Verona Card in hand, you can easily access these buses for a comfortable ride between the city’s attractions.

Castelvecchio, with its crenelated walls and robust towers, offers a glimpse into the city’s defensive history. Don’t miss crossing the adjoining Castelvecchio Bridge, offering panoramic views of the River Adige and the cityscape.

Although your visit is brief due to closing times (usually at 6:00 pm), the fortress and its surroundings offer rich insights into Verona’s medieval era, making it a key stop in your 24-hour itinerary.

Following your historical immersion at Castelvecchio, trace your steps to the iconic Ponte Pietra, Verona’s testament to resilience. Castelvecchio and Ponte Pietra are about a 15-minute walk apart, depending on your pace.

The distance is roughly 1.2 kilometers or 0.75 miles. The route takes you through some of Verona’s scenic areas and along the River Adige, making it a pleasant stroll, especially if the weather is good.

For those seeking a more relaxed journey, the ATV bus, accessible with your 24 hour Verona Card , provides a convenient alternative to this picturesque destination.

Early Evening of Your 24-Hour in Verona

Ponte pietra and san pietro hill.

5:45 PM – 6:45 PM

Ponte Pietra, often referred to as the “Stone Bridge,” stands as one of Verona’s most iconic landmarks. This historic bridge spans the River Adige and, despite the damages it endured during World War II, was meticulously restored using its original stones.

As the golden hour approaches, Ponte Pietra radiates with warmth, its age-old stones bathed in a mellow luminescence. This moment offers breathtaking panoramic views of Verona, framed by undulating hills and the distant embrace of the Adige Valley. The River Adige’s serene reflection of the historic bridge presents an idyllic snapshot, capturing the spirit of a one-day Verona journey.

When visiting Ponte Pietra, here are a few things to do and appreciate:

Historical Appreciation: Ponte Pietra dates back to Roman times, having been constructed in the 1st century B.C. Several of its arches have been rebuilt over the centuries due to war damage, yet the bridge remains an enduring symbol of Verona’s layered history.

Photography: The bridge offers fantastic views of the River Adige and the surrounding city, making it a favourite spot for photographers. Sunset and sunrise are particularly magical times to capture its beauty.

Riverside Stroll: Adjacent to the bridge are pathways along the River Adige. It’s a calm spot to enjoy a leisurely walk, taking in the river’s reflections and the city’s historic backdrop.

Contemplation: Given its history and setting, the bridge is also a wonderful place to pause, reflect, and simply soak in the ambiance of Verona.

In essence, while Ponte Pietra might be a simple bridge, its historical context and stunning surroundings make it a must-visit when exploring the city.

San Pietro Hill

If you cross the bridge heading north, you’ll reach the base of San Pietro Hill. A steep climb or a funicular ride will take you up to the Roman Theatre and Archaeological Museum, where you get panoramic views of Verona.

San Pietro Hill, or “Colle San Pietro”, is one of Verona’s most iconic spots and offers a myriad of reasons why it’s so special:

Panoramic Views: The hill provides a vantage point for some of the most panoramic views of Verona. From here, visitors can see the River Adige winding its way through the city, the famous red rooftops, and several prominent landmarks.

Historical Significance: Atop the hill sits the Roman Theatre, an ancient structure that dates back to the 1st century BC. This theatre is a testament to Verona’s rich history and its Roman past.

Castel San Pietro: Though the original medieval castle was destroyed, the current structure still stands tall and is a reminder of the city’s strategic importance throughout history. The castle’s terraces and grounds are perfect for leisurely strolls.

Peaceful Escape: While Verona bustles with activity, San Pietro Hill offers a quieter, more serene environment. The hill and its surroundings are ideal for those looking to escape the city’s hustle and bustle for a moment of tranquility.

Nature’s Cradle: Apart from historical structures, the hill is also dotted with greenery. It’s a spot where nature and history converge, offering visitors a unique experience.

In essence, San Pietro Hill encapsulates what Verona is all about: a harmonious blend of history, beauty, and nature. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to truly understand the heart and soul of Verona.

PRO TIP: Near Ponte Pietra, you’ll find several restaurants and cafes with terraces overlooking the river, ideal for a meal or drink with a scenic view.

Passeggiata

As you stand at Ponte Pietra, watching the sunset bathe the city in its golden embrace, you’ll notice locals and tourists alike partaking in the time-honored tradition of the ‘passeggiata.’ This leisurely evening stroll is not just a way to enjoy the beauty of Verona but a reflection of the Italian way of life.

Passeggiata is an opportunity to socialize, see and be seen, and immerse oneself in the rhythm and soul of the city. After soaking in the sunset views, why not join in? Meander along Verona’s ancient streets and become a part of this living tradition before heading to dinner.

READ: La Passeggiata in Italy: The Italian Cultural Tradition of Evening Strolls.

The Golden Hour from Atop San Pietro Hill

I’ve crafted this itinerary so that you find yourself atop San Pietro Hill during the golden hour, arguably the most enchanting time in Verona. My intent was for you to pause here and savour the twilight before the evening unfolds.

The tranquility of the hill, far removed from the city’s bustling core, offers a moment for introspection. As the sun gently casts its golden glow over Verona, it offers a poetic interlude in a day steeped in historical allure. This spot is among my most cherished places to truly soak in Verona’s magic.

Before delving into a delightful dinner and embarking on an evening stroll, take a moment to cherish the tranquility atop San Pietro Hill.

6:45 PM to 8:15 PM

After the enchanting sunset views from San Pietro Hill, head back to your hotel to freshen up and rejuvenate. With recharged spirits, step out into the evening and treat yourself to an authentic meal at a traditional Osteria.

PRO TIP: Consider a central stay in a boutique hotel or bed and breakfast to fully immerse yourself in Veronese charm. Popular areas to consider are the city center or near Piazza Brà. The Due Torii and the Indigo Hotel are excellent choices.

READ: Places to Stay in Verona: Top 7 Hotels for a Perfect Trip.

8:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Following dinner, indulge in a leisurely stroll through the city, witnessing Verona’s landmarks illuminated against the night sky. If the allure of performing arts beckons, consider capping off your night with the mesmerizing Verona Arena Opera Experience.

For an evening to remember, experience the city’s gastronomic heart at a cozy osteria, relish the acclaimed Amarone wine that Verona proudly offers, or elevate your evening with a sumptuous meal at the esteemed Maffei restaurant.

Here are three iconic dishes from Verona that you might consider trying for dinner, including the renowned risotto from Maffei:

• Risotto all’Amarone: A creamy risotto made using Amarone wine, which imparts a rich, distinctive flavour. The version at Maffei is especially sought after by both locals and visitors.
• Bigoli con l’anatra: A thick, coarse spaghetti-like pasta called bigoli, traditionally served with a rich duck sauce.
• Pastissada de Caval: A slow-cooked horse meat stew, seasoned with spices, red wine, and tenderized over hours to create a dish full of depth and flavour.

Pair these dishes with a glass of local Valpolicella or Soave wine, and you’ll have an authentic Veronese dining experience!

Here are some dining spots that encapsulate the true flavours of Verona:

Maffei Restaurant: Located in the heart of Piazza delle Erbe, this historic restaurant offers a blend of traditional and contemporary Italian dishes. Housed in a palace with elegant frescoes and a stunning terrace view, it’s an experience in itself.

Address: Piazza Erbe, 38, 37121 Verona VR, Italy

Osteria Del Bugiardo: A cozy spot offering classic Veronese dishes, accompanied by a wide selection of local wines. The rustic interiors and warm ambiance make it a favourite among locals and tourists alike.

Address: Corso Porta Borsari, 17/A, 37121 Verona VR, Italy

Antica Bottega del Vino: Renowned for its impressive wine list and rich culinary history, this establishment has been serving traditional Veronese dishes for centuries. It’s the perfect place to get a taste of Verona’s gastronomic heritage.

Address: Vicolo Scudo di Francia, 3, 37121 Verona VR, Italy

Both “Osteria Del Bugiardo” and “Antica Bottega del Vino” are located in Verona’s historic city center and is relatively close to Piazza delle Erbe, making it easily accessible for those exploring the heart of Verona.

PRO TIP: Italians traditionally dine between 8:30 PM and 10:30 PM. Yet, catering to the preferences of travellers, many restaurants start serving dinner as early as 7:00 PM.

After dinner, wander through Verona’s softly lit streets. The city’s evening glow adds a touch of magic, making your stroll feel like a leisurely journey through a nighttime fairy tale.

READ: A Comprehensive Helpful Guide to the Best 19 Traditional Veronese Dishes Which You Need To Know Before You Go.

Post-Dinner: Explore Local Wine Bars and Nightcaps

10:00 PM –

It is also a great time to wander into a local wine bar and immerse yourself in Verona’s rich vinicultural heritage. After all, Verona sits proudly in Italy’s Veneto wine region, home to the acclaimed Valpolicella wines. Treating yourself to a glass (or two) isn’t just about enjoying a drink — it’s about immersing in Verona’s rich wine culture.🍷

READ: Verona Wine: A Helpful Guide to 11 Fine Garda Wines + Food Pairings

Next Morning

Breakfast in piazza bra.

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Start your day in the heart of the city at Piazza Bra as the finale to your one day in Verona itinerary. As the city slowly awakens, treat yourself to a freshly brewed espresso and indulge in delicious pastries at one of the traditional cafés lining the square. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a tranquil morning, observing locals and tourists alike, before departing this enchanting city.

Alternatively, if you stay at the Due Torii Hotel , you can enjoy a delicious breakfast at its furnished roof terrace and watch the sun rise over the Arena.

Explore Deeper

Discover more of this charming city with these curated articles. Explore tales of colourful houses, age-old myths, cobbled pathways, and captivating romantic legends to ensure you capture every nuance of the city on your one day journey in Verona, adding depth to your itinerary.

Is Verona Worth Visiting?: 31 Absolute Things to Do Confirm It Is!

11 Best Day Trips from Verona: Car, Bus, Train, + Tour Options

Verona and Lake Garda: The Most Complete Itinerary for 3 or 4 Days

Getting Around Verona: Guide to Public Transport and Best Ways to Explore.

The Ultimate Guide to Verona City, Italy: Your Essential Pre-Trip Resource.

Places to Stay in Verona: 7 Nice Hotels for a Perfect Trip.

Food in Verona: Best 19 Traditional Veronese Dishes You Must Try.

Piazza delle Erbe, Verona: An Unmissable Bustling Historic Market Square.

Palazzo Maffei, Verona + Ristorante Maffei: A Baroque Brilliance & Culinary Haven.

Mazzanti Houses, Verona: A Frescoed Renaissance Gem in Piazza Delle Erbe.

The Lamberti Tower, Verona: A Storied History and Vista Point.

The Majestic Gran Guardia Palace, Verona.

Piazza Bra, Verona: Discover 10 Must-Do Activities, Mostly Free!

Verona Arena, Verona: A Helpful Guide into History + Little Known Facts of a Medieval Marvel.

Romeo and Juliet in Fair Verona, Italy.

People Also Ask

Here are some popular questions about a one-day itinerary in Verona that people have asked:

Is one day enough to see Verona?

While Verona has a lot to offer and you could spend several days exploring, a well-planned one-day itinerary can cover many of the city’s main highlights.

Where should I start my day in Verona?

Piazza Bra and the Verona Arena are popular starting points, being central and iconic spots in the city.

What’s the best way to get around Verona in one day?

Verona is a compact city, making it ideal for walking. However, there’s also a reliable bus system, and the Verona Card offers unlimited rides.

Where should I eat in Verona?

Consider dining at a traditional osteria for an authentic experience. Places like Maffei Restaurant or Osteria Del Bugiardo come highly recommended.

Is the Verona Card worth it for a one-day visit?

If you plan to visit multiple historical sites and museums, the Verona Card can offer significant savings and convenience.

Are reservations needed for popular attractions or restaurants?

For some popular spots and upscale restaurants such as Ristorante Maffei, making a reservation in advance is a good idea, especially during peak tourist seasons.

When is the best time to visit Juliet’s balcony?

To avoid large crowds, consider visiting Juliet’s House early in the morning, before 11:00 AM (before tour groups arrive) or later in the afternoon from 4:30 PM onwards (when tour groups have left).

Is there a specific walking route to follow for efficiency?

While there’s no strict route, starting from Piazza Bra and working your way through the city’s landmarks in a sequence can save time.

Are there any local events or festivals I should be aware of?

Depending on the time of year, Verona hosts events like the Verona Opera Festival. It’s always good to check local calendars in advance.

Where’s the best spot to end my day in Verona?

San Pietro Hill is a fantastic place to conclude the sightseeing portion of your day, offering breathtaking sunset views of the city.

And finally….

This UNESCO World Heritage gem serves as the romantic canvas for Romeo and Juliet’s legendary love story. Beyond its literary allure, Verona radiates with rich history, captivating art, delicious gastronomy, and soul-stirring opera. This is a city where elegance meets tradition, promising memories that linger long after you leave.

Important Tips for Your Verona Trip

Here are the seven important tips for you when exploring Verona: Book Accommodation in Advance : Verona is a popular destination, so it’s advisable to book your accommodation well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. This ensures you have a comfortable place to stay that suits your budget and preferences. Consider Peak Seasons: Be mindful of peak tourist seasons, such as summer and major holidays, when Verona can get crowded. If possible, plan your visit during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) to enjoy pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Join Guided Walking Tours: To make the most of your Verona experience, consider joining guided walking tours. Knowledgeable guides can provide historical insights and take you to hidden gems you might miss on your own. READ: The BEST 9 Charming Walking Tours in Verona and choose the one for you. Explore Surrounding Areas: While in Verona, take advantage of its strategic location to explore nearby attractions like Venice or Lake Garda . Day trips to these destinations can enhance your Italian adventure. Verona Card : Consider getting a Verona Card, which offers free or discounted entry to many of the city’s museums and attractions such as the Verona Arena and Lamberti Tower . It can save you money and provide convenient access to Verona’s cultural heritage. Verona Card includes free public transport which means you save on €€! Go to the largest theme park in Italy , a stone’s throw from Verona for a fun day for all the family. Ensure you have the correct plugs, and adapters. Take some Euro currency along and figure out a suitable eSim mobile data roaming for Verona . By following these tips, you can ensure a more enjoyable and memorable visit to Verona while making the most of your time and resources.

As a deliberate escapist & a mindful wanderer…

As a deliberate escapist and a mindful wanderer, I’ve designed this one day in Verona itinerary to give you a true taste of what this charming city has to offer. From its historic landmarks to its charming streets, there’s so much to see and experience. I hope this guide helps you make the most of your day in Verona, and leaves you with memories you’ll cherish for a long time.

Venturing beyond Verona? Let your wanderlust guide you to enchanting destinations like Barcelona, Bordeaux , Budapest , and London . Experience the serene landscapes of Inverness, the allure of Lake Como, the vibrancy of Milan, the spiritual aura of Montserrat , and the charm of Seville . Explore further on my Europe page for more inspiration, and be sure to check my dedicated pages for the UK , Japan , and North America to broaden your horizons.

Happy and Safe Travels Always, Wherever Travel Takes You, xx

Introducing Georgina, the insightful Content Creator behind Timeless Travel Steps. A champion of off-season journeys and cultural immersion for the mature traveller, Georgina has explored 4 continents and over 30 countries. Her blog offers practical tips and personal insights into responsible, comfort-oriented travel along with slow travel destinations. Accompanied by classical, country, and jazz tunes, Georgina's solo adventures and time with her adult children, A & M, enrich her unique travel narrative. Join her for inspiring, immersive global explorations.

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Verona Train Station Guide

A child is between the ages of 4 and 11 years.

Many trains in Italy and beyond offer a discounted fare between 30% & 50% off the Adult fare for Children.

The child offer is now extended to children ages 4 to 14 years when traveling on high-speed Frecciarossa, Frecciabianca, Frecciargento, InterCity, InterCityNotte, EuroCity, and Thello trains. Your child will be assigned his/her own seat and children must be accompanied by an Adult when traveling on this offer.

Regional trains will still offer discounted fares for children ages 4 to 11 years.

Infants & Children 3 & under travel for free and will share a seat with the adult companion.

This option is for customers that have already purchased a Eurail Pass or InterRail Pass and wish to reserve seats or sleeping berths. Learn more about rail passes.

Most high-speed and long-distance trains require seat reservations. The fare rules for each train indicate whether seat reservations are necessary.

Note: An ItaliaPass does not entitle customers to use of passholder fares.  Roundtrip tickets are not available using a Eurail Pass or InterRail Pass.

By clicking the "I ACCEPT" button below you acknowledge that passholder fares may only be used in combination with a valid Eurail Pass or Interrail Pass.

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Not just the setting for Romeo and Juliet, Verona is also where busy travelers can make rail connections to many parts of Italy.

Verona Porta Nuova sees roughly 77,000 people pass through it each day, and is a hub for a variety of trains. From Verona, travelers can reach cities and towns all over the Veneto region , major cities further in Italy, and countries like Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France, and even Russia, Poland, Belarus, and the Czech Republic.

The multi-storey station has a Sala Blu (assistance office for disabled travelers) on the same floor as the platforms as well as customer service for Trenitalia, Italo, and even the Austrian rail company ÖBB. Luggage storage and restrooms are on the ground floor, along with shops and eateries. The rest of the large building is largely taken up by offices.

The square outside Verona Porta Nuova station is a major bus terminal for the city and region, so it’s easy to get a bus from the station into central Verona or to other destinations in Veneto if needed. It takes about 10 minutes to get from the station into the city center by bus.

Hotels in Verona

See hotels from nearby venice.

Ca’ Sagredo Hotel

Live like royalty when you stay at the elegant and refined Ca’ Sagredo hotel; every part of the hotel evokes opulence. Don't miss the splendid terrace overlooking the Grand Canal and the Rialto markets.

Corte di Gabriela Hotel

Tucked away off of a small street close to Campo Sant’Angelo, this boutique hotel is conveniently situated for easy access to the Rialto, Piazza San Marco and La Fenice Opera House.

Things To Do in Verona

Book tours and activities from nearby venice.

Best of Venice: Walking tour with Gondola ride, St. Mark's Basilica and Doge’s Palace

Experience the best of Venice in just one day with a local insider, including a walking tour of the heart of the historic center, a Gondola ride, entry to St. Mark’s Basilica AND the magnificent Doge’s Palace!

Murano and Burano Islands Boat Tour

No trip to Venice is complete without visiting Murano & Burano! Discover the traditional glass factory and the colorful houses with their unique history and personality during a full day boat tour with a local guide!

Types of Trains in Italy

From trenitalia's high-speed frecciarossa trains to old-world scenic rail cars, learn about the different kinds of trains in italy..

Frecciarossa high-speed trains, operated by Trenitalia, reach speeds of 300 kilometers per hour and offer maximum comfort, making trips between Italian cities as smooth and short as possible.  Read More >>

Frecciargento trains run through both the traditional and high-speed lines with connections between Rome and other major cities of the North-East and South sides of Italy. Read More >>

Frecciabianca trains are part of the Frecce high-speed long-distance rail service between Italy's main cities. The trains, operated by Trenitalia, travel at a speed of up to 200 kilometers per hour.  Read More >>

Inter-City trains connect major and minor cities in Italy to meet the different mobility requirements of medium to long distances. Read More >>

Verona to Venice – An Unmissable Day Trip in Italy (With Travel Tips and Sights to See)

By Author Rossi Thomson

Posted on Last updated: 5th September 2022

Categories Day Trips in Italy , Veneto , Venice , Verona

A day trip from Verona to Venice in Italy is easy, enjoyable, and a must-do.

For its location in the heart of the venetian lagoon, venice is universally known as the world’s most unique and beautiful city..

Venice is also rich in important historic and artistic sights, it is a hub of artisan crafts and a stage for large-scale worldwide known events. In a nutshell, the city of water offers a great number of things to see, do, and enjoy. Several of them can be covered in a day. 

With a travel time starting from an hour and 12 mins one way and with trains connecting Verona and Venice dozens of times throughout the day, this is a day trip in Italy that you simply must do. Don’t miss the chance!

To make it easy for you, in this blog post, I have collated all the details to make planning a day trip from Verona to Venice a success. From first-hand tried and tested information on how to travel between these two Italian cities to a shortlist of the major sights to see in Venice in a day, everything’s covered. 

Now, I would like to share my tips with you to help you have a great experience, too. Logically organised in easy chunks, below you will find the information that you need to enjoy Venice on a great day trip from Verona in Italy.

Have a look!  

Verona to venice – an unmissable day trip in italy (with travel tips and sights to see), where is venice, italy.

Venice is the capital of the Northern Italian region of the Veneto . Famously, the historic centre of the city is built on 118 small islands grouped together in the heart of the Venetian Lagoon. A long car and railway bridge connects Venice to the mainland.

Venice is within close proximity to Veneto’s other large cities, namely: 

• Padua – westwards about 40 km away from Venice;
• Vicenza – westwards about 70 km away from Venice; and
• Verona – westwards about 121 km away from Venice.

Venice is connected to all three cities by road and railway. Travel between them is easy, well-organised, and inexpensive.

The historic city’s train station – Venezia Santa Lucia – is an end of the line station and among the 14 largest and busiest train stations in Italy. On average, it serves 450 high-speed and regional trains a day and deals with 30 million passengers a year.  

Venice is easy and quick to reach from a number of large Italian cities like Milan , Bologna , Turin, Florence , and Naples in addition to the Italian capital Rome. Venice also enjoys excellent railway connections to a number of important European cities in Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and France.

Geographically speaking, Venice has two parts:

• The historic centre of Venice – built on 118 islands in the Venetian Lagoon and surrounded by water on all sides. This was the capital of the Republic of Venice and nowadays is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world. If you want to explore the beauty and heritage of Venice on a day trip from Verona, you need to travel to the Venezia Santa Lucia train station which serves the historic centre of Venice.
• The mainland area of Venice – known as Venezia Mestre or simply Mestre, this is the large borough on the mainland. The trains from Verona to Venice first stop at the Venezia Mestre train station before heading across the water to the Venezia Santa Lucia train station in the historic centre of the city. First-time visitors at times get confused and get off the train at Venezia Mestre. Unless you have a specific interest in Mestre, you need to stay on the train until the end of the line at Venezia Santa Lucia.   

Why Visit Venice from Verona?

If you are spending more than two days in Verona, it’s always a good idea to take a day trip to Venice. The city of water doesn’t really need an introduction and it’s famous worldwide for its unique location, multilayered history, priceless works of art, and mesmerising beauty. Once the capital of the mighty Republic of Venice which ruled over the Mediterranean trade for over 1,000 years, nowadays the historic city of Venice is a must-see for anyone who loves beauty, art, and history. 

Plus, Verona itself has a centuries-old connection to Venice for it used to be part of the Republic of Venice from 1405 to 1797. It being so close to Venice gives you a chance to simply jump on the train or hire a car and make the very manageable day trip across the Veneto .

With a history that spans many centuries, nowadays Venice is an important cultural and artistic centre in Northern Italy . For its concentration of unique historic, urban, and artistic landmarks and for its extraordinary natural landscape, Venice and its Lagoon have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. 

From its main sights – many of which are clustered around the spectacular St. Mark’s Square and Grand Canal – to its many hidden gems and corners dotted all over the historic centre, Venice is always a delight to discover. With a bit of forward planning and having a clear idea in mind as to what you want to see there in a day, a trip from Verona to Venice is an unmissable adventure to leave memories that last a lifetime.

How to Travel from Verona to Venice?

There are two main convenient ways to travel from Verona to Venice. Here they are in further details:

Verona to Venice by Train – train times are from short to manageable depending on the type of train you choose. There are dozens of trains running between Verona and Venice all throughout the day.

In general, there are two types of trains here:

High-speed trains ( Frecciarossa and ItaloTreno ):

• On average they take about 1 h 12 mins from Verona Porta Nuova train station to Venezia Santa Lucia train station.
• They are very swish and travel really fast .
• However, this type of trains cost more and the tickets for them get more expensive the closer to the date of travel you buy them.
• If you want to maximise your sightseeing time and don’t mind the cost, then get a high-speed train from Verona to Venice. The earlier you buy your tickets , the less you will pay, so keep an eye on the TrenItalia and ItaloTreno websites for the best pricing.

Regional trains ( Regionale Veloce and Regionale ):

• The tickets for both Regionale Veloce and Regionale trains cost the same , don’t increase in price no matter how close to departure you buy them, can be used for both a Regionale Veloce or a Regionale train, and can be bought on the day of travel from the ticket machines or the ticket kiosks at the train station.
• The thing to remember is that once you buy your ticket for a Regionale Veloce or a Regionale train, you need to validate it before you board the train! Basically, you need to place your ticket in the slot of one of the machines affixed to the walls/pillars of the train station and wait for the machine to print a code on the ticket. If you don’t do it, your ticket is not valid and fines are large.
• A Regionale Veloce train is a fast regional train that only stops at the major train stations along the way. 
• A Regionale Veloce train takes about 1 h 28 mins from Verona to Venice.
• These trains are new, well-maintained , and very comfortable . Usually, the train carriages have two levels so you can climb the steps to the top floor of the train and enjoy the views from there.
• The Regionale Veloce trains are a great alternative to the high-speed trains – about three times cheaper and with just over 15 mins difference in travel times.
• A Regionale train is a slow regional train which stops at every train station – no matter how small – along the way.
• The Regionale trains take from 2 h 16 mins to 2 h 22 mins to reach Venice from Verona, so it’s best to get a Regionale Veloce train (especially as the price is the same). 

Train Stations:

Depending on where you are staying in Verona, there are two train stations from which to start your day trip to Venice. Both of these train stations are on the same train line:

• Verona Porta Nuova – this is the city’s main railway station. It is about 20 mins on foot and about 10-12 mins by bus from Piazza Bra and Arena di Verona. 
• Verona Porta Vescovo – this is a small local railway station on the left side of the River Adige. Travelling to Venice, it is the first station after Verona Porta Nuova. Bear in mind that this train station is only served by the Regionale Veloce and Regionale trains. So, if you are planning to travel by high-speed train from Verona to Venice, you need to start your journey from the Verona Porta Nuova train station.

As mentioned above, there are two train stations in Venice, too. Both of them are on the same train line:

• Venezia Santa Lucia train station – if you want to visit Venice proper, i.e. the historic centre of Venice on the islands in the Venetian Lagoon, this is the train station you need to travel to. The travel times given above apply to the journeys from Verona Porta Nuova to this train station.
• Venezia Mestre train station – if you have a specific interest in Mestre – the mainland administrative borough of Venice, you need to travel to this station. It precedes the Venezia Santa Lucia train station and travel times from the Verona Porta Nuova train station to it will be on average 10-12 mins shorter.

Buying Tickets Online:

To check train travel times and buy train tickets in advance, you can use one of these two websites:

• TrenItalia – for both high-speed trains and regional trains;
• ItaloTreno – for high-speed trains only.

Both are easy to navigate and have an English user interface. The only thing to remember is that on the TrenItalia website you need to use the Italian names of the train stations (as given above) when you are doing a search for tickets.

Verona to Venice by Car – you can easily and quickly travel from Verona to Venice by car. The journey by toll roads can take anything from just over an hour to two hours depending on how heavy the traffic is. This very helpful website will give you an estimate of how much the tolls are going to cost. Just be prepared for a more of an assertive type of driving and drivers that seem to be on the offensive.

As you know, Venice is a car-free city. You can park on the island of Tronchetto which is like one huge car park. Just follow the signs after crossing over from the mainland on the long Liberty Bridge. It’s easy and your GPS app will be able to point you in the right direction. Once at Tronchetto, you can get the people mover to Piazzale Roma and start exploring from there.

Another option is to park at one of the car parks at Piazzale Roma and either walk from there or take the vaporetto (Venice’s water bus) from there down the Grand Canal. 

If you do a search online, you will find several different car park operators and then you can choose the most convenient one for you. 

What to see in Venice on a Day Trip from Verona?

One day is never enough for Venice but it’s better than none. There are many things to do, see, and fall in love with in Venice, Italy. If you have a plan in mind and/or are prepared to be walking around all day, you can certainly cover a lot of ground here from morning till dusk.

Just make sure that you wear your most comfortable shoes and clothes, that in summer you bring a water bottle with you (you can refill it from the free water fountains around town), and that you are not afraid of getting lost once or twice (it’s part of the experience of being in Venice). 

A great introduction to the beauty of Venice is to simply take vaporetto number 1 either from Piazzale Roma or from Venezia Santa Lucia train station down the Grand Canal. This way, you will be able to see numerous splendid palaces, historic churches and Rialto Bridge before arriving in style at St. Mark’s Square where many of the city’s major sights are grouped around.

Here is a shortlist to get you started planning your day trip from Verona to Venice:

• Grand Canal – take vaporetto number 1 all the way to St. Mark’s Square. The journey down the Grand Canal is a fabulous introduction to the beauty of Venice. Along the way you will see such stunning buildings and structures as Ca’ Pesaro ,  Ca’ d’Oro , Rialto Bridge,   Ca’ Rezzonico , Accademia Bridge,  Gallerie dell’Accademia , and  Basilica Santa Maria della Salute . The vaporetto (this is what water buses are called in Venice) will take you all the way down to the large expanse of water known as St. Mark’s Basin with  St. Mark’s Square  and the  Doge’s Palace  on one side and the islet of  San Giorgio Maggiore  on the other.
• Doge’s Palace  – a visit to this splendid pink and white Gothic building will give you an excellent idea about the Republic of Venice as a political and commercial titan during its heyday. You will also gain an understanding of the Republic’s unique governmental structure and will see some truly stunning monumental pieces of art.
• St. Mark’s Basilica  and  St. Mark’s Campanile – Venice’s most iconic church that is covered with gold mosaics inside. Its belltower is almost 100 m tall and it’s diagonally across from the basilica’s facade. Make sure that you take the lift to its top to enjoy breathtaking views over the city of water.
• Rialto Bridge  and  Rialto Markets  – one of Venice’s most famous sights, the elegant stone arch of Rialto Bridge straddles the Grand Canal at its narrowest point. Right next to it you can explore the Rialto markets offering an abundance of fresh produce and fresh fish.
• Museums, churches, and sights – two of the most famous museums here are Gallerie dell’Accademia  and  Peggy Guggenheim’s Collection . In addition, there is a whole host of museums, churches, and sights here to satisfy every type of interest in history and art. Here are some suggestions: Fondazione Querini Stampalia , Ca’ Pesaro , Ca’ Rezzonico , Teatro La Fenice , Scuola Grande San Rocco , Basilica dei Frari .
• Cicchetti  –  take every opportunity to enjoy Venice’s own finger foods that are traditionally washed down with a glass of wine (called  ombra  by the Venetians);
• Historical Events  – if you are in Venice at the right time, enjoy a splendid event.  Carnevale ,  Venice Historical Regatta , the Regatta of the  Ancient Maritime Republics , and the annual  Befana  race are particularly famous.
• Private Tours with a Truly Venetian Local Guide  – for private tours of Venice, I always recommend Luisella Romeo from  See Venice  and Erika Cornali from  When in Venice . They can help you experience Venice authentically and tailor a tour to your specifications. 

There are many more beautiful sights and unique locations to visit in Venice, Italy on a day trip from Verona. If you are after some hidden corners and little-known gems, make sure that you read this exhaustive article:

• Hidden Gems in Venice – 101 Things to Do in Venice, Italy Off the Beaten Track

It covers in extensive detail the many curious, weird, and whimsical things that make Venice such a unique city and a must-see destination when you are in Italy.

What Is Your Personal Experience of Travelling from Verona to Venice?

I spent six years living in Vicenza – an elegant historic city halfway between Verona and Venice in Italy. As such, I took every opportunity to travel to both Venice and Verona on day trips to explore their art, history, culture, unique events, delicious food, and lovely city settings.

Travelling by train and by car around the Veneto is incredibly easy and inexpensive. The Veneto is the Northern Italian region which Venice, Verona, and Vicenza are a part of. Travel distances between the tree cities are short and easy to navigate. A modern motorway leads directly from Verona all the way to Venice. Dozens of train connect the two cities all throughout the day. 

The trains are clean, new, and well-maintained. They feel safe. While they can get quite busy in the mornings and in the late afternoons with students and workers commuting between Venice, Verona, and the towns and cities between the two, the journey is not long per se and it’s never an inconvenience to make it. 

Venice has so much to offer that a day here quickly flies away. Delving into the city’s history and art is very satisfying for you always end up discovering new things. Even if you are here just for a day, you can explore places of great historic, architectural, and artistic importance. Plus, the city as a whole is very beautiful and turning every corner, crossing every bridge, walking along every canal reveals more beauty to truly fall in love with.

Yes, the most popular sights will be besieged by crowds. In summer the sun can be very, very hot. Yet, Venice – the real, authentic one – is easy to discover even on a day trip. The city of water has a way to get under your skin, to make you really fall for it. 

I full-heartedly recommend taking a day trip from Verona to Venice to anyone spending more than two days in Verona and wanting to see the most beautiful city in the world with their own eyes.

A small disclaimer is due here: All the information contained in this blog post is up to date at the date of publishing it. This is not professional, exclusive advice. Just personal experiences and suggestions shared without any obligation to you and any expectations from you.

In Conclusion

Taking a day trip from Verona to Venice is a great way to make your Italian holiday even more exciting.  

These two Italian cities are a manageable distance away from one another. They are connected by a modern motorway and multiple trains run between the two all throughout the day. Hence visiting Venice from Verona is easy and straightforward. Plus, Venice – universally recognised as the world’s most beautiful city – has many splendid sights and museums several of which can be covered in one day.

In the above blog post, I give you detailed information on how to make such a day trip. From how to get from Verona to Venice to a shortlist of what to do and see in Venice in one day, all the bases are covered.

I hope that the information provided will galvanise you to put Venice at the top of your travel wish list and that you will visit this exciting Italian city on a day trip from Verona (or even stay longer) as soon as this is possible.

Enjoy your day trip to Venice, Italy!

More helpful links.

• Haunted Venice – Legends, Mysteries, and Stories to Creep Yourself Out About the Most Romantic Place in the World
• Venice, Italy – 15 Weird and Wonderful Types of Boats You Can Only See in La Serenissima
• A Walk through Venice on a Sunny, Post-Covid-19 Day
• Venice to Padua – The Best Day Trip in Italy (With Travel Tips and Sights to See)
• 3 Easy Ways to Travel from Verona to Lake Garda
• Best 12 Towns to Visit around Lago di Garda – Italy’s Largest Lake
• Lake Garda with Kids or The Best 11 Things to Do at Lake Garda for Families
• 10 Best Cities in Veneto, Italy to Visit and What to See in Each
• 30 Days of Adventures in the Veneto, Italy – #30daysofadventures
• Top 15 Places to Visit in the Veneto, Italy – The Ultimate Guide
• 15 Most Colourful Places in the Veneto, Italy to Delight Photographers and Curious Travellers
• 18 of the Best Cities to Visit in Northern Italy (With Travel Tips and Nearest Airports)
• Video of  Squero di San Trovaso  – the only gondola-making workshop left in Venice
• Video of  Rialto Fish Market
• Video of the most stunning room in  Palazzo Grimani  – an off-the-beaten-track palace museum in Venice
• Video of  St. Mark’s Square  in Venice with the large stage of the Venetian Carnival
• Video of  Venetian gondolas  with the island of San Giorgio Maggiore at the back
• Video of the opening parade of the  Historical Regatta  in Venice
• Video of the  Grand Canal  as seen from the Accademia Bridge
• Video of  Ca’ Macana  – a renowned Venetian mask maker
• Video of the  Festa della Madonna della Salute  – an important celebration in Venice
• Video of  Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo  – one of the most beautiful buildings in Venice
• Video of the  view from Rialto Bridge
• Video of the view from  Accademia Bridge
• Video of  St. Mark’s Square

Thank you for reading! Please, leave me a comment, pin the image below or use the buttons right at the top and at the end of this blog post to share it on social media.

For more useful information like this, please, like my blog’s page on  Facebook  and  subscribe  to my strictly no-spam newsletter.

Email address:

Lori Chavez

Tuesday 16th of January 2024

Hello, Is there a tour bus from Verona to Venice?

Thank you, Lori

Friday 19th of January 2024

Most probably there is. You may want to have a look at websites such as Viator and GetYourGuide and see what is available. Best wishes,

Rossi Thomson

Caroline Croghan

Tuesday 28th of February 2023

Excellent information. Thank you

Thursday 2nd of March 2023

Many thanks for your kind words!

Best wishes,

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5 Days in Italy: Itinerary Ideas for a (Very) Quick Trip

Hoping to make the most of a brief 5 days in Italy and struggling to narrow down your choices?

That’s completely understandable!

While it seems that no amount of time spent traveling Italy will ever be enough to uncover all of the delightful corners of the country (we’re up to more than a cumulative year in Italy each and have longer wish lists than when we started), planning the perfect 5 day Italy itinerary is definitely a challenge–especially if it’s your first time in the country.

We’ve put together several ideas here to show what can (and can’t) be accomplished on a short trip to Italy, plus included travel tips to help you make the most of your time.

Whether you’re a go-getter determined to see as much as possible or are just hoping to relax and dive into la dolce vita in one carefully chosen city, there’s an itinerary for 5 days in Italy here that will hopefully work for you.

Here’s how to fall in love with Italy in 5 days!

Table of Contents

How to Structure a 5 Day Italy Itinerary

The most intense 5 day italy itinerary we can recommend, more ways to experience italy in 5 days, alternative 5 day italy itineraries: pick a city and slow down, tips for spending 5 days in italy, read more about visiting italy.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

When it comes to structuring a 5 day Italy trip, here are the 3 most important tips we can recommend: stay overnight in no more than 2 destinations, let geography at least partially guide where you go, and book as much in advance as possible.

That’s especially important for incredibly popular attractions like touring the Colosseum and climbing to the top of Florence’s Duomo, where failing to plan ahead might mean not getting to see your desired spots at all.

Even for less-competitive spots, though, you’ll still benefit from booking hotels, tickets, tours, rental cars (in the unlikely event you need one), and even train tickets in advance as much as possible, to ensure you’re not eating up any of your very limited time researching what to do or where to go next.

While you don’t want to schedule your trip down to the hour or minute–you’ll need time to relax and soak in the beauty of your destinations, not to mention savor the delicious food–the less you need to think about logistics during your 5 days in Italy, the better.

Want to make the absolute most of your 5 days in Italy, regardless of how tired you are by the end of it?

The itinerary outlined here is the absolute fastest-pace 5 day Italy itinerary we can recommend–and even then, we only suggest doing this if your time in Italy is a standalone trip and you have 5 whole days to work with (in other words, if your flight arrives at 3:00 PM, it can’t really count as a day here).

If you’re taking, say, a 2 week trip to Europe that sandwiches Italy between France and Switzerland, this is a much faster pace than we recommend keeping up (you’ll almost certainly get burned out along the way).

That being said, if you’re ready for a speedy blitz through as many of Italy’s classic tourism destinations as you can squeeze into one trip, here’s how to do it.

This itinerary assumes that you’re flying round-trip through Rome, though you can also adjust things to make the itinerary work using other airports (though you might want to adjust which cities you visit then, too).

Day 1: Florence

To make this itinerary work, we’re assuming that you’re landing early in the morning in Rome–but that’s a very common flight schedule, especially if you’re arriving from North America.

Grab your first Italian coffee , shrug off the jetlag, and immediately hop on the high-speed train to Florence (you will want to book these train tickets in advance ).

Once you arrive, drop your luggage at your hotel and get to exploring!

With one day to focus on Florence, you’ll likely want to visit either the Galleria dell’Accademia (where David is housed) or the Uffizi, climb up to one of the best views in Florence , visit Florence’s Duomo , cross the Ponte Vecchio, and hop through the city’s piazzas and markets.

We go into detail on optimizing a day in Florence in our one day Florence itinerary , and recommend more or less following it, adjusting as needed based on what time you arrive and your energy levels after traveling.

Where to Stay in Florence

For this fast-paced itinerary, we recommend spending two nights in Florence (tomorrow, you’ll take a day trip).

Here are a few great places to stay within walking distance of the Santa Maria Novella train station:

Hotel Dali — With an impeccable location a 1-minute walk from the Duomo, thousands of excellent reviews, and even free on-site parking for anyone planning a road trip, Hotel Dali is simultaneously charming and budget-friendly–a true rarity in central Florence.

The catch? No air-conditioning, so keep that in mind if you’re planning a summer trip to Italy!

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Dali today!

Hotel Silla  — Located just a hop, skip, and jump from the Arno River, we loved our stay at Hotel Silla!

The hotel itself is lovely and quiet, the included breakfast a nice touch, and the location perfect: you have easy access on foot to all that Florence has to offer, without having to worry about crowds or noise.

We’d be happy to check in again!

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Silla!

Hotel Lungarno  — Nestled right against the Arno River and home to one of the best views of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence (not to mention some of the best views of the rest of Florence from their top deck), Hotel Lungarno is our personal “if we ever  really  want to splurge” hotel in Florence.

You can’t go wrong using Hotel Lungarno as your base during your Italy vacation!

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Lungarno!

Day 2: The Tuscan Countryside

After sampling the best of Florence, it’s time to take to the hills!

While there are countless ways to structure a day trip from Florence ( here are some of our favorite ideas ), with only 5 days in Italy, we recommend sampling at least a couple of different towns, with ideally at least one of them featuring gorgeous views of the Tuscan countryside.

For ease of travel, consider  this extremely popular organized day trip , which can be an incredible value if your goal is to sample a variety of what makes this part of the world so special, without worrying about transportation (including a designated driver for those wine tastings!), parking, or time.

This excellent day trip  includes visits to the beautiful city of Siena and the classic hilltop town of San Gimignano, plus lunch at a family-operated vineyard in the Chianti wine region.

Prefer to travel independently? If you rent a car for the day , San Gimignano and Volterra make for a delightful combination.

Want to travel by train? Siena and Lucca are both stunning cities that are fairly easily accessible by train–and if you have your heart set on seeing a very famous tower, you can combine Pisa and Lucca into one day trip.

Regardless of where you decide to visit, we recommend spending the night in Florence .

Book your day trip to the Tuscan countryside today!

Day 3: Rome

As early as you can bear to jump out of bed this morning, make your way to the train station to catch the high-speed train back to Rome (as we mentioned above, you’ll want to book these tickets in advance ).

Assuming you take the high-speed train instead of the local one, you’ll arrive in Rome between 2 and 2.5 hours after leaving, which after dropping your luggage at your hotel, will hopefully leave you well over half a day to start exploring Rome!

This itinerary will include a second day in Rome, and we recommend more or less following our detailed 2 day Rome itinerary .

Today, you’ll want to pay a visit to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum (unless, of course, you decide to visit the Colosseum at night , in which case the Forum will be closed), wander through places like Piazza Venezia and Campo de’ Fiori, and enjoy some time in Trastevere .

If you want to take an excellent food tour during your 5 days in Italy, we adored this Trastevere food tour (and it will save you from having to choose just one Roman pasta to enjoy for dinner).

Where to Stay in Rome

After leaving Florence, we recommend spending the rest of this itinerary based in Rome.

Here are a few well-reviewed hotels within walking distance of some of Rome’s best sights to consider.

As a much larger city than Florence, no matter where you stay, you’ll need to use trains/buses/taxis to get around some–but ideally, not every time you leave.

Hotel Casa Valdese — Located within a 25-minute walk of the Spanish Steps and (importantly) a 2-minute walk to the metro, Hotel Casa Valdese offers a beautiful atmosphere that balances price point and location when visiting Rome.

With excellent reviews and an on-site terrace, Hotel Casa Valdese offers a quiet escape within the city.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Casa Valdese!

Pantheon Inn  — If you’re looking for a building with classic Italian charm in the heart of Rome, this is it.

Located right behind the Pantheon and within reach, the Pantheon Inn offers a quiet, peaceful escape in the middle of bustling Rome.

You will need to walk a bit to the metro stop–but since the walk will take you through the heart of the beautiful Centro Storico, we doubt you’ll mind.

Check rates & book your stay at the Pantheon Inn!

Hotel Condotti  — Located just a couple of blocks from the Spanish Steps (and consequently the Piazza di Spagna metro station), you couldn’t ask for a better location in Rome!

Well-reviewed and boasting incredible suites and exceptionally clean rooms, Hotel Condotti is the perfect choice for a traveler who would like to be within walking distance of the best that Centro Storico has to offer while also having easy access to a metro stop.

Enduringly popular and perfectly positioned, you can’t go wrong with checking into Hotel Condotti.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Condotti!

Day 4: the Amalfi Coast + Pompeii

If you’re looking to cover as much ground as possible in Italy in 5 days, the ultimate day trip from Rome is one that makes for a very long–but memorable–day.

With the help of an organized tour ( this one is wildly popular for good reason), it is possible to tour the legendary Pompeii and even get a taste of the Amalfi Coast in a single day.

While it’s not the easiest day trip option (be prepared for long van rides), it is an incredibly memorable one, and will allow you to tour one of Italy’s most legendary historic sites and also sample a slice of natural beauty unlike any other that you’ve seen on your trip so far.

If Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast are on your bucket list, this tour is a fantastic way to fit them into a 5 day Italy trip.

(Not a fan of organized tours?

With some careful planning, you can absolutely tour Pompeii independently from Rome, but we wouldn’t recommend also trying to see the Amalfi Coast in one day alone, especially if you don’t know the area well.

There are plenty of other cool day trips from Rome that are closer to the city, though!).

Book your day trip to Pompeii + the Amalfi Coast today!

Day 5: Rome

On your very final day in Italy, it’s time to… leave Italy! Sort of.

Start your morning with a visit to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica for a look at one of the world’s micro countries.

To make the most of your time, we highly recommend booking an early-access tour of the Vatican , which will allow you to start your sightseeing before most of Rome has finished their first caffè .

(And, if you’re a big fan of excellent views, hopefully it means you’ll have time to squeeze in a climb to the top of St. Peter’s dome before leaving Vatican City–the view is phenomenal, and it’s one of our favorite tower climbs in Italy).

From there, make your way over to Castel Sant’Angelo and cross the angel-lined Ponte Sant’Angelo (though first, pause and enjoy the buskers for a moment!) into Centro Storico to hit up some of Rome’s top sights.

Piazza Navona, the Pantheon , the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and Piazza del Popolo–plus many more–are at your fingertips from here.

This route more or less follows the second day of our suggested 2 day Rome itinerary , but depending on how fast you sightsee, you may also have time to squeeze in visits to some of Rome’s nearby hidden gems like Galleria Sciarra , Vicus Caprarius, the Capuchin Crypt, Galleria Spada , and more.

Looking for less of a breakneck pace than what we outlined above?

We can’t blame you–personally, we’d generally opt for a slower pace ourselves these days.

Each of the following itinerary ideas for 5 days in Italy offers a balance between the intense pace of the itinerary outlined above and the more relaxed nature of picking one city or immediate area to focus on (which we’ll cover below).

We’ll keep these options brief in order to keep this blog post from becoming the size of a guidebook, but we do have specific articles on each of these destinations here on Our Escape Clause!

I’ll link to them where relevant below, and you can also use the search bar at the top right of the page (or at the top of the pop-out menu on mobile) to find what you’re looking for.

Here are some other rewarding ways to structure a 5 day trip to Italy!

Rome + Florence + Cinque Terre

Instead of taking two day trips (the Tuscan countryside + the Amalfi Coast/Pompeii), instead opt to spend 2 days in each Rome and Florence, and then get a taste of the coast with a day trip to Cinque Terre from Florence.

We recommend booking an organized day trip to Cinque Terre from Florence– here’s why .

By spending 2 days in Florence and only having one day trip to navigate, you’ll have a chance to dive deeper into Florence’s charms and hopefully even get away from the crowds and visit some of its hidden gems .

Rome + the Amalfi Coast + Pompeii

Want to spend more time in the Amalfi Coast area, as opposed to just taking a day trip?

Spending 2 days in Rome and 3 days based in Campania (or vice versa) can make an excellent short trip to Italy.

When down south, you can opt stay on the Amalfi Coast itself, but Sorrento and Naples are both also excellent options that have access to both the coast and Pompeii, plus islands like Capri –and staying one of them will make your transition to and from Rome a bit simpler.

Milan + Lake Como + Venice

Flying in and out of Milan or Venice, and want to stick to northern Italy?

If so, you can enjoy a gorgeous 5 day Italy vacation by spending one day in Milan , one day in Lake Como (we recommend Varenna and Bellagio ), and a couple of days in Venice .

What should you do for the fifth day?

That depends on what kind of traveler you are: personally, we would either opt to spend a second day relaxing in Lake Como and possibly enjoying a hike or boat tour, a third day in Venice checking out some of the city’s offbeat gems , or possibly adding another day trip to a city like Bergamo, Verona or Padua.

Milan is geographically and economically ideally situated for train travel in Italy, so you have many of northern Italy’s most fascinating cities at your fingertips when staying there.

Other travelers would love to savor a second day in Milan, which absolutely works as well!

Florence + the Tuscan Countryside + Cinque Terre

Want to stick to a fairly close geographic range while seeing a wide variety of landscapes?

If so, combining a trip to Florence, Tuscany outside of Florence, and Cinque Terre is the perfect option!

Divide up your time by spending 2 days in Florence , and either two days in another Tuscan city with a day trip to Cinque Terre, or 2 days in Cinque Terre and one day taking a day trip to another destination in Tuscany outside of Florence.

If you would like to opt for taking a day trip to Cinque Terre but don’t want to visit as part of an organized tour, choosing another Tuscan city to base yourself in that’s closer to the coast, like Lucca , will allow you to visit independently more easily than you can from Florence.

Venice + Verona + the Dolomites

Dreaming of the Italian Alps?

If so, a couple of days in Venice can easily be combined with a visit to the Dolomites by basing yourself in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Bolzano , or a smaller town in between the two.

From there, you can launch yourself into the mountains via trail, gondola, or both!

To round out your 5 day itinerary, you can add on a day trip to Verona (you’ll pass right by if you choose to drive from Venice to Bolzano, for example), or even a day spent going wine tasting in the Prosecco region .

Rome + Florence + Venice

And, finally: yes, it is possible to sample the trifecta of Rome, Florence, and Venice in a 5 day trip to Italy… but with the caveat that it will truly be a sample.

We absolutely don’t recommend spending the night in all 3 places, and instead recommend either basing yourself in Rome + Florence and then taking a day trip to Venice from Florence ( here’s our full guide to that day trip –complete with the pros and cons of doing so), or basing yourself in Rome + Venice and taking a day trip to Florence from Rome .

Is this the ideal way to see all 3 cities?

No, but if you can’t bring yourself to choose between them and think this will only be your chance to visit Italy for quite a while, it is doable.

Want to plan a more relaxing 5 day Italy itinerary, but still see quite a bit of the country?

You can absolutely have a rewarding trip to Italy by simply picking one fairly well-connected city, keeping it as your base, and adding 1-3 day trips to your list.

My grandparents are a big fan of this style of travel, and have often rented a place in the Tuscan countryside and then taken day trips nearly every day to different places within reach. It makes for wonderful vacations!

The options of where to stay are endless: icons like Rome, Florence, and Venice are of course delightful, but less-visited-but-still-popular cities like Bologna , Verona , Naples , Palermo , Siena , Bolzano , and more are great options as well.

Even quieter cities can be incredibly rewarding in terms of escaping the crowds (especially outside of day-tripping hours), while still offering plenty to see: Parma and Lucca have been two of our favorite base cities in central Italy in recent years.

If you are more interested in the day-trip potential and the natural topography of the area than in making sure the actual limits of the city hold enough things to do to keep you busy for 5 days, smaller towns or cities like Sorrento (a great jumping-off point to Pompeii , the Amalfi Coast, Capri , and more), Monopoli (a captivating beach town in Puglia), any of the Cinque Terre towns or nearby bases like Levanto, or mountain towns like Ortisei are all wonderful ideas.

Want to see some of the most popular parts of the country, but enjoy more affordable prices?

Choosing a city located just outside of the more popular one as a base–for example, Bergamo instead of Milan, Padua instead of Venice, Pisa or Pistoia instead of Florence–can give you access to all the best of the same region with a much lower price tag and a somewhat more offbeat feel.

This comes with a trade-off in terms of connectivity, which we’ll cover below, but can be a great option depending on your priorities.

Choose a major city as your base, ideally the capital city of its region.

No matter which region(s) you plan to focus your trip around, if you want to see a wide variety of destinations during your 5 days in Italy, we recommend choosing a major city as a base–and ideally, a city that’s the capital of its region.

Because these cities tend to be the best connected by train, both to other destinations within their region and to the country as a whole.

For example, if you stay in Florence, you’ll have direct train access to plenty of Tuscan towns and cities, but also places like Milan, Rome, and Bologna.

If you decide to stay in, say, Lucca , you’ll still have access to all of those places–but you’ll generally need to make at least one train change in order to reach them, eating up more of your extremely limited time with logistics.

Curious about getting around?

You can search routes and price out tickets between different cities on Omio , a transportation aggregate we often use throughout Europe.

Don’t try to change hotels more than once.

Picture this: you wake up in the morning, ready to change cities (and hotels) for the next leg of your short trip to Italy.

You pack your bags, move the luggage downstairs, check out at the front desk, navigate to the train station (on foot, via public transport, via car?), load your bags onto the train, and wait.

After arriving in the next city, you unload your luggage, make your way to your hotel, either drop off your bags at the front desk for storage or check in, and then you’re free to see the city.

The reality is that even when dealing with two cities that don’t take too long to travel between, like Rome and Florence or Venice and Verona, you’re still eating up a sizable chunk of your day by changing overnight locations–and while that may be worth it on a longer trip, it takes a much longer percentage of your limited time in Italy on a shorter one!

For that reason, we really recommend only changing hotels once during your trip to Italy–or even not changing one at all.

Lean heavily on day trips.

Luckily, you don’t need to change hotels in order to see a wonderful variety of places in Italy!

Essentially, there are two reasonable options for seeing 3 Italian destinations over the course of 5 days in Italy: either base yourself in 2 places and take 1-2 days trips, or base yourself in one place and take 2-3 day trips.

While the second option narrows your scope a bit in terms of how far-flung each of your destinations will be, it is without a doubt the more laid-back and flexible option for a short Italy itinerary.

And, as each of Italy’s major (and minor, let’s be honest) cities has far more than 3 excellent day trips to choose from, there’s absolutely no way you’ll run out of things to see.

Look up train schedules and book your tickets in advance.

When trying to optimize a 5 day Italy itinerary, you won’t have any extra time to waste on transportation–which means planning ahead.

High-speed trains in Italy use dynamic pricing, meaning that prices rise as your dates get closer (and of course, routes selling out is always a risk, though not a very big one unless you happen to travel on a holiday, are with a big group, etc.)

Local or regional trains, also sometimes called the “slow trains”, have static pricing–but the difference in travel times can be significant (for example, just over 2 hours versus just under 4 hours to get between Rome and Florence, on average).

For most of the recommended itineraries in this blog post, we assume you’re using high-speed trains to get between each major destination.

As you brainstorm, we recommend searching for prices, train times, and route options for each transition to get a feel for what to expect.

Browse train schedules + shop train tickets for Italy today!

Don’t put pressure on yourself to “see it all”.

Not only is it impossible, but trying to fit too many destinations–especially ones that you want to enjoy overnight or that are far apart from each other–in one short trip is a recipe for seeing more of the inside of a train or car during your vacation than the cities themselves.

While balancing a desire to see a variety of destinations makes perfect sense, a good rule of thumb is that less is more with only 5 days in Italy.

Let your arrival and departure airport(s) guide your itinerary if you’re unsure.

Can’t seem to choose which of Italy’s top destinations you want to prioritize?

If so, letting your flight path guide your choices is an excellent way to narrow it down.

Unless you truly have no interest in seeing a particular place, your arrival and departure city should feature at the beginning and end of your itinerary (assuming you’re flying on a round-trip ticket).

From there, fill in the gaps with destinations that are fairly simple to reach over half a day or less–so don’t opt for visiting the Amalfi Coast if you’re flying in and out of Venice, for example.

If it fits in your budget, splurge on an experience or two that’s important to you.

While you can have a fantastic trip to Italy on a budget , if there’s room in your planning for a splurge or two, one of the best ways to spend that money is to upgrade your most sought-after experiences.

If seeing Pompeii has been on your bucket list since childhood and you want to visit on a day trip from Rome, for example, that’s a great reason to opt for a guided tour from Rome instead of stressing about changing trains and negotiating arrival and departure times.

Similarly, if you’re primarily coming to Italy for the food, signing up for a food tour (we adored this one in Rome and this one in Florence , just to name a couple) is a great way to ensure you sample a wide variety of dishes–and learn a bit about them on the way!

Is avoiding crowds your priority?

If so, springing for early access to the Vatican Museums (or even unlocking the doors with the Key Master if you’re up for a serious splurge) or visiting the Colosseum at night , for example, will make sure those moments stick out in your memory for all the right reasons.

Excited to visit Italy for 5 days soon and ready to keep planning your trip?

We would love to help!

You can  browse our 100+ Italy blog posts here , or check out these guides:

• How to Enjoy 3 Days in Tuscany: Itinerary Ideas With or Without a Car!
• Venice or Rome: Which Italian Masterpiece is Right for You?
• 17 Wildly Romantic Places in Italy
• Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre: Which Sublime Italian Coastline is Best?
• 25 Best Movies Set in Italy (By Genre!)

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

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