Looking for the best day trips from Verona? This guide has you covered!
Updated January 2024
The fabled city of Romeo and Juliet is a wonderful spot for a short European getaway, but should you choose to base yourself in Verona for more than a couple of days the great news is that it is excellently located to enjoy a myriad of day trips - whether you fancy a hike, an afternoon amongst the vineyards, a day by the shores of Lake Garda, or the opportunity to explore another beautiful northern Italian city.
Every destination within this article is easily accessible from Verona, either by tour, with the rental car or on the train, and none require mammoth unrealistic travel times. And although a couple of spots are certainly worthy of a longer trip in and of themselves, we appreciate that not everyone has the time or funds to travel multiple times to Italy.
Here are 10 wonderful day trips from Verona
verona DAY TRIPS | HOW TO GET AROUND INDEPENDENTLY
Whilst a number of destinations within this post are easily accessible by public transport, there remain several that can only be reached with your own car; that’s why we recommend that independent visitors to Italy wanting to explore beyond the main sights or at their own pace rent their a vehicle.
We rarely go direct when hiring our road trip vehicles, instead preferring to use two popular rental aggregators to compare costs and find the best deal. The two companies we use are AutoEurope and RentalCars - both of which we have had excellent experiences with.
If you’re planning on renting a car during your time in Italy, we’d highly recommend reading ‘Nine Essential Car Rental Tips for Travellers’, for general tips on how to save money on your car hire and avoid some common vehicle rental mistakes.
The Vineyards
If you’re in Verona for more than a few days, then it's a great idea to take a wine tasting day trip out to the vineyards of the Veneto region. Even within Italy, Verona has an embarrassment of riches on its doorstep, with several wine-producing regions less than half an hour's drive away from the city. Valpolicella is the most famous and well-visited, but there's also Soave, Bardolino, Durello, Custoza, and Lugana.
And who wouldn’t want to spend a sunny day in the Italian countryside, glass in hand?
Do it Independently
Whilst it may be theoretically possible to reach a couple of the vineyards by public transport, your best bet for visiting independently is with your own rental car - just be aware that even in Italy, the designated driver will have to hold back on the tastings.
This article has a really great DIY vineyard route.
Take a Tour
If you’re the designated driver mentioned above, then you may prefer to go for this option.
There are an abundance of tours to the various wine producing regions around Verona, although most tend to focus on a singular area or vineyard. The following tours are highly recommended and have received excellent reviews:
// Amarone Wine Trail Tour. With air-conditioned transport departing from Verona and wine expert guide, you’ll learn how Amarone is made and visit two wineries in the Valpolicella region for tastings - find out more here.
// Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting. A visit to a five-generation family run winery in Valpolicella, this day tour includes a light lunch alongside wine tastings - find out more here.
// Prosecco & Amarone Wine Tasting. A private guided tour of Villa Giona and a tasting of five amazing wines produced in Valpolicella and Veneto, such as Amarone and Prosecco.
// Soave, Borgo and Amarone Wine Tasting Tour
For two alternative ways to sample the local wines, consider this Amarone Countryside E-Bike Tour or the Truffle Hunting Experience & Wine Tasting.
The Dolomites
Impossibly perfect cracked mountain peaks, dreamy green valleys, hairpin roads in the mist, and heavenly hiking trail scenes lined by wildflowers; the Dolomites have captured the hearts, minds and instagram accounts of many a traveller and photographer over the last few years.
And - having spent a magical week road tripping there ourselves a couple of years ago - we can say that it is totally warranted.
This is a destination like no other in Italy, and if you’re craving a little time outdoors, fresh alpine air and vistas like no other, the Dolomites may well be the perfect day trip from Verona for you.
Do it Independently
Verona’s airport is actually one of the principal access points for travellers heading up to the mountain range, so it’s the perfect startpoint for shorter visits.
The area of northern Italy that contains the Dolomites is incredibly well set up with public transport, both bus and train. However, due to the number of connections required, we genuinely can’t see how it would be enjoyable - if even possible - to visit meaningfully on a day trip without your own transport.
For those with a rental vehicle, you have many more options - we’d just recommend planning out a solid itinerary that doesn’t try and take in too much. For example, if you really want to see Lago di Braies or Lago di Carezza, perhaps make this the main attraction, and then stop off along the way rather than trying to squeeze in a number of other destinations that don’t really make sense when plotted on a map.
Take a Tour
For those hoping to get a good overview - and views - of the area, we’d highly recommend day-trippers considering this small-group, full day tour which includes Val di Fassa, Passo Pordoi, a funicular ride to Piz Boè with views out over Marmolada and Sassolungo, a Refugio lunch and time in Ortisei.
For more advice and inspiration for the region, check out 'A Beginner’s Guide to Visiting The Dolomites’.
Vicenza
Sheltered under Venice’s wing for several centuries, it wasn’t until the late 16th century that Vicenza came into its own, sculpted by Palladio, a native Padovan. Having studied under the great artists of Rome, over the latter part of his life he transformed Vicenza into architectural beauty that seamlessly married symmetry with Greco-Roman architectural principles, in a style of architecture that eventually bore his name - Palladian.
His genius, his work, and his legacy have turned Vicenza into one grand Unesco World Heritage site.
Easily explored in a single day, these are some of the things you shouldn’t miss:
Basilica Palladiana | Located in Piazza dei Signori (a beauty in its own right), this imposing building is not actually a basilica but the previous seat of the government. Designed by Palladio, naturally, and now home to a variety of excellent exhibitions.
Teatro Olimpico | Palladio’s final design, this theatre is a stunning mix Roman and Greek influences and beautifully encapsulates the architects unique style.
The villas | You won’t have time to visit them all, but two of the most impressive are Villa La Rotonda (said to have inspired Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello) and Valmarana ai Nani.
The Palladio Museum | To truly appreciate the great master’s work, a visit to this museum (housed in Palazzo Barbarano) is essential.
Do it Independently
Situated halfway between Verona and Venice, Vicenza is ideally located for a day trip. There are super regular trains taking just 40 minutes, and costing as little as €6.25 per person, each way.
Read ‘10 Things to Know Before You Visit Verona’ for advice on how to get to / from the train station in Verona from the historical centre.
Take a Tour
Due to the ease of arriving in Vicenza from Verona, a tour really isn’t required. However, if once you’re there you’d prefer a guided visit to gain a better understanding of its history and architectural significance, this 2.5 hour private tour is recommended.
Recommended tours in Verona
You can plan your stay in Verona with our guide for travellers - ‘13 Wonderful Things To Do in Verona’ - filled with advice and inspiration.
If you’re short on time, visiting only for a couple of days or looking for a little adventure closer to Verona, there are an abundance of great tour options within (or super close to) the city.
These come highly recommended:
Original Verona bike tour | Discover Verona's main attractions and some interesting yet unknown places as you cycle through this UNESCO-listed city on a 3-hour bike tour. Find out more here.
Food Tour With Wine Tasting | This 3.5-hour walking tour through the historic centre of Verona allows you to sample local specialities such as local tortellini pasta, olive oil, wines, prosciutto, and sweets. Find out more here.
Verona Arena Skip-The-Line Guided Tour | Skip the long lines to the Verona Arena and take a guided tour of the Roman monument with a licensed guide. Find out more here.
Private Walking tour With a Local | This private tour allows you to discover the city with a local - and like a local. Find out more here.
Verona Cooking Class | A 3.5-hour cooking class where you learn to make fresh pasta, risotto (made with local rice), and tiramisù. Find out more here.
Romeo & Juliet | A walking tour focussed on Verona’s most famous fictional characters. Find out more here.
Gelato Making Class | Join this 2-hour cooking course to learn the secrets on how to make traditional gelato and fresh fruit sorbet. Find out more here.
Madonna della Corona
The secluded Santuario Madonna della Corona has long been a place of religious pilgrimage, yet a journey through the cliffs of Monte Baldo was historically only really embarked upon by those who felt the call to be physically and metaphorically closer to God.
In recent years however, the fascination with this remarkable Italian site begins with social media, and a singular image of a church carved into and of the rock, suspended somewhere between Heaven and Earth; a feat of faith and architecture that could call out to even the most stubbornly atheistic.
To access the sanctuary, you have two options: make your way to the small village of Spiazzi from where there it’s an easy 20 minute walk along a purpose built path, or hike in the long way, along an old pilgrim’s path named ‘Hope’ that leads straight up through the mountains.
We chose the second, and it was worth every bead of sweat.
Do it Independently
If you have your own rental car, getting to and from the sanctuary is a breeze, both to complete the Pilgrim’s Trail and the shorter walk from Spiazzi - just be aware that there is only limited parking and it does tend to fill up quickly.
Alternatively, it is possible to visit with public transport too, you just need to be a little more careful about timing. We’ve put together a complete guide to visiting Santuario Madonna della Corona, so if this seems like something you’d like to do, we’d suggesting popping over there for all the details.
Take a Tour
Despite the popularity of this site, there are only a limited number of tours that we could find online, with the ability to book in advance.
This seven hour tour* is one such option. It includes pick up in Verona, time to experience the walk from Spiazzi, the sanctuary and the views with the aid of a bilingual guide, followed by a traditional lunch with local ingredients (and wine, of course) overlooking a lake.
*Please note that this tour is not currently available; we’ll keep an eye on the listing and let you know when it’s back online.
Venice
Just an hour a half by train, Venice is ideally located for a day trip from Verona. And whilst we strongly believe that this floating treasure chest of a city is deserving of at least a couple of days of your Italian escape, we appreciate for many, time is rather limited and reducing bases and taking short trips is more practical.
We have a dedicated article - 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Venice - but should you choose to visit Venice as a day trip, we recommend that your itinerary includes the following:
The Doge’s Palace | The seat of Venetian power (and home to the Doge) from around 810 AD, this building adorned in pastel pink and white diamond tiles and perfect porticoes overlooking the water, is a must visit. Just be sure to get your tickets sorted in advance.
The Bridges | A city of bridges, you’ll encounter many simply exploring on foot, but be sure to include Rialto Bridge, The Bridge of Sighs, and Ponte dell'Accademia on your route around Venice.
Ride a Gondola | Is there a more Venetian activity than a ride along the canals in a gondola? Not cheap, but likely something high up on a many a bucket list. You can find everything you need to know in our guide to taking a gondola ride in Venice.
St Mark’s Square | Quite possibly Venice’s most famous site, no visit would be complete without a wander through the square. If you have time, also consider heading up the campanile and into the Basilica.
Eat Cicchetti | A tapas-like style of food that is ubiquitous in these parts, you’ll find every bar, restaurant and cafe serving up cicchetti but we’d recommend heading to Al Squero or Cantine del Vino già Schiavi.
Do it Independently
There are frequent direct trains from Verona to Venice Santa Lucia (the best train station for accessing the city’s main attractions) each day, taking around 1.5 hours and costing €10 one way.
From here you can either walk across land and bridges to begin your DIY tour of Venice, or instead opt to hop on a vaporetto to take you down the grand canal. You can find more information on how to negotiate Venice’s public transport here.
Take a Tour
Organised tours from Verona to Venice are not common (except this incredibly romantic - but pretty pricey - option), however if you’re worried about squeezing as much as you can into a full day, joining a tour once you arrive in Venice is not a bad idea.
This one includes a guided tour of the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark's Basilica, a gondola ride down the Grand Canal plus a self-guided tour by app to explore Venice in your own time.
Alternatively you can find a full and thorough list of available tours in Venice here.
Padua
Around an hour from Verona, Padua (Padova in Italian) is a city often overlooked by visitors to to the northern region of Veneto. Yet, this medieval city, home to Italy’s second oldest university (founded in 1222), has a myriad of historical attractions as well as a young and vibrant feel due to the large student population.
Sights you shouldn’t miss in Padua are:
Basilica di Sant'Antonio | Housing the tomb of Saint Anthony (the patron saint of Padua), the Basilica is the most important religious site in Padua, and a much visited pilgrimage site.
Prato della Valle | Italians love a good piazza, and at more than 90,000 square metres, Padua’s Prato della Valle is the biggest in Italy, and one of the largest in Europe. A focal point for day to day life for local Padovani, you’ll find yourself passing through more than once!
Scrovegni Chapel | A somewhat unremarkable chapel architecturally, it is the frescoes located within - unanimously agreed to be be the finest work of medieval tuscan artist Giotto di Bondone - that make this place so important and a must visit.
Orto Botanico di Padova | Founded in 1545, the botanical garden of Padua is the world’s oldest academic botanical garden that remains in its original location.
Palazzo del Bo and the Anatomical Theatre | The University of Padua is the fifth oldest university in the world, and the beautiful Palazzo Bo is its historic seat. Free to enter the courtyard, paying visitors are also welcomed into an incredible 16th century anatomic theatre.
Caffe Pedrocchi | Built in 1831, this is one of Italy’s most legendary coffee shops, a favourite haunt of intellectuals, artists and writers. Be sure to try the speciality - a shot of espresso covered in minty pistachio foam and a sprinkle of cocoa.
Do it Independently
If you have your own rental car, you are able to drive from Verona to Padua in around 75 minutes. However, as this is a city to city trip, we’d actually recommend taking the train - it’s quicker (just under an hour) and you don’t have to faff with parking.
Direct trains depart every hour, costing around €8 each way, per person.
Top Tip // Note that when searching for train times on the official site, you need to use the Italian name, not the English - in this case, Padua is Padova.
Take a Tour
We couldn’t actually find any advance booking tours from Verona to Padua, however if you’re keen to squeeze in as much as possible on a day trip, we’d recommend considering booking a day tour for when you arrive.
This highly-rated 2 private tour takes in all of the above mentioned sights (including entrance fees) with two departures per day.
Tips for Taking the Train in Italy
The train network in Italy is really quite good (strikes aside), connects even the smallest towns, and is very reasonably priced. Whilst it’s not a complicated system for foreign tourists to access, there are definitely a few quirks that you need to be aware of before buying your first ticket.
Our top tips include:
// Be aware of the different types of train (high-speed, inter-city and regional). Generally the faster the train, the more expensive.
// Tickets can be bought in advance, or on the day either online via Trenitalia or in person at the station (you can easily change the language of the ticket machine)
// Always validate your ticket before boarding! Failure to do so can potentially result in a very large fine.
// Expect the odd delay. Yep, we’re not in Switzerland now Toto!
// Be prepared for connection confusion. We’ve had several issues where it hasn’t been immediately obvious which platform our next connection is leaving from. Head to screens in the station hall if any doubt.
We’ve put together an entire beginner’s guide to train travel in Italy, so if you planning on taking even one during your time in the country, we highly recommend taking a look at it before you set off.
You can find the article here.
Bologna
Having visited Bologna twice, we may be a little biased, but honestly, this city painted in orange, pinks and golds is spectacular. This is the home of endless porticoes and old family towers, a rich food scene, of grand old buildings and even grander squares and, due to its university (the oldest continually used in the world), a vibrant student scene.
We would return in a heart beat (and even did a podcast episode on it!)
So, whilst we honestly believe that Bologna is a place that deserves to be discovered a little slower, if you’re looking for a day trip from Verona to what we believe to be one of the best cities in Italy, this is an excellent choice.
Sights and experiences not to be missed include:
Portico di San Luca | The longer covered walkway in the world (and once a pilgrimage route), it stretches all the way to the stunning Basilica Di San Luca.
Basilica di San Petronio | Despite building having begun in 1390, this church remains oddly unfinished (rumour has it that the Pope didn’t want it to be bigger than Rome’s!). Still beautiful, with a pink and white marble facade.
Eat tagliatelle al ragù | Once you realise that spaghetti bolognese doesn’t exist, this is what (meat-eaters) will be indulging in - Bologna’s signature dish!
Climb the Asinelli Tower | Yep, all 498 steps of it. Trust us, the view is more than worth it!
Visit the Teatro Anatomico | Bologna plays host to the oldest university in the world, and is as historically impressive as that may suggest. One spot within not to be missed is the beautifully ornate anatomical theatre.
Do it Independently
There are multiple train departures from Verona to Bologna each hour, the vast majority of which are direct. For most people, we’d recommend jumping on the 1.5 hour train that costs €10, but there is a significantly more expensive fast train (50 minutes).
There are a lot of ZTLs in Bologna, so unless you’re super keen to take the car, we’d recommend relying on the train instead.
Take a Tour
There are currently no active day tours that leave from and return to Verona*, however if you’re keen to make the very most of your time in Bologna we’d highly recommend joining a guided tour for a couple of hours in addition to allowing free time to roam and explore.
The following have excellent reviews:
// Excellently priced customisable private tour
// Small group, two hour city centre walking tour
*This full day, small-group Italian food and wine tour (with gourmet lunch) does look amazing - and includes transport to and from Verona - but at the time of update is not currently available to book.
Brescia
Located in the Lombardy region of Italy and surrounded by vine-covered hills, Brescia is another city that is somewhat overlooked by foreign visitors. However, with a plethora of Roman remains, stunning Renaissance squares, a typically Medieval historic centre and Europe’s second largest fortification, for those with a passion for history, this is an ideal day trip from Verona.
Piazza della Logia | Brescia’s main square, lined by grand buildings and places to eat & drink.
The Cathedrals | Yep, Brescia has two cathedrals - an old and a new one sitting side by side in the same square. The Duomo Nuovo is much more impressive architecturally (at least externally) but the Duomo Vecchio is definitely worth taking a look.
Parco Archeologico di Brescia Romana | At nearly 2000 years old, this archeological park contains some of the best preserved Roman public buildings in the north of Italy. Be sure to also visit Templo Capitolino.
Museo di Santa Giulia | Housed in an ex-Benedictine convent, this is a beast of a museum that would take an age to discover intimately - highlights include Roman remains and an original 8th Century church.
Castello | A huge medieval castle which affords spectacular views over the city and surrounding countryside beyond.
Do it Independently
Brescia is easily accessible from Verona, with regular direct trains taking just 40 minutes and costing only €7 each way.
Take a Tour
We are unable to find a tour from Verona, nor any tours around Brescia.
Lake Garda
Italy’s largest lake, Garda has long been a favourite for vacationing locals and foreign tourists alike. Edged by picturesque villages, medieval castles, and lakeside promenades, it also offers great beaches, water sports and hiking.
It’s easy to understand why this is the country’s most visited lake.
Given the size of Lake Garda, there are certain attractions and destinations along its shore that are best explored from a base in the vicinity or on a longer road trip, however for those staying in Verona, there is plenty to explore and experience on during a full day adventure.
Don’t miss these spots along the southern and eastern shores:
Sirmione | The most popular town around Lake Garda (for good reason), this bustling holiday resort is as beautiful as it is pretty. Famous for its spa treatments and beaches, be sure to visit it first on your day trip to avoid the worst of the crowds.
Malcesine | Another beautiful tourist town on the shore, but the reason this should be on your list is the cable car running to the top of Monte Baldo for spectacular views!
Peschiera del Garda | From Verona, this is one of the most easily accessible towns on the lake. Whilst this tends to make it super busy in summer months, it’s a good option for an easy day trip.
Desenzano del Garda | A little further west along the shore from Peschiera del Garda, Desenzano is similarly well appointed for day trips and boat crossings. The largest of the Lake Garda towns, its also the least touristy.
Lazise | With an ancient centre, still-standing town walls and the prettiest little harbour, Lazsie is picturesque even by Lake Garda’s standards!
Garda | Due to its position halfway along the eastern shore, the town of Garda has more of a mountainous backdrop to its lakefront promenade - and still very beautiful.
Do it Independently
If you have your own car, then the first thing you need to decide is whether to slowly explore one or possibly two towns (our personal preference and recommendation), or take advantage of the fact that you have the freedom to move and zip around the lake and see as much as you can.
For those relying on public transport, we’d recommend taking a train from Verona to Desenzano (20 minutes) or Peschiera del Garda (13 minutes). From here it’s a short walk to the lake’s shore and a ferry to a number of nearby towns.
Alternatively, there are regular buses from Verona to Riva del Garda, with stops in Lasize, Bardolino, Garda, and Torre del Benaco, among other towns. You can find the full bus schedule here.
You can find full details of the boat service here, including times, prices and passes.
Take a Tour
If you’re short on time but keen to get out to the lake, consider this highly rated half day tour from Verona to Sirmione which a guided tour of the town and time on a boat.
Alternatively, if you can get yourself to Lake Garda (to a town of your choosing) via public transport or with your rental car, you can join this excellent full day guided tour which visits a variety of popular towns and includes a boat ride.
For the more adventurous, consider this full day e-bike tour departing from Peschiera del Garda which aims to discover an alternative side to Lake Garda, taking in history, nature and beautiful scenery.
In Italy for your honeymoon or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure? Consider this incredible (and incredibly romantic) private tour which includes a luxury boat trip on Lake Garda, a visit to the oldest Lugana winery, followed by a gourmet lunch.
Ferrara
Once home to Michelangelo, Ferrara has a long - and rich - artistic history. Indeed, this UNESCO Heritage listed city oozes Renaissance charm, boasting several splendid palaces, a marble-fronted cathedral and still largely intact medieval walls.
Located as it is between Bologna and Venice however, it flies some ways under the radar, attracting far fewer tourists than one might have assumed. This makes it a wonderful spot for an altogether more authentic Italian experience.
Sights and experiences you shouldn’t miss in Ferrara:
Castello Estense | Complete with drawbridge and moat, a visit to this imposing medieval brick building is an absolute must!
Palazzo dei Diamanti | Designed by Biagio Rossetti, this palace is unique for the 8,000 white and pink marble blocks, carved in the shape of diamonds.
Hire a bike | Cycling is super popular in Ferrara (we think it may be a walled city thing given last year’s experience in Lucca), with almost all roads being open to two wheels, and there are countless shops where you can hire a bike for the day.
San Giorgio Cathedral | An impressive architectural blend of Romanesque and Gothic style, it is famed for its beautiful pink marble facade (and an unfinished bell tower designed by Leon Battista Alberti).
Do It Independently
There are no direct trains to Ferrara, however there are super regular routes requiring just one stop (usually in Padua). Expect a journey time of between 1.5 - 2 hours.
Alternatively, if you have a car, driving time is 1.5 hours. There is plenty of paid-for parking in Ferrara, both on street and within designated car parks.
Take A Tour
Like many places within this guide, there are no complete day trip tours to Ferrara from Verona. Therefore, for those that prefer a guided experience, we’d recommend making your own way to the city and then joining a tour in Ferrara, like this 2.5 hours city highlights tour or this private tour, should your prefer to be within your own group.
