Verona and Lake Garda: day trips from Montecchio Maggiore

West of Montecchio Maggiore, along the A4 motorway and the railway, lie two of the great sights of northern Italy: Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, and Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake. Each makes an easy day trip, and with a car you can even see both in a long day.

Verona

Start at Piazza Bra and the Roman Arena, then walk Via Mazzini to Piazza delle Erbe, the old market square. Juliet’s House is a few minutes away; go early to avoid the crowds. Cross the Ponte Pietra and climb to Castel San Pietro for the view, and finish at Castelvecchio, the castle of the Scaligeri, who also built Montecchio’s castles. See our Verona guide.

A night at the opera

From June to early September, the Arena hosts a famous opera festival, with huge productions under the stars. Book ahead, bring a cushion for the stone steps and expect a late return.

Lake Garda

Sirmione, on a narrow peninsula at the south of the lake, has a moated Scaliger castle, Roman ruins and clear water. Take a boat trip around the peninsula, swim from the rocks in summer or catch a ferry to other lake towns.

Getting there

• Verona by train: regional trains from Altavilla-Tavernelle or faster trains from Vicenza to Verona Porta Nuova.
• Lake Garda by train: continue from Verona to Peschiera del Garda, then take a bus or boat to Sirmione.
• By car: the A4 west; about 45 minutes to Verona and an hour to Sirmione. Park outside the old centres.

Tips

• Summer weekends at the lake are very busy. Go on a weekday if you can.
• Many Verona museums close on Monday mornings.
• Read about the legend in the Romeo and Juliet castles.