The two pearls of northern Italy

Verona is a city that is home to two thousand years of history and that blends artistic influences from various different eras, as evidenced by the famous arena and the theatre, which date back to Ancient Roman times, San Zeno cathedral, from the Romanesque era, and Castelvecchio, the symbol of the medieval power of the Scaligers. A major stop in Shakespeare’s Verona has to be Juliet’s house, which is famous the world over.

But Verona offers much more! Shopping fans mustn’t miss out on a stroll down Via Mazzini, while lovers of fine cuisine can choose from an array of typical restaurants.

The city can be reached by car or train in just 30 minutes.

Verona is a must-see destination not only for its art and history but also for its operatic tradition. The Opera Festival at Verona Arena is a world-renowned event held every year in the city’s most famous monument. As well as Verdi’s Aida, the operatic programme includes a selection of the most celebrated titles of Italian operatic tradition.

The lagoon of Venice is home to a city built spanning 118 islands with more than 400 bridges and is unique the world over. A precious highlight of Italy’s artistic heritage, Venice simply has to be visited at least once in your lifetime. The icon of this city is none other than Saint Mark’s square, with the basilica of the same name standing at its heart. Other symbols of the “Serenissima” are its bridges, particularly Rialto bridge and the Bridge of Sighs, as well as its many palaces, where you can find the works of painters of the Venetian school such as Titian, Giorgione, Tintoretto, and Veronese. The lagoon is also home to other destinations of extraordinary beauty such as the islands of Murano and Burano, where it’s still possible to marvel at the art of glass-blowing in the artisanal workshops.

The city can be reached by car or train in around 1.5 hours.