I’m Natalie, one of Grape Escapes’ Luxury Travel Consultants and a specialist in Italy regions. I recently returned from a fantastic weekend break in the enchanting city of Verona, one of Grape Escapes’ destinations – here are a few highlights from my trip!

Discovering the city of Verona

First stop: checking into the elegant 4* Hotel Accademia, housed in the historic Palazzo Sambonifacio Tedeschi, a beautiful 18th‑century building in the heart of Verona’s old town. Upon arrival, I was welcomed with a complimentary drink in the stylish lounge bar – the perfect way to begin my stay.

After a quick freshen-up, I set out to explore the city. One of the best things about Verona is how walkable it is. Everywhere is easily accessible on foot, which makes wandering through the historic streets a real pleasure. I spent most of the evening in Verona’s main square, the Piazza delle Erbe. Lively and atmospheric, it’s the perfect spot to soak up the city’s charm, and is surrounded by historic buildings, market stalls, and cafés.

Away from the square I enjoyed wandering around in search of some hidden gems. There are numerous wine bars and osterias to stop for a quick bite and a glass (or two!) of wine, all have a selection available by the glass which is a great way to sample regional wines and get a feel for the area’s rich winemaking tradition. On day two, after filling up on the hotel’s delicious breakfast buffet, I ventured out to meet my guide for a fascinating walking tour of the city of Verona.

Verona is renowned for its Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and romantic legacy. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a cultural gem that truly blends ancient history with vibrant modern life. The Arena di Verona is a Roman amphitheatre that’s even older than the Colosseum in Rome and still hosts opera performances today. As part of the tour, I heard all about its fascinating history, gladiator battles, and modern use as one of Italy’s top cultural venues.

From Piazza Bra, we strolled along Via Mazzini, Verona’s elegant shopping street lined with marble paving and high-end boutiques. Just off this street, we passed by Juliet’s House. This is one of Verona’s most visited sites, thanks to Shakespeare! Our guide shared the secrets behind the story, including the fact that it may have been chosen for its aesthetic rather than historical accuracy… However, it is still a magical, must-see spot for any visitors to Verona.

The two-hour tour comfortably covered all the main sites, complemented by behind-the-scenes knowledge shared by our local, passionate tour guide. For Grape Escapes guests visiting Verona, I would suggest a food and wine walking tour for those who wish to explore a little further. This will include tastings of local delicacies while visiting all the major landmarks, perfect for foodies who want to combine sightseeing with culinary discovery!

Later that afternoon, I met my specialist driver-guide and joined a small group of eight for a scenic Amarone wine tour in the Valpolicella hills.

Visiting the Valpolicella wine region 

Just a short drive from Verona, the Valpolicella wine region is one of Italy’s most renowned and historic wine-producing areas that balances tradition and innovation. The name Valpolicella likely derives from Latin and Greek roots meaning “valley of many cellars”.

Valpolicella is perhaps best known for its red wines, ranging from light everyday reds to world-class, cellar-worthy wines such as Amarone. On any Grape Escapes tour, we make sure that our clients get the chance to taste the full range.

Valpolicella wines are primarily blends of local indigenous grapes. Corvina Veronese is the backbone of most Valpolicella wines and gives the wines body and a sour cherry flavour. Rondinella adds colour and floral notes. Molinara, now used less often, contributes acidity and freshness.

A continental climate with alpine influences (warm summers and cold winters) alongside good ventilation creates the perfect conditions for the appassimento technique. Used in the creation of Amarone and also Ripasso, appassimento is a traditional Italian winemaking method where grapes are partially dried before fermentation. This drying process concentrates sugars, flavours and aromas, whilst reducing water content. The grapes lose around 30–40% of their weight, resulting in a rich, full-bodied wine, with high alcohol and complex aromas of dried fruit, chocolate, and spice.

The first stop on our wine tour was a charming, medium-sized winery that uses a range of modern techniques such as aging in cement and clay barrels.  We sampled some exquisite wines, served with local cheeses and meats. Afterwards, we headed to a second vineyard. Timed perfectly during golden hour, it was so beautiful to wander around the vineyards as sun began to set. We then explored their fascinating cellar, which contained vintages up to 50 years old, followed by a tasting of five wines that again range in body and complexity.

With many wonderful wineries in the region, you’re guaranteed to taste excellent wines on your Valpolicella wine tour, made even more memorable by the stories and insights shared by knowledgeable and passionate guides. Visiting smaller, often family-owned wineries provides a more personal experience than larger commercial wineries – so I love to focus on these when planning my clients’ itineraries. The driver guide who will accompany you throughout the day is also born and bred in the region and can therefore further enhance your experience by sharing stories as you are driven though the beautiful Valpolicella hills.

Tasting gourmet cuisine   

Even after a day with plenty of charcuterie and cheese to go round, I visited Ristorante Maffei in Verona for a special dinner that evening. This restaurant can be found in a charming historic building, just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel. The relaxed atmosphere and excellent food made for the perfect choice for a sophisticated evening out. I opted for the 5-course meat tasting menu (they alternatively offer a fish tasting menu or you can order a la carte). All of the dishes were delicious, but my standout dish was the beef cheeks, deliciously braised in Amarone and served with thyme potato cream.

Venturing beyond to nearby Venice and Lake Garda

As I had four nights in the region, I decided to explore a little further afield. If you have the time, no trip to Verona is complete without stopping by Lake Garda. Whether you’re in the mood for lakeside relaxation, charming towns, or water activities, Lake Garda is a great addition to any itinerary as it is only around a one-hour drive from Verona. I visited Sirmione and took some time to relax in the thermal spa, followed by a lakeside lunch and the biggest gelato I have ever seen!

On our final day, the trip came to the perfect conclusion with an afternoon spent in Venice. Accessible from Verona via high-speed train in less than 90 minutes, Venice is easy to explore independently by water bus. However, we can also arrange small group tours for our Grape Escapes clients. The opportunity to enjoy a walking tour is perfect for those who want to slow down, uncover hidden gems, and head off the beaten path to learn about the true essence of Venice.

Finally, if white wine is also of interest to you, Soave is only a stone’s throw away. You may need a little longer than a long weekend to experience this, however the elegant, fresh, mineral-driven white wines, primarily from the Garganega grape, are a great addition to a Verona wine holiday. Wine tours in Soave are possible, however only on a private basis, rather than small group.

In 2026: tie it in with the Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games

Headed to the Olympic Winter Games? Verona is only 1.5 hours by train and two hours by car from Milan, making for the perfect addition to your trip. Why not consider spending a few extra days in Italy to taste some of their wines? All of our tours are completely bespoke so we can help tailor your dream trip for you.

I hope I have inspired you to add Verona, Lake Garda and Venice to your bucket list!

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me by email or by phone on +44 (0) 1920 468 666 if you are interested in booking a wine holiday in Verona with Grape Escapes. You can also find out more about the region and explore further inspiration for Verona wine experiences, all individually designed by our team.