The best day trips from Verona, from Hotel Colomba d’Oro

The Colomba d’Oro, a 4-star hotel in the center of Verona, is the perfect home base for discovering all the wonders located in other cities in Northern Italy, well connected to Verona.

Thanks to its privileged position, being the four-star hotel closest to the Verona Arena, from the Colomba d’Oro you can of course easily visit the surrounding historic center, but you can also reach, witha short ealk or riding a bike that you can rent at the hotel, the Verona Porta Nuova train station. From here you can reach by btrain beautiful destinations in a few hours, perfect for a day trip.

One of the most immediate destinations is Lake Garda, on whose shores are famous villages that can be reached from the Colomba d’Oro in about half an hour by car; but it is not necessary to go by car: if you can leave your car in the hotel’s garage and, in 20 minutes ride with a local train, you can reach Peschiera del Garda, a picturesque town known for its charming historic center surrounded by canals and ancient fortifications dating back to the middel ages and Renaissance. Peschiera is a place rich in history and culture, with its fortress declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2017. Its welcoming atmosphere, with many eateries and panoramic spots, gives emotions to visitors of all ages. Once you get there, you can also rent a bicycle and ride it along the cycle path that runs by Lake Garda, reaching Lazise and Bardolino, two other beautiful small towns overlookingthe lake.

Another destination that the Colomba d’Oro recommends is Mantua: it is just over half an hour by train from Verona, and it’s an unmissable destination for lovers of history and art. Surrounded by artificial lakes in which it is reflected and famous for its rich history, Mantua was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its Renaissance architecture and historical monuments. Among the main gems of the city are Palazzo Ducale, with frescoes by Mantegna (including the famous “Bridal Chamber”), and Palazzo Te, famous for its decorated rooms (one above all the iconic “Giants Hall”). Mantua is the ideal place to spend a day immersed in Italian history, or to relax and enjoy a picnic in one of its charming parks.

Moving East from Verona, the closest city is Vicenza, which is about 45 minutes by train. Best known for the architectural works of Andrea Palladio, it is a true jewel of the Italian Renaissance. Walking through the city center, you will be enchanted by the majestic Basilica Palladiana, with its distinctive white loggia, overlooking the main square.

Another unmissable train trip is Venice, one of the most fascinating cities in the world: if you love history and culture, you can get lost discovering hidden corners at every step; if instead you prefer to see the city from a different perspective, a gondola ride is a must; and if you are a lover of manual crafts, here you have the opportunity to meet the local craftsmanship and create your own personal glass pearl ! Since Venice is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world, staying there is often very expensive: enjoying it with a day trip and then returning to sleep in Verona is a better deal.

If you are staying at this 4-star hotel in downtown Verona, you can also easily reach Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance and the heart of 15th-century art, thanks to high-speed trains that connect the two cities in about only an hour and a half! Getting off at the Santa Maria Novella train station, you can easily walk towards Florence’s center, passing by famous monuments such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore, Piazza della Signoria and the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge.

If instead you wish ride your bike, from the Colomba d’Oro you can just ride towards the San Zeno neighborhood and from there you can get out of the city westbound:  passing through the village of Corrubio, you will find yourself among the famous vineyards of Valpolicella, until you reach the village of Fumane. Along the way, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the terraced hills, with the passage next to imposing Venetian villas. The route takes a few hours and, to make it even more enjoyable, a stop at one of the many wineries along the way is a given!

The Colomba d’Oro is the perfect home base for all these day trips. Nestled in the very heart of of Verona, this 4-star Hotel offers an elegant stay in luxury rooms in Verona, and the perfect place to rest and unwind after a day full of exploration.