From an Ideal Renaissance City to the Home of Wealthy Merchants and the Nobility

Your route begins with a scenic drive to Palmanova. This unique town exemplifies what the Renaissance philosophers considered an ideal city. You can explore the city on foot to get a closer look at the local architecture.

Leave your car at this free parking lot near the centre of the town and explore Palmanova on foot.

Palmanova and its extensive piazza were constructed within the shape of a nine-pointed star. Spend some time walking around and admiring the architecture and the town's layout.

The gate is on the northwest side of Palmanova and next to the aqueduct. It is one of the grand gates through the fortress walls into the town. It has a small parking area across the moat with a map showing the walking trails around the walls and the moat.
There is a gate on each point of the star walls. You can visit several of them or stick with one before you make your way to grab lunch.

Stop for a quick bite at this family-run restaurant. Enjoy the wood-fired pizza and regional specialties.
Opening Hours:
Tuesdays: Closed Wednesday to Monday: 12:00 – 14:30, 18:30 – 22:30

Make your way back to the parking lot and collect your car. Your next stop is Verona!

Verona is one of Italy's most popular cities for those who love art, architecture, opera and literature. Here you'll find a Roman amphitheatre, the setting for one of Shakespeare's famous plays and Renaissance gems.

Check into your hotel and start exploring. I recommend this boutique hotel in the heart of Verona as it shares the courtyard with the famous Juliet's House. You can view Juliet's balcony without tourists after hours. The hotel doesn't offer on-site parking, but staff can direct you to a nearby lot.

The museum is housed in a restored Renaissance castle. It features a collection of medieval and Renaissance art, stunning architecture and incredible views from the bridge of the same name.
Opening Hours: Monday: Closed Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00, last admission at 17:30

Make your way over to the Ponte della Vittoria bridge. Here you can enjoy magnificent views of the Castelvecchio and the "Torricelle" hills and the San Giorgio in Braida Church. It's also a great spot to watch the sunset.

Piazza Bra is the largest piazza in Verona. It is lined with numerous cafés and restaurants and several notable buildings. Spend some time wandering around or grabbing an aperitif and people-watch at one of the bars.

One of the most famous attractions in Piazza Bra is the Roman amphitheatre from the first century - the Verona Arena. It is one of the best-preserved ancient structures of its kind.
Today it's still used for large-scale opera performances. Although it predates the Renaissance, many elements of this movement were influenced by Roman and Greek classical models, making the arena a great stop on this trip.

Finish your night with dinner in this family-run restaurant renowned for classic Veronese gastronomy. You make your way back to the hotel or explore Verona after dark.
Opening Hours: Monday & Sunday: Closed Tuesday to Friday: 19:15 – 24:00 Saturday: 12:30 – 14:00, 19:15 – 24:00,

Return to the hotel and get some sleep. You'll need your energy for day two of your adventure.