Verona and Padua
 

We are driving from Venice to Padua. We have an appointment time at 1:15 in Capella Scrovegni in Padua so we can have time to see first the Basilica and others nearby. After the Scrovegni tour, we leave for Verona.

How much time does it take to see the main attractions in Verona? Is parking easy?

I think parking is easy as I recall there is a big parking garage right next to the begining of the old town , near the Colliseum.
How long does it take? I guess this very personal .....

It takes as much time as you have. Really, it's not Disneyland..

Hi travelhook,

Are you returning to Venice that night? Or continuing on to another destination after Verona? If you're returning to Venice, that will be a long day, when you consider you'll have to navigate your way through the cities and hunt for parking at each stop. If that is indeed your plan, you may consider taking the train, as it's just so easy.

DH and I spent 8 wonderful days in Verona last year, using it as a base to explore the Veneto region. It does have some mildly interesting attractions, but what I love about Verona (and I REALLY love it) is the general feel of the city. It's a fascinating place to stroll, relax, and people-watch. So, if my time there were limited, here's what I'd do:

Start at Piazza Bra (as stated earlier, there's a parking lot nearby. If you arrive by train, there's a bus that takes you directly there) and pop into the Arena. Stroll down the shopping street Via Mazzini which takes you to Piazza delle Erbe, although the markets will probably be taken down for the day by the time you get there. It's still a beautiful square. Walk down (in my mind it's south) towards the Castelvecchio. It's so awesome lit up at night. Walk a ways along the bridge over the river to see the city skyline. From the Castelvecchio, you're a short walk again from Piazza Bra, which has some lovely cafes for a casual dinner, watching the well-dressed Veronese on their evening stroll. Our favorite cafe was Liston 21.

Have a wonderful time in the Veneto.

JocelynP

I will be spending a day and night in Verona in March and your suggested walk will be in folder. Thanks.

tuscanlifeedit (Debbie, right?),

You're welcome. I checked my map, and I should have mentioned that there are some sights just behind Piazza delle Erbe in Piazza Signori, including a statue of Dante. The square was under major renovation last May so we didn't spend much time there. Walk the length of Piazza delle Erbe and come down Corso Cavour, towards the Castelvecchio. A good map will have several points of interest labeled on that street. From the Castelvecchio, take Via Roma back to Piazza Bra. I remember an internet cafe along that street if one is needed. :) Tell Verona I miss her.

We might probably reach Verona (by car) from Padua in the afternoon. If we don't finish seeing the major attractions, we are going to stay overnight and do the rest the next morning before we leave for Siena. That is why we are renting a car.

Thanks for the insights.