What to do in and around Verona
 

We are heading to Verona this July for a 3-day wedding. We plan on staying in Italy for a total of a week to 10 days. Any recommendations on where else to go in Italy after the wedding? We will have a limited amount of time, so we cannot go too far.

The Italian Lakes, the Dolomites, and/or Venice would be very easy to include around a trip to Verona.

The Veneto countryside offers great sights, that would be an interesting alternative if you already know Venice. Vicenza, Padova, Montagnana, Bassano del Grappa, Asolo, and not least: all the Palladian villas, La Malcontenta, Villa Emo, the Rotonda, of course, the one in Piombino Dese (don't recall the villa's name right now), the two in Lonedo di Lugo, the one in Fratta Polesine, the Villa Barbaro, not to forget! - lots to see!

Ah yes, and two more great places near Verona: S. Giorgio and Bardolino, with their pre-Romanesque churches (and, as far as S. Giorgio is concerned, pre-Romanesque cloister!).

For July, I would head up to Lago di Garda. I like the town of Bardolino, which is quite close to Verona, but the most dramatic scenery is to be had at the northern end of the lake. Why not pick a spot and just relax? If you want more touring, try the nearby Dolomiti because otherwise Italy can be quite muggy and hot in July.

The area right around Verona i loaded with wineries. The towns of Soave and Bardolino are just two of the well known areas. Check to see if there are any wine festivals going on in any of the towns.

I think some of the guys are on my track. To the East of Verona is a long arc of some of the most famous wine growing areas in Itlay. Soave is probably the most famous (not very good wine but the local wine tasting place is great fun) ask for anything without Trabbiano di soave in it. Restaurant just up the hill is good as well. Also Valpolicello and Amarone di and Recioto di etc etc .

At least 5 walled medieval cities are within good driving. Venice is a stones throw away and going north you have the Italian/Austrian area which is very clean and organised

For a truly once in a lifetime experience, go to the opera at the outdoor arena in Verona. The 2007 season schedule is now available: http://www.arena.it/eng/arenaeng.urd/portal.show?c=83

Trento, due north of Verona, was a delightful surprise. We stopped there for the night on the way to the Dolomites - frescoed buildings, an old castle, the Duomo. Very friendly people. Gorgeous setting between the mountains.

Into cars? The Ferrari museum is just a short train trip/car ride away from Verona.