Verona is a picturesque city in northern Italy’s Veneto region known as the setting for Shakespeare’s famed “Romeo and Juliet.”
While there’s no shortage of wonderful things to do in Verona, there are also many incredible day trips from Verona that you can take within a 1-2 hour train ride.
With all of the beautiful towns and sights to see in northern Italy, it can be overwhelming trying to choose the best day trip.
Luckily, we recently spent a month living in Verona visiting as many cities in the region as possible. In this guide, we’re sharing our top picks for the best day trip destinations from Verona that are worth visiting.
From enchanting cities to the gorgeous countryside and historical sights, you’ll find it all here.
In addition, we include information on how to get there either via train, bus, or by renting a car. Almost all of the places listed in this guide can be reached by train making it easy to navigate on your own.
If you prefer traveling with a guide or an organized group, we’ve also included our recommended tours from Verona, if available, as well as the best tours to do in each place.
Ready to discover the best day trips from Verona? Let’s get started.
Don’t have time to read it all? Here are the top 5 day trips and tours from Verona that we recommend.
1. Venice
2. Lake Garda
3. Bologna
4. Verona wine country
5. Madonna della Corona Sanctuary
15 Best Day Trips from Verona
1.Venice
Travel time:
Distance from Verona by train: ~ 1 hour 12 minutes to 2 hours 22 minutes
Distance from Verona by car: ~ 1 hour 16 minutes
If you have to choose just one day trip from Verona, then make it Venice! This magical city and its iconic canals are just a short train ride from Verona.
Spread over 100 islands, this city continues to captivate visitors, as it’s done for centuries, making a Verona to Venice day trip our top pick!
Hop on the train to Santa Lucia station in Venice. Just a few steps from the station is the Grand Canal. We recommend catching a water taxi, or as the locals call it, a vaporetto, to tour the Grand Canal.
Linea 1 (Line 1) will carry you around the Grand Canal, allowing you to get off at the Piazza San Marco, Rialto Bridge, and many more landmarks.
We suggest getting off at Piazza San Marco and visiting some of the city’s highlights. St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Square, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Doge’s palace are all right next to each other surrounding the square.
Spend the rest of your afternoon wandering around the canals and getting lost in between all of the sights. If you want to do a gondola tour, your best bet will be to grab one at Piazza San Marco.
For lunch, try a wonderful local dish – cicchetti. These are small, open-face sandwiches with different toppings. Our favorite place to go is Cantine del Vino già Schiavi.
If this is your second visit to Venice, then smaller sights, such as the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, the Ca Rezzonico Palace, or even taking a boat trip to the island of Murano or Burano are excellent choices.
Tip: Book tickets for the Doge’s palace and St. Mark’s Basilica in advance to avoid the lines, or book this guided tour of both sights with skip-the-line access.
Plan your Venice day trip from Verona
How much time in Venice: With so much to see in Venice, you will need one full day. Plan on leaving early in the morning and coming back late at night after dinner and sunset.
How to get from Verona to Venice: The train from Verona to Venice (St. Lucia Station) is best. This trip can take between 1 hour and 12 minutes to 2 hours and 22 minutes, depending on the ticket you purchase.
Ticket prices vary with faster trains generally being more expensive. We suggest booking your train tickets a couple of weeks in advance for the best prices on the high-speed trains.
We highly advise against driving to Venice. Unfortunately, the lack of viable roads and parking in and around Venice makes taking a car more trouble than it’s worth.
Venice tour options
Venice is one of the most popular cities to visit in Italy, if not Europe. To make your experience less overwhelming, we recommend booking a tour with a guide to take you around the city’s top sights.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any day tours that leave directly from Verona to Venice, but we’ve included a list of some highly-rated guided tours while you are in Venice.
Here are some of the most popular Venice day tours:
- Full-day Venice Tour | This 6.5 hour tour takes you around Venice with an expert guide, and it even includes a gondola ride! On this day tour, you’ll get skip-the-line tickets to the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica with your guide and visit other top sights, such as the Rialto Bridge.
- Half-day Venice Tour | On this 3-hour tour, you’ll explore St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace with a local guide. Your tickets even include special terrace access at the Doge’s Palace for amazing views overlooking the city.
- Venice Food Tour | If you’re looking to try some of the best Venetian cuisine, then this it the tour for you. Over the course of 2.5 hours, you’ll visit several restaurants and foodie spots while sampling regional foods.
2. Lake Garda
Travel time:
Distance from Verona by train: ~ 19 minutes to 22 minutes
Distance from Verona by car: ~ 35 minutes
Visit Italy’s largest lake, just a stone’s throw from Verona. Ringed by rocky mountains overlooking classic Italian towns, Lake Garda is a natural marvel and must-see location in northern Italy.
On your Verona to Lake Garda day trip, you have a couple of options.
The first one is to check out Sirmione, a village on the lake’s south side. This town is famous for Scaliger Castle, a Medieval-era fortress, and Grotte di Catullo, a pristine Roman archaeological site.
Your second option is to go to Peschiera del Garda, a lovely resort town that’s only a 15-minute train ride from Verona. During the summer, you can relax at one of the beaches or do some water sports, such as kayaking, canoeing, or even water skiing.
Of course, if you want to spend the entire day on Lake Garda, you’ll have plenty of time to visit both places. You’ll just need to take a local bus to get from one town to the other.
If you prefer to rent a car, you could visit towns that are further up north, such as the beautiful Riva del Garda.
Plan your Lake Garda day trip from Verona
How much time in Lake Garda: You’ll need a half-day for each town. If you plan on visiting both, then plan on spending a full day around Lake Garda.
How to get from Verona to Lake Garda: To get to Lake Garda, you’ll need to take both the train and the bus.
If you are visiting Sirmione, then take the train from Verona Porto Nuova to Desenzano Del Garda-Sirmione (20 minute train ride). From here, it’s easy to take the local bus into Sirmione. Bus line LN034 takes about 30 minutes from the train station to the castle. You can purchase your tickets on the bus.
If you are visiting Peschiera del Garda, you’ll take the train here from Verona (15 minute train ride). From this station, it’s just a 15-minute walk into the center of town.
Lake Garda Tour options:
To avoid the hassle of public transportation, we suggest booking one of these day tours from Verona to Lake Garda.
- Full-day Sirmione and Lake Garda Tour | On this full-day tour from Verona, you’ll visit Sirmione with an expert guide who will teach you all about the history of this unique place. In addition, you’ll enjoy a boat ride on the lake.
- Private Full-day Lake Garda Tour | This private tour includes a visit to the Roman ruins in Desenzano del Garda, two castles, a wine tasting, and a private transfer from Verona.
3. Bologna
Travel time:
Distance from Verona by train: ~ 52 minutes to 3 hours 2 minutes
Distance from Verona by car: ~ 1 hour 35 minutes
Bologna is one of our favorite cities in northern Italy, and in total, we’ve spent over 2 months exploring this city. To put it simply – we fell in love with the city’s medieval charm and delectable Italian cuisine! Oh, the pasta!
We can tell you firsthand that Bologna’s nickname, the capital of Italian cuisine, is well-earned because it is home to some of the most famous Italian dishes, such as pasta al ragu, lasagna, and more! Not only that, but the standard of food is so high here that it’s difficult to eat bad food in Bologna.
Besides delicious dining, Bologna also boasts the oldest university in the world, The University of Bologna, founded almost 1,000 years ago.
Additionally, Bologna is also known for it’s endless porticoes, over 62km in fact, which have been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For your Verona to Bologna day trip, we suggest taking the train from Verona Porta Nuova to Bologna Central, which will put you right near the heart of the city, about a 20-minute walk to Piazza Maggiore, the city’s main square.
With so many things to do in Bologna, we suggest focusing on the city’s highlights for your day trip. We highly recommend climbing the Asinelli tower for panoramic views of the red-roofed city, as well as visiting the Anatomic Theater at the old university.
Everything is within walking distance, so you won’t need to rely on public transportation once you’re in Bologna. For lunch, we suggest eating at Trattoria da Me for a taste of local specialties.
Don’t forget to grab a scoop of gelato from our favorite gelato shop in all of Italy – Cremeria Santo Stefano.
Insider tip: If you want to experience a taste of Bologna, then book this half-day food tour. We’ve done this food tour twice and it is fantastic. You’ll taste everything from ragu to local cured meats and wines.
Plan your Bologna day trip from Verona:
How much time in Bologna: While one day simply isn’t enough to see everything in Bologna, we suggest arriving early and leaving late, so you can maximize your time here (and eat as much food as possible)!
How to get from Verona to Bologna: The best way to get from Verona to Bologna is by train. The trip takes anywhere from 52 minutes to 3 hours and 52 minutes.
For your day trip, take the high-speed train. Book your tickets at least 3 weeks in advance for the most affordable tickets.
We wouldn’t advise driving into Bologna, as the train is much more convenient. However, it should take about 1 hour and 35 minutes to get there if you do.
Bologna tour options:
While there aren’t any available day tours directly from Verona to Bologna, we have made a list of the top walking and history tours once you arrive in Bologna.
- Bologna History Tour – On this 3-hour historical walking tour, your guide will take you to not only the main sights in Bologna but also some of the city’s hidden gems.
- Bologna Walking Tour – This 2-hour walking tour takes you around the city center to Bologna’s top highlights. It’s also the most affordable tour option available!
- Bologna Food Tour – In our opinion, the best way to experience Bologna is to eat your way through it. On this 4-hour food tour, you’ll taste your way through the city sampling some of the most well-known dishes from the region.
4. Milan
Travel time:
Distance from Verona by train: ~ 1 hour 13 minutes to 1 hour 52 minutes
Distance from Verona by car: ~ 1 hour 50 minutes
A vibrant city famous for its influence on global fashion, Milan draws countless designers, models, and fashionistas from around the planet. On top of that, it’s also a financial and cultural hub where you’ll find world-class museums and theaters.
A Verona to Milan day trip is an excellent way to get a taste of this high-end city without paying the high-end accommodation fees.
Start your day by visiting the main highlights. Discover Sforza castle, a 15th century medieval castle featuring a complex of buildings and museums.
Afterwards, walk through Sempione Park and window shop in the Brera district until you reach the famous Duomo di Milano. If you want to visit the inside of the duomo or climb to the top of the roof, make sure to book your tickets in advance.
Make sure to stop by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the famous shopping gallery next to the duomo, and stop in Marchesi 1824 for a delicious pastry.
For lunch, we suggest making the trek to Trattoria Masuelli San Marco for some of the best risotto alla Milanese in the city.
If you’d like to see Da Vinci’s iconic Last Supper Mural, you’ll have that opportunity here in Milan, as it’s housed in the Convent of Santa Marta gelle Grazie. However, you’ll need to book months in advance in order to guarantee a time slot. We recommend booking this guided tour with skip-the-line tickets.
Before heading back to Verona, grab a late afternoon cocktail or aperitivo along the canals in the Navigli district. A hip area with fun bars and a lively atmosphere.
Plan your Milan day trip from Verona
How much time in Milan: Arrive in Milan early and plan on leaving later in the evening. A full day is needed to experience the highlights of Milan.
How to get from Verona to Milan: Take the train from Verona to Milan Central Station, where you can step out of the station right into the bustling city center.
The fast train will get you there in just over an hour, while slower trains take just under two hours. We recommend paying a little extra for the fast train, which will give you more time to explore Milan. Book your train tickets 3-weeks in advance for the best prices.
Getting around Milan is pretty simple. There are metros and trams to help you get around the city quickly. Metro tickets are available at every station, and tram tickets are available via contactless payment.
Driving to Milan from Verona is possible, though we wouldn’t recommend it. The trip takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes, but navigating the big city streets in Milan can be a real hassle.
Milan tour options
There aren’t any direct day tour options available from Milan to Verona, so we’ve listed some of the top city tours in Milan below to help you plan your day trip.
- Milan Duomo & The Last Supper Guided Tour | This tour is the best way to experience both Da Vinci’s Last Supper and the famous Milan Duomo. With skip-the-line tickets and an expert guide, we’d recommend this tour to anyone visiting Milan.
- History tour & The Last Supper | On this 3-hour guided tour, you’ll walk the streets of Milan with a guide while learning about the city’s history. Additionally, entrance to the The Last Supper is included.
- Full-day Milan Tour | If you’re looking for the best full-day tour of Milan, this is for you. Not only will you visit the Milan Duomo and The Last Supper, but you’ll also visit some of the city’s hidden gems.
5. Padua (Padova)
Travel time:
Distance from Verona by train: ~ 44 minutes to 1 hour 27 minutes
Distance from Verona by car: ~ 1 hour 10 minutes
Situated just west of Venice, Padua may be less internationally known than its famous neighbor, but it has plenty to offer visitors who want to get away from tourist areas and experience a slice of local life.
On your day trip from Verona to Padua, you just have to stop by Scrovegni Chapel to view Florentine artist Giottis’s fresco masterpieces depicting biblical figures. This is one of our top favorite sights in northern Italy. Book tickets here in advance to reserve your time slot.
Afterward, walk through the city’s botanical gardens, which opened in 1545, or have a coffee and pasrty at Caffè Pedrocchi, an elegant neoclassical coffee shop near the University of Padua.
End your Verona to Padua day trip by strolling through Pratto della Valle — the largest city square in Italy and among the largest in Europe. You’ll have a great view of Padua’s canal network here.
Plan your Padua day trip from Verona
How much time in Padua: A little over a half day is enough to see the main sights here, but if you have the time, a full day is even better.
How to get from Verona to Padua: The easiest way to get from Verona to Padua is via train. The trip takes between 44 minutes and 1 hour 27 minutes one way.
Like many of the best day trips from Verona, we wouldn’t advise driving. Taking the train is far cheaper and more convenient than renting a car.
But, if you do drive, the trip should take about 1 hour and 10 minutes each way.
Padua tour options
- Private Walking Tour | During this 2.5 hour walking tour, you’ll learn about the history of Padua and visit the Scrovegni Chapel with a local guide.
- Market tour & Cooking Class Tour | Spend the morning visiting the local markets and cooking a delicious Italian dish with a local during this 5 hour small group tour.
6. Mantua (Mantova)
Travel time:
Distance from Verona by train: ~ 46 minutes
Distance from Verona by car: ~ 45 minutes
A Verona to Mantua day trip is certainly a must-do if you like visiting gorgeous palaces and want a taste of local life in Italy’s Lombardy region.
We loved Mantua so much that we ended up taking two separate day trips from Verona. This is truly a hidden gem of northern Italy!
A trio of artificial lakes surrounds Mantua, which boasts some of the finest Renaissance-era architecture you’ll find anywhere.
You’ll definitely want to spend at least a few hours at the Ducale Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can glide over marble floors and enter intricately decorated rooms constructed in the 15th century.
Later, head to Te Palace, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can view ancient frescoes depicting mythological scenes, traditional furniture, an extensive collection of paintings, and numerous sculptures.
If you have a “sweet tooth,” try a local Elvezia cake, a delicacy made with almonds, zabaione, and cream.
Plan your Mantua day trip from Verona
How much time in Mantua: You’ll need one full day to visit both palaces and time to wander around the city.
How to get from Verona to Mantua: To get from Verona to Mantua, you can take the train from Verona Porta Nuova to Mantova.
All trains take about 46 minutes each way, making the train journey quick and easy.
Driving is possible and takes about the same time as a train, but the car rental fees, tolls, and parking payments will add significant costs. That’s why we recommend taking the train.
Mantua tour options
- Mantua City Center Walking Tour | On this 2-hour tour with a local guide, you’ll learn about the history of the city while visiting some of the main sights.
- Private Ducale Palace Tour | We highly recommend this private tour of the Ducale Palace to gain a better understanding of the art and history of this magnificent place. We wish we had done this during our visit!
- Private Te Palace Guided Tour | Another tour we recommend booking if you want to see the beautiful Te Palace with an knowledgeable guide.
7. Madonna della Corona Sanctuary
Travel time:
Distance from Verona by bus: ~ 1 hour 48 minutes to 2 hours 39 minutes
Distance from Verona by car: ~ 50 minutes
A holy place and pilgrimage location for Catholics, the stunning Madonna della Corona Sanctuary is a must-see if you visit Italy’s Veneto region.
Built on a rocky cliffside, the sacred location features a church, a monastery, and sweeping views of the surrounding forested mountains.
But make sure you bring your walking shoes, as you’ll climb up and down multiple sets of stairs to reach the church and other buildings on the property.
A Verona to Madonna della Corona Sanctuary day trip is wholly worthwhile. However, it’s one of the few day trips from Verona where we’d recommend driving.
Madonna della Corona Sanctuary is located atop a windy web of steep mountain roads, meaning you’ll have to take a shuttle or hire a taxi to get up there, assuming you don’t have your own car.
The train can get you nearby, but you’ll have to hire someone to bring you the rest of the way. For that reason, we found renting a car to be best when making this Verona day trip.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any day tours from Verona to the sanctuary, so you’ll either have to book your own car or rely on public transportation.
Insider tip: We recommend renting a car through DiscoverCars. This is where we always book our rental cars in Italy and around the world.
Plan your Madonna della Corona Sanctuary day trip from Verona:
How much time in Madonna della Corona Sanctuary: You’ll need a minimum of half a day to visit the sanctuary.
How to get from Verona to Madonna della Corona Sanctuary: We recommend renting a car, as the train will require you to get off in one of the surrounding towns and then take multiple buses or taxis.
Accessing Madonna della Corona Sanctuary requires a motor vehicle, so we figured you might as well have your own set of wheels. That way, you can stay as long or as short as you’d like.
8. Bolzano
Travel time:
Distance from Verona by train: ~ 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes
Distance from Verona by car: ~ 1 hour 45 minutes
Often called the “Gateway to the Dolomites,” Bolzano is the capital city of northern Italy’s South Tyrol region. You’ll quickly notice diverse cultural influences here, including Austrian and German impacts on language, architecture, and food.
Enjoy the historic old town section of the city, where you’ll find Medieval streets lined with colorful buildings leading to Piazza Walther, the city’s main square.
Refuel with a delicious lunch near the square, where you’ll find a mix of Italian and Tyrolean cuisine, including knödel, a type of local dumpling, and speck, a type of local smoked ham, among other dishes.
After lunch, take the cable car to Renon Plateau to perch yourself high above the city and admire the sweeping panoramic mountain views to wrap up your Verona to Bolzano day trip.
Plan your Bolzano day trip from Verona:
How much time in Bolzano: One full day is recommended to get the most out of your day trip to Bolzano.
How to get from Verona to Bolzano: We recommend taking the train from Verona Porta Nuova station to Bolzano Bozen station.
The train journey takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours 20 minutes, and we suggest opting for the fast train. Book your train tickets at least 3-weeks in advance for best prices on the high-speed trains.
9. Vicenza
Travel time:
Distance from Verona by train: ~ 25 minutes to 58 minutes
Distance from Verona by car: ~ 50 minutes
Nicknamed the “City of Palladio,” since there are more than 20 buildings designed by the prominent Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio in its boundaries, Vicenza is one of the best places to visit near Verona.
With striking architecture, great local museums, delicious cuisine, and more, just a 25-minute train ride away, a Verona to Vicenza day trip is among our favorite day trips in this area.
Make sure to stop by the Olympic Theater to visit this incredible stage designed by Palladio. If you have the time, you can also visit the Villa La Rotonda, which inspired Thomas Jefferson’s home in Monticello.
Everything is within walking distance, so you can easily get between all of the main sights.
Plan your Vicenza day trip from Verona:
How much time in Vicenza: We suggest spending a little over a half day in this small Italian city.
How to get from Verona to Vicenza: We recommend taking the train to Vicenza station. It can take 25 to 58 minutes each way.
Vicenza tour options
- Vicenza E-Bike Tour | Explore Vicenza by e-bike with a local guide. You’ll stroll by the city’s main sights while learning about the history. Sounds like the perfect afternoon to us!
- Vicenza Highlight Tour | Visit all of the main sights while learning about the significance and history of Palladio on this tour.
10. Brescia
Travel time:
Distance from Verona by train: ~ 35 minutes to 43 minutes
Distance from Verona by car: ~ 55 minutes
A Verona to Brescia day trip is a terrific way to experience the history, culture, and architecture of Italy’s Lombardy region. Visit historic landmarks such as Piazza del Foro to see an ancient Roman forum and temple.
Afterward, head to the Santa Giulia Museum Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the Church of San Salvatore, the Museum of the City, and the Domus dell’Ortaglia, a Roman home covered with gorgeous mosaics.
If you’re up for a show, check out the Teatro Grande, a storied theater where concerts, plays, operas, and other cultural events regularly take place.
Plan your Brescia day trip from Verona
How much time in Brescia: You’ll need a minimum of a half day to explore Brescia.
How to get from Verona to Brescia: We suggest taking the train from Verona to Brescia. The journey takes just 35 to 43 minutes each way.
Driving is also possible, but like many of the best day trips from Verona, Brescia’s streets are narrow, and parking can be pretty limited. Therefore, we almost always take the train into town.
11. Rovereto
Travel time:
Distance from Verona by train: ~ 40 minutes to 1 hour
Distance from Verona by car: ~ 1 hour 5 minutes
Situated on the banks of the Adige River in the Trentino region of northern Italy, Rovereto features several excellent World War I museums and historical sites where visitors can hear about this dark period in European history, much of which took place nearby.
However, if you’re interested in something more light-hearted on your day trip to Rovereto, look at the Piazza Rosmini, where you’ll find beautiful historic buildings, boutique shops, and cute cafes.
Or head out on one of the numerous cycling or hiking tours that will take you out into the city’s hills. When you get thirsty, follow the Vallagrina Wine Route, where you can visit lush vineyards and sample the local nectars.
Plan your Rovereto day trip from Verona
How much time in Rovereto: A half-day is plenty of time to explore this small town.
How to get from Verona to Rovereto: It’s an easy train ride from Verona to Rovereto, taking just 40 minutes to 1 hour each way.
If you have a rental car, we suggest combining this day trip with a stop at Riva del Garda on Lake Garda.
12. Trento
Travel time:
Distance from Verona by train: ~ 55 minutes to 1 hour 24 minutes
Distance from Verona by car: ~ 1 hour 13 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
The capital city of northern Italy’s Trentino province, Trento is a historically relevant cultural center with a combination of Medieval and Renaissance architecture at the foot of an imposing mountain range.
A Verona to Trento day trip is an easy train ride, taking between 55 minutes and 1 hour 24 minutes each way.
Step off the train in Trento, and you’re just steps away from a verdant public garden where you can walk about and check out the numerous statues honoring Italian heroes.
Head in the opposite direction, and you’ll find yourself along the banks of the Adige River, where you’ll find walking and cycling paths lining the river’s edge.
When you tire of the gardens and river, go over to the historic city center, just a few minutes away, to see the Trento Cathedral, a Roman Catholic church with rose windows and a baroque chapel.
Make sure to visit the Castello del Buonconsiglio, one of the largest castles in the region. And if you’re up for an adventure, you can take a quick ride on the Funivia Trento-Sardagna gondola for incredible views overlooking Trento and the dolomites in the distance.
Plan your Trento day trip from Verona
How much time in Trento: We recommend spending at minimum a half day in Trento.
How to get from Verona to Trento: We recommend taking the train from Verona Porta Nuova to Trento Station.
The fast train takes less than an hour each way and will drop you off a few minutes walk from the city center.
Trento tour options
While we couldn’t find any historical or walking tours available in Trento, we did find these two food experiences, which might be of interest to you.
- Trento Street Food Tour | Spend 2 hours with a local discovering the tastes of the cuisien in Trento. You’ll sample a mix of savory and sweet foods.
- Trento Cooking Class | One of our favorite things to do when we travel is to take a cooking class with a local. Choose from either lunch or dinner and cook a dish with a local from Trento.
13. Ferrara
Travel time:
Distance from Verona by train: ~ 1 hour 27 minutes to 4 hours 3 minutes
Distance from Verona by car: ~ 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes
A Verona to Ferrara day trip allows you to explore a lovely Medieval city with roots that date back to the 5th century BC when Ferrara was a regional trading hub.
Tour the Este Castle, a fortress named after the family who inhabited it, where you can still see the moat that protected this Italian nobility for centuries.
Inside, you can learn about the history of this family who ruled the city for many years and view the opulent interior design of the dungeons, where some unfortunate souls were sent.
We’d also recommend visiting the Cathedral of Ferrara, a Catholic place of worship constructed in the 12th century and dedicated to Saint George.
Additionally, to see wonderful frescoes, the Palazzo Schifanoia is a great place to visit.
Plan your Ferrara day trip from Verona
How much time in Ferrara: Depending on how much you want to see, you can spend anywhere between a half to a full day here.
How to get from Verona to Ferrara: We recommend taking the train to Ferrara. It takes around 1.5 hours each way. Make sure to book your tickets in advance to get the best prices.
If you already have a rental car, driving to Ferrara is an option and will take you approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes each way.
Ferrara tour options
Ferrara Private Walking Tour | Spend a few hours with a local guide visiting all of the main sights while learning about the city’s history past.
14. Treviso
Travel time:
Distance from Verona by train: ~ 1 hour 32 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes
Distance from Verona by car: ~ 1 hour 35 minutes
Known for its picturesque canals and well-preserved Medieval buildings, Treviso is one of the best places to visit near Verona, especially if you want the Venice “vibe” without the big city.
In fact, Treviso is often called “Little Venice,” making it a fun place to spend a day traversing the canals without worrying about all that goes with “touristy” areas.
On your Verona to Treviso day trip, we recommend visiting the Church of San Francesco, which is celebrated for its vibrant frescoes and elaborate Gothic architecture.
Plan your Treviso day trip from Verona:
How much time in Treviso: Plan to spend a half day in Treviso.
How to get from Verona to Treviso: We recommend taking the train to get to Treviso. The fast train takes around 1.5 hours, which we recommend booking in advance to get the best prices.
15. Wine Country
Travel time:
Distance from Verona by train: ~ 30 minutes
Distance from Verona by car: ~ 30 minutes
Head for 30 minutes in any direction from Verona, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by grape-filled hills, producing some of the best wines in the world.
You can even swing through Valpolicella, famous for its red wines, and Saoave, famous for its white wines, on the same day trip.
If you’re a wine lover, there are plenty of tastings to try and vineyards to tour on a Verona day trip.
You can either rent a car and visit some of the vineyards on your own, or we recommend booking a guided tour for the easiest way to get around.
Plan your Wine Country day trip from Verona:
How much time in Wine Country: It’s up to how many wineries you want to visit. There are half-day and full-day wine tour options from Verona available, which we have listed out below.
How to get from Verona to Wine Country: We recommend using a rental car or, better yet, signing up for a tour.
Verona wine tour options
In our opinion, the best way to experience the wine country in Verona is by taking a guided tour. By doing this, you’ll learn about the wine-making process from an expert and visit lesser-known areas.
- Full-day wine tasting tour | On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy tastings at three wineries, learn about the local wine-making process, and have a sit-down lunch at a fantastic restaurant. This is our top pick!
- Amarone wine-tasting tour | During this 4-hour small group tour, you’ll taste local wines, tour vineyards, and learn about the process of making the local wines.
- E-bike wine experience | Explore the Valpolicella valley by e-bike while tasting local wines and learning about local winemaking with an expert sommelier.
Italy Transportation Guide
Traveling in Italy by train
Traveling by train in Italy is the easiest and most convenient option for most day trips from Verona.
We often travel by train in Italy and have always found it to be an affordable, accessible, and clean way to travel the country. However, it is important to note that trains can often be delayed here. We’ve never experienced a significant delay, but it’s a common theme in Italy.
Two types of trains are available in Italy: regional trains and Frecciarossa (high-speed). The Frecciarossa trains cost more but can absolutely be worth the price to save time.
Where to book train tickets in Italy: You can either book your train tickets online in advance or at the train station.
The official website to book trains online in Italy is Trenitalia.com.
We always suggest booking your tickets at least 3 weeks in advance to get the best prices. For regional trains or very short train rides (under 1 hour), you can usually book the tickets a day of or day before, and the price will be around the same amount.
Tips on Italy train travel
Here are a few tips to make your train journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible:
- Buy your tickets in advance for the best prices. We recommend booking at least 3 weeks in advance if possible, especially for longer journeys.
- Download the Trenitalia app to get up-to-date information on train timetables and delays. You can book your tickets on the app, and it’s so much easier than buying them online or at the station! Plus it’s very convenient to have everything on your phone.
- The cities on the Trenitalia website/app are the Italian names of the cities. For example, Florence is Firenze and Venice is Venezia. Keep this in mind if you’re having trouble finding a city.
- Check out the various discount schemes available – if you’re traveling with a group or as a student, you may be eligible for reduced fares.
- Familiarize yourself with the timetable to help avoid delays and plan connection times.
Renting a car in Italy
Generally speaking, we like to take trains on day trips around Italy because it’s cheaper, more convenient, and usually completely pain-free.
Many Italian cities were built before cars were invented. Therefore, streets are often narrow, and parking is often limited.
However, traveling by car is sometimes preferable for certain day trips and for more extended stays.
We’ve rented cars in Italy several times and have always found DiscoverCars well-priced, trustworthy, and reliable. That’s why they’re our preferred car rental service in Europe.
Where to stay in Verona
Verona has a wonderful selection of hotels that accommodate every type of budget. Here are our top picks:
Luxury: Vista Palazzo | This 5-star hotel features gorgeous modern rooms, rooftop views, and top amenities like a spa and gym.
Boutique: Hotel Accademia | A wonderful hotel located in the heart of the old town with amenities like a gym and breakfast.
Budget: Casa Esvael | This charming b&b is located just a 5-minute walk from the center of Verona and offers a lovely rustic Italian stay.
FAQ: Day Trips from Verona
What is the best airport to fly into for Verona?
The best airport to fly into when traveling to Verona is the Verona Airport, aka Aeroporto Valerio Catullo.
You can fly here from many major airports in Italy and greater Europe and take a short train ride into downtown Verona.
Venice and Milan airports are also good options, especially for those flying to Verona from outside of Europe.
How many days in Verona is enough?
While most people opt to spend 1 day in Verona, we believe you’ll need 2 days in Verona to fully take in all the beautiful things the city has to offer.
Plus, with 2 or more days, you’ll have more time for one of these amazing day trips!
Can you do a day trip to the Dolomites from Verona?
We wouldn’t recommend taking a day trip from Verona to the Dolomites. It’s simply too far of a journey and won’t allow you to see much.
More information for your trip to Italy
ITALY TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE
Italy Travel Insurance – Should you get travel insurance for Italy? YES! We always get travel insurance before all of our trips for peace of mind. Check out Travel Insurance Master to find the best plan for you.
Italy Rental Cars – Is it safe to rent a car in Italy? Yes! We’ve rented a car in Italy too many times to count, and it’s definitely the most convenient way to get around the countryside. We rented our car through Discover Cars (our go-to rental agency), which helps you find the best rates no matter where you are traveling.
Italy Phone Plans – If your phone plan does not offer free coverage in Italy, then we suggest getting an eSIM. We used Airalo during our trip to Italy, and we had fantastic coverage the entire time. It’s easy to download and you can even top up via the app if needed.
Italy Hotels – Wondering where to book your accommodations for Italy? We’ve been reserving all of our hotels through Booking for years. Their messaging tool makes it easy to communicate with the hotels, and there are endless options to choose from.