10 Charming Day Trips from Verona

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Verona is an elegant historical city that attracts a huge number of tourists every year. It is not surprising since the city may offer a lot of sites to visit, from historical monuments to beautiful gardens to Julia’s house in none other than William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet (which takes place in Verona).

Verona offers a convenient location and can be a gateway to the other towns of the region.

Let’s discover some interesting and charming destinations, as day trips from Verona!

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Table of Contents

Day Trips from Verona

Riva del Garda, a town next to Lake Garda, Italy

1. Lake Garda

Lake Garda is one of the favorite places among travelers for day trips from Verona. On Lake Garda, you can easily combine a beach holiday with sightseeing.

Tiny picturesque towns are scattered around the lake and you may choose any of them to explore this beautiful corner of the countryside. Tourists often choose Sirmione or Desenzano del Garda for their first visit to Lake Garda as those towns are located quite close to Verona.

Some tourists also choose Peschiera Del Garda as the town can boast Gardaland WaterPark. This option especially suits families with kids. 

We also recommend seeing hidden gems of Lake Garda such as Malcesine, Limone sul Garda, or Riva del Garda. All three towns are full of architectural sites and natural attractions.

Riva del Garda will impress you with its severe La Rocca Fortress and Apponale Tower. Both monuments were built in the 12 and 13th centuries. Inside you can find a stunning art gallery.

Strolling around you can find some lush palazzos which are so popular in Italy. One of the main attractions in Riva is its natural landscapes. The town is caught between the lake and the mountains so the local scenery is truly incredible. 

How to get to Lake Garda

Tourists can use a train to get to Desenzano del Garda or Peschiera del Garda. The trains run quite often during the day and the duration of a trip lasts no more than 20-30 minutes.

It is quite longer to get to more remote towns such as Riva or Limone. You need to take a local bus from Desenzano or Peschiera to reach them.

By car, you can travel around the lake with no limits and reach even the most remote places within 1–1.5 hours. 

Lake Garda Tours and Activities to Book

Bolzano, Italy

2. Bolzano

Coming to Bolzano, you will be truly impressed by the local scenery. It is such a contrast to Verona! Majestic mountains and forests, orderly rows of vineyards, plus numerous medieval castles; all this looks like a pure fairytale.

Bolzano is a “gateway” to the Dolomites region, and it explains the beauty of local landscapes. The old town center of Bolzano is a mix of colorful two-storied houses, narrow streets, tiny squares, and medieval churches.

The Bolzano Cathedral has a rather large size; it is decorated with a tower outside and beautiful frescoes inside of the building. It was built in the 14th century so the main architectural features here are Gothic and Romanesque. The Abbey of Muri-Gries, located opposite the Cathedral, is also definitely worth visiting.

There are some scenic medieval castles situated in the closest surroundings of Bolzano. We recommend seeing The Roncolo Castle of the 13th century, Tirolo Castle of the 12th century, and Maretsch Castle of the 12th century.

The last thing we recommend is the natural attraction of Renon Earth Pyramids. You can climb up by funicular to view this unusual mountain in the form of numerous pointed pyramids. The place is truly fantastic! 

How to get to Bolanzo

Bolzano has its own railway station so you can take a direct train from Verona to reach your desired destination. The train trip usually lasts about 2 hours one way. As an option, you can get to Bolzano by bus. Buses run less frequently than trains, but the duration of a trip is practically the same. By car, you need to follow the motorway # A22/E45. 

Bolanzo Tours and Activities to Book

Merano, Italy

3. Merano

Merano is a rather remote corner of Northern Italy, but if you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of a large city, then Merano is the right choice. Its peaceful vibes and the picturesque countryside around make you feel truly relaxed. Merano is surrounded by the Dolomites, and you can definitely enjoy the views on them here. We recommend climbing up to one of the local mountains by the Merano 2000 cable car, where you can observe the scenic panorama of the town and neighboring countryside.

Another good way to spend time in Merano is to visit the medieval Tirolo Castle. The castle was built in the 12th century and has kept typical Gothic features. Inside, you can find a Museum of Local History, also worth visiting. 

Of course, we cannot mention the Botanical Garden of Merano which is the true pearl of the town. Trauttmansdorff Botanical Garden is located on the territory of a castle. The park is divided into 4 sections with different types of plants. You will be pleased with the great variety of flora represented in the garden.

After a busy day, you can also visit Terme Merano Pools, where travelers can relax in warm thermal springs and swim in outdoor and indoor pools. 

How to get to Merano


You can reach Merano by train with a short change in Bolzano. The total duration of a trip is about 2.5 hours. By car, you need to follow the road #A22/E45, which leads through Trento and Bolzano. By the way, tourists often combine visiting these three towns in one trip. 

Merano Tours and Activities to Book

Brunico, Italy

4. Brunico

Brunico is a remote town in Northern Italy, located close to the border of Austria. Nevertheless, you can reach this charming medieval town from Verona quite easily. Brunico is often associated with Lake Braies and Tre Cime di Lavaredo mountains as the town is a gateway to these popular attractions in the Dolomites region.

Besides visiting the Dolomites’ beauties, Brunico can offer a lot of interesting architectural sites to observe. For instance, you can see the medieval Brunico Castle, located on a hill. The castle was built in the 13th century and features a tower and a chapel. Inside the building, you can find A Messner Museum. 

Brunico kept numerous religious buildings as well. The beauty of Ursuline Church or Church of St. Catherine will charm you with their elegant facades. Both churches were built in 14-15th centuries.

Another interesting attraction in Brunico is the South Tyrol Folklore Museum. It is a residence with gorgeous interiors and magnificent gardens around. 

How to get to Brunico

Brunico has its own railway station so you can reach it from Verona by train, but there is no direct connection, that is why you need to make a short change in Bolzano. The duration of a journey usually takes approximately 3 hours. You can use the motorway # A22/E45 to get to Brunico by car. 

Brunico Tours and Activities to Book

Bressanone, Italy

5. Bressanone

Bressanone is an elegant town located to the north of Verona. Its narrow cobbled streets, cozy squares, scenic countryside and colorful buildings will definitely charm you.

We would start our observation of the town with a visit to Bressanone Cathedral which was built in 10th century. It has features of different architectural styles as it was reconstructed in the 18th century. Inside you can discover beautiful frescoes and Murano glass decorations.

Then we would recommend visiting the Hofburg-Brixen Palace. The site was built in the 13th century and has kept its authentic decoration, including sculptures, furniture, paintings, etc. The palace is open for visitors to observe these lush interiors.

The Hofgarten botanical garden is one more peaceful place in Bressanone and it is definitely worth visiting. You can enjoy the peace and quiet of the garden, as well as its unique flora. 

How to get to Bressanone

You can reach Bressanone from Verona within 2 hours by direct train which is very convenient and fast. Another option is to get there by car. You need to follow the route # A22/E45. It also takes you approximately 2 hours. 

Rovereto, Italy

6. Rovereto

Rovereto is an excellent destination from Verona for traveling. It is located quite close, has a direct train connection and can offer a lot of opportunities for sightseeing. Rovereto is considered to be one of the best travel destinations from Verona for a one-day trip.

Walking around the town, you will be surprised how many medieval buildings are kept in Rovereto. Such palaces as Annona Palace, Palazzo de Cobelli, Del BENE Palace, Fedrigotti Palazzo, and others look absolutely charming and authentic at the same time.

Palaces in Rovereto are built in different periods of history that is why the architectural features vary a lot from Gothic to Renaissance and Baroque.

The Rovereto Castle is one more treasure of the town. The castle has typical Gothic features and is decorated with massive towers. A scenic view is open from the castle observation deck. Inside you can find a Museum of Weapons. 

How to get to Rovereto

Take a direct train from Verona and you will reach Rovereto within just 40 minutes. It is an ideal destination for a one-day trip as you can spend a lot of time observing the attractions, not getting there. By car, you can reach Rovereto along the road # A22/E45.

Rovereto Tours and Activities to Book

Tirano, Italy

7. Tirano

If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of a large city, then go to Tirano, the remote, but very charming town located on the border to Switzerland. It is such a contrast to touristy and overcrowded places! Tirano has kept its authentic features through various churches, palaces, and squares. Strolling along the narrow streets, you will be fascinated with the elegant facades of medieval houses and the sophisticated features of local town halls, churches, and museums.

We would definitely recommend visiting the Salis Palace. It is open for visitors and offers to see absolutely gorgeous interiors as well as landscaped gardens around the palace. 

The Madonna of Tirano and the Church of San Rocco are the two main religious monuments in Tirano. Both were built in the 16th century and have preserved their authentic appearance. The touristic route around Tirano has a length of 3.5 km. It takes you half a day to walk along the main points of attraction. You probably should know that in Tirano the scenic Bernina Express Train takes place. It comes here from Davos in Switzerland. It is a great chance to visit two countries at once. 

How to get to Tirano

Traveling to Tirano from Verona, you need to make a change in Milan. The total travel time takes about 4 hours, but it is definitely worth it. By car, you can reach Tirano in 3 hours by driving along the motorways # A4 and SS42 via Brescia. 

Tirano Tours and Activities to Book

Vicenza, Italy

8. Vicenza

Vicenza is a tiny but picturesque town of the Veneto region to the north of Verona. Its historical center is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

You can find numerous art museums in Vicenza. For example, tourists can visit the Art Gallery in the Chiericati Palace or the Museum of Fine Arts in Palazzo Thiene. Both have fascinating interiors and a great collection of Art. 

There are several architectural sites designed by the architect A. Palladio in the closest surroundings of Vicenza. These are Villa Rotonda and Villa Valmarana. The villas are surrounded by scenic gardens, and the facades of the buildings are decorated with sculptures and columns.

You can also get inside because the apartments are open to visitors. Thus, the building of Villa Valmarana exhibits works by famous Italian artists.

How to get to Vicenza

There is a direct train connection between Verona and Vicenza. You can get to the town in just 30-40 minutes which is very fast. Due to convenient transport infrastructure, Vicenza is considered to be one of the best travel destinations from Verona. If you travel by car, you can get to Vicenza along the motorway # А4/Е70. The duration of a car journey is pretty much the same. 

Vicenza Tours and Activities to Book

Mantua, Italy

9. Mantua

Since 2008, the historic quarters of Mantua have been protected by UNESCO as a monument of Renaissance art. It is not surprising that Mantua is a popular travel destination in Northern Italy.

Mantua has kept many ancient historical buildings, the most famous of which are the Virgilian Academy, the Mantua Library, the Mantua Theater, at the opening of which Mozart played, etc.

Walking along the streets, you can also observe the Palazzo Ducale, founded in the 13th century, which amazes with its size and interior decoration. Numerous halls, gardens, and courtyards make the building majestic and unique. The palazzo was built as the residence of the noble Gonzaga family. The palace contains valuable paintings and tapestries, sculptures, and other works of art.

The construction of the castle of San Giorgio also took place in the 13th century. Viewing the facades, you can notice the fortified towers on four sides of the building. The castle preserves valuable frescoes by a world-known architect A. Mantegna.

The Palazzo del Te, designed by Giulio Romano, was built in the 16th century. The palace has preserved authentic wall paintings.

How to get to Mantua

Mantua is a fantastic travel destination from Verona due to its numerous historical sites and close location. The duration of a train journey lasts only 45 minutes one way, which is very fast, and suits best for a one-day trip. By car, you need to follow the road # A22/E45. The travel time is also approximately 45 minutes. 

Mantua Tours and Activities to Book

Ferrera, Italy

10. Ferrara

Ferrara is a tiny town with fascinating architectural, cultural, and historical heritage. You can find both Gothic and Renaissance elements on the facades of buildings in Ferrara. The central composition of the town is the Cathedral of San Giorgio and the adjacent square. Not far from the cathedral, you can see another iconic landmark, the Estense Castle. 

In addition to the castle, there are also several palaces in Ferrara. Their construction dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries.

So, available for observation are Palazzo Schifanoia, the walls of which are decorated with frescoes; Palazzo dei Diamanti, the facade of which has marble cladding; Casa Romei, a Renaissance building that once belonged to Lucrezia Borgi.

The Palazzo dei Diamanti houses the National Art Gallery with a unique art collection of works by artists from the 12th to 18th centuries.

Ferrara is a bright, authentic town with its own unique vibes. Ferrara can be a great alternative for those who would like to enjoy the magnificent architecture and great history of Italian cities.

How to get to Ferrara

There is no direct train connection between Verona and Ferrara, but you can get there with a short change in Padua, Rovigo, or Poggio. The journey time takes you approximately 2 hours one way, including the change. By car, you need to follow the road # SS434. The journey time by car takes you about 1.5 hours one-way. 

Ferrara Tours and Activities to Book

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the beautiful towns around Verona?

There are so many small cute towns near Verona that you can easily trek to for a day trip! This includes Riva del Garda, the charming town next to Lake Garda. Or the charming towns in the Italian Dolomites, such as Bolzano, Merano, and Brunico. Some towns border Austria and Germany, including Brunico and Tirano.

Can you do a day trip to Lake Como from Verona?

You could take a day trip to Lake Como from Verona, but it is further than let’s say, Lake Garda. Lake Como is a 3 hour drive from Verona, whereas Lake Garda is only an hour away. Lake Como makes for a better day trip from Milan!

Wrapping Up Your Best Day Trips from Verona

There is more to Italy than Rome, Venice, and Florence. While Verona is a smaller destination, it still attracts around 3 million visitors per year! I suspect that Verona especially attracts literary fans who want to see Juliet’s balcony.

If you plan to stay overnight in Verona, you’ve got to take a day trip to the lesser known towns nearby. From a beach getaway in Lake Garda to little villages in the Dolomites to cathedrals from the Renaissance period, this guide will help you explore Italy off the beaten path. Enjoy!

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Julia Mam

Julia has been traveling around Europe since 2008. She started her first blog in 2015 and now helps tourists plan their trips on the pages of her blog, Baden Guide. Julia focuses on how to get to various travel destinations in Europe.

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