Verona day trips: where to go and how to get there
Last updated on September 18th, 2026.
The northern Italian city of Verona is one I know very well.
An easy 40-minute drive from our home in Vicenza, it’s a place we often visit and never tire of.
Verona is best known as the city of Romeo and Juliet, along with its historic arena and pretty piazzas.
More importantly, its strategic location in northern Italy makes Verona a convenient base for exploring Veneto and beyond.
In this guide, I’ll be sharing 19 day trips from Verona by car, train and bus, ranging from the closest to the furthest, along with practical tips for each destination.
This resource will help you plan a quick escape to Lake Garda or arrange an outing from Verona to the Dolomites.
By the end, you’ll have everything you need to plan side trips that complement your stay in Verona.
Use this post to help plan your Italy trip.
Why Verona is the perfect base
Verona sits between Milan and Venice on Italy’s train line making it easy to reach some of the country’s biggest cities.
Its main train station, Verona Porta Nuova, is well connected to both the high-speed and regional rail network.
For less accessible destinations, buses and regional coaches fill the gaps. For complete flexibility, renting a car lets you go wherever you want.
Day trips from Verona – closest to furthest
⏰ Within 30 to 40 minutes by car/20 minutes by train*
Lake Garda (Peschiera del Garda, Desenzano del Garda)
Soave: 30 minutes by car/35 minutes by train + bus (from San Bonifacio)
⏰ 30 to 60 minutes*
Vicenza: 25 to 45minutes by train/40 minutes by car.
Brescia: 35 minutes by train/55 minutes by car.
Mantua (Mantova): 40 to 50 minutes by car or train.
Padua (Padova): 45 minutes to 1hr 20mins by train/1 hour by car.
Madonna della Corona Sanctuary: 50 minutes by car/2hrs 21mins by train and bus.
⏰ 1 to 2 hours*
Trento: 55 minutes by train/1hr 10mins by car.
Bologna: 55 minutes to 1hr 30mins by train/1hr 35mins to 2 hours by car.
Venice: 1hr 12mins by high-speed train (up to 2hrs 20mins regional)/1hr 30mins by car.
Milan: 1hr 15mins by train/2 hours by car.
Treviso: 1hr 30mins to 1hr 50mins by train/1hr 30mins by car.
⏰ 2+ hours*
The Dolomites (Val Gardena, Cortina d’Ampezzo): Approximately 2hrs 14 mins by car to Ortisei (Val Gardena), 3 hours to Cortina. Train and bus options can take up to 4 hours depending on the time and day of travel.
Based on this, Soave and Vicenza make great half-day trips from Verona. Venice, Lake Garda and Padua make ideal full-day trips while the rest I’d consider staying overnight.
Map: day trips from Verona
With 19 destinations to choose from, I've mapped everything covered in this guide by travel time.
Click between the layers to see what's realistic for a half-day, a full day, or worth an overnight stay.
Jump to:
Day trips from Verona
1. Lake Garda (Lago di Garda)
⏰ Travel times from Verona*
By train: 15 to 20 minutes to Peschiera del Garda or Desenzano del Garda
By car: 30 minutes depending on traffic
As a local, I never miss an opportunity to visit Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda.
Surrounded by pretty towns, historic castles and beaches, day trips from Verona to Lake Garda are easy and accessible.
Highlights of Lake Garda
Sirmione
Known as the 'pearl of Lake Garda', Sirmione is famous for its fairytale 13th century Scaliger Castle (Castello di Scaligero). Take a Lake Garda boat trip from Sirmione to Isola del Garda to see attractions like Villa Borghese.
Sirmione is probably the most touristy town on Lake Garda, but it’s 100% worth seeing.
Peschiera del Garda
Just 15 minutes by train from Verona, Peschiera del Garda has UNESCO-listed Venetian fortifications and a pretty canal network. It’s also a great base for exploring nearby towns by ferry.
Book train tickets from Verona to Peschiera del Garda

Bardolino
Quieter than Sirmione, Bardolino is most known for its fruity red Bardolino DOC wine. It also has one of the prettier lakeside promenades on Lake Garda.
Limone sul Garda (north)
My favorite town on Lake Garda, Limone sul Garda is brimming with colorful florals and has a striking lakeside promenade.
There are plenty more towns to see on Lake Garda, and the above barely scratches the surface. My Lake Garda itinerary guide lists 6 different options, all doable as day trips.
Tips on visiting Lake Garda
Visit in spring (April to June) or in early autumn (September to October) for fewer crowds and milder weather. See When is the best time to visit Lake Garda? for a month-by-month breakdown.
Avoid peak hours in popular towns like Sirmione, which gets extremely busy even from 9am. Aim for early morning or later afternoon instead.
If you'd rather skip the planning, a Lake Garda tour departing from Verona makes an excellent alternative.
- Sirmione and Lake Garda day tour with cruise (7.5 hours)
- Day tour to Lake Garda Sirmione and Borghetto (7 hours)
- Lake Garda e-bike tour with lunch (self-guided) (7 hours)
2. Soave
⏰ Travel times from Verona*
By train and bus: 35 minutes. Take a train from Verona Porta Nuova to San Bonifacio and then a bus to Soave.
By car: 30 minutes
Swap the cities close to Verona for the small, picturesque town of Soave.
Best known for its Soave white wine, the town is also famous for its medieval walls and castle.
Soave is a good choice if you're looking for a less crowded day trip by car or bus.


Highlights of a Verona to Soave day trip
- Castello di Soave: the medieval castle, dating to the 10th century, dominates the hillside. Climb the towers and walk the ramparts for panoramic views over the vineyards and town below.
- Medieval town walls: admire the walls with 24 towers that encircle Soave.
- Historic center: walk the cobblestone streets lined with wine shops, trattorias and charming piazzas.
- Tour the Justice Palace (Palazzo di Giustizia) and San Lorenzo Cathedral (Duomo di San Lorenzo).
- Wine tasting: sample the town’s most famous export at a local bar or join a wine tasting and vineyard tour.
3. Borghetto sul Mincio
⏰ Travel times from Verona*
By car: 38 minutes (public transport isn't practical for this one, a car is the way to go)
Ask most visitors to Verona about Borghetto sul Mincio and you'll likely get a blank stare.
It’s a spot I've featured before: the hook of one of my most popular reels was: 'Visiting Verona? 10/10 tourists miss out on visiting this romantic village.' It's still true.
🎥 Watch: Borghetto sul Mincio
Borghetto sul Mincio is a tiny riverside hamlet built around the Mincio River, and it's every bit as romantic as that sounds.
Old stone houses, slow-moving water, and a real sense of having found somewhere most tourists never make it to.


Highlights of a Verona to Borghetto sul Mincio day trip
- The watermills (mulini): historic water-powered mills built directly over the Mincio, once used for grinding grain, now one of the hamlet's most photographed features
- Ponte Visconteo: the medieval fortified bridge that once connected Borghetto to the nearby town of Valeggio sul Mincio, offering a striking view over the water and the mills below
- Wander the narrow lanes along the riverbank, where the pace slows down almost immediately after arriving
We visited in late June, and while there were other visitors, it wasn't overcrowded.
Follow our lead and have lunch at La Vecchia Bottega, a pretty restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating.
Try anything featuring the town's famous tortellini, since Valeggio sul Mincio (right next door) is considered the birthplace of the dish.
4. Vicenza
⏰ Travel times from Verona*
By train: 25 to 45 minutes
By car: 40 minutes
My home city of Vicenza deserves more recognition than it usually gets.
Known as the City of Palladio, there’s plenty of things to do in Vicenza to easily fill a day.
Andrea Palladio was one of the most influential Renaissance architects, leaving his mark on Vicenza in the 16th century. His designs inspired buildings across Europe and the United States, including Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate, modeled on Palladio’s Villa La Rotonda.
Another plus of choosing Vicenza over Venice or Padua is that it’s far less touristy.
As a local, I can tell you there’s no pushing, shoving or feeling like a stuffed sardine here. Instead, Vicenza combines small-city charm with striking architectural masterpieces.
Day trips from Verona to Vicenza are realistic, accessible and won’t leave you feeling exhausted.


Highlights of Vicenza
- Teatro Olimpico (Olympic Theatre): the world’s first indoor theater, completed in 1585, was Palladio’s final masterpiece. Inside is a trompe-l’oeil stage scenery that creates the illusion of long city streets.
- Basilica Palladiana: the Renaissance building dominating Piazza dei Signori is a magnificent sight. Head to the rooftop terrace (season permitting) for sweeping views over Vicenza’s rooftops.
- Corso Palladio: stroll Vicenza’s historic main street, lined with shops, cafes, churches and Renaissance palaces.
- Sit down to a hearty serving of Baccalà alla Vicentina. Salt cod slow-cooked in milk and onions traditionally served with polenta.
Tips for visiting Vicenza
- Have coffee and pastries at Antica Pasticceria Sorarù. It’s the oldest pasticceria in Vicenza and first opened in 1870.
- Stop for aperitivo at Fiaschetteria da Renzo. This cozy down-to-earth eatery serves homemade tartine with a variety of toppings. Pair with a glass, or two, of prosecco.
5. Brescia
⏰ Travel times from Verona*
By train: 35 to 40 minutes
By car: 1 hour
Brescia, in Lombardy, is often overlooked by travelers rushing between Verona, Milan and Lake Garda.
A city that blends Roman archaeology with medieval castles, Brescia makes for a simple day trip from Verona.
With far fewer crowds compared to Verona or Venice, Brescia is a good option if you're looking after lesser-visited Italian cities.

Highlights of a Verona to Brescia day trip
- Santa Giulia Museum (Museo di Santa Giulia): a large museum complex covering Brescia’s history from pre-Roman times through the Renaissance.
- Capitolium: an up-close view of the remains of a Roman temple in the city center. Dating to the 1st century AD, they’re among the best preserved of its kind in northern Italy.
- Brescia Castle (Castello di Brescia): a medieval fortress with battlements, a drawbridge and ramparts overlooking the city. The museum advises booking tickets online before visiting.
- Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta): located in Piazza Paolo VI, with a striking interior and sleek marble flooring.
Tips for visiting Brescia
Consider pairing your visit with the Franciacorta wine region or Lake Iseo.
Franciacorta is Italy's answer to champagne while Lake Iseo is a smaller and quieter alternative to Lake Garda.
6. Mantua (Mantova)
⏰ Travel times from Verona*
By train: 45 to 50 minutes
By car: 40 minutes
If you love history, palaces and art, Mantua is worth the trip.
Once the seat of the influential Gonzaga family, the city became a center of Renaissance art and architecture, something that’s still evident today.
Beautiful and atmospheric, Mantua has been described as a highly romantic city by both locals and UNESCO experts.
Highlights of a Verona to Mantua day trip
- Palazzo Ducale (Ducal Palace): a palace complex larger than the Vatican, the palace spans 34,000 square meters with more than 500 rooms.
- Palazzo Te: built for the Gonzaga family in the 16th century, best known for its dramatic frescoes.
- Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza Sordello: admire the medieval and Renaissance buildings and churches lining the city’s main squares.
- Basilica di Sant’Andrea: one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Italy, housing a sacred relic said to contain the blood of Christ.
Tips for visiting Mantua
- Prioritize the palaces: see Palazzo Ducale and/or Palazzo Te if you’re short on time.
- Try a slice of sbrisolona with coffee, a local, crumbly almond cake that makes a great afternoon treat (see 6 Italian grandma recipes).
7. Padua (Padova)
⏰ Travel times from Verona*
By train: 45 to 50 minutes
By car: 1 hour
Padua is another northern Italian city we frequently visit.
Home to the second-oldest university in Italy, Padua has a beautiful historic center, striking churches and plenty of shopping.
Padua often gets overshadowed by nearby Venice but it’s one worth seeing in its own right.
Day trips from Verona to Padua are straightforward by train or car and it sees far fewer crowds than Venice.

Highlights of a Verona to Padua day trip
- Scrovegni Chapel (Cappella degli Scrovegni): see Giotto’s frescoes from the early 14th century inside this historic chapel. Entry is timed, so book tickets well in advance.
- Prato della Valle: the largest square in Italy (90,000 square meters) that’s also one of the largest in Europe, surrounded by a canal and 78 statues of notable figures.
- Basilica of St. Anthony (Basilica di Sant’Antonio): this Catholic pilgrimage site houses the relics of St. Anthony. One of my favorite churches in Italy, it’s also free to enter.
- Orto Botanico: tour the world’s oldest university botanical garden, established in 1545.
- Caffè Pedrocchi: sit down for coffee and pastries at this elegant 19th-century cafe. Its specialty is the namesake Caffè Pedrocchi, an espresso topped with mint cream.
Tips for visiting Padua
Weekdays are usually livelier, especially when university is in session, though, it’s still quieter than weekends.
There are covered car parks in the center where you can park with ease, clearly signposted, and a way to avoid entering the ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato) (see renting a car in Italy).
8. Madonna della Corona Sanctuary (Santuario Madonna della Corona)
⏰ Travel times from Verona*
By car: 50 minutes (the most convenient option)
By bus: buses run from Verona to Garda followed by a local bus to Spiazzi. Travel times can range from 2 hours to 2.5hrs.
The Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona is a pilgrimage site perched against a cliff face in the Monte Baldo mountains. Situated nearly 2625ft (800m) above the Adige Valley, it appears to hang suspended between earth and sky.
A distinctive day trip from Verona by car, it’s a place where visitors come to reflect, hike or simply take it in.

Highlights of a Verona to Madonna della Corona day trip
- The Sanctuary: founded in the 16th century and later rebuilt in Neo-Gothic style. Inside, is a revered statue of the Madonna along with votive offerings from pilgrims.
- Pilgrimage paths: hike up or down via the Sentiero della Speranza (Path of Hope), a scenic trail marked with Stations of the Cross.
Tips for visiting Madonna della Corona
- Park in the nearby town of Spiazzi and walk (around 20 to 30 minutes) down a scenic path to the sanctuary.
- The walk from Spiazzi to the sanctuary is steep and not accessible for everyone. Take shuttle bus 499 from Spiazzi to reach the sanctuary instead.
- Visit in spring and autumn for pleasant hiking and walking conditions. Summer tends to be busier with pilgrims.
9. Trento
⏰ Travel times from Verona*
By train: 55 minutes
By car: 1hr 10mins
Often called the gateway to the Dolomites, Trento is the capital of the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region.
Its location in a valley surrounded by the Dolomites makes for a striking sight. With its mix of Italian and Austrian influences, Trento delights visitors with its medieval architecture and Renaissance frescoes.

Highlights of a Verona to Trento day trip
- Buonconsiglio Castle Museum (Museo Castello del Buonconsiglio): the castle complex houses a Renaissance palace and medieval art.
- Piazza del Duomo di Trento: Trento’s largest public square is home to the Cathedral of San Vigilio and the iconic Neptune Fountain.
- Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore: known for its Renaissance frescoes and the meeting place of the Council of Trent, which helped shape Catholicism.
- Funivia Trento Sardagna: this cable car carries passengers from the city center to the mountain town of Sardagna, with panoramic views over Trento and the surrounding mountains.
1-to-2-hour day trips from Verona
This next section lists destinations with longer travel times from Verona.
Personally, I’d prefer to see the larger cities as their own separate trips, since one day would feel too rushed.
But, if you’ve your heart on seeing Milan, for example, on the same trip, it’s still doable from Verona.
10. Bologna
⏰ Travel times from Verona*
By train: 52 minutes to 1.5hrs
By car: 1hr 45mins
From one Italian heavyweight city to another, Bologna makes a delicious option.
Nicknamed La Grassa (the fat), Bologna is a rewarding day trip for food lovers. Alongside the cuisine, it also has plenty of historical landmarks to explore.
Highlights of a Verona to Bologna day trip
- Piazza Maggiore: stroll through the city’s main square, stepping inside the Basilica di San Petronio, touring Palazzo d’Accursio and stopping by the Neptune Fountain.
- The Two Towers (Le Due Torri): see Bologna’s famous leaning medieval towers, Asinelli and Garisenda. Climb the 498 steps of the Asinelli Tower for panoramic views across Bologna’s terracotta rooftops.
- Porticoes: pass through over 40km of elegant arcades throughout Bologna’s center.
- Sit down to a traditional meal of tagliatelle al ragù. Bologna is the home of the classic Bolognese sauce and your chance to try the real thing.
- Browse the Quadrilatero market district, with its local trattorias, salumi shops and intimate wine bars.

Tips for visiting Bologna
- The Frecciarossa/Italo train takes around 52 minutes compared to 1.5hrs on a regional train.
- Summers can get unbearably hot in Bologna, making sightseeing (and for enjoying classic dishes) less comfortable. Aim to visit in spring or autumn.
- Food tours are one of the best ways to experience Bologna. A must-do for any foodie traveler, try some classic local dishes in the company of like-minded people. Some favorite Bologna food tours:
- Bologna walking food tour with a local guide (3 hours)
- Bologna street food tour in the center (2 hours)
- Bologna secret food tour (4 hours)
- Bologna gastronomic experience with a local (3 hours)
11. Venice (Venezia)
⏰ Travel times from Verona*
By train: 1hr 12mins to 2hrs 20mins
By car: 1.5hrs
Venice is probably the first choice for many when it comes to day trips from Verona.
The unique island city, connected by canals and bridges, is unlike anywhere in the world. With no cars, just boats and gondolas navigating the canals, one day in Venice is doable with careful planning.
One thing to know about a day trip from Verona to Venice is the distance between the two. Despite being in the same region there’s around 75mi (121km) to cover.


Highlights of a Verona to Venice day trip
- St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco): the beating heart of Venice. Admire the architectural sights, photograph St. Mark’s Bell Tower and grab coffee at Caffé Florian.
- St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco): Famous for its golden mosaics, this Byzantine masterpiece has been the city’s cathedral since 1807. Book skip-the-line tickets to avoid the long queues.
- Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale): Once the seat of Venetian power, today it’s a museum with grand halls and secret passages. Book reserved entry tickets to skip the lines.
- Rialto Bridge: cross over, or ride beneath, Venice's most iconic bridge, with pretty views over the Grand Canal.
- Go on a gondola ride: the quintessential Venetian experience costs around €80 ($93/£70) for 30 minutes (book a Grand Canal gondola ride), or share the cost with others via a shared ride.
Tips on visiting Venice
- Visit early morning or early afternoon to avoid the day-tripper crowds.
- Check whether you need to pay the Venice day tax (see 11 things to know before visiting Venice)
- Book tickets for attractions in advance to avoid wasting time in lines.
- Wear comfortable footwear to navigate the labyrinth of Venice and its bridges.
12. Milan
⏰ Travel times from Verona*
By train: 1hr 20mins to 2 hours
By car: 2 hours
Milan is a city that needs little introduction.
A powerhouse of art, culture and style Milan makes for a doable day trip from Verona. Come for the shopping, the history or design, Milan has something for everyone.


Highlights of a Verona to Milan day trip
- Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano): Milan’s iconic centerpiece and one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. Buy entrance tickets in advance to visit the cathedral and its rooftop terraces.
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: the 19th-century glass-roofed arcade beside the Duomo is a mecca for shopping and architecture.
- The Last Supper (Il Cenacolo): see Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece inside the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie church. Spaces are limited so be sure to book tickets as early as possible.
- Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco): secure entry tickets in advance to tour the fortress-turned-museum, filled with Renaissance art and Michelangelo’s last unfinished sculpture.
- Indulge in a classic dish of cotoletta alla Milanese (veal in breadcrumbs) with creamy saffron-infused risotto.
Tips for visiting Milan
- Start early if you want to see both the Duomo and The Last Supper.
- Use the metro to get around quickly and cheaply. A single ticket costs €2.20.
- Read my Milan travel guide to help plan a smooth visit.
- Prefer to make it an overnight stay? See where to stay in Milan Italy for a detailed breakdown of the neighborhoods.
13. Treviso
⏰ Travel times from Verona*
By train: 1hr 32mins to 1hr 52mins
By car: 1hr 35mins
A mini-Venice awaits in the pretty city of Treviso.
Its winding canals and medieval streets make you feel like you’re in Venice, but with far fewer crowds.
Stroll through the town center, visit its majestic Duomo and go bacari-hopping. Treviso has plenty of great places to sample a cicchetti or two before moving on to the next.
There’s plenty of things to do in Treviso to fill a single day and it's worth the visit.

Highlights of a Verona to Treviso day trip
- Piazza dei Signori: explore Treviso’s main square, lined with elegant arcades and cafes.
- Treviso Cathedral (Duomo di San Pietro): step inside to see a mix of architectural styles and beautiful frescoes.
- Stroll along the Canale dei Buranelli, one of the prettiest corners of Treviso.
- Tuck into a generous serving of tiramisù. The classic Italian dessert was created in Treviso in the 1960s, though some sources date it as far back as the 1800s. Whichever version is correct, don’t miss the chance to try some.
Tips for visiting Treviso
- Choose the train over the car. It’s much more convenient and the station is a short walk from the center.
- I personally like visiting Treviso in autumn and winter, when the weather suits cozying up in wine bars over a selection of cicchetti.
14. The Dolomites
⏰ Travel times from Verona*
By train: 1.5hrs to 2 hours by train to Bolzano/Bozen
By car: approximately 2hrs 14 mins to Ortisei (Val Gardena), 3 hours to Cortina
By tour: guided day trips include private transfers with options for hikes and lunch
A region that exceeds all expectations whatever the season, the Dolomites are among Italy’s most striking natural landscapes.
Jagged limestone peaks, green valleys and alpine villages make this a dream destination for many.
The mix of Italian and Austrian influences gives the region a unique blend with architecture that feels more Tyrolean than Mediterranean.
While I’d personally prefer to spend more than a single day in the Dolomites, not everyone shares that view. Searches for 'Verona to Dolomites' and 'day trip from Verona to Dolomites' have been growing steadily.
⏩️ Read: The Dolomites in winter: a complete travel guide


Top places to see on a Verona to Dolomites day trip
- Bolzano (Bozen): cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored buildings, Tyrolean cafes and home to one of Italy’s largest Christmas markets.
- Ortisei: an alpine village known for its woodcarving traditions and pretty town center. Take the cable car to some of the best scenic hiking routes.
- Cortina d’Ampezzo: a glamorous ski resort in winter and a hiking destination in summer, Cortina d’Ampezzo hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956 and again in 2026. My Cortina d’Ampezzo travel guide covers the town and surrounding area in more detail.
Tips for visiting the Dolomites
- Many services and hotels typically close during off-peak season months (October, November, March to April). Check ahead to see whether hotels are taking reservations and attractions are open.
- Staying overnight is much better. You can visit parts of the Dolomites in a single day from Verona, but travel times mean you’ll only scratch the surface. Staying overnight gives you more time to see more of the Dolomites at a relaxed pace.
- Day tours from Verona to the Dolomites are a practical way to see parts of the region in a single day, especially if you don’t plan on hiring a car. This full day Dolomites mountain trip from Verona includes transport and lasts approximately 11 hours.
Other realistic day trips from Verona
So far, I’ve covered some of the most popular Verona day trip options, but these are the tip of the iceberg. There are plenty more ideas worth considering, ranging from small towns to historic attractions.
Here are a few more options to help inspire your planning.
- Montecchio Maggiore: discover the real castles behind the legendary tale of Romeo and Juliet. Free to visit, it’s a budget-friendly day trip from Verona. See Montecchio Maggiore Castles (41 minutes by car).
- Asolo: a beautiful borgo with medieval walls, spectacular views and plenty of prosecco. See best things to do in Asolo for more travel advice (1hr 18mins by car).
- Arquà Petrarca: escape the crowds and explore this charming medieval village named after the Italian scholar Petrarch. See top things to do in Arquà Petrarca (1hr 18mins by car).
- Castelfranco Veneto: see one of the best-preserved sets of castle walls in Italy up close (1hr 19mins by car).
- Cittadella: walk the medieval fortress walls of Cittadella for panoramic views over this pretty Veneto town. See most beautiful villages in Veneto (1hr 7mins by car).
FAQs about day trips from Verona
Verona is best known as the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and for its well-preserved Roman Arena in Piazza Brà, which still hosts opera performances today.
Its location, centrally placed between Venice and Milan, connected by high-speed trains, and close to Lake Garda, makes it ideal for exploring the wider region.
Two full days in Verona is enough: one for the main sights like (the Arena, Juliet’s House, Piazza delle Erbe), one for museums, churches and Castel San Pietro. After that, add as many days as you like for day trips.
Yes, but it means an early start and a long day. The train to Bolzano takes about 1.5hrs, plus local buses from there. A car is more convenient, though staying overnight is the more relaxed, practical, option.
Not around the corner, but not far either, 75mi (120km) apart, with the high-speed train taking 1hr 12mins. It’s one of the most popular day trips from Verona.
1hr 12mins on the Frecciarossa; around 2 hours on slower regional trains.
By train to Peschiera del Garda or Desenzano del Garda (15 to 20 minutes), then on foot or by ferry to towns like Sirmione, Bardolino or Lazise.
25 to 45 minutes, one of the quickest day trips from Verona.
Around 45 minutes on the high-speed train, or up to 1hr 20mins on regional trains.
46 to 50 minutes
About 30 minutes by car, or 35 minutes by train and bus
52 minutes on a high-speed train to 1.5hrs on a regional service.
Around 1hr 20mins on a high-speed train.
Drive to the town of Spiazzi (about 50 minutes), then walk 20 to 30 minutes to reach the sanctuary.
Yes, especially if you’ve already covered the more popular spots and want somewhere quieter.
Definitely, especially if you’ve already seen Venice.
Last words
What are your thoughts on this guide to the best day trips from Verona? Has it given you some ideas of where you’d like to visit?
Let me know in the comments below. Alternatively, send me a DM on Instagram.
*average journey times
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
Written by Lisa Rivera: Italy traveler and resident for 10+ years. First-hand researched for 2026.
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This is such a helpful guide—next time I’m in Verona, I definitely want to plan some day trips! Lake Garda and the Dolomites especially caught my eye, as both sound like perfect escapes with stunning scenery. I’ve visited Verona before and loved exploring the city itself, but it’s great to know how many amazing spots are just a short train or car ride away. Your practical tips make it so easy to imagine adding a few of these to an itinerary.
Thank you Agnes I'm glad you enjoyed it. I added as much detail for others to help plan their trip 🙂
It sounds like there are some wonderful trips around Verona. I love the sound of the less touristy places.
There are many and yes less crowded too
Verona sounds like an awesome city to visit in Italy. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences.
Happy to help
This is such a helpful guide. Verona has always been on my list, but I didn’t realize how well connected it is for day trips! I really appreciate the Lake Garda tips too!!
I'm so glad you found this useful!
I was in Verona a few years ago and as you said, it is such a charming city with amazing food and a ton of things to see and experience. I can't wait to go back to Italy, can't wait.
We hope to see you soon!
It is amazing that so many places are within easy reach of Verona! I hope I can visit and explore all of these gems soon. Everywhere looks stunning!
Me too! They are all beautiful and plenty to see
It does look like a fantastic, beautiful part of italy! Thank you for your recommendations on what to do within the area.
It is! I'm happy to help
Wow! Reading this makes me want to visit Verona. I don't know Verona before, but reading this makes me more interested.
I hope you do one day
I would love to visit Verona for a solid two weeks and just soak it and everything around it all up.
You will see a lot in 2 weeks!
Oh, wow! Verona seems like THE hub for any trip to the area. There's so much there and all around it!
It's a great base!