Verona

 Verona - June


The usual 20 minute short drive to Gatwick, long stay car park C and the transfer bus arrives almost immediately, down the travellator upstairs through fast track and into the BA lounge as today we are travelling Business class to Verona.


After being boarded first we take our seats (2d and 2f) Push back more or less on time ( a first for BA in a long time ! ) but then sit in a long queue of planes waiting to take off. After what seems like an eternity we taxi and take off into the morning sun with great views of Gatwick.

After an hour and a half flying over stunning scenery of the alps and lakes, we start our descent into Verona - a small airport by comparison to some, with a few arrival gates and short walk to passport control ( E-gates that are very efficient ) we are through within 10 minutes as we only have hand luggage.


A short walk outside to catch the bus (6 euros ) that takes you to the central station ( 15 minute walk to the hotel ) the attendant lady at the bus stop tells us we can just "tap in" to get our tickets on the bus, the bus arrives to be told by the driver we need to buy tickets at the machine, so now we're at the back of a whole cheerleading team who are there for the cheerleading championships) we get the last two standing places on the bus, which is good because at that time of the day ( midday ) they only come every 30 minutes or so and its 30+ degrees. The ten minute journey goes without incident and we start a fairly straight, easy but hot walk to the apartments we had booked for our two days in Verona.

The apartments are fairly unassuming, very easy to find and right next to the Castel Vecchio bridge. although it's still quite early for a normal check in, the room is ready and we spend a few minutes in the room with the very efficient air conditioning cooling us down.






Out of the apartments, a right then a left and we are right next to the bridge, and the start of all the copious restaurants and sites that Verona has to offer - spoilt for choice we opt for a sharing platter of meats/ cheeses and a couple of beers and watch the world go by.







After having refreshed ourselves, we walk about 100 metres into the main arena area and the amphitheatre coliseum with its many restaurants, bars, gelatos and modern shops. The food prices are all pretty similar and quite reasonable seeing as you are in tourist city ( unless you want really high end ) there is no traffic in the main areas as it is all pedestrianised.











After walking around admiring to scenery and stopping in few shops ( oh and one more bar 😏 - the air con was lovely ) we visit Juliet's balcony ( free to go in )




Back to the Apartment for a cool down as it had been 37 degrees walking around,  then out to a local restaurant that served risotto as it's speciality - along with some other local dishes I decided against ( donkey stew ! ) I recommend this place if you like risotto; so may choices.

I had the pumpkin risotto with a polenta starter washed down with a lovely Weis bier.

https://tre-risotti-ristorante.business.site/





The sun starts to go down and it's been a long day, so we both drift off fairly swiftly after the short walk back to the apartment.

A nice late Breakfast buffet  served in small room at the apartments, ( becomes a honesty bar in the afternoon ) with smiliest breakfast lady ever.

Then a day of more walking, more ice cream ,( pistachio and strawberry with balsamic -Yum)

Before climbing up the hill for lunch over looking the city (quite a lot of steps  - but worth it )


















Another hot day, so slowly back to the apartment for a cool shower before venturing into the main area again for a couple of pizzas and beers whilst people watching at Da Pino https://dapino.it/





Up at 07.00 for a quick breakfast bite and the short walk to the bus station to catch the bus back to the airport. The airport is being redeveloped before the next Olympics in 2024 so is limited, has no lounges and the departure lounges ( areas) are generally packed with little or no seats. !!





The flight leaves a little late as French air traffic isn't playing today !! The views of the Alps are stunning,





 Lunch and a beer on the plane ( chicken pie and a brewdog - very nice ) we land more or less on time, and an hour later I'm sat in my lounge at home.

Would I recommend Verona ? ..a resounding YES - walkable, eatable drinkable, friendly, Italian.


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