Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1866. Today, she is a large, prosperous city, although the expanse of industrializa-
tion beyond the historical center is almost unnoticeable.
Verona's charms are complemented by her usefulness as a base from which to
explore several other not-too-distant towns: Trent in the north, Mantua in the
neighboring province of Lombardy, and Treviso, are all within easy reach of the
city.
LAY OF THE LAND
Verona's
Stazione FS Porta Nuova
(
%
8488-88088)
is served by
direct rail con-
nections
from most major destinations, including Rome, Milan, and Bologna.
There are over 40 trains per day from Venice (the journey is around 90 min., and
there are regular departures to and from the nearby towns of Padua, Vicenza, and
Trent).
Buses
and
taxis
(for around-the-clock assistance, call
RadioTaxi:
%
045-
532666
) constantly arrive in the adjacent Piazzale XXV Aprile concourse; from
here, all buses head along Corso Porta Nuova in the direction of the city's histor-
ical center, about a kilometer northeast of the station; look for bus no. 11, 12, 13,
72, or 73 or—on the weekend—91, 92, or 93.
You can also
fly
directly to Verona's
Aeroporto Verona Villafranca
(
%
045-
8095666; www.aeroportoverona.it),
12km (7
1
⁄
2
miles) from the center; there are
regular shuttle buses to town. You can purchase a ticket (
€
3.60) from the driver.
Verona's historical center can be explored on foot, but if you require
public
transportation,
there is a good, regular bus network; contact
AMT Public
Transport
(
%
045-8871111; www.amt.it).
ACCOMMODATIONS, BOTH STANDARD & NOT
Verona's accommodations aren't likely to blow you away. Yes, you can find com-
fort and stay well within your means, but the lack of historical authenticity in
a city with such ancient roots may leave you longing for a broader selection
of hotels. Prices are seasonal, and soar tremendously during the Arena's Opera
Season, when it's sometimes impossible to find a vacant room anywhere in town.
You'll pay around 50% more from mid-June through early October and over the
Christmas to New Year's period.
€€
-
€€€
Let me kick off by introducing the
best value Verona has to offer:
Hotel Aurora
(Piazzetta Novembre, 2;
%
045-594717; www.hotelaurora.biz)
is
everything a discerning traveler wants—a good location, right in the heart of the
ancient city, just off the Piazza dell Erbe, and careful attention to details that, in
this price range, are seldom even considered. Upon arrival, you'll find a flower and
a chocolate on your pillow, and you'll be delighted by the neat, simple guest
rooms, furnished with antique cupboards, and simply decorated with lithographs
and paintings. Reserve room 5, which is best in terms of size. Bathrooms are a bit
small, but the designers have made some effort to conserve space by making the
bidet a foldaway. You can enjoy breakfast (included in the price) on a small ter-
race where you feel like you're part of the neighborhood. And music by busking
musicians in adjacent Piazza dell Erbe often wafts up here, too. There are a few
single rooms with shared bathroom facilities (
€
56-
€
68), while doubles cost
€
98
in the low season, and
€
130 during busiest times of the year.
