Slice of Verona

Whoever came up with the idea to "paint the town red" must have been thinking of Verona. Not bright red, but shades of red and pink paint the landscape of this gorgeous northeastern Italian town.

In my continual search for outstanding places and guides offering new and unique tours for Slice of Tuscany throughout Italy, I found a true Italian treasure in Verona.

Juliet's House

Valeria and Lorella are two local women who have been providing tours in Verona for more than 30 years combined. They, themselves are very "pink." They are beautiful women who bring love and excitement to sharing Verona and surrounding areas to people like you and me. They add character and warmth to Verona's already naturally charming atmosphere.

Unlike other stone and cement dominated Italian landscapes such Florence or Rome, Verona, located in the western part of the Veneto region, seems to have naturally grown into its surroundings. There are large parks and green spaces, tree-lined viales, and balcony after balcony just dripping with flowers and bright natural colors. Even the brightly painted houses used a special paint that gains its pigment from soils throughout Italy, many of them pinks and reds, adding to the sensation that it has grown from the earth up.

Assorted Crostini

The town and region is known for many iconic cultural sites, as well as some of my favorite food and wine treats. Verona is home to the ancient Arena (opened in 30 AD), which is still today a working amphitheater hosting concerts and operas each year. Not far from the Arena, just a few colorful cobblestones away, are the homes of Romeo and Juliet, two of the most famous former residents in Verona's history. Maybe you've heard of them? Nearby you find the stunningly clean Lake Garda, with beautiful vistas, clear water, charming towns, and plenty of places for outdoor hikes and bikes. And in terms of food and wine, regional fare includes excellent libations and bites such as Valpolicella, Soave, Amarone, tortellini, horse meatballs, and chicken wings (finger licking good, according to Valeria). 

Lorella and Valeria walk guests through all of these experiences on foot, bike, by car, or by fork and they turn all of it into an experience of a lifetime. So the next time we plan your trip in Italy, let's paint it pink and plan some time in Verona with Slice of Tuscany's new wonderful friends. It won't disappoint.

Piazza Erbe

Sally and Valeria