Verona, Italy – Verona is my favorite day trip from Venice. And as it turn out, it’s also a great learning destination. World schooling in Verona includes lessons on Ancient Rome, Shakespeare and oenophilia (the latter reserved for the adults, of course).
Romeo & Juliet
My girlfriend brought us the graphic novel version of Romeo & Juliet by Gareth Hinds, which the twins loved (fantastic illustrations, four sword battles). Then in Verona we visited the Casa di Cappelletti (Juliet’s house), where we posed on the famous balcony and searched for the Cappelletti family crest in the architecture.
Roman Arena
From there, we made our way to the Roman Arena, which is in remarkably good condition. (They still use it to stage theatrical performances and concerts.) This was an excellent introduction to Ancient Roman history–which we will be exploring more later this month when we go to Rome. Best of all, the Arena is wide open for climbing, running, jumping and all manner of exploring. The twins made several laps around the circumference. Just because they could.
Wine Tasting
After that, my friend and I ditched the family, who returned to Venice. The next day, we did a wine tasting tour in the Soave valley with Try Verona. The tour included a visit to the charming village, a tour of the medieval castle and a final stop at a local vineyard for tastings. If that’s not a perfect way to spend a Saturday with my bestie, I don’t know what is.
