Summary
The distinct advantage of arriving early at a destination is that it affords you nearly an entire day to explore. Though, an unfortunate drawback could be that you might find yourself too early to check into your accommodations, leaving you unable to settle in comfortably upon arrival.
Fortunately, our early arrival in Verona was met with the delightful news that our rooms at the Hotel Milano Spa were ready for check-in. The hotel boasts a remarkable location, with a rooftop hot tub that offers a direct view of the Arena.
As soon as we stepped out of the hotel, it was apparent that the excursion organized by srprs.me had been a perfect match for our expectations.
Upon arrival, the sun was shining, and the majestic 2,000-year-old Roman Arena was just steps away from our hotel, enticing us to explore the endless opportunities for gelato. Verona quickly became one of my beloved Italian destinations.
As previously mentioned, on the first day, despite my desire to see all the sights, I also wished to devote part of the day to relaxation, ensuring I enjoyed a proper holiday.
With this in mind, we leisurely explored the picturesque streets of Verona, making mental notes of potential lunch and dinner spots as well as gelato destinations. However, we did not venture very far due to the allure of post-lunch gelato, prompting us to stop at the Arena for some people-watching in Piazza Bra.
Afterward, our gelato escapades continued, coupled with more enjoyable people-watching.
Eventually, we returned to the hotel where we ordered prosecco and aperol spritz (and for some reason, sparkling water which went mostly untouched) and enjoyed the bliss of the Italian sunshine! It was an exquisite experience!
After a thoroughly relaxing afternoon, we eventually returned to our rooms to refresh and made our way out once more in search of a delectable dinner.
One of the hotel guests had recommended an exceptional restaurant they had dined at previously called La Cantine Del 15 Ristorante. When traveling, particularly on surprise trips, such personal recommendations often serve as the best guide to discovering excellent dining options.
For our appetizers, we began with a smoked tuna dish, a complimentary offering from the chef. Despite its unconventional appearance, it was delightful. Following this, I enjoyed carbonara as my first course and a succulent steak as my second course.
It is worth noting that the recommendation from the hotel staff was spot-on; the dining experience was superb! Every component of the meal was delightful. If you find yourself in Verona, a visit to this establishment is highly recommended. I recently checked the TripAdvisor reviews, and it ranks among the top ten of 951 restaurants in the city.
Pleased with our meal, we opted to stop by our newfound favorite gelato shop for a couple of servings of their delightful offerings.
Verona is undeniably shaping up to be an incredible Italian getaway.
