Veneto, a region in Italy, extends from the Dolomites in the northeast to the Adriatic Sea and east to the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Many people recognize the region as the home of Venice. However, as you will see, there is so much more to beautiful Veneto than its regional capital. Get to know the real Veneto!

A Diverse Region

The diverse landscape of Veneto is divided into seven provinces and the nearly five million residents live between the lagoons, seashore, mountains and hillsides of Venezia, Padova, Vicenza, Verona, Belluna, Rovigo and Treviso. Because the area developed around the Venetian Republic it was ruled by the rich and powerful Venetians until the mid 18th century. Evidence of the once-Venetian control is seen throughout the region in the emblem of St. Mark, a winged lion.

Verona

Verona is a classic Italian city. Although most widely known as the setting for Shakespeare's grand romance, Romeo and Juliet, there’s much more to see and do from a cultural and historical-not to mention viticultural-view.

The medieval area of Verona is a perfect place to lose yourself-and your place in time-along the Adige River. Meander these cobbled paths and check out the monuments as well as the cafes and shops along the way.

Verona’s largest square is the Piazza Bra and it’s where you will find the famous Roman amphitheater. The Arena dates back to 30 AD and is the third largest amphitheater in Italy, just behind the Colosseum in Rome and the arena at Capua.

This UNESCO Heritage town was formed in a period between the fourth and third centuries BCE but gained importance in the first century BCE under the Romans. Verona has been occupied and ruled by various and sundry principals, including the Lombards and Charlemagne, the Scaliger family and Cangrande I, under whom Verona flourished. From 1797 until it joined the Kingdom of Italy in 1866 the city was part of the Austrian Empire.

The Piazza Delle Erbe is where you’ll find the pulse of Verona. There are market stalls which are open every day and many cafes and wine bars that beckon you to pause and simply observe life in Verona.

Lake Garda and Sirmione

Crystal clear Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and is a popular vacation destination for those in and around the Veneto region. Along the shores of Lake Garda are old towns filled with charm, beautiful landscapes and stunning sights to see.

Sirmione is a town located at the end of a tiny peninsula on the south shore of the lake. At the tip of the peninsula once stood a massive Roman villa whose ruins have been excavated. The Grotte di Catulo is worth a visit and you truly won’t believe how huge the ruins are. In addition to that you’ll find breathtaking views of Lake Garda itself.

Also in Sirmione you’ll find one of the best-preserved castles in Italy. The 13th century fortress, the Scaligero Castle, was constructed under the orders of Leonnardino della Scala, who was the lord of Verona at the time, primarily for defense.

Two churches in Sirmione that are worth noting are the church of San Pietro and the Santa Maria Maggiore.

Borghetto

Borghetto is a delightfully magical town along a river that flows into Lake Garda. It’s a romantic and fabled fairytale of a town that you simply must experience. The entrance to Borghetto is marked by the Ponte Visconteo or Visconti Bridge. The bridge, adorned with lovers’ locks, provides entrance each June into the festival of Love Knots, a fun, tasty and filling celebration.

The surrounding countryside is absolutely lovely and as picturesque as can be.

The Cuisine of Veneto

The distinct geography of the provinces in the Veneto region, along with the unique people of Veneto, provide some of the most distinctive cuisine in all of Italy. And that’s saying a lot!

The Veneto region gifted the world with such amazing gastronomical delights as polenta, tiramisu, ravioli, risotto and many other delicious examples of why Italian foods are appreciated all over the world.

And what would we do without cheeses like Asiago, Monte Veronese and Grana Padano, all regionally produced in Veneto. Where would our impressive charcuterie boards be without the famous cured sausage sopressa vicentina? Or the delicately mouth-watering prosciutto Veneto Berico-Euganeo wrapped around a sweet and tender slice of melon on a hot summer day?

Wine, Of Course

Veneto is one of Italy’s principal wine regions. There are 27 DOC wines from Veneto and 14 DOCG wines for which the region is known. Valpolicella, Bardolino and Amarone are some of the more widely recognized reds from Veneto. Soave is a very popular dry white wine and of course, where would a celebration or simply brunch be without a glass of Prosecco or a refreshing Bellini? Thanks to the Veneto region’s wine production we’ll never need to know.

Get ready for a wine tour to Veneto. Contact us for info.