Our Journey to Verona
After an early breakfast the next morning, we packed our bags and checked out of our accommodation (Appartamenti Altea) around 9 AM. We simply left the keys on the kitchen table and were ready to return our rental car.
About an hour later, we arrived at Bergamo Airport, where we returned the car quickly and smoothly. Thankfully, everything went without a hitch, so we still had plenty of time to grab a few sandwiches at the airport for the journey ahead.

Chaos at the Bus Stop
After returning the car, we walked over to the bus stop in front of the terminal—only to be met with unexpected chaos. The crowd was enormous, and with so many people and buses, it was nearly impossible to figure out where to go. The situation was made worse by a traffic jam at the airport, preventing our pre-booked bus from pulling into its designated stop.
We had pre-purchased a seat-reserved ticket online with ITABUS (itabus.it), a service we specifically chose because it allows strollers, child car seats, and large luggage to be transported at no extra cost—perfect for traveling with a child.

A Comfortable Bus Ride to Verona
Eventually, a sleek, modern—and as we later found out, very comfortable—bus arrived to take us to Verona, dropping us off at the Viale Palladio III stop. Liny slept almost the entire way. We were really pleased with the quality of the bus and the service overall. The interior was clean and comfortable, and all our larger items—stroller, suitcases, and the car seat—fit easily into the spacious luggage compartment.

Arrival in Verona and Getting to Our Hotel
From the Viale Palladio III stop, we just had to cross the road to a nearby bus stop next to the Tamoil gas station. From there, bus 81 arrived within five minutes, and we were able to buy tickets directly on board. This bus took us straight to Piazza Brà, just a short 3-minute walk from our accommodation.
We stayed at Mastino Rooms, located just a few steps from Piazza Bra – the perfect base for exploring Verona’s historic center.

(For more details about our journey and accommodation, check out my in-depth post here.)

For a hassle-free experience, you can find and book tours on sites like Freetour, GetYourGuide or Tiqets, where it’s easy to compare options and plan ahead

First Impressions

From the moment we arrived, Verona’s charm swept us off our feet. The mix of medieval and Renaissance architecture, lively squares, and bustling streets instantly brought the city to life. Our first walk led us through Piazza Bra, home to the monumental Arena di Verona, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. From there, we followed stylish Via Mazzini, lined with shops and boutiques, to reach Juliet’s House, before continuing to the picturesque Piazza delle Erbe. With its colorful market stalls and historic façades, this square perfectly captures Verona’s vibrant atmosphere.

Exploring Verona on Foot

Our next stop was the quieter Piazza dei Signori, where Dante’s statue stands proudly among elegant palaces. Not far from here, we discovered the Gothic Arche Scaligere tombs and the impressive Basilica di Santa Anastasia, whose interior is truly breathtaking.

The highlight of our day was crossing the Ponte Pietra and heading up to the Castel San Pietro viewpoint for a bird’s-eye view of Verona. Instead of climbing the long staircase, we chose the funicular, which made the ride up with a toddler much easier. From the top, the panorama was spectacular: terracotta rooftops, the winding Adige River, and the old town unfolding in every direction. We ended our sightseeing at the Duomo of Verona and, after a short stroll, circled back to Piazza delle Erbe for a cozy dinner in one of the local restaurants.

The Atmosphere of Verona

Verona is a real gem – romantic yet lively, full of history, colorful piazzas, and charming little streets. It’s also very family-friendly, as the open squares and short walking distances make it easy to explore even with a small child. Although our stay was short, it was filled with unforgettable experiences.

If you’d like to dive deeper into our Verona trip, including accommodation tips and more detailed descriptions of each attraction, check out my longer travel diary: Our detailed Verona city break experience.