San Bonifacio

Day Trips

Start your day with a creamy cappuccino and warm brioche at a café overlooking Piazza della Vittoria. The soft morning light illuminates the medieval town hall as you stroll along Via Roma. Locals wave as you pass by bustling bakeries and artisan shops.

Join a guided walking tour of the ancient city walls and wander through narrow alleys lined with pastel-colored houses. Discover hidden Roman mosaics embedded in the paving stones near the city gates. Pause for a gelato and watch the world go by in a quiet square.

Savor a hearty dinner of bigoli pasta in a family-run osteria tucked away in the historic center. Pair your meal with a glass of crisp Soave Classico from a local vineyard. End the evening with a leisurely stroll along the illuminated medieval walls.

Explore the remains of the ancient Roman amphitheatre at Corte Moscata, imagining the roar of the crowd during gladiator games. The stone arches and underground chambers reveal centuries of history. Capture the morning light filtering through the ruins for memorable photos.

Relax with a picnic lunch in the charming Piazza della Fontana, sampling local cheeses and cured meats from a nearby delicatessen. Listen to buskers playing traditional folk tunes as you dine under the shade of plane trees. Visit the 16th-century fountain at the center of the square for a closer look at its ornate carvings.

Join locals at a cozy enoteca for a tasting of Valpolicella and Amarone wines. Pair your sips with platters of olives, salami, and aged pecorino. The warm glow of lanterns creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for making new friends.

Drive to the medieval village of Soave and wander through the narrow lanes as dawn breaks over its famous castle walls. Visit the imposing 10th-century Soave Castle and climb its towers for panoramic views of vineyards stretching to the horizon. The quiet streets and ancient stone dwellings transport you back in time.

Join a guided tasting at a historic winery, learning about the Garganega grape and the centuries-old traditions of Soave wine production. Sample a flight of crisp Soave Classico paired with freshly baked focaccia. Wander through the estate’s sun-drenched vines between sips.

Dine at a rustic trattoria beneath the castle walls and savor creamy risotto al Soave accompanied by a chilled glass of white wine. Lanterns line the cobblestone square as the sun sets, casting a golden glow. Cap the night with a stroll along the medieval ramparts under a blanket of stars.

Rent a bicycle and pedal along a tranquil canal path to reach Villa Serego Alighieri, a Renaissance estate commissioned by Dante’s descendants. Admire the elegant frescoes and classical architecture set against manicured gardens. The gentle morning breeze carries the scent of blooming roses.

Enjoy a gourmet picnic on the villa grounds, featuring local olive oil, prosciutto, and artisan cheeses from nearby farms. Learn about the villa’s history during a guided tour, discovering hidden frescoed rooms and secret passageways. The soft rustle of cypress trees adds to the peaceful ambiance.

Return to San Bonifacio via scenic backroads, pausing at an agriturismo for a hearty polenta taragna dinner. Watch the sunset paint the rolling hills in hues of pink and gold. Share laughter with fellow travelers over glasses of Lambrusco.

Catch an early train to Verona and wander through the UNESCO-listed Arena, imagining grand operatic performances under a summer sky. The marble seating and imposing arches evoke centuries of drama and spectacle. Capture the rising sun on the arena’s weathered façade for a spectacular shot.

Explore Juliet’s House and place your hand on the famed balcony, reading Shakespeare’s words etched into the stone walls. Stroll along Via Mazzini for upscale shopping between pastel-colored buildings. Stop at a sidewalk café in Piazza delle Erbe for an espresso and people-watching.

Indulge in an aperitivo in Piazza dei Signori, sipping an Aperol Spritz as the medieval buildings glow under lantern light. Climb the Lamberti Tower for a panoramic view of Verona’s rooftops at dusk. Return to San Bonifacio by train, lulled by the rhythmic clatter of the tracks.

Head north to the Lessinia Regional Natural Park for a scenic hike through rolling meadows and limestone plateaus. Keep an eye out for chamois grazing on steep slopes and alpine flowers dotting the trail. Crisp mountain air invigorates each step as you ascend toward panoramic overlooks.

Stop at a rustic rifugio for a traditional lunch of polenta with cheese and hearty mushroom stew. Swap stories with fellow hikers while enjoying the view of mist-shrouded peaks. The quiet symphony of cowbells and birdsong surrounds you.

Return to San Bonifacio and unwind in your hotel’s spa with a thermal bath or massage. Toast the day with a glass of Recioto della Valpolicella, its sweet notes a perfect end to a day in the highlands. Sink into a plush sofa as soft music drifts through the lounge.

Drive west to Bardolino on Lake Garda and stroll along the palm-lined lakeshore promenade. Watch fishermen casting nets into the crystal-clear water and sailboats drifting by. Sip an espresso while gazing at the Alps rising in the distance.

Embark on a boat tour to picturesque Sirmione, visiting the Grottoes of Catullus and exploring the Scaligero Castle jutting into the lake. Wander narrow medieval streets lined with lemon trees and gelaterias. Pause at a waterfront café for homemade pasta with fresh fish.

Return to Bardolino for lakeside dining at a trattoria serving grilled perch and locally pressed olive oil. Listen to live accordion music as the sun dips behind the mountains. The gentle lapping of waves provides a soothing soundtrack.

Travel east to the UNESCO-designated Prosecco hills of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene and join a vineyard hike among dew-kissed vines. Learn about the unique terraced landscape that produces Italy’s most celebrated sparkling wine. The morning light dances on the leaves and twisting vines.

Visit a family-owned winery for an in-depth Prosecco tasting, sampling brut, extra dry, and millesimato varieties. Pair each pour with local salumi and crumbly ricotta cheese. The panoramic vistas from the hillside terrace are postcard-perfect.

Watch the sun set over rolling vineyards as you return to your accommodation with a bottle of prized Prosecco in hand. Enjoy a light dinner of fresh salad and frittata at a nearby osteria. The soft glow of lanterns reflects off the glass bottles for a romantic farewell to the hills.

Explore San Bonifacio’s bustling open-air market, bargaining for seasonal fruits, homemade gelato, and freshly baked focaccia. Colorful stalls overflow with tomatoes, peppers, and fragrant basil. Engage with vendors who share family recipes passed down through generations.

Join a hands-on cooking class at a nearby agriturismo, learning to roll fresh pasta and whip up a creamy tiramisù under expert guidance. Harvest aromatic basil, rosemary, and sage from the onsite herb garden to flavor your dishes. Savor the fruits of your labor with new friends around a long farmhouse table.

Return to town and sample local street food at a lively night market, from arrosticini skewers to bite-sized polenta squares. Enjoy live music and twinkling fairy lights overhead. The festive atmosphere makes it easy to mingle with residents and fellow travelers.

Stop by an artisanal bakery to taste crispy ciambelline al vino and flaky sfoglie for breakfast. Then visit a traditional macelleria to sample fine prosciutto and salami cured with mountain air. The rich aromas of coffee and cured meats fill the air.

Spend your final afternoon shopping at a boutique del vino, selecting bottles of Soave, Recioto, and Amarone to take home. Stop at a farm shop for jars of honey, fig jam, and locally pressed olive oil. The friendly proprietors offer samples and stories behind each product.

Enjoy a farewell dinner at a nearby Michelin-starred restaurant, indulging in creative dishes that highlight Veneto’s rich culinary heritage. Sip a delicate sparkling wine as you reflect on your ten-day journey. The soft glow of candlelight sets the perfect mood for saying arrivederci.