A darling of Shakespeare, beautiful Verona is the literary home of Romeo and Juliet. The medieval families of Montague and Capulet immortalised in the tragic play did actually exist and some buildings relating to the Montagues are still present.

Sorry to disappoint, but the place purporting to have been Juliet's house in Verona was not actually where she lived. However, it’s still worth suspending reality for a while and stepping out onto the balcony to see if Romeo turns up.

Another of the must-see Verona sights is the Arena, a largely intact Roman amphitheatre which is now the spectacular setting for outdoor summer operas. Smaller Roman relics include the stone bridge that crosses the river by the Roman theatre whose remains are partly beneath a house.

The city’s narrow streets house many cafes and restaurants which offer cheaper fare than the touristy ones by the Arena, although admittedly the views are less impressive. Life in Verona is laidback and elegant, so expect to see some well-heeled Italians on a post-dinner passeggiata.

Verona Airport is a little out of town, so you’ll need to take a bus to get to your Verona hotel, apartment or B&B. Book with Booking.com for the best choice.