History And Hidden Gems Walk

History and Hidden Gems Walk, 2 hours, rated 5 across 1,661 traveller reviews.

Overview

The route takes in the Arena first, then follows early medieval wall foundations toward the Corso and Porta Borsari, before cutting away from the busiest streets into courtyards, churches and small squares that most visitors walk past. Along the way the guide explains how to read the city's architecture, from high medieval through to late modern styles.

The second half of the tour reaches Piazza delle Erbe with its old fountain and market history, then Piazza dei Signori with its cluster of public palaces and the city's tallest tower. Later stops include the Arche Scaligere mausoleums and Romeo's house, where the guide covers the real history behind the Shakespeare story, including why Juliet's house gained its balcony, before the route winds on through the old market quarter toward the drop-off point. The group is capped at ten participants, headsets are provided, and participants should be able to walk for approximately two hours.

Reviewers repeatedly describe the guide as knowledgeable and funny, and several said the tour showed them corners they would never have found alone. It is less suited to anyone who struggles with cobblestones or cannot stay on their feet for the full duration, and it does not enter Juliet's house or courtyard.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Piazza BraThe meeting point may vary depending on the option selected; check the booking page for details.
2. Arena and Roman VeronaA 5-minute visit in Piazza Bra, then a 10-minute photo stop at the Arena.
3. Walls and riverbankShort hidden-gem stops and a 5-minute stop at Porta Borsari, with scenic views at Riva San Lorenzo and passing churches including San Giovanni in Foro.
4. Piazza delle ErbeA 10-minute visit at the old market square, with several brief secret stops along the way.
5. Piazza dei Signori and Santa AnastasiaA 5-minute visit in Piazza dei Signori, a 5-minute secret stop, and a 5-minute photo stop at the church of Saint Anastasia.
6. Romeo's house and Arche ScaligereScenic views at Piazzetta Bra Molinari, then a 5-minute stop at Casa di Romeo and 5 minutes at the Arche Scaligere mausoleums. Juliet's house and courtyard are not included.
7. Old market quarter and finishPasses Piazza Indipendenza, the Courtyard of the Old Market, the synagogue and Via Dietro Anfiteatro, ending at one of two drop-off locations depending on the selected option.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this walk.

• Footwear. The listing recommends comfortable shoes, and for good reason. The walk covers uneven cobblestone streets.
• No food stops. The listing warns that it is not always possible to stop along the way for toilets or food. Eat beforehand and bring water, since food and drinks are not included.
• Group feel. The group is capped at ten and headsets are provided. One reviewer found the small group much more personable than a big group tour.
• Pace. Expect a dense two hours of history with the guide talking as you walk. Some travellers find the commentary packed and would welcome a few more pauses at stops.
• Photography. Most stops are short photo stops of a few minutes each. Have the camera ready rather than waiting for a long break at each landmark.
• Tell them early. The listing asks participants to mention any mobility restrictions or special requirements at the time of booking. Do this rather than raising it on the day.

Common issues. The tour does not include transport, food, drinks or entry tickets, and Juliet's house and courtyard are explicitly excluded. The walk covers uneven cobblestones and lasts around two hours, so it demands reasonable mobility. Some travellers mentioned the commentary can feel dense and that a few longer pauses at stops would help. The meeting point varies by option, so it needs confirming on the booking page before arrival.

Common Questions