Padua to Vicenza and Verona: Private day trip

Settled around 300 BC, the growing Roman presence eventually assimilated the original Paleo-Veneti inhabitants, and by 157 BC the city was a Roman centre. After the fall of Rome, it faced a tumultuous several centuries, being destroyed, sacked and dominated as they tried to navigate Italian politics. By the 16th century, it was one of the most downtrodden cities of the Veneto, but Andrea Palladio revitalized it, leaving many outstanding palaces and villas. Among his greatest achievements is the Olympic theatre, widely considered the first modern covered theatre. The arch-faced Basilica Palladiana shows one of the first examples of what have come to be known as the Palladian window. So great was Palladio's influence that the city even has a Palladio museum housed inside a Palladio palace. If you ever tire of his works, the city's many parks churches offer beautiful and quiet spaces to escape to.

If you’re a fan of Juliet, one must visit the backdrop for the play’s most famous love scene - Juliet’s balcony. Other than the tale of an ill-fated love, Verona is a destination of art, opera, and urban architecture. Take time to go up the lift to the Lamberti tower and see the sweeping views of the red rooftops. Order some gelato and take a brisk stroll down the infamous shopping avenue, Corso Porta Borsari. The real heartstopper is the entrance to the street. Its gate is called the ‘Gate of Borsari’ - made with limestone, corinthian capitals, and 2 pediments that predates the 1st century A.D. Abundant in Roman ruins, Verona is full of history, charm, and beauty.