Car Rental - Verona

One of the biggest highlights of any visit to Verona is its huge Roman Arena, built in the 1st century. Thought to be older than the Colosseum in Rome, the structure is remarkably well preserved, having survived the damage done to the city during World War II as well as a major earthquake in the 12th century. Hop in a Hertz holiday car rental and bring the family for a fun sight-seeing adventure at one of Verona’s historical snapshots into antiquity.

Once the venue for gladiatorial battles, today the huge open-air arena is used as an opera house. The best time to visit is in the summer during Verona’s Opera Festival, when renowned singers head to the city to perform at this evocative venue.

Shakespeare is not thought to have ever set foot in Verona, but that didn’t stop him writing two plays based in the city – Two Gentlemen of Verona and, most famously, Romeo and Juliet. Although the young lovers were not real historical figures, a Veronese family, known as the Capuleti, are thought to have been the inspiration for Juliet’s family.

Today, you can visit a house in Verona believed to have been owned by the Capuleti. Known as Juliet’s House, it dates back to the 14th century and is a popular destination with tourists, as shown by the sea of love notes lining the walls and the lines of people waiting to have their picture taken with a bronze statue of Juliet in the courtyard.

Overlooking the courtyard is the so-called Juliet’s Balcony, added to the house in the 20th century to strengthen its Shakespeare connections. The house and courtyard are often busy during peak tourist months, so try to arrive early to beat the crowds. Renting a car in Verona means you don’t have to rely on the inconvenience of taxis, buses, trams and the like. You’re the driver, on your own terms, in your own time.

Take your Verona rental car towards the River Adige and you’ll find several of Verona’s most famous religious structures close together. The city’s cathedral was constructed after the 12th-century earthquake that devastated large parts of the city, and has since received numerous additions and renovations to give it an impressive combination of architectural styles.

Not far away you’ll find the Basilica di San Zeno, built to honor Verona’s patron saint. This impressive Romanesque structure is home to some incredible artwork including the San Zeno Altarpiece, created by the Renaissance painter Andrea Mantegna.

You’ll find plenty of attractions in Verona but with a rental car you can head west of the city to Lake Garda. This huge body of water borders the regions of Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino Alto-Adige. South of the lake are rolling hills, while to the north lies a dramatic landscape of cliffs and mountains.

Popular destinations around the lake include Sirmione on the south shore, with its castle and the remains of an impressive Roman villa. Or you could head to Malcesine on the eastern shore, where you can take a cable car up Mount Baldo to enjoy incredible views of the lake and mountains.

With a rental car, it’s possible to explore Verona and the Veneto region beyond at your own pace.