I am accompanying my husband on a business trip. We will be staying in a town on Lake Garda called Desenvana. It is about 30 miles west of Verona. I will be exploring on my own. I may be brave enough to take a train into Verona by myself but I like to see Venice as well. Does anyone know of a small tour I could join so I don’t have to travel alone? Or how I would go about finding a tour? Thanks for any advice.
Posted by
Green Bay
21274 posts
I think you mean Desenzano.
What time of year? You can also take boat excursions on Lake Garda
I think you may be under rating your courage. It is very easy to go to Verona. You buy a ticket for a regional train, validate it by putting in the stamping machine on the platform, then get on the train. All the regional trains terminate at Verona Porta Nuova station. So just get off and walk into the old city center. Have a map so you know your way around.
You should find a tourist information booth at the station and they will be happy to help you, provide maps, give you directions. Don't be afraid to ask directions, many people will speak some English. Highlight is the Roman Arena in the center of town that is still used for outdoor concerts and operas. It is surrounded by out door cafes. Very pleasant city.
Venice is not that much more complicated. Instead of a regional train, buy a ticket for a Freccia high speed train that will go all the way to Venice Santa Lucia station. You don't have to validate these tickets, as they have reserved seats. You can walk most places in Venice, but maybe you will get very brave and buy a vaporetto ticket for 7.50 EUR and ride it down the Grand Canal and see Venice the way it was meant to be seen, from a boat.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17578 posts
A kind and helpful answer, Sam. I hope she takes advantage of this.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32393 posts
cheri,
It's very easy to travel from Desenzano del Garda to Verona and Venice on your own, using the methods that Sam mentioned. When is this trip taking place? It would also help to know whether you've travelled in Europe before?
I'd suggest checking your local library or bookstores to have a look at the Rick Steves Italy guidebook, in order not only to become more familiar with transportation in Italy but also to get some idea on sights to see in both Verona and Venice. That way you'll be able to plan efficient sightseeing.
One important point to mention is that many cities in Italy and elsewhere have more than one rail station, so it's important to know which station you're using when you buy tickets. In Verona you'll be using Verona Porta Nuova and in Venice it will be Venezia Santa Lucia.
When you arrive in Verona, there's a Bus from the station to the city or you can use a Taxi. In Venice you can either walk into the city but the easier method will be to use a Vaporetto (water bus). You can buy tickets for that just outside the Venice station. It's important to validate the ticket for the Vaporetto by touching it to the electronic reader prior to boarding the boat. If you get a green light, you're good to go. If you're caught with an unvalidated ticket, you may face hefty fines which will be collected on the spot!
The group here will be able to help you work out all the details.
Posted by
Glostrup, Denmark
1404 posts
If you can find the time I suggest you go to Venice in the weekend (and drag your husband along) and stay one or two nights. It is such a special city that it deserves more than a day trip.
Posted by
New Orleans
1225 posts
The chapter on Verona in "Rick Steves Italy" book has a wonderful self-guided walking tour that sister and I did a couple of years ago. It takes about two hours, if you stroll gently and pause at the beautiful buildings, piazzas, and fountains along the way, and has great descriptions of what you are seeing.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Wow, thanks to everyone for suggestions. Unfortunately my husband will be in meetings our whole time there, so I am on my own. We arrive November 2nd in Milan and drive to Desenzana. If our car will hold our luggage so it’s not in plain view, we may explore Milan a little before driving to our hotel in Desenzana.
I am an inexperienced traveler for sure. I did go to Rome twice. The first time my husband got to show me around before meetings so the second time, we were in the same hotel and I felt comfortable to explore alone. I will not have the car to drive (not sure I would anyway). I think with everyone’s helpful posts, I will venture to Verona. I’m not sure about Venice, I not sure I could make it back to Desenzana before nightfall. I wish I could find a tour to join but Desenzana may be to small to have any kind of tour going to another city. Comfort in numbers, you know. THANKS!
Oh yes and I do have Rick Steves Italy book. I used it in Rome and I love his travel shows.
Posted by
3477 posts
My husband and I took made the round trip train ride from Verona to Desenzano in 2014. Short easy ride with nice scenery. The Verona train station is a very easy walk into town.
Many of the sites in Verona are closed on Monday.