Things to do around Verona: 7 one-day trips and how to get there

Some of the most stunning spots in Northern Italy are just a short day trip from Verona. Lake Garda, Valpolicella, Soave, Lessinia: they’re all a comfy bus ride away, so you can enjoy the day without the stress of traffic or parking.

We’ve put together a guide to the best things to do around Verona, featuring all the must-visit destinations near the city of love and tips on how to get there quickly and comfortably.

Visualise a sweet lakeside escape, ancient villages surrounded by vineyards, exquisite wines, and lovely vistas that have every hopeless romantic falling harder than Juliet for Romeo.

We’re here to help you manifest that vision with a little help from ATV Verona. They offer frequent, direct bus connections between Verona and its neighbours. Keep reading to find out how your next adventure is just a bus ride away.

Lake Garda is an obvious choice for a day trip from Verona, but where exactly should you stop? Malcesine, a lovely village on the northern shore, is a superb pick. With its picture-perfect old town and wonderfully laid-back atmosphere, it’s the kind of place where you’ll want to slow down and live your dolce vita dream.

The village is a maze of cobbled alleyways and colourful houses, with cosy trattorias, gelaterias and small shops for those all-important souvenirs.

Down by the romantic little harbour, where boats bob lazily and the shimmering reflections of pastel buildings dance on the water, the whole scene looks straight out of our Instagram feed. Anyway, resist the urge to reach for your phone—opt instead for a proper cono gelato and a lakeside passeggiata.

Make time to visit the Scaliger Castle and the tiny beach below for a fresh perspective of the lake. Fancy other breathtaking views? Hop on the cable car and glide up to Monte Baldo for a panoramic encore.

How to get there - ATV bus routes 163, 164, and 185 run from Verona to Garda, where you can switch to route 484 to Malcesine and Riva del Garda.

Quite literally suspended between sky and earth, the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona is one of the most breathtaking destinations for a day trip from Verona.

An ATV shuttle connects the village of Spiazzi to the hermitage at 775 metres above sea level in just a few minutes, but if you're up for a challenge, you can hike there via the wild "Cammino della Speranza" (Path of Hope)—a name that feels almost prophetic. Along this seemingly endless staircase (1,750 steps!), less experienced hikers will find themselves clinging to one hope: making it to the top in one piece. However, the effort is well worth it—the sight of the Neo-Gothic church, dramatically built into the mountainside and overlooking the Adige Valley, is merevaigliosa!

A mystical yet rugged place, the sanctuary attracts more than just pilgrims. It's a dream spot for hikers and photographers, but at the end of the day, it really is a sacred space. So while selfies are totally fine, let's keep the vibe chill and respectful—quiet moments are what make this place special! 

How to get there - Take a bus from Verona to Spiazzi, where an ATV shuttle will take you directly to the sanctuary in just 10 minutes.

Valpolicella is synonymous with wine—but that’s not all! Sure, Amarone flows freely here, but there’s plenty more to explore between sips. Take San Pietro in Cariano. In this idyllic scenario, elegant historic villas sit among rolling vineyards to create what seems like an ai-generated image of a romantic countryside.

Not far away, Sant’Ambrogio is well worth a stop, both for its scenic hiking trails and—needless to say—superb wineries.

If historic estates are your thing, with gems like Villa Mosconi Bertani and Villa Rizzardi, Negrar is your gateway to the region’s noble past.

In short, a Valpolicella tour is the perfect excuse to feast your eyes on stunning landscapes and fill your glass with premium wine. But a word of advice: after a few tastings, even the gentle hills might start to feel like mountains! For the journey back to Verona, skip the driving and hop on a bus instead.

How to get there - From Verona, you can reach some of Valpolicella’s most beautiful destinations, including Negrar, San Pietro in Cariano, and Sant’Ambrogio, using ATV bus routes 21, 93, and 103.

If you fancy a journey back to the Middle Ages, a day trip to Soave is a foolproof pick. The moment you step through the Scaliger walls, you’re wrapped in an atmosphere of knights and noblewomen—though there are far more wine bars than jousting tournaments these days.

Towering over the village from its hilltop perch, Soave Castle sets the tone for your visit: a fairytale-like tour where you can fancy being the lord or lady of the manor. Other highlights include the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, Palazzo Cavalli, Palazzo Pieropan, and the 14th-century Palace of Justice, where legal verdicts have given way to a much tastier kind of judgment—there’s a wine bar on the ground floor!

After soaking up the history, it’s time for a toast and a touch of nature. Unwind with a stroll through Parco Zanella, then reward yourself with a glass of Soave DOC—because sightseeing is thirsty work!

How to get there - Reach Soave from Verona on ATV bus route 130. Other nearby towns involved in Soave DOC production are served by routes 121 and 126.

For a day trip from Verona full of nature, culture, and great food, head to Lessinia. Less than an hour from the city, this high plateau is a hidden gem of forests, charming villages, and local wineries. And yes, you can reach some of its most stunning spots using public transport.

Must-see highlights include the Molina Waterfalls, Velo Veronese, and its Covolo di Camposilvano, a vast karstic cave said to have inspired the circles of Dante's Inferno. Head down into Val d'Illasi for vineyards and wine cellars to explore. While in Giazza, you might hear locals speaking Cimbrian, a rare and ancient language. Learn some new words to impress your friends, then hike through the nearby forest (it's stunning!) and test your legs.

For outdoor adventures, Erbezzo is the place to be—visit a traditional malga (alpine farm), go hiking, and explore the Folignani Forest.

How to get there - Explore the Lessini Mountains by ATV bus from Verona. Six routes connect the city to the Veronese mountains: 105, 109, 110, 115, 117, and 121.

From Verona, it’s easy to reach the historical, architectural, and natural treasures of Valeggio sul Mincio and the Sigurtà Garden Park—a stunning expanse of flowers and green scenarios that rightfully earns its place among Europe’s most beautiful parks. If you have an ATV pass, you can even get a discount on your visit.

Make a stop at Borghetto sul Mincio for a romantic break among old watermills and delicious tortellini, then continue to Villafranca. A must-visit in town is the Nicolis Museum, an unconventional cultural hub showcasing a surprising collection including vintage cars, motorbikes, and bicycles.

Afterwards, enjoy an aperitivo at the historic Caffè Fantoni. If you have time, visit the Scaliger Castle, mentioned in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, and explore the 18th-century Palazzo Bottagisio, home to the Museum of the Italian Risorgimento.

How to get there - Take ATV bus route 160 to Valeggio sul Mincio and route 158 to Villafranca.

Day trips from Verona to Venice are easy, quick, and undeniably romantic. ATV offers several public transport options to reach key transport hubs for your journey to La Serenissima.

Calle, gondolas, and Aperol Spritz are just over an hour away. If you set off early, you'll have the whole day to wander around, take in iconic sights like St Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the Accademia, visit at least one museum, and splurge on an overpriced but highly aesthetic coffee in St Mark's Square.

As you admire the Rialto Bridge and debate whether it's the right time for a cicchetto, be swept away by the lively atmosphere of the old market and meet the locals in their daily routine (yes, there are still a few authentic Venetians among the hordes of tourists).

End your day with a trip to Murano or a romantic gondola ride—pricey but worth it. For a budget-friendly alternative, hop on a vaporetto down the Grand Canal. By evening, you'll be back in Verona, feeling light-hearted and already planning your next adventure.

How to get there - Verona and Venice are well connected by train services. During the summer months, ATV also operates the "Riva del Garda - Peschiera - Venice" route—an excellent option for a one-day trip to the Lagoon.