Day 152 - A Day Trip to Verona Featuring Castles, Colosseums and Too Much Gelato

Another very similar start to the day. Up around 8, coffees, easing into it. Emmett took off down to the shop again on his now well-established morning mission to grab bread rolls, ham and cheese. He’s taken full ownership of that job and loves it.

I was playing around with some website budget stuff while he was gone, then got stuck into cooking breakfast. Emmett had tennis again at 9:30, so he and Kia headed up there while I stayed back, cooking and helping Maddie with a few bits and pieces.

As soon as Kia got back, it was straight into go mode. We had to be at the bus at 11. No real warning, just finish breakfast, get dressed, pack bags, fill water bottles, grab jumpers. It was overcast but not cold, one of those in-between days where you’re not quite sure what you need.

The bus stop is right out the front of where we’re staying, which makes it easy. Walk on, say two adults, kids are free, tap the card, and off you go.

The drive into Verona took about an hour and was actually a highlight in itself. Rolling through little towns, vineyards and open countryside, with the edge of the Alps in the distance. It felt like a proper transition from lake life into something older and more historic.

We were on one of those long bendy buses, packed with people, slowly making its way into the city.

Kia jumped off a bit early to return some running tights that didn’t fit, so the kids and I carried on into the centre. The Norwegians went straight to the arena, but we held off and just wandered.

We came into the main square and the first thing that hits you is the scale of the arena. It just sits there in the middle of everything. Nearly 2,000 years old and still being used today. It doesn’t feel real at first.

We kept moving and made our way over to the castle. Thick stone walls, towers, everything built for defence. You can feel it straight away.

We walked through and out onto the bridge stretching across the river. It’s one of those views that just sticks with you. Looking back at the castle, you can imagine what it must have been like when it was actually in use.

From there we followed the river, crossed another bridge and looped back into the old town. Every street feels like it’s been there forever. Narrow lanes, worn stone, little shops tucked everywhere.

By the time we got back into the centre it was well after one and everyone was hungry. We found a spot in one of the piazzas, grabbed some calzones and sat down to eat while taking it all in.

The buildings around us were incredible. Layers of history everywhere you look. It’s hard to explain to the kids how old everything is, but walking through it, they start to get it.

Kia was on her way back by then, so we started heading towards the main square. Along the way we passed under a big white marble archway that dates back to Roman times, just casually sitting there like it’s no big deal.

We got back to the piazza, found a spot to sit, and I grabbed an Aperol Spritz. Starting to really enjoy those now. The kids had tonic water and we just sat and watched everything moving around us.

Kia found us not long after and we headed straight into the arena.

It was 12 euro each for us, kids free. We didn’t do a tour, just wandered through ourselves.

Inside, you get a real sense of the scale. The seating tiers, the stone, the way it all rises up around you. But a lot of it was closed off. They were setting up a massive stage in the middle for upcoming performances, so access was pretty limited.

We still got to walk through some of the original sections though. Down into the lower parts where you’re underneath the main structure, standing between the inner and outer walls. You can see the raw construction, the arches and the old stonework. It gives you a glimpse of how it all worked, but you do feel like you’re missing a bit without being able to explore fully.

After that, we basically retraced our steps. Back through the piazza, a quick look at some market stalls, then back out across the bridge and through the castle again.

By then it was time to head back.

We grabbed gelato on the way. The kind that looks incredible but ends up being a bit too much. Big loaded cups with everything. Maddie had a Nutella biscuit one, Emmett went all in on chocolate and hazelnut, and I got an affogato.

They looked unreal, but the cream was thick and the kids weren’t into it at all, so we ended up scraping that off. Emmett got through a few scoops and then gave up, so I ended up finishing mine and most of his as well. Plus a coffee shot late in the day, which probably wasn’t the best idea.

We jumped on the bus just after 6.

The trip back was slower with more stops and traffic, getting us back around 7:30.

Straight into the usual routine. Quick dinner, showers and bed.

It was one of those days where you don’t feel rushed, but you cover a lot. Just walking, exploring and letting the place unfold.

For the kids, it turned into a bit of a live history lesson. Castles built for defence, rivers used as protection, walls, bridges, escape routes. You can explain it all, but being there makes it stick.

And honestly, Verona is right up there. One of the most beautiful places we’ve been.

Not sure what tomorrow looks like yet, but today was a good one.