Half-Day Private Verona 16 Attractions Self-Guided Audio Tour
New To The Site!
Verona, Italy
4 to 9 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Overview
Immerse yourself in the romantic charm of Verona at your own rhythm with our exceptional self-guided audio experience. Unlike hurried group tours, you'll enjoy the freedom to linger at sites that captivate you or move swiftly through others, creating a truly personalized journey.
Our expert narration uncovers hidden stories and historical secrets that even locals rarely share, bringing Verona's rich tapestry of Roman, medieval, and Renaissance history vividly to life. Experience the city through authentic local perspectives that reveal the true character beyond tourist hotspots.
Our professionally engineered sound design creates an immersive sonic landscape that transports you through centuries—from ancient Roman amphitheaters to Shakespearean tragedies. Choose your own path through Verona's treasures, pausing for that perfect espresso whenever you wish, and savor the freedom to absorb this UNESCO World Heritage city exactly as it deserves to be experienced.
What's Included
- Private access link to the audio guide in one playlist for 21 attractions
- Private access links are valid until your tour is complete
- Private access link to a tour itinerary map of 21 attractions with audio guide individually
- Entry fees (if required)
- Transportations (pick-up and drop-off)
- Audio devices (earphones and internet / Wi-Fi)
- Food and drinks
Meeting Location
Meeting point
Piazzale XXV Aprile
3713Verona VR, Italy
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
End point
Verona
VR, Italy
Since this tour is a self-guided audio tour, you can decide your starting point and ending point at your convenience. There is “No” meeting point, and you are free to start using these access links whenever and wherever you wish.
What To Expect
Stazione di Portacomaro
Begin your journey at this historic railway station, a gateway that connects Verona to the picturesque Piedmont region. Our audio guide reveals the fascinating development of Northern Italian railway networks that transformed travel and commerce throughout the region. Discover how this station served as a crucial link between Verona and the prestigious wine-producing regions of Asti, facilitating the exchange of goods and cultures that shaped Verona's cosmopolitan character. Learn about the architectural elements that typify early 20th-century Italian transportation hubs and how they reflect the period's grand ambitions. The narration highlights the station's role during pivotal historical moments, including World War II, when railway networks became strategically vital. Explore at your leisure while understanding the station's significance as both an architectural landmark and a symbol of Verona's connections to the broader Italian landscape.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Porta Nuova
Step through this monumental gateway into Verona's historic center, marking the transition from modern to medieval Verona. Our audio guide explains how this square served as the southern entrance to the city since Roman times, though the current neoclassical gate dates to the Austrian occupation in the 19th century. Learn to identify the subtle architectural features that reveal the gate's various historical modifications through centuries of changing political control. The narration brings to life the bustling activity this entrance has witnessed—from medieval merchants and Renaissance diplomats to Napoleon's armies—painting a vivid picture of Verona's strategic importance. Take your time examining the detailed stonework and commemorative plaques that most tourists overlook while understanding the gateway's role in controlling access to this wealthy trading city.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore
Marvel at this masterpiece of Romanesque architecture dedicated to Verona's patron saint. Our audio guide reveals how this magnificent church, with its distinctive striped façade of alternating tuff and brick layers, represents the pinnacle of Romanesque style in Northern Italy. Learn about the African-born saint who became bishop of Verona and how his humble fishing lifestyle is celebrated in church iconography. The narration explains the symbolism behind the massive rose window known as the "Wheel of Fortune" and guides you to easily missed details in the crypt and cloisters. Explore the church's artistic treasures at your own pace, including Mantegna's masterpiece altarpiece, while hearing about the basilica's connection to Shakespeare—this monastery's crypt is mentioned as the location of Romeo and Juliet's secret marriage.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Ponte Scaligero
Cross this spectacular fortified bridge spanning the Adige River, an engineering marvel of medieval military architecture. Our audio guide reveals how the Scaligeri family, Verona's medieval rulers, commissioned this bridge as both a defensive structure and a potential escape route from their adjacent castle. Learn about the bridge's destruction during World War II and the remarkable reconstruction effort that used many of the original stones recovered from the riverbed. The narration explains how to identify the different construction periods in the bridge's architecture and the symbolic importance of the family emblem—the ladder—visible throughout the structure. Take your time photographing the spectacular views of Castelvecchio and the river while understanding how this bridge represented the height of medieval military engineering and the power of the dynasty that shaped Verona's golden age.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Museo di Castelvecchio
Explore this formidable medieval castle transformed into one of Italy's most innovative museum spaces. Our audio guide reveals how the great Italian architect Carlo Scarpa revolutionized museum design with his sensitive restoration that deliberately juxtaposes medieval architecture with contemporary elements. Learn to appreciate the sophisticated design choices that make this restoration a pilgrimage site for architects worldwide. The narration guides you through the museum's highlights, including masterpieces by Mantegna, Bellini, and Veronese, while explaining how Scarpa's innovative display techniques enhance the viewing experience. Explore at your own pace, discovering how each gallery creates a unique dialogue between medieval space, modern design, and timeless art—an experience that transcends the traditional museum visit.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Arco dei Gavi
Stand before this remarkably preserved Roman arch that once served as a monumental gateway on the Via Postumia, the major Roman road crossing northern Italy. Our audio guide reveals how this elegant structure was commissioned by the prominent Gavi family in the 1st century AD to commemorate their achievements and mark their family tomb. Learn to identify the sophisticated architectural elements that made this private family arch unusual for its time and how it influenced later triumphal arches. The narration points out the subtle details in the surviving decorative elements and inscriptions that most visitors miss entirely. Take time to examine the perfect Roman proportions while learning about the arch's significance in understanding Verona's importance during the Roman Empire and how it represents one of the few surviving examples of a privately commissioned monumental arch from ancient Rome.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Piazza Bra
Immerse yourself in Verona's vibrant heart, one of Italy's largest urban squares and the social center of the city since Roman times. Our audio guide reveals how this expansive space evolved from a suburban area outside the Roman city to become Verona's magnificent front parlor, surrounded by buildings spanning nearly two thousand years of architectural history. Learn about the square's name, derived from the Germanic "breit" meaning "wide," evidence of the many cultures that have influenced Verona. The narration guides you through the varied architectural styles surrounding the piazza, from Roman to Liberty style, explaining how each building reflects a different chapter in the city's development. Explore at your leisure, perhaps from a café table while people-watching, as you gain insights into how this space functioned during different historical periods and continues to serve as Verona's vibrant communal living room.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Arena di Verona
Marvel at this remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater, the third-largest surviving in the world, dating to the 1st century AD. Our audio guide reveals the ingenious engineering and design elements that have allowed this massive structure to remain functional for over 2,000 years. Learn about the arena's varied uses throughout history—from gladiatorial contests to medieval jousts, public executions to its current fame as one of the world's most magnificent opera venues. The narration explains the arena's role in establishing Verona as a major Roman colony and how to identify the different types of marble used in its construction, sourced from quarries throughout the Roman Empire. Explore at your own pace, climbing to the upper tiers for spectacular city views while understanding how this monument reflects both the technical sophistication and cultural priorities of imperial Rome.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Porta Borsari - World Heritage Site
Examine this impressive Roman gate that once served as the main entrance to Roman Verona (Verona Romana). Our audio guide reveals how this limestone structure, dating from the 1st century AD, was part of the city's defensive walls and served as a customs checkpoint where goods entering the city were taxed. Learn to identify the architectural features that demonstrate sophisticated Roman engineering, including the two arched passageways and the elegant façade with its rows of windows and half-columns. The narration explains the inscription above the arch referring to the rebuilding of the city walls under Emperor Gallienus in 265 AD and what this tells us about Verona's strategic importance during the turbulent later Roman Empire. Take time to appreciate the well-preserved details while understanding the gate's role in controlling access to this prosperous Roman colony.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Via Giuseppe Mazzini
Stroll along Verona's premier shopping street, named after one of Italy's key revolutionary figures in the fight for unification. Our audio guide reveals how this elegant pedestrianized thoroughfare follows the exact path of the ancient Roman decumanus maximus—the main east-west road of Roman Verona. Learn about the historical shops and businesses that have occupied this prime commercial location through the centuries and how the street's architecture evolved from Roman to medieval to its current elegant appearance. The narration points out easily missed architectural details above the modern storefronts that reveal the street's long commercial history and guides you to discover hidden courtyards accessible through unassuming passageways. Explore at your leisure, perhaps indulging in some shopping, while understanding how this street has continuously served as Verona's commercial artery since ancient times.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Juliet’s House
Step into the world-famous courtyard allegedly connected to Shakespeare's tragic heroine, complete with its iconic balcony. Our audio guide cuts through myths to reveal the fascinating true story behind this site—a clever marketing creation of the early 20th century that transformed a medieval merchant's house into one of Italy's most visited attractions. Learn about the authentic medieval elements of the house and courtyard and how to distinguish them from later romantic additions designed to meet visitors' expectations. The narration explains the real historical background of the Montecchi and Cappelletti families, who were indeed political rivals mentioned in Dante's Divine Comedy, and how their story evolved through literary retellings before Shakespeare immortalized it. Explore at your own pace, perhaps joining the tradition of leaving a love message in the courtyard, while gaining a deeper appreciation for both the literary significance and historical context of this site.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Torre dei Lamberti
Ascend this soaring 84-meter bell tower dominating Verona's skyline, the tallest structure in the city. Our audio guide reveals how this tower, begun in 1172, served both practical and symbolic functions—tracking time for city activities and symbolizing the power and prestige of Verona's medieval commune. The narration explains the significance of the tower's two historic bells—the Marangona, which signaled the end of the workday and fire alarms, and the Rengo, which called citizens to public assembly and warned of approaching enemies. As you climb at your own pace, enjoying panoramic views of Verona's red rooftops and surrounding mountains, you'll understand how this tower functioned as the heartbeat of medieval civic life and how it continues to mark significant moments in Verona's communal life today.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Piazza delle Erbe
Immerse yourself in this vibrant rectangular square that has served as Verona's marketplace since Roman times. Our audio guide reveals how this space was originally the Roman forum—the economic, political, and religious center of ancient Verona—and how it has maintained its commercial function continuously for over two millennia. Learn about the fascinating buildings surrounding the square, from the medieval Mazzanti Houses with their faded frescoes to the baroque Palazzo Maffei, each telling a chapter of Verona's rich history. The narration explains the function of the ancient stone canopy and the towering column with the Lion of St. Mark, symbols of different powers that have governed the city. Explore at your leisure, perhaps from a café table amidst the market stalls, while understanding how this square represents the continuous thread of daily Veronese life from ancient times to the present.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Piazza dei Signori
Step into this elegant square that served as Verona's political heart during its golden age under the Scaligeri family rule. Our audio guide reveals how this perfectly proportioned space, connected to Piazza delle Erbe by a passageway, represents the careful urban planning of medieval and Renaissance Verona. Learn about the iconic statue of Dante at the square's center—commemorating the poet's exile in Verona after his expulsion from Florence—and the political significance of offering him refuge here. The narration explains the sophisticated architectural details of the Loggia del Consiglio, Palazzo della Ragione, and other government buildings, pointing out easily missed symbols of power embedded in their designs. Explore this harmonious space at your own pace, appreciating how the architecture creates a perfect stage for civic authority, while understanding how Verona's political structure influenced cities throughout northern Italy.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Arche Scaligere
Marvel at these extraordinary Gothic funerary monuments honoring Verona's medieval lords, the Scaligeri family. Our audio guide reveals how these elaborate tombs, situated within an ornate wrought-iron enclosure, represent the pinnacle of Gothic sculptural art in northern Italy. Learn about the different family members interred here, including Cangrande I, Dante's patron and Verona's most successful ruler, whose sarcophagus is topped with an extraordinary equestrian statue showing him with a mysterious smile. The narration explains how these monuments were designed to legitimize the family's rule over Verona and proclaim their power to both citizens and visitors. Take time to examine the intricate carvings and statuary that most tourists view only superficially, understanding how these tombs reflect both the artistic sophistication and political ambitions of this dynasty that transformed Verona into a major cultural center.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Basilica di Santa Anastasia
Enter Verona's largest church, a magnificent example of Italian Gothic architecture that took over a century to complete. Our audio guide reveals how this Dominican church, begun in 1290 and finished in 1400, represents the ambitious spiritual and cultural vision of the Scaligeri lords who supported its construction. Learn about the church's most famous artistic treasure—Pisanello's fresco of St. George and the Princess—and the revolutionary perspective techniques it introduced to Italian art. The narration guides you to easily overlooked masterpieces, including the whimsical "hunchback" holy water basins carved by Gabriele Caliari, father of the famous painter Paolo Veronese. Explore at your leisure, perhaps sitting quietly to absorb the play of light through ancient stained glass, while understanding how this church represents the sophisticated artistic patronage that flourished in medieval Verona.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Verona's Cathedral (Duomo)
Explore this magnificent cathedral complex that represents over a thousand years of continuous religious architecture and artistic patronage. Our audio guide reveals how this site has housed Verona's main church since early Christian times, with the current Romanesque structure dating primarily to 12th century but incorporating elements from many periods. Learn about the distinctive red Veronese marble used throughout the structure and how to identify architectural elements from different centuries as the cathedral evolved. The narration explains the historical significance of the attached library that houses one of Italy's most precious manuscript collections and guides you to the remarkable carved stone portal by the medieval sculptor Nicholaus. Explore this sacred space at your own rhythm, perhaps attending to the subtle play of light through the rose window, while understanding how the cathedral functioned as both spiritual center and artistic showcase throughout Verona's history.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Ponte Pietra
Cross this picturesque Roman bridge spanning the Adige River, the oldest bridge in Verona with origins dating to 100 BC. Our audio guide reveals how this strategic crossing has been continuously used for over two millennia, despite partial destructions throughout its long history. Learn about the bridge's remarkable modern history, including its complete destruction by retreating German troops in 1945 and the painstaking reconstruction using original stones recovered from the riverbed. The narration explains how the bridge connected the Roman city to the theater built into the hillside opposite and how it has remained essential to Verona's urban circulation pattern since ancient times. Take your time enjoying spectacular views of the city and river while understanding how this structure represents both Roman engineering excellence and Verona's remarkable capacity for historic preservation and reconstruction.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Teatro Romano
Ascend to this ancient Roman theater carved into the hillside across the Adige River from the main city center. Our audio guide reveals how this remarkably well-preserved structure, dating to the 1st century BC, represents the sophisticated entertainment culture of Roman Verona. Learn about the various performance types that would have entertained ancient Veronese and how theatrical productions reflected Roman cultural values and political messages. The narration explains the theater's rediscovery and excavation in the Renaissance—when humanist scholars recognized its classical importance—and guides you to identify the original Roman elements versus later reconstructions. Explore at your own pace, perhaps testing the ancient acoustics yourself, while understanding how this site demonstrates Verona's significance as a cultural center from ancient times and continues to serve its original purpose with summer performances under the stars.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Piazzale Castel San Pietro
Ascend to this panoramic terrace offering the most spectacular views over Verona's red-tiled roofs, bell towers, and the winding Adige River. Our audio guide reveals how this strategic hilltop has been occupied since prehistoric times, later becoming an important defensive position for various powers controlling Verona. Learn about the earlier religious structures that occupied this site before the military fortress and the archaeological discoveries that continue to enhance our understanding of Verona's earliest inhabitants. The narration points out key landmarks visible from this unparalleled vantage point, explaining their historical relationships and how Verona's urban development was shaped by both natural geography and human ambition. Take your time absorbing the breathtaking panorama while understanding how this viewpoint offers not just photographs but insights into Verona's strategic importance throughout the centuries.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Giardino Giusti
Enter one of Italy's most beautiful Renaissance gardens, created by the noble Giusti family in the late 16th century as a demonstration of their refined taste and cultural sophistication. Our audio guide reveals how this garden was designed as a harmonious composition balancing formal geometric patterns with natural elements, creating a journey of aesthetic and spiritual discovery. Learn about the garden's famous hedge maze, representing the human journey through life's complexities, and how the garden attracted illustrious visitors throughout history. The narration explains how to identify authentic Renaissance garden elements versus later additions and guides you to perfect vantage points for appreciating both the garden's design and panoramic views of Verona. Explore at your leisure, perhaps sitting quietly in the shade of ancient trees, while understanding how this green space represents Renaissance ideals of harmony between human artifice and natural beauty.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 1. Receive Access Links: On your selected date of travel, before your starting time, you'll receive an email containing two important links for your audio guide.
- 2. Audio Content (Link 1): Click on our secure SoundCloud web link to access the audio guides. You can listen to individual attraction guides or the entire tour to plan your visit. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the content before or during your tour.
- 3. Interactive Map (Link 2): Use our secure Google My Maps link to locate all attractions on an interactive map. Each point on the map corresponds to a stop on the tour and links directly to its audio guide.
- 4. Flexible Exploration: As you explore the city use the map to navigate between stops. At each location, simply click on the corresponding point to play the relevant audio guide.
- 5. Plan Your Route: You can use both links to plan your route in advance, deciding which attractions you want to prioritize or if you want to follow the suggested order of the tour.
- 6. Customer Support: If you have any questions about accessing or using the audio guide, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience
- Remember, this self-guided tour allows you to explore at your own pace. Feel free to take breaks, spend more time at your favourite locations, or even split the tour across multiple days. The flexibility of our audio guide ensures you can tailor the experience to your preferences and schedule.
- What to Bring: * Headphones/Earphones * Fully charged smartphone * Internet access
Frequently Asked Questions
(5)Q: What's included in the price?
Cancellation Policy
This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-18568P146
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (5)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.
Filter by:
Q:
What's included in the price?
A:
Apr 2025
The following is included:
- Private access link to the audio guide in one playlist for 21 attractions.
- Private access links are valid until your tour is complete.
- Private access link to a tour itinerary map of 21 attractions with audio guide individually.
The following is NOT included:
- Entry fees (if required).
- Transportations (pick-up and drop-off).
- Audio devices (earphones and internet / Wi-Fi).
- Food and drinks.
Q:
What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025
Q:
My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:
If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025
Q:
Is this an accessible tour?
A:Apr 2025
Accessibility information for the Half-Day Private Verona 16 Attractions Self-Guided Audio Tour is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Q:
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Half-Day Private Verona 16 Attractions Self-Guided Audio Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Private access link to the audio guide in one playlist for 21 attractions
- Private access links are valid until your tour is complete
- Private access link to a tour itinerary map of 21 attractions with audio guide individually
- Entry fees (if required)
- Transportations (pick-up and drop-off)
- Audio devices (earphones and internet / Wi-Fi)
- Food and drinks
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 1. Receive Access Links: On your selected date of travel, before your starting time, you'll receive an email containing two important links for your audio guide.
- 2. Audio Content (Link 1): Click on our secure SoundCloud web link to access the audio guides. You can listen to individual attraction guides or the entire tour to plan your visit. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the content before or during your tour.
- 3. Interactive Map (Link 2): Use our secure Google My Maps link to locate all attractions on an interactive map. Each point on the map corresponds to a stop on the tour and links directly to its audio guide.
- 4. Flexible Exploration: As you explore the city use the map to navigate between stops. At each location, simply click on the corresponding point to play the relevant audio guide.
- 5. Plan Your Route: You can use both links to plan your route in advance, deciding which attractions you want to prioritize or if you want to follow the suggested order of the tour.
- 6. Customer Support: If you have any questions about accessing or using the audio guide, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience
- Remember, this self-guided tour allows you to explore at your own pace. Feel free to take breaks, spend more time at your favourite locations, or even split the tour across multiple days. The flexibility of our audio guide ensures you can tailor the experience to your preferences and schedule.
- What to Bring: * Headphones/Earphones * Fully charged smartphone * Internet access
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