Season 5, Travel - Where to Drink

Episode 101 | Italy: Verona

In this episode, the girls take you back to Italy to one of its most charming and often overlooked destinations: Verona. Known as the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, this episode explores how the city blends history, incredible food and drinks, and a relaxed pace, making it an ideal stop during a trip to Italy.

The journey begins with the easy train ride from Venice to Verona, in first class, of course. After arriving at Verona Porta Nuova station, it’s only a short ride to the historic center, where cobblestone streets, Roman ruins, and centuries of architecture set the stage for their stay.

Molly checked into Vista Verona, a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of the city. The property blends modern Italian design with ancient Roman history, as parts of the building sit directly above archaeological remains. The hotel also features one of Verona’s standout rooftop bars, offering sweeping views of the historic skyline…which the Boozy Blondes took advantage of first full day in the city!

Chrissy, always loving to live like the locals, checked into her apartment, a short walk from the Vista Verona. The group met here after everyone got settled to head over to the Castel San Pietro. They took a funicular up to the castle which leads to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Adige River, the city’s red rooftops, and Verona’s historic center. At sunset, the view becomes one of the most memorable moments of the trip and a must-do for visitors with limited time in the city.

The girls enjoyed dinner with the group at Antica Bottega del Vino, one of Verona’s most iconic restaurants. Known for its massive wine list and classic Veronese cuisine, the restaurant embodies the slow, indulgent dining experience Italy is famous for. Rich pasta dishes, local specialties, and carefully selected wines – SO GOOD!

One of the most unique parts of the trip was a self-designed “Romeo and Juliet” themed pub crawl through the city. Complete with custom trivia questions (thanks to Chrissy), the crawl turned sightseeing into a friendly competition, with the winner earning a drink at the final stop. The route included lunch along the Adige River, a visit to the stunning Gothic Basilica di Santa Anastasia, and the famously crowded Juliet’s House, where visitors pose with the statue of Juliet and leave love letters in the courtyard.

The crawl also included a stop at Santa Maria Craft Pub for a break from wine with local craft beer, followed by a walk to the Arena di Verona . Built in the first century AD and even older than Rome’s Colosseum, the amphitheater is one of the best-preserved Roman arenas in the world and still hosts operas and concerts today. Fun fact, the closing ceremonies for the 2026 Winter Olympics took place here!

Evenings in Verona were filled with memorable meals, including dinners at Osteria Scudo di Francia and Trattoria I Masenini, both known for authentic Italian dishes and welcoming atmospheres. Each restaurant offered a different experience but reinforced the same takeaway: Verona’s food scene is exceptional yet refreshingly unpretentious.

By the end of the trip, Verona proved to be one of the most pleasant surprises of their Italian travels. The city strikes a balance between romance, history, and liveliness without the overwhelming crowds found in larger destinations. For travelers already visiting Venice, the Boozy Blondes recommend adding Verona for at least one or two nights—long enough to explore, indulge in great meals, and perhaps turn a little sightseeing into a wine-fueled adventure.

Have you explored Verona? Leave a comment below about what you loved most!

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