Verona in 3 Days for Seniors - Arena di Verona (gentle exterior and accessible viewing)
A relaxed, safety-first 3-day itinerary in Verona in May (spring). Short walks, frequent rests, calm dining, easy transfers and attractions chosen for step-free access or elevators when possible. Timings are gentle; adapt to your hotel location and energy levels.
Highlights
- Arena di Verona (gentle exterior and accessible viewing)
- Castelvecchio Museum (ramps and elevator access)
- Torre dei Lamberti (elevator to views)
- Piazza delle Erbe & Piazza dei Signori (flat, seated spots)
- Easy day trip to Sirmione on Lake Garda
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival, gentle orientation to central Verona, short museum visit and relaxed meals. Focus on flat routes and frequent rest.
Check in and settle at your centrally-located hotel
Arrive at your hotel, drop luggage and use this time to rest after travel. Example hotel used here: Hotel Accademia (central, lifts available). Confirm accessible room and elevator on arrival.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask reception for a ground-floor or elevator-accessible room and a room key card that avoids extra walking.
- Request information about step-free routes to the main square (Piazza Bra) and nearest accessible restroom.
- If arriving early, ask to store luggage and request a quiet seating area while your room is prepared.
Orientation: Piazza Bra and exterior of the Arena di Verona
Gentle, flat walk around Piazza Bra with many benches and cafés; view the Roman Arena from outside. The square is mostly level and offers shaded seating and accessible public toilets nearby.
Tips from local experts:
- Stay on the paved areas of Piazza Bra to avoid cobbles; benches face the Arena for easy resting between photos.
- If you prefer minimal walking, sit at a café terrace facing the Arena — great people-watching and shade in May.
- Public toilets and accessible ramps are near the square; ask staff at nearby cafés for the nearest accessible restroom.
Coffee and relax at a nearby café
Short seated coffee break to rest legs and enjoy the view. Choose a café with step-free entry and indoor seating for climate control.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose an inside table if it’s breezy in May mornings; ask for a seat near the door to avoid steps.
- Order a small snack (biscotti/panini) to tide you over — many cafes will provide a comfortable seat quickly.
- Ask staff to point out the accessible toilet and to call a taxi later if you prefer a short transfer to the next stop.
Castelvecchio Museum (Museo di Castelvecchio) — accessible visit
Museum in a historic castle with art collections and a courtyard. The museum provides ramps and elevator access to the main exhibition areas; staff can advise on step-free routes.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask museum staff at the entrance for the elevator route to avoid the castle steps.
- There are benches inside galleries; pace yourself and sit frequently to enjoy paintings and medieval arms slowly.
- If walking long routes is tiring, request a short highlights route from the ticket desk to focus on the most accessible rooms.
Relaxed lunch at a traditional trattoria
A calm, seated lunch at Trattoria al Pompiere — family-run, classic Veronese dishes, indoor seating and moderate noise levels. Reserving a table in advance is recommended.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table for an early lunch (13:00–13:30) to avoid busier crowds and ensure easy seating.
- Ask for a ground-floor table away from the kitchen to minimize noise and movement in May.
- Request assistance for any dietary needs; staff are used to serving guests with mobility considerations.
Gentle exploration of Piazza delle Erbe (flat market square)
Short, level stroll through Verona’s historic market square. Many shaded benches and cafés provide resting points. The ground is mostly even but has some cobblestones—wear supportive shoes.
Tips from local experts:
- Stick to the main pavements around the square to avoid uneven stones; benches are spaced frequently for rests.
- If the market is busy, step into one of the covered arcades for quieter seating and shade.
- Carry a small folding seat pad for added comfort when sitting on stone benches during breaks.
Return to hotel for rest and freshen up
An extended rest before dinner. Use the hotel’s sitting areas or your room to relax; consider a short nap or light stretching.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a quiet corridor or an extra pillow/blanket if helpful for comfort during rest.
- If you have mobility aids, confirm a safe place to store them near the room entrance for convenience.
- Use this time to hydrate and apply sunscreen if planning an evening stroll—May sun can be warm.
Early, calm dinner at Ristorante Il Desco
A quiet, refined dinner with comfortable seating and attentive service. Early seating (19:00) helps avoid late-night crowds and offers a relaxed pace.
Tips from local experts:
- Book an early table and request a corner or quiet table with good back support seating.
- Ask for smaller portion options or to serve courses slowly so you can rest between dishes.
- Mention any mobility needs when reserving so the restaurant can prepare a step-free route to your table.
Day 2
A cultural day with elevated views (via elevator), calm piazzas, cathedral visit and river-side relaxation. Short taxi options available between stops.
Torre dei Lamberti — elevator to the panoramic level
Take the elevator to the viewing level of Torre dei Lamberti for city views without long stairs. Elevators operate during visiting hours; confirm accessibility on arrival.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the elevator (ask staff at ticket desk) to avoid the 360+ stairs — staff will direct you to the lift entrance.
- Visit mid-morning to avoid queues for the elevator; bring a light jacket for the breezy views in May.
- Sit at the small café below the tower for a rest after the view if you prefer to skip the ascent.
Piazza dei Signori and the Arche Scaligere (short, flat visit)
A calm visit to the adjacent piazza and the striking Scaliger tombs. The area is compact and mostly level, with benches and shaded spots.
Tips from local experts:
- The Scaliger tombs are outdoors — sit in the piazza and enjoy the view if walking feels tiring.
- Visit the nearby palazzo arcades for shade and quieter seating in May afternoons.
- Ask museum or municipal staff where the nearest accessible restroom is located before you begin.
Leisurely lunch at Antica Bottega del Vino (classic, restful)
Enjoy Veronese specialties and a calm atmosphere. This venue is known for attentive service and wine knowledge; request a quiet table when reserving.
Tips from local experts:
- Book in advance and request a table away from the busiest areas to reduce noise and foot traffic.
- If you would like to sample local wine, ask for small tasting portions rather than full glasses.
- Confirm step-free access when booking and ask staff to reserve an easily reached table.
Visit to Verona Cathedral (Duomo) — calm interior visit
A serene interior visit to Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare (Duomo di Verona). There is a relatively level entrance area; small step(s) may be present—ask staff for the most accessible entrance.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the side entrance if steps at the main entrance are busy; ask a church attendant for the recommended accessible entry.
- Sit in the nave to enjoy frescoes and organ music if a service is taking place; this is often quieter and restful.
- Avoid peak midday visiting times for a more contemplative, less crowded experience in May.
Slow riverside stroll and Ponte Pietra (flat and scenic)
A short, level walk along the Adige river to Ponte Pietra — flat promenades, benches and lovely views of the river. Avoid steep steps to viewpoints; enjoy the lower riverside level.
Tips from local experts:
- Stay on the lower river promenade to avoid steep climbs; there are benches every few minutes.
- If the walk feels long, take a short taxi between Piazza dei Signori and the bridge to reduce walking.
- Carry a hat and sunscreen in May; the riverside can be sunny and pleasant but bring water.
Return to hotel to rest and freshen up
Time to relax, perhaps enjoy a short nap or sit in the hotel lounge before dinner. Use this time to consult staff about tomorrow’s transfer if planning a day trip.
Tips from local experts:
- Check with reception about booking a taxi for the next day's transfer to the station for a smooth departure.
- If needed, request a late-afternoon warm beverage in the hotel lounge to re-energize before dinner.
- Take five minutes of gentle ankle and foot movements to ease circulation after walking.
Early dinner at Osteria Sottoriva (calm riverside setting)
Dine early in a relaxed riverside osteria with accessible seating. Early dinner reduces noise and crowding.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a quiet table in advance and ask for a table on the main (accessible) entrance level.
- Order courses slowly and consider sharing plates to avoid heavy portions.
- If mobility is a concern, ask the restaurant to call a taxi when you’re ready to return to the hotel.
Day 3
A gentle half-day escape to Lake Garda (Sirmione) with accessible lakeside promenades and thermal spas. Return to Verona for a relaxed final evening.
Short taxi or hotel transfer to Verona Porta Nuova station
Take a short, accessible taxi ride to the main train station. Book a taxi in advance if you prefer guaranteed step-free boarding.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a wheelchair-accessible or low-step taxi in advance through your hotel for peace of mind.
- Ask the driver to drop you at the station’s main entrance near accessible ramps/elevators.
- Keep tickets and ID in an easy-to-reach pocket for boarding without rummaging.
Train to Peschiera del Garda (short ride) and onward transfer to Sirmione
Take a regional train (fast, about 20–25 minutes) to Peschiera del Garda, then a short taxi or local bus to Sirmione. Trains and stations have level access and staffed help — request assistance if required.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask station staff for help boarding and alighting the train if you have mobility limitations.
- Reserve seats near the doors for easier access and request a short stopover if needed.
- Take a taxi from Peschiera station to Sirmione town center if walking or bus transfers are not preferred.
Rocca Scaligera di Sirmione — lakeside castle viewpoint
A pleasant, mostly level visit around the lakeside castle (Rocca Scaligera). The castle grounds have flat promenades for viewing; steep castle walls can be admired from the outside if stairs are unsuitable.
Tips from local experts:
- Enjoy the castle views from the lakeside promenades if steps inside the castle are not suitable.
- There are shaded benches along the waterfront—pause often and enjoy the lake breezes in May.
- If climbing small steps is possible, do so slowly; otherwise ask staff for the easiest route to the best viewpoints.
Thermal spa area and lakeside promenade — gentle relaxation
Spend relaxed time near Terme di Sirmione area and the Lungolago Virgilio promenade. Many spa cafés and seating areas offer accessible rest and scenic views; you can choose a short spa visit/thermal pools if mobility allows (book ahead).
Tips from local experts:
- If booking a thermal pool visit, request accessible changing rooms and easy-entry pools when reserving.
- Stroll the level Lungolago Virgilio for benches and café access rather than hilly parts of the town.
- Bring a small daypack with a water bottle and a light scarf for shade on the promenade.
Relaxed lakeside lunch at Ristorante La Speranzina (early booking recommended)
Enjoy an unhurried lakeside meal at La Speranzina or a similarly calm restaurant. Request easy access seating and allow extra time between courses.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a quiet table with lake views and request step-free access at the time of booking.
- Ask for smaller tasting portions or share dishes to keep the meal light and paced.
- Confirm transport arrangements back to Peschiera or Verona before dining to avoid rushed departures.
Leisurely lakeside stroll or short optional boat moment
Finish the Sirmione visit with a calm walk along the lakeshore or a brief accessible boat hop if offered (confirm wheelchair access with the operator). Avoid long walks; sit often and enjoy the views.
Tips from local experts:
- If choosing a short boat ride, confirm boarding assistance and step-free boarding at the operator desk.
- Sit on shaded benches along the promenade if the boat option is not suitable — the views are excellent from the shore.
- Monitor energy levels closely; plan a taxi to the station rather than walking if you feel tired.
Return transfer to Verona (train/taxi as preferred)
Take a relaxed return to Verona via train from Peschiera or a taxi. Aim for an early evening arrival to avoid late activity. Station staff can assist with luggage and boarding.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan to leave Sirmione with plenty of time before sunset; book assistance at Peschiera station if needed.
- Choose a direct train to Verona Porta Nuova for the shortest journey and easiest station access.
- If you prefer door-to-door comfort, arrange a private taxi back to your Verona hotel through the restaurant or hotel.
Light final evening refreshment in Verona (café or light meal)
Finish your stay with a calm coffee or light meal near your hotel — choose a place with indoor seating and an early closing time. Reflect on the trip and confirm any departure details for tomorrow.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a café with ground floor access such as Caffè Borsari for an easy last stop.
- Keep the evening light and avoid heavy meals—an early café or gelateria is ideal.
- Use this time to reconfirm any transport or assistance for your departure tomorrow with the hotel reception.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 3 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Seniors |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Total Activities | 20 |
| Total Places | 20 |
| Activities Types | Hotel, Attraction, Break, Culture, Restaurant, Neighborhood, Outdoor, Transfer, Experience, Meal |
