PORTS OF CALL - Europe
Verona, Italy
Verona has all of the historic charm you'd expect from an ancient village in northern Italy, including the magnificent churches, primeval theaters, hidden cafes and extraordinary boutiques. What you may not expect, though, is just how quickly you'll be enchanted by this oft-overlooked treasure of a town - almost everything you'll want to see and do is within walking distance of one another!
While On Your Cruisetour
Upon your arrival in Verona, you'll take a panoramic tour of the city best known as the setting of one of Shakespeare's most famous plays. So be sure and listen carefully for echoes of "O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?" during your visit to what has come to be known as Juliet's "real" balcony. Or you can just join the tradition of rubbing her statue for good luck on your way through the courtyard. Your cruisetour will also take you to the two-thousand-year-old Arena di Verona, the world's best-preserved Roman amphitheater. The 22,000 seats that were once filled with the raucous fans of gladiator fights are now occupied by a slightly more civilized group of spectators - those who come for the opera performances that grace the stage during the summer months.
Fun Things to Do
It's hard to go anywhere in Italy without bumping into a beautiful church - and Verona is no exception. If you just can't get enough of Gothic architecture and astounding history, stop by the Basilica San Zeno Maggiore, the city's most visited church, or its largest - the Basilica di Sant'Anastasia. Want to score incredible souvenirs without setting foot in a gift shop? Take a walk to the Piazza delle Erbe for a little photography session. This former site of the Roman Forum and home to chariot races is today a bustling marketplace, which provides an inspiring backdrop for pictures you'll want to take home and frame. For souvenirs that are a little less touristy and a little more chic, check out the upscale clothing and accessory boutiques along the Via Mazzini and the Via Capella.
Currency
The Euro (EUR), the currency of the European Union, is the official currency of Italy. Many stores and restaurants also accept major credit cards, which usually offer you a good exchange rate. When shopping, remember there is a Value-Added Tax added to most purchases.