The City of Love is calling Brits who fancy a proper romantic getaway, complete with authentic Italian cuisine, atmospheric wine bars and gorgeous cobbled streets – all watched over by a 2,000-year-old Roman arena that dominates the main square.

And with average temperatures of around 25 degrees in May and some of Italy's finest gelato for around 3 euros, there’s no better time to visit than this spring.

Verona also stands out as a budget-friendly city break in Italy, compared to other classics, such as Florence or Lake Como.

Shall I compare thee to a summer day? In the balmy summer months, Verona becomes a magical backdrop for culture vultures, as the world-renowned Verona Opera Festival takes over. With full-scale opera productions staged in the ancient Arena di Verona under a blanket of stars, even the most villainous Shakespearean characters would be impressed.

Want to dodge the early morning queues? Climb the Torre dei Lamberti at 8:30am when it opens for 360-degree views of terracotta rooftops and the Roman amphitheatre, away from the crowds around Juliet's house. Back off, Romeo.

Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a foodie adventure, or a culture-packed city break, Verona's got something for everyone – whether you love Shakespeare or not.