• Mark John-Williams
  • Helen Evans
  • Mark John-Williams
  • Helen Evans

Verona Simple Minds

A 8-day adventure by Mark & Helen Read more
  • Trip start
    July 10, 2025

    Day 1

    July 10 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 18 °C

    Housesitters arrived and inducted. Sam and her Mum are the taxi to the station. Quick Leffe in Spoons then train to the airport. Had some refreshments and a KFC then onto to our 2 hour flight. Had our brilliant free Mercedes vito taxi, so we had time to find the apartment and discover the local garage bar for a lovely local beerRead more

  • Day 2 Verona & Dep Mode

    July 11 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Walked into Verona along the river and over the bridge (20 minutes) and explored some of the sites, including several squares, the Arena and Juliets house. Had a beer in the garage bar, then got changed and booked an Uber to verona Hilltop bar for a Depeche mode tribute. They played hardly anything we knew until the last 10 minutes. Another pitstop in the garage bar, then bedRead more

  • Day 3 more Verona

    July 12 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    A leisurely bar day, wandered in and stopped by the river for 2, then walked a bit further north in the town, then back in for some unspectacular food. Had some pre's and music then out to the Garage bar. Helen was a bit tired/worse for wear, so took her home to bed while Sam stayed there, but had to help her find her way back 😀Read more

  • Day 4 too much Verona

    July 13 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Another lazy day in Verona. Had a nice lunch near the Arena, then back home. Went more locally for an evening meal, but Sam had a 'meat not veggie pasta' blow-out, which was such an unnecessary drama that spoiled the evening 😮‍💨Read more

  • Day 5 lovely Venice

    July 14 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Finally decided to go to Venice and took the long walk to the station (35 minutes). Train was running late (£50 return) but got Venice around midday. What a site it is stepping out of the station! Stopped at a little Bacaro for a pint and a cicchita (tapas) and got chatting to a couple of Scottish Simple Minds fans. Lots more wandering amongst the vast labyrinth of tiny streets and canals linked to piazzas. Absolutely heaving at the Rialto Bridge and at St Mark's Square. Time for some food sat by the canal then back to the station via another Bacaro. Back in Verona by 8.00, but had a minor panic when we thought Helen's phone was left on the bus, but it was in the secret compartment of the rucksack all the time. Home for drinks and late nightcap and burger at the food garage. 12 miles walked 🚶‍♂️!Read more

  • Day 6 Simple Minds at last

    July 15 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Got up early and discovered a local supermarket and a nice little square where we had a couple of beers. On the afternoon we wandered towards the embankment, had a little IPA, then onto the Riverside bar for some nibbles. Back for pre's and to shower and change ready for the night. Into town for some grub and to soak up the atmosphere. Wifey was having a wobble while we had some wine and food, so there was a moment where we looked where we wouldn't make it. Finally got in and it was well worth it - spectacular and atmospheric venue and (I thought) the band were greatRead more

  • Day 7 Lake Garda

    July 16 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    Walked to the train station via a cafe stop with the old guys. Train was £3 each way, 15 minutes. Walked into the main town and had a drink at the panoramic cafe bar. Strolled down to the front and booked a boat over to Sirmione. Didn't realise what a thrilling ride it would be, really bouncing the waves. Only had an hour in Sirmione, a beautiful little place behind some castle walls, full of Gelateria shops offering tasters. Back to the boat and time for a quick bit to eat before hopping on the train home. Back to base to pack cases and time for some pre's and onto a final drink and nibble at the food garage. Got told off for playing our music 🎶 late on the balcony 😛Read more

    Trip end
    July 17, 2025