Villa Sogara is full of charm and character. You can immediately feel it was a happy, lived-in house belonging to a family who loved the villa and loved each other. You are in the country with interesting views over vineyards and hills. There is bird song, peace and quiet the whole time. One morning we could spot a pheasant in our garden. Wonderful! However, within a few minutes’ drive you can be in the city of Verona with all its cultural, sightseeing and shopping offerings. There is a large Shopping center halfway to Verona which is very convenient for last minute shopping, just a break or a stroll in the many shops. We found it very useful, both for shopping and as a landmark - impossible to get lost. There are many interesting, genuine and reasonably priced small restaurants and pizzerias around - the ones that ordinary tourists never know about - so, ask Tommaso and Ela for suggestions. Pizzeria Lui e Lei took our order by phone on the way home and all we had to do was collect the pizzas.

The Villa: You will find the best of ancient and most modern, from a charming, fantastic countryhouse kitchen, to a lift (which we only used twice, to get the luggage inside and outside. The stairs are so easy to climb), to internet access. The bathrooms are all well equipped and modern and the water is always hot when you need it. The furniture is lovely and unique and there is a good supply of high quality hangers (wood). The cleaning is efficient and nonintrusive.

We toured Verona, Vicenza, Lake Garda, Sirmione, Maranello (try the Ferrari test drive if you get a chance - thrilling!), Modena, Padova and Venice in the 8 days we stayed. We found the Villa ideally situated to do this – in the countryside but boasting fantastic road access to everywhere you want to go.

Our hosts – whom we did not know at all previously – welcomed us to their Villa as old friends would. This made all the difference – we felt that they would be there for us should anything happen or should we need help for whatever reason. Both Tommaso and Ela speak perfect English. We never felt intruded on our privacy. Bill the dog, was a great hit with the children. He lives by the main gate providing guarding services but kept away from the Villa and guests.

Our Party: 5 adults and 6 children aging between 2 and 11. We had a great time and strongly recommend this Villa to parties who desire to tour the wonderful cities around Verona coming back to wonderful accommodation.