The 10 Best Cultural Tours in Padua, Veneto

February 22, 2022 Nicolette Lion

Known as Padova in Italian, Padua may be the oldest city in northern Italy, if you believe the claims of its 12th-century BC founding by Trojans. It certainly has history, including its famous university (one of Europe’s oldest, from 1222), the 13th-century Basilica di Sant'Antonio (resting place of St. Anthony), and Scrovegni Chapel, with Giotto’s famed 14th century frescos. The magnificent Prato della Valle, a 950,000-square-foot elliptical square, is thought to be Europe’s second-biggest.
Restaurants in Padua

1. Padua: 2-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour

Via Prato della Valle, 112, 35123 Padova PD, Italy Padua Faberest
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Would you like to discover a splendid city of art, full of charm, history and culture? Do you want to know the territory and discover a town which has a centuries-old tradition with its universities and educational history? Come join this tour of Padua. Padua is a quintessential Italian university town with a few notable features: a basilica with Byzantine-style domes, medieval markets, and an old town full of stylish cafes. See the main highlights and more on this private guided walking of the Padua old town. Your guide takes you to the famous piazzas and basilicas, but also hidden cafes and alleyways where locals like to hang out.

Inclusions: Tour of the town center led by an expert guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks,  Entrance fees to museums/attractions (in case you decide to visit any of them in particular)

2. Padua City Sightseeing Walking Tour of Must-See-Sites with Local Guide

Prato della Valle, Padova PD, Italy Private Tours of Venice
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Padua, known as  Sant’Antonio’s City, is a city full of arts , culture and history. This 2 hour outdoor walking tour will give you the privilege to discover the hidden  places of the city, the Historical center with the famous and ancient “Caffe Pedrocchi” keeping in mind that Padua hosts the University so it’s also a  city full of students and young people who are the heart of its night life.

Inclusions: Local guide, Professional guide, Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Reviewed By 604orlandoa

Great tour! Our tour guide, Giovanni, was very knowledgeable and personable. 5/5. I recommend this tour.

3. Private Padua Highlights Tour including Scrovegni Chapel and St Antonio Basilic

Fermata del tram Piazzale Stazione, 35131 Padua, Province of Padua, Italy Private Tours of Venice
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This 4-hour private tour together with an expert local guide allows you to discover this wonderful historical city in the best way possible. Meet your local guide in Prato della Valle, one of the biggest Squares of the City and immerse yourself in the art and culture of the City of the Saint. You will have the privilege to admire the famous Sant Antonio Basilica, a religious symbol of the city where are the remains of the Saint that welcomes tourists every year on pilgrimage, especially on June 13, the day dedicated to the Saint and you can choose to visit from inside the incomparable Scrovegni Chapel which contains masterpieces by Giotto. In the historical center you will cross important commercial squares such as Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta where you will admire Palazzo della Ragione, ancient seat of the city's courts. Then on, one of the oldest Italian universities which hosts a famous Botanical Garden up to the very famous and ancient Caffe Pedrocchi.

Inclusions: expert local guide, admission tickets to Scrovegni Chapel, Sant'Antonio Basilic entrance

Exclusions: Lunch, gratuities(optional)

Reviewed By 604orlandoa

Great tour! Our tour guide, Giovanni, was very knowledgeable and personable. 5/5. I recommend this tour.

4. Arquà Petrarca, the medieval village

Viaggiare curiosi, Via Aureliana, 50, 35036 Montegrotto Terme PD, Italy Viaggiare Curiosi
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

We are in the inland of Venice, in the middle of the natural Park of Colli Euganei and we propose you to visit one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Arquà Petrarca is the most interesting Euganean hilly center from the architectural and urban point of view. One of the best preserved medieval villages, it is considered the second most lovely village in Italy. The great Italian poet Francesco Petrarca lived here during the 14th century. Accompanied by our guide, you can visit the medieval village and taste the “Brodo di giuggiole”, the famous local liquor. To reach our agency you can take the train from the following cities in Veneto. Get off at the train stop Terme Euganee Abano Montegrotto which is located in Montegrotto Terme. The station is 5 minutes walking from our agency. -Train from Padua (10min.) -Train from Venice (40min.) -Train from Bologna (1h20min.) -Train from Treviso (55min.) -Train from Vicenza (1h.) -Train from Verona (1h55min.) -Train from Ferrara (50min.)

Inclusions: guide, Private transportation, Brodo di giuggiole, a famous local liquor

Exclusions: Single-way train ticket from Venice and Padua per person

Reviewed By zuckersterni

I was sceptical about renting an e-bike at first, but our trip completely changed my mind! Also, the bike rental service was great and very helpful (especially with adjusting the bike to my height). Definitely recommend doing a bike tour through the smaller villages around Padova.

5. Cycling ring of the Euganean Hills E2

Viaggiare curiosi, Via Aureliana, 50, 35036 Montegrotto Terme PD, Italy Viaggiare Curiosi
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

We are in the green heart of Veneto, at the center of its cycle paths that branch out like a complex network covering a vast territory. The cycle ring of the Euganean Hills develops like a circular itinerary along the river ways that embrace the Euganean Hills Natural Park. This full day ride, accompanied by a passionate tour guide, will surprise you for the richness of its cultural heritage with the prestigious Venetian villas, the unchanged walled cities and castles. To reach our agency you can take the train from the following cities of Veneto. Get off at the Terme Euganee Abano Montegrotto stop located in Montegrotto Terme. From the station there are 5 minutes on foot to our agency. - Train from Padua (10min.) - Train from Venice (40min.) - Train from Bologna (1h20min.) - Train from Treviso (55min.) - Train from Vicenza (1h.) - Train from Verona (1h.55min.) - Train from Ferrara (50min.)

Inclusions: Bicycle touring bike rental, Tourist guide, Bicycle tour leader, Lunch in a local cellar with paired wines, Insurance, Technical organization

Exclusions: € 10 e-bike, One-way train ticket from Venice and Padua per person

Reviewed By zuckersterni

I was sceptical about renting an e-bike at first, but our trip completely changed my mind! Also, the bike rental service was great and very helpful (especially with adjusting the bike to my height). Definitely recommend doing a bike tour through the smaller villages around Padova.

6. Bike Tour through Euganean Hills Highlights

Viaggiare curiosi, Via Aureliana, 50, 35036 Montegrotto Terme PD, Italy Viaggiare Curiosi
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

The Euganean Hills are one of the most beautiful hilly areas of northern Italy, a Natural park surrounded by ancient canals. Collect your bike at our shop at Montegrotto terme and follow the itinerary we have created for you to discover the highlights of the Euganean Hills. Start your experience with the visit of the Villa dei Vescovi, recently restored and opened to the public. After your relaxing time in the Villa, reach by bike the Praglia Abbey, the most important Benedictine monastery in the Euganean Hills. In their shop you will find wine, honey and cosmetics. To reach our agency you can take the train from the following cities in Veneto. Get off at the train stop Terme Euganee Abano Montegrotto which is located in Montegrotto Terme. The station is 5 minutes walking from our agency. -Train from Padua (10min.) -Train from Venice (40min.) -Train from Bologna (1h20min.) -Train from Treviso (55min.) -Train from Vicenza (1h.) -Train from Verona (1h55min.) -Train from Ferrara (50min.)

Inclusions: Touring bike rental including helmet, bag and padlock, Entrance to the Villa dei Vescovi, Guided tour of Praglia Abbey with a monk, Route map with detailed description, Telephone assistance

Exclusions: € 10 Ebike available on request, € 60 guide by bike, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Single-way train ticket from Venice and Padua per person

Reviewed By Ambassador829031

This last Sunday of “quarantine” was to be fully exploited! Just few cars and spring sunshine, "Viaggiare Curiosi" rents wonderful e-mountain bikes that’d make my grandmother climbing a mountain! So I highly recommend to anyone to rent these bikes and take a ride on the hills, why? It’s super easy, also for a beginner! (Climbing with a normal bike it’s only for pros). High quality bikes and very attentive service (I had a punctured tyre but the emergency equipment allowed me to leave immediately = no stress), with a price accessible to everyone, complete the package of a beautiful afternoon! Grazie Carmen e Giorgio!

7. Padua and Giotto

Via Otto Febbraio 1848, 22, 35122 Padova PD, Italy HelloVeneto - Enjoy Veneto
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4.9 based on 7 reviews

Guided tour of the city centre of Padua with admission to the Scrovegni Chapel, frescoed by Giotto. A professional guide will take you in the Ghetto and the famous Squares of Padua. The ticket of the Scrovegni Chapel is included.

Inclusions: Local guide, Professional guide, Entry ticket to the Scrovegni Chapel

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Transportation to/from attractions

Reviewed By Deedee8522

So amazing to see the oldest covered theatre in the world from 1580. What genius to construct those sets which appear to be 3D. I hope to come back someday to enjoy a performance there! The Basilica Palladian and the Chiesa di Santa Corona are also worthy of a visit. The views atop the Basilica Palladian are breathtaking and the beautiful altar and paintings in the Chiesa are a must to see. What a genius Palladio was! Make sure you see the facades of the Loggia Del Capitaniato and the Palazzo Chiericati.

8. Padua City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Sightseeing Experience
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4.7 based on 3 reviews

This open-top bus tour of Padua makes convenient stops at the city’s main attractions and landmarks. Hop off at designated stops to explore sites at your leisure and hop back on when you’re ready. Recorded on-board commentary is available.

Inclusions: Live commentary on board, Free Wifi

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By RobbieFPB

Wish we had read the reviews before booking. Palermo is quite small and most the main sights are very central, so you don’t really need a bus tour. However, even if you are not keen on walking, the bus tour will be of little use, as the advertised ‘hop on, hop off, every 20 minutes’ is simply untrue. The bus only arrives every 90 minutes (we lunched in a restaurant next to the stop we alighted from and that was the time gap). In addition, there is no access to a live map for bus arrivals, so you have no idea when the next bus will arrive. In a nutshell, it’s a rip off.

9. The medieval village of Arquà Petrarca

Viaggiare curiosi, Via Aureliana, 50, 35036 Montegrotto Terme PD, Italy Viaggiare Curiosi
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4.0 based on 2 reviews

We are in the inland of Venice, in the middle of the natural Park of Colli Euganei Arquà Petrarca is the most interesting Euganean hilly center from the architectural and urban point of view. One of the best preserved medieval villages, it is considered the second most lovely village in Italy The great Italian poet Francesco Petrarca lived here during the 14th century and his house and tomb were destination for literary pilgrimage for centuries Accompanied by our guide, you can visit the medieval village and taste the “Brodo di giuggiole”, the famous local liquor To reach our agency you can take the train from the following cities in Veneto. Get off at the train stop Terme Euganee Abano Montegrotto which is located in Montegrotto Terme. The station is 5 minutes walking from our agency. -Train from Padua (10min.) -Train from Venice (40min.) -Train from Bologna (1h20min.) -Train from Treviso (55min.) -Train from Vicenza (1h.) -Train from Verona (1h55min.) -Train from Ferrara (50min.)

Inclusions: Guide, tasting and transfer included., Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Lunch, Single-way train ticket from Venice and Padua per person

Reviewed By zuckersterni

I was sceptical about renting an e-bike at first, but our trip completely changed my mind! Also, the bike rental service was great and very helpful (especially with adjusting the bike to my height). Definitely recommend doing a bike tour through the smaller villages around Padova.

10. Padua Half-Day Tour from Venice

Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia, 30121 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy Savor Italy Tours
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3.3 based on 3 reviews

Padua, the little sister of Venice, is a gorgeous, historic, frescoed, and laid-back town. It is home to the Scrovegni Chapel, the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua, Zukermann Palace, and Prato della Valle, all of which offer must-see art and architecture. Padua offers great cultural and artistic insights with the remarkable works left by Giotto, Donatello. This 5-hour guided tour departs from Venice and will provide you with interesting history and legends as well as the opportunity to see one of the most priceless masterpieces of Western art.

Inclusions: Local guide

Exclusions: Transportation to/from attractions, Gratuities

Reviewed By Lorna M

We arrived at the church by the Rialto bridge and Anna was waiting for us. We started on time as we introduced each other. We walked through the market close to the Rialto bridge, although as we were on a later tour, the fish market was over. First stop was a cichetti bar close by where I had a whipped salted cod open sandwich. Delicious. Anna explained about the history of cichetti, about the reason why certain dishes have been created, while we ate. We wandered round the narrow streets of San Polo while Anna pointed out buildings, shops, told stories about food, in between each food stop. We visited a few cichetti bars which each had their own specialties. We sampled wines. We tried prosciutto, ham, cheeses in a small deli and bought a bottle of a heavenly balsamic condiment to take home. After the savouries came the sweet - cakes, pastries and amazing gelateria. All in all we thoroughly enjoyed our 3 hour tour and we will do it again if we revisit Venice. A perfect way to experience the city and one definitely to be a DO NOT MISS THIS tour. Thank you Anna. We had a great time and ate far too much!! ????

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