Tour to the Venetian Villas and the Brenta Riviera from Venice

Padua , Italy

Tour to the Venetian Villas and the Brenta Riviera from Venice

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(1 reviews)

5h - 6h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The Riviera del Brenta, a well-known waterway between Padua and Venice, is an interesting panoramic area from historical, natural, artistic and cultural point of view. It is a natural extension of the Venice Grand Canal and is flanked by picturesque Venetian villages and surrounded by an agricultural landscape. The Riviera del Brenta has fascinated many important personalities at all times: Casanova, Galileo Galilei, Byron, Montesquieu and D'Annunzio have visited it, Canaletto, Cimaroli and Tiepolo have painted it and it has been praised in the masterpieces of Goldoni and Goethe . The French and Russian royal families, the Habsburgs, the Savoy and even Napoleon stayed here and the Venetian nobility chose it as the setting for their Venetian villas. Here the Venetians built magnificent residences, enclosed by monumental gardens, frescoed and designed by the most important artists of the time such as Palladio, Tiziano and Tintoretto.

Available options

From Venice

Transfer from Venice : Train ticket from Venice to Padua included. Transfer by minivan from Padua train station included.

What's included

Insurance and technical organization of a certified travel agency

Minivan transfer from the arrival train station included

Accompaniment of the Agency Local Tour Leader

Entrance ticket to villa Widmann and Villa Pisani (inside visit autonomous)

Minivan tour along the Rivera del Brenta route

Roundtrip transportation to the place of departure

Traditional Italian life with your local guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Villa Pisani in Stra is a late Baroque Venetian villa located along the Riviera del Brenta, near the city of Stra, a few kilometers from Venice. Villa Pisani is the most impressive, the largest and the most visited villa on the Riviera. It was built on a pre-existing building to celebrate the glory of the Pisani family when Alvise Pisani was elected doge in 1735. After the end of the Serenissima, it was owned of Napoleon, in 1814 the Austrians took over. When Venice joined the Kingdom of Italy in 1866, Vittorio Emanuele II stayed there for a short time and two years later it became the property of the state. Since the late 1800s it has been a National Museum.
Countless guests and important visitors from all over Europe: Tsar Alexander I of Russia, Gustavo of Sweden, Maria Luigia of Parma and many others. In 1934 Hitler and Mussolini met there.

Stop 2 Pass by

Fascinating route along the Brenta River

Visit to Villa Widmann and its park

What's not included

Everyting not indicated

Available languages

Guide guide

PT EN IT ES

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

In the event of public transport strikes, please contact us for alternative arrangements or cancellations. In the absence of alternatives we will cancel and refund the tour in advance. The value of train tickets already purchased will be retained and will not be refunded.

Departure times in the booking are approximate and are subject to slight variations. The agency will contact you a few days before the tour to confirm the meeting or pick-up time. You must provide a valid contact (phone number with Whatsapp or email).

The gardens of Villa Pisani are currently (September 2025) undergoing renovation and therefore cannot be visited.

Meeting point

Train ticket from Venice to Padua included. Transfer by minivan from Padua train station included.

About Padua

Padua is a historic city in northern Italy known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture. It is home to one of the world's oldest universities and a vibrant art scene, making it a must-visit for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.

Top Attractions

Scrovegni Chapel

The Scrovegni Chapel is famous for its stunning frescoes by Giotto, which are considered some of the most important works of the early Renaissance.

Historical/Art 1 hour €13 (includes audio guide)

Padua Cathedral (Duomo di Padova)

The Padua Cathedral is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Saint Anthony of Padua.

Religious/Architecture 30 minutes Free (donations welcome)

Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua

This basilica is one of the most important religious sites in Italy and is dedicated to Saint Anthony, the patron saint of Padua.

Religious/Historical 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Prato della Valle

Prato della Valle is one of the largest squares in Europe and is surrounded by beautiful statues and a picturesque canal.

Historical/Landmark 30 minutes Free

University of Padua Botanical Garden

This botanical garden is one of the oldest in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features a wide variety of plants and a beautiful historic greenhouse.

Nature/Historical 1-2 hours €10

Must-Try Local Dishes

Risotto al Tastasal

A traditional Paduan risotto made with a spiced sausage called tastasal, which is a mix of pork, garlic, and spices.

Main Course Contains pork

Bigoli con l'Anatra

A dish of duck ragout with bigoli, a type of thick spaghetti, served with a rich duck sauce.

Main Course Contains duck

Frittelle di Riso

Sweet rice fritters, a traditional dessert from Padua, often filled with cream or jam.

Dessert Vegetarian (check for dairy or egg content)

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby Euganean Hills Biking along the city's bike paths Visiting the University of Padua Botanical Garden Enjoying a coffee at Caffè Pedrocchi Exploring the Scrovegni Chapel Visiting the Basilica of St. Anthony Boating on the Brenta River Visiting the historic cafes and museums

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

The best time to visit Padua is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. This period offers pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, German
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Padua is a generally safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it is important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas
• Use metered taxis or ride-sharing apps to avoid overcharging
• Be cautious of distractions and common scams

Getting there

By air

Marco Polo Airport • 35 km from Padua
Treviso Airport • 60 km from Padua

By train

Padua Railway Station

By bus

Padua Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system in Padua is extensive and covers most of the city. Buses are the primary mode of public transportation and are efficient and affordable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Centro Storico (Historic Center) Prato della Valle Arcella

Day trips

Venice

35 km • Full day

Venice is a unique and romantic city built on water, known for its canals, gondolas, and historic architecture.

Verona

100 km • Full day

Verona is a historic city known for its Roman amphitheater, medieval architecture, and as the setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

Vicenza

35 km • Half day

Vicenza is a city known for its Palladian architecture and historic landmarks, including the famous Teatro Olimpico.

Festivals

Festa del Santo • June 13 PadovaFiere • Various dates throughout the year

Pro tips

Visit the Scrovegni Chapel early in the morning to avoid long queues and crowds
Explore the historic center on foot to discover hidden gems and local charm
Try local specialties like Risotto al Tastasal and Frittelle di Riso for an authentic culinary experience
Use the bus system for efficient and affordable travel within the city
Consider a day trip to nearby cities like Venice or Verona for a well-rounded Italian experience