Vicenza , Italy

Half Day Tour to Vicenza

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

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About this experience

DEPARTURE FROM PADUA OR ABANO / MONTEGROTTO TERME
Vicenza's golden age began in 1540, when the Venetian aristocracy decided to reorganise the city and its countryside and called Andrea di Pietro della Gondola, known as Palladio, one of the greatest architects of the time, for the arduous task.
‘The city of Vicenza and Palladio's villas in the Veneto region’ have thus been nominated a UNESCO Site for a total of 23 palaces in Vicenza and 24 villas in the surrounding area.
The tour will start from the central Piazza dei Signori with its elegant monuments and we will have a stroll around the city, including Corso Palladio the main street of the city. It will not miss the visit to the Basilica Palladiana, a masterpiece by Andrea Palladio (in case of closure we will visit the Church of Santa Corona).
Finally we will visit the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Monte Berico, and from the square in front you can admire a fantastic view of the city of Vicenza.

Available options

Half Day Tour to Vicenza

Pickup included

What's included

Visit to the Sanctuary of Monte Berico

Traditional italian life with your local tour leader

Accompanied walk through the city of Vicenza

Tour leader

Return transfer to place of departure

Insurance and technical organisation of certified travel agency

Entrance to the Basilica Palladiana or to the Santa Corona Church

Detailed itinerary

The origins of the Sanctuary of Monte Berico are linked to two apparitions of the Madonna to Vincenza Pasini, a woman bringing food to her husband who was working on the hill: the first on 7 March 1426, the second on 1 August 1428. Our Lady promised an end to the plague and asked that a church be dedicated to her in that place. So in 1428, within a few months, the first late Gothic church and a small cenoby were built to house a religious community dedicated to welcoming pilgrims.

The Basilica Palladiana, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, is the symbol of the city of Vicenza. The beating heart of Vicenza's political and economic activity, in medieval times the Palazzo della Ragione appeared as a Gothic building, characterised by an enormous hall on the upper floor and animated on the ground floor by an active group of workshops. Following the collapse of the 15th-century loggias designed by Tommaso Formenton, in the 16th century the City Council discussed the renovation of the building: the great names of architecture of the time were involved, from Giulio Romano to Sebastiano Serlio, from Jacopo Sansovino to Michele Sanmicheli.
In spite of such illustrious opinions, in March 1546, the Council approved the design of a local architect of only thirty-eight years of age, who was decidedly little known at the time: Andrea Palladio.

Walking tour of the city of Vicenza

What's not included

everything not expressly indicated

Admission to additional monuments

Available languages

Guide guide

DE PT EN IT ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

If you are already in Vicenza, the meeting point will be ca. 1h later than the start of the tour. The exact meeting time will be communicated to you some days before the tour.

About Vicenza

Vicenza, a charming city in northern Italy, is renowned for its Renaissance and neoclassical architecture, particularly the works of Andrea Palladio. Known as the 'City of Palladio,' it offers a rich blend of history, culture, and Italian elegance. The city's well-preserved buildings and vibrant atmosphere make it a must-visit destination in the Veneto region.

Top Attractions

Teatro Olimpico

The Teatro Olimpico is the oldest surviving Renaissance theater in the world, designed by Andrea Palladio. It is a must-visit for its historical significance and architectural beauty.

Historical/Architecture 1 to 2 hours €11

Basilica Palladiana

The Basilica Palladiana is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture, featuring a beautiful courtyard and a rich history. It hosts various cultural events and exhibitions.

Architecture 1 to 2 hours Free (exhibitions may have fees)

Villa La Rotonda

Villa La Rotonda is one of Andrea Palladio's most famous works, renowned for its symmetrical design and beautiful gardens. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts.

Architecture 1 to 2 hours €12

Monte Berico

Monte Berico is a hill overlooking Vicenza, home to the Basilica of Monte Berico. The basilica is a significant religious site with a rich history and stunning views of the city.

Historical/Religious 1 to 2 hours Free

Museo Civico

The Museo Civico is a fascinating museum showcasing the history and art of Vicenza. It houses a diverse collection of artifacts, paintings, and sculptures from various periods.

Museum 1 to 2 hours €6

Must-Try Local Dishes

Baccalà alla Vicentina

A traditional dish made with salted cod, onions, and milk, slow-cooked to perfection. It is a staple of Vicenza's cuisine and a must-try for visitors.

Main Course Contains fish and dairy.

Risotto al Radicchio

A delicious risotto made with radicchio, a bitter leafy vegetable, and local cheeses. It is a popular dish in the Veneto region and a favorite among locals.

Main Course Vegetarian, contains dairy.

Bigoli con l'Anatra

A hearty pasta dish made with duck ragù and bigoli (thick spaghetti). It is a comforting and flavorful dish that showcases the region's love for duck and pasta.

Main Course Contains meat and dairy.

Tiramisu

A classic Italian dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder. It is a beloved treat in Vicenza and throughout Italy.

Dessert Contains coffee, dairy, and eggs.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the surrounding hills and mountains Cycling tours Rock climbing Wine tasting at local vineyards Spa and wellness treatments Strolling through the historic center Visiting museums and historic sites Attending local festivals and events

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

The best time to visit Vicenza is during the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant, and the city is less crowded. These seasons offer ideal conditions for exploring the city's architectural marvels and enjoying outdoor activities.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

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

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Vicenza 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 out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Venice Marco Polo Airport • 70 km (43 miles)
Verona Villafranca Airport • 100 km (62 miles)

By train

Vicenza Station

By bus

Vicenza Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus network in Vicenza is efficient and covers most parts of the city. Buses are the primary mode of public transportation.

Taxis

Available • Apps: MyTaxi, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Centro Storico (Historic Center) Monte Berico Ponte degli Alpini

Day trips

Bassano del Grappa

30 km (19 miles) • Half day to full day

Bassano del Grappa is a charming town known for its historic center, the famous Ponte degli Alpini, and the production of grappa, a traditional Italian grape-based spirit.

Asiago

50 km (31 miles) • Full day

Asiago is a picturesque mountain town in the Asiago Plateau, known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor activities, and traditional cuisine.

Padua

40 km (25 miles) • Full day

Padua is a historic city known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and the famous Scrovegni Chapel, home to Giotto's frescoes.

Festivals

Vicenza Jazz Festival • July Vicenza in Festa • September Fiera di Vicenza • Various dates throughout the year

Pro tips

Visit the Teatro Olimpico early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the experience with fewer distractions.
Explore the city's architecture and history by joining a guided walking tour, which can provide valuable insights and context.
Try Baccalà alla Vicentina, a traditional dish made with salted cod, onions, and milk. It is a staple of Vicenza's cuisine and a must-try for visitors.
Take a day trip to Bassano del Grappa to sample local grappa and explore the charming town's historic center and Ponte degli Alpini.
Visit the Basilica of Monte Berico for panoramic views of the city and a peaceful retreat from the bustling streets below.