Padua , Italy

Half Day Tour to Vicenza

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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

3 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

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