Top Padua Cultural Tours

The Baptistery of the Cathedral of Padua is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site together with seven other masterpieces of Paduan art: the site consists of eight religious and secular building complexes within the city walls of Padua, housing a selection of fresco cycles painted between 1302 and 1397 by different artists, for different clients and within buildings with different destinations. Despite this, the frescoes maintain unity of style and content. They include the Scrovegni Chapel and the Church of the Eremitani, the Palazzo della Ragione, the Chapel of the Reggia Carrarese, the Basilica and Convent of St. Anthony, the Oratory of St. George and the Oratory of St. Michael, and the Baptistery of the Cathedral. Taken together, these cycles illustrate how, in the space of a century, the art of fresco painting developed hand in hand with a new creative impetus and a new understanding of spatial representation. Padua is located 30 minutes from Venice.

Join a 2-hour tour for small groups to discover the secrets and historical sites of Padua, with special attention to the extraordinary Scrovegni Chapel. Accompanied by an expert Guide, you will have the opportunity to admire Giotto’s famous cycle of frescoes, made between 1303 and 1305 and considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Western art. The scenes, which narrate the life of Mary and Jesus until the Last Judgment, marked a decisive turning point in the history of painting thanks to their realism, intense expressiveness and innovative perspective solutions. During the visit you will also discover curiosities about Enrico Scrovegni, who had the chapel built as a gesture of atonement, and the fundamental role that this masterpiece played in the origin of the Renaissance. A unique and unforgettable experience.

Discover the enchanting city of Padova with a local who will take you through its most beloved spots and hidden gems. Stroll through Prato della Valle, one of Europe’s largest squares, surrounded by elegant statues and vibrant greenery. Visit the historic Basilica of Saint Anthony, a stunning architectural masterpiece and a center of local life. Wander the charming streets of the old town, stopping at Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta, lively squares filled with history and local flair. Take a peaceful walk through the Orto Botanico, the world’s oldest university botanical garden. Along the way, your guide will share tips on the best local delicacies and tucked-away treasures, offering a truly authentic Padova experience.

Discover the rich history of Padua on a guided tour of its historic centre, where ancient Rome left its mark. From the imposing Basilica of San Antonio to the charming Piazza delle Erbe, every step reveals the architectural and cultural beauty of this fascinating city. Professional accompanists will offer you a detailed narrative, ensuring that every corner tells its own story. With the opportunity to explore vibrant squares, local markets and sample Italian food, this tour is ideal for those looking for an authentic connection to the local culture.

Visit the most beautiful cities of Veneto... with Audiogiro's advanced digital audio guides! You can choose from : • 60-minute tour of Verona (Italian, English, French, German and Dutch); • 30-minute tour of Vicenza (Italian, English, French and German); • Venice tour from 30 to 100 minutes (English, Spanish, French, German, Italian); • 60 to 90 minute tour of Padua (English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese). All audio guides were first checked by a historian for reliability. You will always know where you are, thanks to the geolocation of our navigation map. Start the tour from wherever you want! If you prefer offline listening, remember to download the audio tracks first. Within 24 hours you will receive a link from us to redeem the minutes of the audioguided tour. After that, you just have to start exploring the map. No need to download external apps!

Discover the culturally rich city of Padua on this private walking tour with a certified local guide. Enter the beautiful Scrovegni Chapel, and the Padua Cathedral. See some of the most famous squares in the city, including Piazza delle Erbe, della Frutta and Piazza della Signoria, all of which overlook several important and majestic buildings. Stroll the streets of the city and hear interesting anecdotes about the area from your knowledgeable guide. Visit one of the most masterful examples of 14th century art at the Scrovegni Chapel.

The ideal introduction for first-time visitors to Padua, this private half-day tour covers the northern Italian city’s top attractions in just a few hours. Listen to in-depth context and commentary from your own personal tour guide. Highlights include the bustling downtown square, Piazza delle Erbe, the Basilica of St. Anthony, and a look at Giotto’s masterworks in the Scrovegni Chapel, with admission tickets included.

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.

Swap Abano Terme for an exciting small-group day trip to the beautiful city of Venice. Rather than following a map, let a guide lead the way so you can focus on the sights. The route packs in some of the city’s most loved landmarks—such as Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square—as well as hidden gems that are off the usual tourist trail.

Discover the captivating history and charm of Padua on a private 4-hour tour led by an expert local guide. Begin at the expansive Prato della Valle, then marvel at the Basilica of Saint Anthony, a key religious monument. Visit the stunning Scrovegni Chapel to see Giotto’s remarkable frescoes. Wander through vibrant market squares like Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta, and admire the historic Palazzo della Ragione. Explore the prestigious University of Padua and its beautiful Botanical Garden before concluding your tour at the iconic Caffè Pedrocchi, a hub of cultural life in the city. - Private tour of Padua with an expert local guide - Visit major attractions including the Basilica of Saint Anthony - Option to explore the famous Scrovegni Chapel frescoes - Stroll through historic market squares and the University of Padua

This experience to discover the walled city of Monselice starts from the Cini Castle, a treasure chest containing ancient weapons, chests, valuable tapestries and splendid period furnishings from all over Italy. We will continue the discovery of the walled city of Monselice by climbing along what has been defined as the most beautiful walk in the Veneto, via del Santuario, with its famous Seven Churches which recall the Seven Basilicas of Rome and which are still a popular pilgrimage destination for devotees from from all over Europe. There will be no shortage of panoramic points from which to admire the walled city of Monselice from above, surrounded by the splendid Villa Duodo which stands on the top of Colle della Rocca. To complete the visit we will visit an oil mill, where the young owners will directly show you the art of oil production and involve us in a tasty tasting of extra virgin olive oil (EVO).

Discover the rich culinary heritage of Padova on a delightful food tour that takes you through historic squares while enjoying iconic Italian bites and fine wine. Savor traditional dishes like tramezzini, baccala, and tiramisù as you learn about the stories and traditions behind each dish. This tour isn’t just about tasting; it’s a cultural journey into how locals celebrate the Italian aperitivo with friends. - Explore historic squares and local eateries in Padova - Taste iconic dishes and regional specialties - Learn about the traditions of the Italian aperitivo - Enjoy the tour with a knowledgeable local guide - Small group so you can socialise with everyone...the True Italian way!

This tour offers a unique and enjoyable way to discover Padua, as it is the first electric golf cart tour designed to explore the historic city center. It provides an innovative and sustainable alternative to traditional sightseeing, allowing you to experience the city comfortably without long walks. Gliding through historic streets, elegant squares, and scenic riversides, the golf cart lets you see much more of Padua in a short time while enjoying a relaxed ride. The experience is perfect for families, couples, and travelers who want to explore the city comfortably. A local tour leader accompanies the tour while an audio guide shares stories and insights about Padua’s most important monuments. Along the route there are short photo stops, and when churches are open it may be possible to step inside and admire their interiors. The result is a relaxed and engaging way to discover Padua’s history, culture, and atmosphere while visiting some of its most iconic places.

Experience the heart of Padova like never before. Padova is a city where history whispers from every stone and life flows through vibrant squares and charming streets. Home to one of the oldest universities in the world, a rich artistic heritage, and centuries of fascinating stories, Padova offers the perfect mix of culture and Italian charm. On this tour, you won’t just see the sights — you’ll feel the soul of the city. Stroll through picturesque piazzas, discover hidden gems, and soak in the atmosphere that has inspired scholars, artists, and travelers for generations. And of course, no Italian experience is complete without a sweet treat — we’ll savor an authentic gelato along the way! Perfect for curious travelers who love history, culture, and a taste of local life. Come explore Padova with a local who knows its secrets and can’t wait to share them with you.

Bassano del Grappa is a true gem that will amaze you: the tour begins at the Ponte Vecchio, also known as the Ponte degli Alpini, a historic symbol of the city, of vital economic and military importance. It was often destroyed by war and the flooding of the Brenta River, always rebuilt in stone or wood. We'll continue slightly uphill and admire ancient buildings, the remains of the ancient city walls, the Ezzelini Castle, Palazzo Pretorio, and Piazza Garibaldi, overlooked by the Civic Tower that dominates the entire historic center. A must-see is a visit to a historic distillery where you'll learn the history of Italy's most famous spirit: grappa. You'll discover its origins, how this distillate from pomace (grape skins) was once produced, and how it is still produced today, and you'll enjoy a guided grappa tasting.

Escape the crowds of Venice and explore Chioggia’s charming canals on this small-group boat tour. Step aboard a typical Venetian ‘Topa’ boat and glide across the picturesque Canal Vena and Venetian lagoon. Navigate under historic bridges and through quaint passages that are only accessible by these compact vessels. This adventure is ideal for travelers who crave an authentic Venetian experience beyond the tourist throngs.

Embark on a profound spiritual journey through Padua, the city where St. Anthony lived, preached, and rests today. Guided by a local expert, this walking tour reveals key religious landmarks and Franciscan heritage often missed by general tourists. Discover the quiet Franciscan Cloisters, glimpse the daily life of the friars, and then enter the breathtaking Basilica of St. Anthony to venerate his relics, pray at the Chapel of the Tomb, and admire remarkable Franciscan art. Continue through the historic centre to view the Scrovegni Chapel from the outside and learn about Giotto’s revolutionary frescoes. Visit the Cathedral of Padua before reaching the grand Chiesa di Santa Giustina and finally the vast Prato della Valle, one of Europe's largest squares, rich in Catholic history. The tour concludes in Piazza delle Erbe / Piazza dei Signori with reflections on St. Anthony’s enduring legacy. Optional pilgrimage extensions to Camposampiero and Arcella may be done independently.

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.

PARTENZA DA ABANO / MONTEGROTTO TERME We will discover Verona with a walk. Starting from Piazza Bra we will admire the Area of Verona. Following Via Mazzini, famous shopping street of Verona, we will walk to Juliet's House. Then we continue towards Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza dei Signori, Porta Borsari and the Arche Scaligere. We will reach the Ponte di Pietra and, if you want, we can take the funicular and reach the San Pietro hill for a high view of Verona.

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.

We’ll discover Verona with a walk. Starting from Piazza Bra we’ll admire Area di Verona. Through Via Mazzini, well known shopping street in Verona we’ll walk to the House of Juliet. Then we continue towards Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza dei Signori, Porta Borsari and the Arche Scaligere. We'll reach the Ponte di Pietra and, if you want, we can take the funicular and reach the San Pietro hill for a view from above of Verona. After a little lunch stop, we’ll go on to Lake Garda, where we’ll have a walk in the city centre of Sirmione. Called “la Perla del lago di Garda, i.e. the Pearl of Garda Lake ”, Sirmione is a wonderful destination, ideal for spending few hours of relaxation, in summer as well as during other periods of the year. Sirmione offers the opportunity to be engaged in manifold activities related to its historical and cultural heritage, its natural sights, local resources, typical products, markets and events.

Maximize your time in Padua, and explore with a local guide who’s passionate about the city’s history and culture. You’ll learn about the Paduan people—the free thinkers and rule breakers—and how they inspired change in approaches to both religion and science through the ages. A mix of landmarks and little-known treasures make up the itinerary’s sights.

Rather than heading to a crowded sunset hot spot, this small-group boat tour takes you out onto the Venetian Lagoon from Chioggia. With fewer people on board, it’s a relaxed option for couples as well as keen photographers, offering stunning views of the lagoon during golden hour—ideal for capturing soft light and atmospheric photos.