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Italy
Venetian Splendors: Frescoes, Villas, Lakes & Alpine Foothills from Padova
≈ 37
Days
1008
Km
35
Stops
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Discover Brescia, a hidden gem whose 3,200 years of history offer one of Northern Italy's richest archaeological and artistic heritages. The monumental Roman Forum area preserves the best-preserved Roman public buildings in Northern Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure.
2
Explore the huge Brescia Castle (the Falcon of Italy) with its battlements, tower, drawbridge, and Arms Museum in the keep. The steep Cidneo hill offers unparalleled views over the city and surrounding plains to the distant Alps.
3
Visit the Monastic Complex of San Salvatore/Santa Giulia (Santa Giulia City Museum), housing 11,000 works of art and archaeological finds spanning 3,000 years. The museum itself occupies a remarkable series of historic buildings including Lombard-era basilicas.
4
Admire the spacious squares lined with stunning buildings, including the Art Deco Piazza della Vittoria (with the Torrione - Italy's first skyscraper) and the Renaissance Piazza della Loggia with its beautiful astronomical clock.
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Explore the Duomo Vecchio (Old Cathedral), a rare circular Romanesque structure, alongside the Duomo Nuovo. The Teatro Grande opera house offers a glimpse into the refined cultural life of this prosperous city.
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Try the local Bagoss cheese, produced in small quantities in the nearby village of Bagolino, with its distinctive dense, salty flavor enhanced by hints of walnuts and chestnuts.
Next stop
Distance:
95 km
Travel time:
1h20
2
Day
4 photos
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1
Explore Desenzano del Garda, the largest town on Lake Garda with a vibrant waterfront, historic center, and excellent transport connections. The Archaeological Museum houses remarkable Roman mosaics from a 4th-century villa, showcasing the sophisticated lifestyle of ancient inhabitants.
2
Discover the castle overlooking the lake, now used for open-air opera performances each summer. The Torre di San Martino and old villas add historical depth to this animated resort town.
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Stroll the animated waterfront promenade lined with cafés and gelaterias, watching the boats come and go in the bustling harbor. The weekly markets and seasonal events bring local color to this year-round destination.
Next stop
Distance:
35 km
Travel time:
35min
3
Day
6 photos
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1
Discover Sirmione, dramatically positioned on a narrow peninsula extending into Lake Garda. The Scaliger Castle rises directly from the water, its crenellated towers and enclosed harbor creating one of Italy's most romantic castle settings.
2
Explore the Grottoes of Catullus (Grotte di Catullo), the atmospheric ruins of a vast Roman villa at the peninsula's tip. These are the largest and best-preserved Roman villa remains in Northern Italy, with olive groves, lake views, and an on-site museum.
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Experience Sirmione's thermal spas, where hot sulfurous waters have attracted visitors since Roman times. Boat trips around the promontory offer perspectives on the castle, villas, and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Garda.
Next stop
Distance:
10 km
Travel time:
15min
4
Day
4 photos
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1
Discover Peschiera del Garda, where mighty star-shaped fortifications built by the Venetians form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic fortress town guards the point where the Mincio River flows from Lake Garda, its massive walls and water-filled moats creating a dramatic defensive ensemble.
2
Explore the charming historic center within the fortifications, where canals, bridges, and Venetian architecture create an intimate lakeside atmosphere. The strategic importance of this location has been recognized since Roman times.
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Use Peschiera as a base for visiting the nearby amusement parks including Gardaland, Italy's most popular theme park, Caneva Aquapark, and CanevaWorld Movieland. Shuttle buses connect the train station to these family-friendly attractions.
Next stop
Distance:
8 km
Travel time:
15min
5
Day
4 photos
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1
Stroll through Lazise, whose Scaliger Castle (not open for visits) and defensive walls create a picturesque medieval ensemble on Lake Garda's shores. The atmospheric lakefront promenade offers views across the water to the distant mountains, perfect for a relaxing evening passeggiata.
2
Visit the Church of San Nicolò, an ancient Romanesque church within the castle walls featuring medieval frescoes. The intimate scale and historic atmosphere capture the authentic character of a traditional lakeside community.
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Enjoy the beautiful lakeside setting, perhaps with a gelato from one of the local shops. The colorful boats bobbing in the harbor and the castle silhouette create postcard-perfect views at every turn.
Next stop
Distance:
15 km
Travel time:
25min
6
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
Discover Fair Verona, the city forever linked with Romeo and Juliet. The Arena di Verona in Piazza Bra, a remarkably preserved Roman amphitheatre that predates Rome's Colosseum by a century, now hosts one of the world's most spectacular opera festivals under the stars.
2
Wander Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori, medieval squares lined with beautifully frescoed buildings, the elegant Palazzo Maffei, and the Madonna Verona fountain - the recognized symbol of the city. The statue of Dante marks the square's heart.
3
Visit Juliet's House with its famous balcony (actually a repurposed sarcophagus). Tour the interior for a fascinating look at 13th-century life, and perhaps leave a letter at Juliet's Club where the 'Secretaries of Juliet' respond to lovesick correspondents worldwide.
4
Explore Castelvecchio, the medieval castle now housing a splendid art collection. Cross the dramatic Scaliger Bridge with its distinctive swallowtail battlements spanning the Adige River.
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Climb Torre dei Lamberti, built in 1172 and Verona's tallest tower, for inspiring views over the red rooftops of the historic center to the surrounding hills and distant Alps.
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Visit the Roman Theatre and Archaeological Museum on the hillside, still used for performances, and the nearby Giardino Giusti - a Renaissance garden offering stunning panoramic views over Verona.
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Try the local sweets Baci di Romeo and Baci di Giulietta (Romeo's and Juliet's Kisses) - delicious confections of almond paste with buttercream or hazelnut paste with chocolate cream.
Next stop
Distance:
75 km
Travel time:
1h10
7
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Discover Bassano del Grappa, a picturesque city on the crystal-clear Brenta River with the Venetian Prealps as a dramatic backdrop. Founded in pre-Roman times, the city preserves medieval and Venetian architecture including a castle, fortified walls, cobbled piazzas, and buildings with faded frescoes and winged lions.
2
Cross the iconic Ponte degli Alpini, a wooden covered bridge spanning the Brenta since the Middle Ages. Andrea Palladio designed the current structure in 1569, and it has been faithfully rebuilt following his plans after each destruction - most recently in 1945.
3
Visit the Civic Museum housed in the convent of St. Francis, featuring archaeological collections, medieval art, works by Canova and Tiepolo, and a room dedicated to local painter Jacopo dal Ponte (Jacopo da Bassano). The adjacent church contains a remarkable 14th-century crucifix.
4
Explore the Poli Grappa Museum to learn about grappa - the potent Italian grape-based spirit for which Bassano is famous. Watch the distillation process and sample the local specialty.
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Wander the historic center admiring Palazzo del Municipio (1404) with its gorgeous frescoed loggia, Palazzo Michieli-Bonato with façade frescoes by Jacopo da Bassano, and the Duomo originally built in the year 1000.
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Browse the artisan ceramics shops selling imaginative hand-painted cups, bowls, plates, and terrines. The city comes alive during festivals with parades, entertainment, and authentic local spirit.
Next stop
Distance:
25 km
Travel time:
35min
8
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Experience Asolo, known as the 'City of a Hundred Horizons' and the 'Pearl of the Province of Treviso'. This picture-perfect town in the Dolomite foothills has attracted artists, writers, and royalty for centuries with its beauty and cultural richness.
2
Explore the historic center with its elegant palazzos, ancient castle, and stunning views across vine-covered hills. The atmospheric streets and squares reveal why this has been a haven for creative spirits throughout history.
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Soak in the countless horizons visible from various viewpoints around the town - each turn reveals new panoramas of hills, vineyards, and distant mountains that have inspired generations of artists and poets.
Next stop
Distance:
40 km
Travel time:
50min
9
Day
Discover
1
Discover Feltre, a charming town huddled on a small hill and picturesquely surrounded by the powerful peaks of the Dolomites. Tall stone houses with frescoed façades and whimsical chimneys capture the imagination, while the stunning main square - Piazza Maggiore - anchors the historic center.
2
Explore the museums, churches, lovely theatre, and medieval streets that give Feltre its distinctive character. The blend of Venetian elegance and Alpine setting creates a unique atmosphere.
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If you have a car, venture to the nearby 11th-century Sanctuary of St. St. Vittore and Corona, a remarkable Romanesque church in a peaceful rural setting with important early frescoes.
Next stop
Distance:
45 km
Travel time:
55min
10
Day
Discover
1
Continue through Prosecco Country to Valdobbiadene, at the heart of the production zone for the finest DOCG sparkling wines. The steep hillsides, many cultivated by hand, produce grapes of exceptional quality that have made this region world-famous.
2
Explore the charming town and surrounding hamlets where winemaking traditions have been passed down through generations. The landscape of terraced vineyards cascading down precipitous slopes is a testament to centuries of viticultural dedication.
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Enjoy stunning hiking through the vine-covered hills, stopping at small wineries along the way. The combination of natural beauty, traditional agriculture, and excellent wine makes this region a paradise for wine lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Next stop
Distance:
30 km
Travel time:
40min
11
Day
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1
Visit Follina, one of Italy's most beautiful villages, centered around a magnificent medieval abbey. The Cistercian Abbey of Santa Maria dates to the 12th century, its Romanesque-Gothic cloister remaining remarkably preserved as a place of profound spiritual atmosphere.
2
Explore nearby Cison di Valmarino, another officially designated beautiful village dominated by Castel Brando - one of Italy's largest castles, now functioning as a luxury hotel. The village streets retain their medieval character.
3
Discover the village of Mel if time permits, completing a trio of the most beautiful villages in the Veneto's northern hills. The surrounding vineyards and hills create a peaceful countryside setting.
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If visiting during the Artigianato Vivo festival (held twice yearly in Cison di Valmarino), experience hundreds of artisans and craftsmen taking over the village streets with their traditional skills and handmade wares.
Next stop
Distance:
25 km
Travel time:
35min
12
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Discover the Grotte di Caglieron, where wooden walkways lead through a series of caves with countless waterfalls streaming down rocky gorge sides. This area of extraordinary natural beauty combines geological wonders with human history stretching back centuries.
2
Explore the unique cheese caves where a local dairy company matures cheese in the natural cool humidity. You can purchase slabs of this cave-aged cheese, adding a delicious souvenir to your nature adventure.
Activities
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Hike the trails through this remarkable gorge where water, rock, and time have created a magical landscape. The combination of natural caves and quarried grottos offers insights into both geological and human history.
Next stop
Distance:
20 km
Travel time:
30min
13
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Step into Serravalle (now part of Vittorio Veneto), a medieval fairytale town that ranks among the most picturesque in Italy. Cobbled streets, stone houses with frescoed facades, and an ancient castle create an atmospheric setting that transports visitors centuries back in time.
2
Visit the Museo del Cenedese for fabulous frescoes, paintings, and works of art, including access to a fully frescoed chapel where babies born in the local hospital were once baptized. The artistic heritage here rivals better-known destinations.
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Wander the medieval streets photographing the unique architecture and peaceful squares. Unlike more touristy medieval towns, Serravalle offers authentic atmosphere without crowds.
Next stop
Distance:
40 km
Travel time:
40min
14
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Begin exploring Prosecco Country at Conegliano, the gateway to 170 kilometers of winding roads through charming villages and vine-draped hillsides. The unique microclimate of these UNESCO-listed slopes produces Italy's most celebrated sparkling wine.
2
Visit the historic center of Conegliano with its castle, medieval streets, and Renaissance architecture. The old town's atmosphere reflects centuries as a prosperous wine-trading center.
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Sample prosecco at local wineries and cellars, discovering the differences between DOC and DOCG designations. The rolling hills between here and Valdobbiadene offer some of Italy's most beautiful wine country landscapes.
Next stop
Distance:
25 km
Travel time:
35min
15
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Explore Treviso, the birthplace of tiramisu, radicchio rosso, and prosecco - three delights that make life more delicious. This beautiful Northern Italian city features breathtaking frescoed buildings, mighty defensive walls, and narrow curving streets often overlooked by travelers heading straight to Venice.
2
Visit the Church of St. Francis (Chiesa di San Francesco), a late Romanesque/early Gothic masterpiece with important 13th-century frescoes. Inside are the tombs of Petrarch's daughter Francesca and Dante's son Pietro - remarkable literary connections.
3
Discover Piazza dei Signori, the main square surrounded by Palazzo del Podesta with its 13th-century Civic Tower, the Gothic Palazzo dei Trecento, and Palazzo Pretorio. The Loggia dei Cavalieri, a 13th-century structure with faded frescoes, served nobility for meetings and games.
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Explore La Pescheria, a small island where the fresh fish market has operated for centuries, and the Church of San Nicolo for its frescoes including the earliest known depiction of spectacles in Europe.
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Visit the Duomo San Pietro, Treviso's seven-domed cathedral housing a Titian and an atmospheric crypt, plus the Civic Museums of Santa Caterina and Luigi Bailo for fine art and exhibitions.
Next stop
Distance:
25 km
Travel time:
30min
16
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Discover Castelfranco Veneto, birthplace of the renowned painter Giorgione and a gorgeous town with an almost intact medieval defensive wall. The substantial brick walls encircle a perfectly preserved historic center filled with architectural treasures.
2
Visit the Cathedral to see Giorgione's Madonna, the masterpiece Castelfranco Madonna that draws art lovers from around the world. This revolutionary work exemplifies the Venetian High Renaissance style Giorgione pioneered.
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Walk the walls and explore the charming center, perhaps timing your visit for one of the town's festivals including the popular chocolate fair. The medieval atmosphere provides excellent settings for photography.
Next stop
Distance:
15 km
Travel time:
20min
17
Day
2 photos
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1
Experience Cittadella, home to Europe's best medieval parapet walkway. Here you can circumnavigate the entire town by walking atop its medieval defensive walls - a unique opportunity to understand medieval fortification from the defender's perspective.
2
Explore the historic center enclosed within the complete circuit of walls, where medieval character has been remarkably preserved. The churches, palazzos, and piazzas within create an authentic atmosphere.
Activities
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In September, don't miss the town-wide medieval fair when historical costumes, crafts, and entertainment transform Cittadella into a living museum of medieval life. In winter, a charming ice rink appears in the central square.
Next stop
Distance:
20 km
Travel time:
25min
18
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Explore Vicenza, the City of Palladio and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where streets are lined with palaces by the most influential architect of the past 500 years. Andrea Palladio used Vicenza as his personal architectural playground, creating designs that inspired buildings from St. Petersburg to Washington.
2
Visit the Basilica Palladiana, the stunning centerpiece of Piazza dei Signori and the jewel in Palladio's crown. The rooftop terrace offers unparalleled views over the city, while temporary art exhibitions of international caliber are held within.
3
Experience Teatro Olimpico, the first indoor masonry theatre in the world, featuring the oldest surviving stage set still in use today. Palladio's final masterpiece creates the illusion of infinite perspective through its remarkable permanent scenery.
4
Discover the Church of Santa Corona, built in 1261 to house a Holy Thorn from Christ's Crown. The church contains paintings by Giovanni Bellini and Paolo Veronese, plus access to the nearby Diocesan Museum where the precious relic is now kept.
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Visit the Jewellery Museum, the first in Italy, reflecting Vicenza's importance as one of Italy's major centers of jewellery making. Elegant shops throughout the city display the continuing vitality of this creative tradition.
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Explore the Civic Art Gallery of Palazzo Chiericati, a stunning Palladian palace housing collections spanning the 13th to 20th centuries. The Palladio Museum offers models and exhibits explaining the architect's revolutionary techniques.
Next stop
Distance:
3 km
Travel time:
30min
19
Day
4 photos
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1
Marvel at Villa Capra 'La Rotonda', Palladio's most famous villa and one of the most copied buildings in the world. Its perfectly symmetrical design, with identical temple-front porticos on all four sides, inspired countless buildings including the White House in Washington D.C.
2
Visit Villa Valmarana ai Nani, named for the stone dwarf statues lining its walls, featuring interior frescoes by father and son Tiepolo that rank among their finest work. The splendid garden and café overlooking Mount Berico provide a perfect setting for reflection.
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Walk between the two villas through the gentle countryside of Vicenza's outskirts, enjoying views of Mount Berico and the Church of St. Mary of Mount Berico overlooking the city from its hilltop position.
Next stop
Distance:
55 km
Travel time:
55min
20
Day
4 photos
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1
Conclude your grand tour at Lake Fimon, the oldest lake in Northern Italy at 35,000 years of age - predating even Lake Garda. This tranquil natural setting offers a peaceful escape for walking, picnicking, or simply contemplating the landscape.
2
Explore the shores and surrounding Berici Hills, where nature and agriculture create a pastoral landscape within easy reach of Vicenza. The lake's ancient origins add geological interest to its natural beauty.
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Enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake, perhaps with a picnic. The peaceful atmosphere provides a perfect finale to your exploration of the Veneto's extraordinary diversity of cultural and natural treasures.
21
Day
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1
Marvel at Villa Contarini, a palace so vast it resembles a royal residence of a small country. This monumental Baroque villa features stunning architecture, extensive grounds, and regularly hosts one of Italy's largest antique and vintage markets.
2
Explore the villa's grand facades, ornate interiors, and the surrounding park. The scale and ambition of this aristocratic estate rivals any palace in Europe.
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Time your visit for one of the monthly antique markets held in front of the villa, combining architectural appreciation with treasure hunting among vintage and antique wares.
Next stop
Distance:
35 km
Travel time:
40min
22
Day
4 photos
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1
Discover Noale, featuring a fortress, a moat, colorful frescoed houses, and a nearby nature reserve with ponds and hundreds of bird species. This peaceful town offers an authentic Veneto experience away from tourist crowds.
2
Explore the medieval fortifications and charming center, where life moves at a gentle pace and traditional Italian culture remains vibrant. The nature reserve Oasi di Noale provides excellent birdwatching opportunities.
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Spend a quiet day in the bosom of the Veneto countryside, combining cultural sights with natural beauty. The town makes an easy combination with nearby Castelfranco Veneto.
Next stop
Distance:
20 km
Travel time:
30min
23
Day
9 photos
Discover
1
Experience Venice, the incomparable city built on 118 islands connected by 400 bridges over 150 canals. Take vaporetto line 1 down the Grand Canal to witness architectural masterpieces including Ca' Pesaro, Ca' d'Oro, Rialto Bridge, and the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute - a floating introduction to La Serenissima's unparalleled beauty.
2
Visit the Doge's Palace, the magnificent Gothic masterpiece that was the seat of Venetian government for centuries. Explore the ornate chambers, cross the Bridge of Sighs, and discover how this maritime republic became one of history's most powerful and wealthy states.
3
Discover St. Mark's Basilica, the glittering Byzantine cathedral crowned with golden mosaics covering over 8,000 square meters. Climb the Campanile for panoramic views across the lagoon to the distant Alps on clear days.
4
Explore the Arsenal, once the world's largest industrial complex where the Republic built its powerful naval fleet. The Ships' Pavilion displays historic vessels while the massive gates and towers testify to Venice's maritime supremacy.
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Wander through the fresh produce and fish markets at Rialto, where vendors have sold the lagoon's bounty for over ten centuries. Cross the canal on a traghetto - the traditional gondola ferry that locals use daily.
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Sample cicchetti - Venice's traditional savory snacks - at bacari (wine bars) washed down with an ombra (small glass of wine). This Venetian tradition offers an authentic taste of local culinary culture.
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Discover the Fondazione Querini Stampalia, an off-the-beaten-track palace museum with stunning art collections and a beautiful garden designed by Carlo Scarpa. A perfect escape from the crowds.
Next stop
Distance:
50 km
Travel time:
1h15
24
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Discover Villa Foscari La Malcontenta, another stunning Palladian masterpiece rising elegantly from the banks of the Brenta Canal. This 16th-century villa showcases Andrea Palladio's genius for proportion and harmony, with breathtaking interior frescoes that rank among the finest examples of Venetian villa decoration.
2
Explore the Brenta Riviera, the historic waterway connecting Padua to Venice that was once lined with over 70 noble villas. The canal served as the summer escape route for Venetian aristocracy, who would travel by burchiello (traditional boat) to their countryside retreats.
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Consider a scenic boat cruise along the Brenta Canal, following the historic route that Venetian nobles traveled for centuries. The journey passes multiple villas and offers a unique perspective on this remarkable concentration of architectural heritage.
Next stop
Distance:
25 km
Travel time:
30min
25
Day
2 photos
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1
Marvel at Villa Pisani, lauded as the Queen of the Venetian Villas, a palatial estate as grand as a royal residence. This magnificent 18th-century villa features fully frescoed rooms including Tiepolo's stunning ceiling masterpiece, a lush garden with an intricate hedge maze, and fascinating historical connections to Napoleon.
2
Visit the adjacent Villa Foscarini Rossi, home to a unique Shoe Museum displaying hundreds of examples of Italian footwear craftsmanship. The elegant villa provides insight into the refined lifestyle of Venetian nobility along the Brenta Riviera.
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Explore the extensive gardens of Villa Pisani, featuring formal parterres, ornamental ponds, and the famous labyrinth. The grounds offer a perfect setting for a leisurely stroll through centuries of landscape design.
Next stop
Distance:
10 km
Travel time:
15min
26
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Discover Padova, one of Italy's oldest cities with legendary origins traced to the Trojan warrior Antenor. The UNESCO-listed Scrovegni Chapel houses Giotto's revolutionary 14th-century frescoes that changed Western art forever with their emotional realism and innovative use of color. Book your timed entry in advance for this artistic treasure.
2
Explore the Palazzo della Ragione, a vast medieval law court featuring one of the largest unsupported roofed halls in Europe, its walls covered with allegorical frescoes and celestial symbols. Below the arcades, discover Sotto il Salone - said to be Europe's oldest indoor food market where artisan shops have operated for generations.
3
Visit the Basilica of Saint Anthony (Il Santo), a major pilgrimage destination housing the saint's marble tomb and chapels frescoed by Giotto and other masters. The basilica combines Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine architectural elements into a unique synthesis of styles.
4
Stroll through Prato della Valle, one of Europe's largest squares, featuring the central Isola Memmia ringed by a canal and 78 statues of Padova's most illustrious figures. This grand public space transforms from market venue to evening promenade as locals gather.
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Experience the Padova Urbs Picta UNESCO trail connecting eight sites of 14th-century frescoes, including the glowing dome of paradise by Giusto de' Menabuoi in the Baptistery. The 48 or 72-hour card provides access to all sites.
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Visit Palazzo del Bo, seat of the University of Padua founded in 1222, to see the Teatro Anatomico - the world's first permanent anatomy theatre - and Galileo's actual lecturing podium in guided tours of this historic academic institution.
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Explore the Orto Botanico, the world's oldest university botanical garden still in its original location, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in 1545 with over 6,000 species including a palm tree planted in 1585 that inspired Goethe.
+1 Optional activities
Next stop
Distance:
12 km
Travel time:
20min
27
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Relax in Abano Terme, a town completely dedicated to spa culture where hundreds of hotels and facilities offer thermal treatments. The Romans were the first to bathe in these volcanic waters, and the tradition has continued unbroken for over two millennia.
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Experience the therapeutic mud treatments, thermal pools, and steam grottos that have made this region Europe's largest thermal basin. The mineral-rich waters emerge at temperatures up to 87°C from deep underground sources.
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Explore the elegant spa town's gardens and promenades, where the wellness tradition blends with refined hospitality. The proximity to the Euganean Hills provides beautiful walking opportunities between treatments.
Next stop
Distance:
5 km
Travel time:
10min
28
Day
2 photos
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1
Continue your wellness journey in Montegrotto Terme, another thermal town offering modern spa facilities rooted in ancient curative traditions. The therapeutic properties of the local thermal springs have attracted visitors seeking health and relaxation for millennia.
2
Visit the Butterfly House and Fairy Forest, a delightful attraction combining a large butterfly conservatory with a whimsical forest inhabited by fantastical creatures. Hundreds of colorful tropical butterflies flutter freely around visitors in the warm, humid environment.
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Explore the archaeological remains of Roman thermal baths discovered in the area, testament to the ancient appreciation of these healing waters. The surrounding Euganean Hills provide a scenic backdrop for spa relaxation.
Next stop
Distance:
15 km
Travel time:
25min
29
Day
3 photos
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1
Discover Arquà Petrarca, a beautiful stone village built on a hilltop overlooking the majestic Euganean Hills. This atmospheric settlement is famous as the place where the Herald of the Renaissance, Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch), spent his final years contemplating nature and composing poetry.
2
Visit Petrarch's House, preserved much as it was when the poet lived here in the 14th century. His tomb in the village square marks the final resting place of one of the founders of humanism and the Italian literary tradition.
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Wander the narrow stone lanes, enjoying the views that inspired Petrarch's contemplative verse. The village's unspoiled medieval character and poetic associations make it one of the most atmospheric destinations in the Euganean Hills.
Next stop
Distance:
10 km
Travel time:
20min
30
Day
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1
Visit Monselice Castle, housing one of the finest collections of medieval arms and armor in the Veneto, second only to the Doge's Palace in Venice. The castle's remarkable fireplaces are themselves works of art, showcasing the refined craftsmanship of medieval artisans.
2
Climb the Seven Churches Sanctuary (Santuario delle Sette Chiese), a pilgrimage route of seven chapels ascending the hillside that once granted the same indulgences as visiting Rome's seven pilgrimage churches. The Via Sacra offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills.
3
Explore the Old Cathedral and the elegant Villa Duodo, designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi, surrounded by gardens and offering panoramic views from its hillside position.
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Walk the fortified historic center, where medieval walls, towers, and gates create an authentic atmosphere. The town's strategic hilltop position made it an important defensive stronghold for centuries.
Next stop
Distance:
20 km
Travel time:
25min
31
Day
3 photos
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1
Explore Este, a 3,000-year-old walled town that gave its name to the powerful Este dynasty who later ruled Ferrara. The Archaeological Museum houses remarkable pre-Roman artifacts from the ancient Venetic civilization, including the famous Situla Benvenuti bronze bucket with detailed figural scenes.
2
Walk through the walled park where Este's medieval castle once stood, now a peaceful garden enclosed by battlemented walls and towers. The romantic ruins and ancient trees create an atmospheric setting for exploration.
3
Discover the town's thriving ceramics industry, a tradition dating back centuries, with artisan workshops producing distinctive hand-painted majolica in the local style.
Activities
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Combine your visit with the nearby Arquà Petrarca (18 minutes by bus) or Monselice (8 minutes by train) to explore multiple Euganean Hills gems in a single day.
Next stop
Distance:
10 km
Travel time:
12min
32
Day
2 photos
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1
Discover Montagnana, renowned for producing some of Italy's finest prosciutto and encircled by one of Europe's best-preserved medieval defensive walls. The nearly complete circuit of walls, punctuated by 24 towers, creates a dramatic silhouette visible for miles across the Veneto plain.
2
Explore the castle, the elegant main square, and the stunning Cathedral with its notable works of art. The town center retains its medieval character within the protective embrace of the mighty fortifications.
Activities
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Experience the annual Prosciutto Festival celebrating the local cured ham tradition. The town's Prosciutto Veneto Berico-Euganeo DOP is produced following centuries-old methods in the unique microclimate of the Euganean Hills.
Next stop
Distance:
35 km
Travel time:
35min
33
Day
4 photos
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1
Discover Rovigo, a provincial capital often overlooked in favor of Venice and Verona but rich with unexpected treasures. Torre Donà, at 66 meters, remains one of Italy's tallest medieval brick towers - a remnant of the city's 10th-century castle that once dominated the landscape.
2
Visit La Rotonda (Church of Madonna del Soccorso), designed by a pupil of Palladio to house a miraculous image of the Madonna. The church's entire interior is covered with remarkable 17th-century frescoes creating an immersive artistic experience.
3
Explore the Pinacoteca dei Concordi in the Renaissance Palazzo Roverella, housing originals by Tiepolo, Giovanni Bellini, and Palma the Elder. The archaeological collection and temporary exhibitions add depth to this cultural visit.
Activities
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Wander the historic center admiring remnants of medieval fortifications including Porta San Bortolo, Torre Grimani, and Torre Pighin. The main Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II offers beautiful buildings for photography, especially during the peaceful afternoon riposo hours.
Next stop
Distance:
35 km
Travel time:
30min
34
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Explore the Delta del Po Regional Park, where Italy's longest river meets the Adriatic Sea in a landscape of extraordinary natural beauty. This vast wetland ecosystem is home to over 400 bird species including flocks of wild pink flamingoes that create spectacular displays against the marshy backdrop.
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Visit the Giardino Botanico Litoraneo di Porto Caleri, a coastal botanical garden offering walks through lush vegetation at the edge of the sea. The diverse habitats - from dunes to pine forests to marshlands - support unique plant and animal communities.
Activities
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Discover wild beaches, island resorts, and the unique landscape where freshwater and saltwater ecosystems merge. The area offers exceptional opportunities for cycling, birdwatching, and boat excursions through the labyrinthine waterways.
Next stop
Distance:
35 km
Travel time:
40min
35
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Discover Chioggia, like an unspoiled Venice with a slow, gentle pace of life on the southern tip of the Venetian Lagoon. Older than Venice itself, this fishing town is crisscrossed by canals and bridges, retaining the authentic character that the more famous city has lost to tourism.
2
Visit the Clock Tower Museum housing the oldest working clock in the world, a remarkable medieval timepiece that has measured the hours for over seven centuries. The tower offers views over the town's atmospheric waterways and fishing boats.
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Explore Sottomarina, Chioggia's lively beachside suburb featuring a remarkable 10-kilometer-long sandy beach up to 300 meters wide. The sand, rich in minerals including augite and quartz, is renowned for therapeutic sand bathing treatments.
Activities
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Take a boat trip around Chioggia to experience the lagoon landscapes and traditional fishing culture. Watch the daily rhythms of one of Italy's oldest and largest fishing ports, where the wholesale and retail fish markets overflow with the morning's fresh catch.
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If visiting in June, experience the Palio della Marciliana, a historic reenactment when hundreds of people in 14th-century costumes transform the town with noble ladies, knights, musicians, games, and parades.
Next stop
Distance:
85 km
Travel time:
1h30
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming landscapes, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent value, Easter celebrations, ideal touring conditions.
Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, vibrant atmosphere, beach season, festival time.
Fall (September-October): Excellent weather, harvest season, wine tourism, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, beautiful colors, culinary focus.
Winter (November-March): Mild southern weather, Christmas markets, lowest prices, minimal crowds, cultural focus, cozy atmosphere, indoor attractions.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 30 and 44 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in Italy?
Cultural masterpiece with incredible art, cuisine, and historical heritage from Rome to Venice. Experience Renaissance treasures, regional diversity, and authentic Italian lifestyle. The country offers cultural immersion with culinary excellence and artistic heritage. Italy provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and natural beauty.