Padua’s guided tours cut right to the heart of this historic university town. The best experiences are intimate walking tours with local guides who bring the city’s scientific and religious stories to life. I’m especially fond of the private city walks – they’re perfect for understanding how Galileo, St. Anthony, and medieval scholars shaped this fascinating place.
Food and drink tours stand out too, particularly those combining traditional spritz tastings with neighborhood exploration. For something different, the kayak tours through Padua’s waterways offer a peaceful perspective you won’t get on foot.
Day trips to nearby Verona and Lake Garda are worthwhile add-ons, though the real gems are right here in Padua’s historic center. Most tours offer easy booking and cancellation options.
Let’s explore the top-rated guided tours in Padua:
Key Points
- Private walking tours of Padua led by Cristina, a highly-rated guide, focus on the city’s religious and scientific influences.
- Iconic Piazzas Tour offers a 2-hour journey through Padua’s main squares and hidden alleyways, with wheelchair and stroller accessibility.
- Petrarch Guided Tour takes visitors to the hometown of the famous poet Francesco Petrarca, including a house tour and tastings.
- Full Day Guided Tour of Verona and Garda Lake provides a comprehensive exploration of these nearby destinations from Padua.
- Guided Spritz Walk allows participants to sample local aperitifs and finger foods with a knowledgeable local expert.
Private Tours of Padova With a Professional Guide
While exploring Padua’s rich history and culture, travelers can embark on private walking tours led by a knowledgeable local guide.
These 2-hour tours focus on the Paduan people’s influence on religion and science, allowing visitors to discover the city’s landmarks and hidden gems, including the renowned Basilica of St. Anthony.
With a 100% recommendation rate from 15 reviews, Cristina, the recognized guide, offers a personalized experience that encourages questions and interaction.
The tours are wheelchair and stroller accessible, and travelers have the option to be picked up from designated locations or meet directly at the Basilica.
The tour concludes at Palazzo Bo, providing an immersive exploration of Padua’s history and culture.
Travelers highlight Cristina’s professionalism, knowledge, and friendly demeanor, as well as the engaging nature of the tour and the insightful historical context provided.
Many express a desire to return for further exploration of the city’s lesser-known areas.
Read our full review: Private Tours of Padova With a Professional Guide Review
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Petrarch Guided Tour From Padua
This 4-hour Petrarch Guided Tour from Padua allows visitors to explore the medieval village of Arquà Petrarca, the home of the renowned Italian poet Francesco Petrarca. Priced at Kč 3,030 per person, the tour is limited to a group size of 8 participants and offers language options in Italian, German, English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
The tour includes a 30-minute van ride to Arquà Petrarca, where guests will spend an hour exploring Petrarch’s house. A 1.5-hour walking tour of the village follows, showcasing its over 2,000-year-old history.
Participants will also enjoy a 25-minute spirits tasting before the 30-minute return journey.
Included features are entrance tickets to Petrarch’s house, DOP olive oil tasting, and jujube broth sampling. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour involves a 20% incline over 100 meters.
Pickup and drop-off are available from select locations in Abano, Montegrotto, Galzignano, and Padua, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Petrarch Guided Tour From Padua Review
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From Padua, Full Day Guided Tour of Verona and Garda Lake
Departing from Padua, this full-day guided tour takes visitors on an immersive exploration of the historic city of Verona and the serene Garda Lake.
Led by a knowledgeable local tour leader, the tour includes walking tours of Verona’s stunning architecture and the charming village of Lazise on the shores of Garda Lake.
With a maximum of 8 travelers, the tour offers a personalized experience and the opportunity to learn about the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Transportation is provided via roundtrip minivan from Padua, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience.
Priced from $183.17 per person, this tour boasts excellent reviews, with past participants praising the tour guide’s kindness and assistance, as well as the stunning sights encountered along the way.
Flexible reservation options and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance make this tour an attractive choice for visitors looking to explore the best of Verona and Garda Lake.
Read our full review: From Padua, Full Day Guided Tour of Verona and Garda Lake Review
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Padova: Guided Spritz Walk
Offering a delightful immersion into Padova’s vibrant aperitif culture, the Guided Spritz Walk introduces participants to the quintessential spritz cocktail. Priced at Kč 2,702 per person, this 1.5-hour tour allows a maximum of 10 guests to discover the history and evolution of this iconic Italian aperitif.
During the experience, attendees will visit two unique locations to sample two versions of the spritz, accompanied by traditional local finger foods like cheese, prosciutto, olives, and focaccia.
Led by a local expert in wine, spirits, and food, the tour also offers insights into Padova’s main squares and cobblestone streets.
Highly rated by past travelers, the Guided Spritz Walk consistently earns praise for its knowledgeable guides, such as Mario and Rachel, and the quality of the cocktails and refreshments.
With a flexible cancellation policy and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour provides an authentic and enjoyable way to take in Padova’s spritz culture.
Read our full review: Padova: Guided Spritz Walk Review
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Guided Visit of Padua
A guided visit of Padua offers travelers an immersive experience exploring the city’s rich history and iconic landmarks.
Led by a professional local guide, the tour takes visitors on a journey through the charming streets of Padua, with a maximum of 20 travelers per group. Priced at $125.60 per person, the tour is non-refundable, and no refunds are available for cancellations.
The meeting point is the Pedrocchi Café, located at the northern entrance with two lion statues, opposite Zara. The tour ends at the same location, providing a convenient start and end point.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly, and service animals are allowed. The tour is situated near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers.
Booking confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and travelers can check availability for the selected time.
With a perfect 5-star rating based on a single review, this guided visit of Padua promises an enriching and memorable experience for visitors.
Read our full review: Guided Visit of Padua Review
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Experience Venice Like a Local – Guided Tour From Padua
Although departing from Padua, this guided tour provides visitors with an immersive experience exploring the charming city of Venice. For €130 per person, participants can enjoy a 6-hour excursion that includes round-trip train transportation and a local guide. The small group size is capped at 8 people, ensuring personalized attention.
The tour kicks off at the Padua train station, with a 40-minute journey to Venice. Highlights include strolling through the Cannaregio district, visiting the historic Rialto Bridge and market, and an optional stop at Piazza San Marco.
During the free time, travelers can discover quiet streets, sample traditional Venetian cicchetti, and capture photos of the picturesque Grand Canal.
The tour includes the services of a multilingual guide and travel agency organization. Visitors should note that entrance fees, lunch, and the return vaporetto aren’t included.
With flexible booking options and a cancellation policy, this guided experience from Padua offers an immersive way to explore the enchanting city of Venice.
Read our full review: Experience Venice Like a Local – Guided Tour From Padua Review
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Padua City Sightseeing Walking Tour of Must-See-Sites With Local Guide
Enjoy the rich history and architectural wonders of Padua, Italy, on this captivating city sightseeing walking tour led by a knowledgeable local guide.
Explore the city’s picturesque piazzas, impressive monuments, and serene gardens, including the iconic Prato della Valle and the historic Pedrocchi Café. With a maximum of 10 travelers per tour, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience as your guide brings Padua’s past to life.
The tour includes pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Souvenir photos are available for purchase, though food, drinks, and gratuities aren’t included.
The tour is stroller accessible, and service animals are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and no serious medical conditions are required.
With a 5.0 overall rating from 3 reviews, this guided tour in Padua is a must-do for anyone seeking to enjoy the city’s rich history and culture.
Prices start from $218.75 per person, varying by group size, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.
Read our full review: Padua City Sightseeing Walking Tour of Must-See-Sites With Local Guide Review
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Padua: 2-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour
Offering a comprehensive introduction to Padua’s historic old town, this private guided walking tour takes visitors on a captivating 2-hour journey through the city’s iconic piazzas and hidden alleyways.
Priced from $130.83 per person, the tour boasts an impressive 4.9 average rating from 7 total reviews, making it a highly recommended experience for first-time visitors to Padua.
The tour highlights include visits to famous landmarks such as St. Anthony’s Basilica, as well as opportunities to explore local cafes and discover the city’s rich art and history.
Accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, the tour operates in rain and may only be canceled in heavy downpours, with a full refund offered in such cases.
Guests can conveniently book the tour online and pay later, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.
Read our full review: Padua: 2-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour Review
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Guided Excursion for Small Groups by Kayak in Valle Da Pesca
For those seeking a more adventurous way to explore the natural wonders of Padua, the Guided Excursion for Small Groups by Kayak in Valle Da Pesca offers an unforgettable experience.
This guided kayak tour takes small groups through the picturesque Valle da Pesca, with 100% of travelers recommending the activity. The tour starts at Agrivittoria, where you will follow the dirt road to the meeting point and embark on their kayaks.
The excursion is scheduled for a 9:30 am start time, and participants can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions, most travelers can participate, with a maximum of 6 per group.
Priced at $36.63 per person, this guided kayak tour offers a unique and affordable way to take in the natural beauty of Padua’s waterways.
Read our full review: Guided Excursion for Small Groups by Kayak in Valle Da Pesca Review
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Recap
Padua offers a variety of guided tours to suit different interests and preferences. From private tours and walking tours to specialized excursions, visitors can explore the city’s historical and cultural highlights with the guidance of knowledgeable local experts. These tours provide an in-depth look at Padua’s rich heritage and allow visitors to experience the city like a local.