Padua is a city that offers much more than just its famous university and historical sites. Its location in the Veneto region makes it a perfect starting point for exploring nearby islands, vineyards, and charming villages. What sets Padua apart as a destination for tours is the variety: from tranquil lagoon boat rides, immersive wine tastings, and art-filled city walks, to culinary adventures. We especially enjoy the Chioggia lagoon boat, which offers a peaceful escape onto the water, revealing the lush Ca’ Roman nature reserve and colorful fishing villages—an authentic experience away from crowds.
For those interested in combining culture with flavor, Padua’s wine and food tours provide a taste of the region’s rich culinary traditions. Whether you prefer a short walk through historic streets or a hands-on cooking class, there’s a tour to match your pace and interests. Keep reading for our top picks, each offering a unique way to experience Padua and its surroundings.
Overview of the Best Tours in Padua
Our list covers a diverse selection of experiences: lagoon boat trips in Chioggia, winery tastings in the hills, art-focused city walks, evening cultural tours, villa visits along the Brenta Riviera, and culinary walks with tastings. Each tour provides a different window into Veneto’s landscape, cuisine, or art. For example, the charming Padua: small group walking tour with the Scrovegni Chapel dives into world-famous frescoes, while the Wine Tour & Tasting on Padua Hills offers a deep dive into Veneto wines paired with local cheeses and cured meats. Below, we detail each experience to help you decide which suits your interests best.
1. Chioggia : Tour to Pellestrina with Typical Lagoon Boat
Starting from Padua and heading to Chioggia, this tour is a perfect way to explore the lagoon’s lesser-known treasures. This lagoon boat experience takes you on an intimate, small-group cruise that’s more personal than the crowded tourist boats. The route includes stops at the Riserva Naturale Ca’ Roman, a protected bird habitat where migratory birds rest—ideal for nature lovers—and the historic Murazzi walls, built by the Venetian Republic to defend against invaders.
Once on Pellestrina Island, you’ll see the traditional fishing community with its brightly painted houses lining the lagoon, offering fantastic photo opportunities. The boat ride itself is about 1.5 hours, with several stops, and the entire trip costs around $77 per person. With rave reviews praising the knowledgeable skipper and the authentic, relaxed atmosphere, this tour appeals most to travelers seeking serenity and local flavor. It’s perfect for small groups and those eager to see Venice’s lagoon from a different perspective.
Bottom line: An ideal escape for nature lovers and small groups wanting a peaceful, authentic lagoon experience. Book early, as this popular tour fills quickly.
2. Winery Tour & Tasting on Padua Hills
At number 2, the Winery Tour & Tasting offers a full immersion into Veneto’s renowned wine-making region. Located near an historic Medieval Village, this tour takes you among ancient vines and into the cellars, where you’ll see firsthand how local wines are produced. The highlight is sampling four main Veneto labels, paired with three cheeses and two cured meats, making it both a tasting and educational experience.
Led by passionate family owners, you’ll learn about the meticulous process behind these wines, from grape to glass. The tour lasts about an hour, with availability varying, and costs approximately $77. Guests rave about the knowledgeability of the guide Francesca and the warm family’s hospitality. The setting provides a scenic backdrop of rolling vineyards, making it ideal for wine lovers or anyone wanting to enjoy authentic regional flavors.
Bottom line: This tour offers excellent value for wine enthusiasts interested in Veneto’s rich viticulture. Reserve in advance to secure a spot.
3. Padua: Small Group Walking Tour with the Scrovegni Chapel
Number 3 on our list is a small group walk through Padua, culminating in the visit to the famous Scrovegni Chapel. This 1-hour tour is led by a certified guide with intimate knowledge of the city’s art and architecture. You’ll explore the historic streets, including Piazza delle Erbe and Prato della Valle, before entering the chapel, which houses Giotto’s stunning frescoes—considered a masterpiece of Western art.
This is an excellent choice for art lovers or anyone curious about Padua’s artistic heritage. The reviews highlight the guide’s engaging storytelling and the small group size, which makes for a more personal experience. The entrance fee to the chapel is included, simplifying planning. The tour costs $70 per person, making it a reasonably priced way to explore Italy’s medieval and Renaissance art.
Bottom line: Perfect for art and history buffs wanting a compact, in-depth experience. Book early, as spots are limited.
4. Padua: Evening Tour with Admission to the Scrovegni Chapel
For a different perspective, try the evening Padua tour, a 2-hour experience that lets you see the city under starry skies. This special tour includes admission to Giotto’s frescoed chapel and a walk through Padua’s landmarks, all with fewer crowds and a quieter, more atmospheric setting. Guided by an expert, you’ll learn about the city’s history and Giotto’s artistic innovations.
The highlight here is visiting the Scrovegni Chapel in a crowd-free environment, which makes viewing the frescoes more intimate. The tour is ideal for travelers wanting a relaxed, cultural evening with a focus on art and local stories. The reviews note how Christina’s insights made the experience engaging and memorable.
Bottom line: A wonderful option for night owls and art aficionados who want to enjoy Padua in a relaxed, intimate setting.
5. Tour to the Venetian Villas and the Brenta Riviera from Terme
Number 5 offers a 5-6 hour journey exploring Venetian villas and the scenic Brenta Riviera. This tour visits the impressive Villa Pisani in Stra, a grand Baroque residence with lush gardens, and Villa Widmann and its park. The route follows the historic waterway lined with picturesque villages, beloved by figures like Casanova and Byron.
The tour provides insight into Venetian aristocratic life and features time to walk through the villas’ exquisite interiors and gardens. Priced at around $144, this experience is best suited for history, art, and architecture lovers who want to see the opulence of Venice’s noble estates. Reviews note the landscape’s beauty and the knowledgeable guides, though some wish for more time at the villas.
Bottom line: A good choice for those interested in Venetian architecture and history, with a scenic boat ride to boot. Book early due to popularity.
6. Padua: Food and Culture Walking Tour with Tastings
If you’re a foodie, the Padua Food and Culture Walk is a delightful way to explore the city’s culinary scene. Over 2.5 hours, you’ll stroll from Piazza delle Erbe to Prato della Valle, sampling local cicchetti at a historic osteria, and trying Porchetta, a regional specialty. The tour includes visits to traditional food shops, where you can learn about regional ingredients and culinary traditions.
Highlighting local snacks, a Spritz, and the best ice cream in town, this tour is perfect for those wanting a relaxed, flavorful introduction to Padua. The guide’s knowledge enhances the experience, making it engaging and authentic. It’s suitable for most fitness levels and offers excellent value, although specific pricing is not listed.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who love food, history, and local culture—reserve ahead to secure your place.
7. Padua: Walking Tour & Traditional Cooking Class with Wine
Number 7 blends city exploration with hands-on culinary fun. The Walking Tour & Cooking Class takes about three hours and guides you through Padua’s streets, markets, and food shops. Afterward, you’ll learn how to cook a traditional Paduan dish, then enjoy it paired with Veneto wine in a cozy setting.
This tour is ideal for foodies who want more than just tasting—they get to cook and understand regional ingredients firsthand. The reviews are glowing, especially about the instructor’s warmth and the delicious meal. It’s well suited for travelers comfortable with some kitchen activity and those eager for an immersive experience.
Bottom line: A flavorful, interactive experience for culinary enthusiasts. Book early, as spots are limited.
8. Verona: Street Food Tour and City Guided Sightseeing
While not in Padua itself, this Verona tour is worth mentioning for its focus on local flavors and city sights. Over two hours, you’ll explore the Arena di Verona, Juliet’s House, and Piazza delle Erbe, tasting local cheeses and cured meats along the way. The guide’s engaging storytelling enhances the experience, and the tour includes a coffee and gelato break.
Ideal for travelers wanting a quick, tasty introduction to Verona’s highlights, it suits those looking for a compact city experience with plenty of food. The reviews praise the guide Laura for her knowledge and warmth.
Bottom line: Great for a brief, flavor-filled city walk — book early to ensure availability.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Padua
Picking the best tour depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If you love art and history, the small group walk with the Scrovegni Chapel is hard to beat. For a relaxing day exploring Veneto’s architecture, the Villa and Brenta tour offers scenic views and cultural insights.
Travelers seeking a culinary experience should consider the food and culture walk or the cooking class, both providing delicious, hands-on insights. For those interested in nature and authentic lagoon scenes, the Chioggia lagoon boat is an excellent choice, especially for small groups.
Book early, especially for popular tours like the wine tasting and art-focused visits, to secure your spot. Consider your travel style: do you want a quick overview or an immersive experience? The options are diverse enough to ensure everyone finds their perfect fit.
To Sum Up
Padua offers a wonderfully varied selection of tours, from artistic explorations to scenic boat rides and culinary adventures. For travelers who love art, the Scrovegni Chapel is a must-see, while food lovers will enjoy the Padua culinary walk. Nature fans will appreciate the peaceful lagoon cruise, and history buffs can’t go wrong with the villa and Riviera trip.
No matter your interests, planning ahead and booking early will help you make the most of your visit. Whether you want to relax on a boat, learn about local wines, or explore the city’s artistic treasures, Padua’s tours offer memorable ways to experience Veneto’s rich culture.