Riviera del Brenta & Padova

Tour by special Deluxe coach to enjoy a scenic drive along the Riviera del Brenta. The Riviera dates back to the beginning of the 15th century when Venice conquered Padua, extending its domain over the Italian mainland. The Venetian patrician families cleared the land along the river, building farms and lovely villas, similar to the palaces they built along the Gran Canal. Palladio, the greatest Venetian and European architect of the 16th century, built “La Malcontenta” for the noble Foscari family between 1550 and 1560. Further down the Brenta canal to Mira Porte then down to Strà where is situated  the beatiful villa “Pisani”.
Built to celebrate the election of Alvise Pisani as Doge, this superb villa recalls in concept and magnificence the Versailles.
The villa, as designed by Preti, was an austere rectangular block with two courtyards separated by a central section with an enormous ballroom on the upper floor.   Among the secondary buildings on the ground floor are the rusticated arcade wich faces the garden and the stables. The eight Corinthian half columns which surround the great windows of the upper storey repeat the motif  of the pronaos in the main façade.
The frescoes in the ballroom are by Gianbattista Tiepolo.
Surrounded by a beatiful park, of particular interest is the labyrinth is the middle of which, for those who are able to reach it, is an observation point. There is also a vast park and fish-pond.

Proceeding by coach down to Padua to the Basilica of St. Anthony: a result of three different reconstructions, which took place over a period of about 70 years: 1238-1310.
In St. Anthony’s time there was the little church of Santa Maria Mater Domini, when he died in 1231 – according to his own whishes – his body was transported and buried in this church, later integrated into the Basilica and now the Chapel of the Black Madonna.

Special notes:
During services in the Basilica,  guided tour groups are not permitted,  entry is allowed on individual basis to see the interior, but in nay case, before entering, the guide will explain the exterior as well as the interior features.
Suitable clothes that covers shoulders and knees are suggested.

This tour will not operate on Mondays as the Villa Pisani is closed
unless we decide for the visit of another villa.

• Technical information

  • Meeting Point To be confirmed by the tour operator after a booking enquiry.
  • Transportation Motorcoach
  • The tour includes Motorcoach transportation from ship to Padova via riviera del Brenta and return, hostesses assistance during transfers, guide service, operational assistance, entrance fees
  • Total duration Approx 7 / 8 hours
  • The tour timing Panoramic drive 120 / 150 minutes - Walking sightseeing incl visits 150 / 180 minutes - Time at leisure 60 minutes - Time for lunch 90 minutes
  • Access Walking time: approximately 4 hours - Stairs to climb: quite a lot - Lift
  • Difficulty:
  • Price/person Cost per person  minimum 2    €  439,00
    Cost per person  minimum 4     €  249,00
    Cost per person  minimum 6    €  186,00