Hidden Italy: Padua, Vicenza & Mantua
This six-day escorted tour is an ideal choice for Irish holidaymakers who wish to explore the quieter, more authentic side of Northern Italy. While many travellers head straight for Venice or Rome, this itinerary focuses on the historic cities of the Veneto and Lombardy regions, providing a deeper look at Italy’s artistic and architectural heritage. Staying in the medieval town of Castelfranco Veneto, you will be perfectly positioned to visit a collection of UNESCO World Heritage sites and enjoy local traditions without the crowds of larger cities. Your Padua Vicenza tour is carefully organised to provide a balance of guided discovery and time to enjoy the Italian lifestyle at your own pace.
One of the most significant highlights is the visit to Padua, where you will see the Scrovegni Chapel. The frescos here are some of the most important examples of medieval art in the world, and seeing them in person is an unforgettable experience. In Vicenza, you will walk through streets that serve as an open-air museum for the work of Andrea Palladio, the architect who influenced the style of grand buildings across Europe and America. Your guided tour includes access to the stunning Teatro Olimpico, a marvel of Renaissance design. These visits are complemented by a stop in Mantua, a city that feels as though it has been preserved in time, where you can explore the grand Palazzo Ducale and learn about the influential Gonzaga family.
Beyond the art and architecture, this holiday provides a taste of the region’s famous produce. You will visit the town of Bassano del Grappa, known for its distinctive wooden bridge and its namesake liqueur. A guided visit to an artisan museum will explain the distillation process before you sample the spirit yourself. You will also spend time at the Villa Sandi estate, where you can explore the impressive underground cellars and enjoy a tasting of high-quality Prosecco. With return flights from Dublin, checked luggage, and a four-star hotel included, this escorted tour offers excellent value for those looking to uncover the culture and history of Northern Italy with the support of an expert tour manager throughout the journey.
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What's Included+
- Booking advice from your Travel Escapes travel advisor
- Return flights and transfers from Dublin
- Five nights in a hand-picked four-star hotel in Castelfranco Veneto
- Bed and breakfast accommodation throughout
- Seven included experiences with local experts
- Guided tours of Vicenza, Mantua, and Padua
- Grappa tasting in Bassano del Grappa and wine tasting at the Villa Sandi estate
- Entry to the Scrovegni Chapel and the Palazzo Ducale
- Expert Travel Escapes Tour Manager looking after you throughout
- Checked luggage
Itinerary
1Arrival in Venice and transfer to Castelfranco Veneto+
Upon arrival at Venice airport, you will be met by your coach for the transfer to the medieval town of Castelfranco Veneto. This will be your base for the next five nights, offering a relaxed setting for your Italian holiday.
2Bassano del Grappa and Villa Sandi Wine Tasting+
Visit the charming town of Bassano del Grappa, situated at the base of the Venetian Prealps. You will visit a local artisan museum to learn about the history of grappa and enjoy a tasting of this famous digestif. Later, the tour continues to Villa Sandi, a beautiful estate where you will explore the underground cellars and enjoy a tasting of their renowned Prosecco.
3Architecture and Art on a Padua Vicenza tour+
Today you travel to Vicenza, a city defined by the work of the Renaissance architect Palladio. A guided tour of the historic centre will introduce you to its elegant streets and the Piazza dei Signori. You will also see the Teatro Olimpico, Europe's oldest surviving indoor theatre. Your visit includes a museum pass, allowing you to explore more of the city's landmarks at your own pace during a Padua Vicenza tour.
4Mantua and the Palazzo Ducale+
Travel west to the historic city of Mantua, which is surrounded by three lakes and has remained largely unchanged for centuries. A guided tour will take you through the medieval old town to see the squares and porticoes of this UNESCO World Heritage site. You will also visit the Palazzo Ducale, the expansive and grand former home of the powerful Gonzaga family.
5The Historic City of Padua+
Today's excursion takes you to Padua, home to one of Italy's oldest universities. The highlight of the visit is entry to the Scrovegni Chapel to view the extraordinary 14th-century frescos by Giotto. These medieval masterpieces are considered a turning point in Western art history and are part of a protected UNESCO site.
6Return to Ireland+
After breakfast, you will be transferred back to the airport for your return flight to Dublin, bringing your Italian escorted tour to a close.
| Date | Acc. | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 May 2027 | Twin | €1,339 Promo: €1,189 | Enquire Now |
| 09 Sep 2027 | Twin | €1,369 | Enquire Now |
- Booking deposit: enquire at time of booking
- Prices are per person based on two sharing.
- Single Supplement applies.
- A non-refundable / non-transferable deposit is required at the time of booking.
- Balance due 16 weeks before departure.
- Optional insurance available (terms & conditions apply).
- Taxes, prices & itinerary subject to change.
- Booking terms & conditions apply.
- Travel Insurance is not included.
Ref: RIV
