Padua tour with Scrovegni Chapel & Basilica: 4 hours

Palazzo della Ragione spans one of Europe's largest halls without a single supporting column.

A 4-hour private tour of Padua with an expert local guide, starting at Prato della Valle and covering the Basilica of Saint Anthony, Scrovegni Chapel with Giotto's frescoes, the medieval Palazzo della Ragione, and the University of Padua's botanical garden. Admission to the Scrovegni Chapel and Basilica are included. The guide speaks English, French or German and pickup is arranged for you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Prato della Valle20m
2. Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua40m
3. Scrovegni Chapel1h 30m · entry included

Explore Padua's main highlights

• Meet guide at Prato della Valle
• Stroll around Prato della Valle square
• Visit Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua
• Tour Scrovegni Chapel and see frescoes
• Walk through Piazza delle Erbe market square
• Admire Palazzo della Ragione
• Visit University of Padua and Orto Botanico
• End near Caffè Pedrocchi

The experience

Prato della Valle, one of Europe's largest squares, is where you meet your guide to begin. The elliptical plaza sits ringed by a canal lined with 78 statues of famous Paduan citizens, and its green lawns and ornate bridges set the tone for a walk through layers of the city's history. From there, the tour moves through the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua, Il Santo, a soaring church with Renaissance and Baroque artworks that draws pilgrims year-round, especially on June 13th when the saint is celebrated.

The Scrovegni Chapel holds Giotto's fresco masterpieces, and entry is included in your tour price. You'll also walk through Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta, the lively market squares that still pulse with the city's everyday rhythm, then stop at the Palazzo della Ragione. This medieval courthouse is famous for its vast interior hall, one of the largest in Europe, that rises without supporting columns, a feat of Gothic engineering that opens up the entire space beneath a wooden roof adorned with frescoes.

The tour concludes near the University of Padua, one of Italy's oldest, founded in 1222 and home to the Orto Botanico di Padova, the world's oldest academic botanical garden. You'll finish near Caffè Pedrocchi, a historic café that symbolizes the city's cultural life. The whole route takes 4 hours and covers the religious, civic and intellectual landmarks that shaped Padua.

What’s included

• Admission to the Scrovegni Chapel and the Basilica of Saint Anthony.
• expert local guide.
• hotel or central pickup arranged for you.
• a 4-hour route through Padua's religious, civic and cultural landmarks.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDepartures at 09:30 and 14:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Private Tours of Venice

Is this one for you?Choose the language your guide speaks (English, French or German) when you book, so the commentary flows naturally as you move through the sites. The fixed 4-hour schedule fits the major landmarks into a single morning or afternoon without rushing between stops.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Scrovegni Chapel and why is it on this tour?

The Scrovegni Chapel houses Giotto's incomparable fresco masterpieces, making it a pearl of Italian art. It's included in this tour because Giotto's work is central to understanding Padua's artistic heritage, and entry tickets are part of your booking.

Where does the tour start and how do I get picked up?

The tour starts at Prato della Valle, one of Europe's grandest squares, and pickup is included in your booking. Your guide meets you there to begin the 4-hour route through the city.

What is Palazzo della Ragione and what makes it remarkable?

Palazzo della Ragione is a medieval palace that once served as Padua's courthouse. Its most striking feature is the vast interior hall, one of the largest in Europe, that spans the entire space without a single supporting column, a remarkable example of Gothic architecture.

Does the tour include the Basilica of Saint Anthony and the University of Padua?

Yes, both are included. You'll admire the Basilica of Saint Anthony, known as Il Santo, with its soaring domes and Renaissance artworks, and visit the University of Padua, founded in 1222, which includes the Orto Botanico di Padova, the world's oldest academic botanical garden.