Padua to Venice and Vicenza: Private day trip

Likely founded by Roman refugees, the island city of Venice has developed into one of the most iconic cities in the world. The narrow streets, romantic canals, and impressive historical buildings all add to its grandeur. The heart of Venice is the Piazza San Marco, which is surrounded by impressive buildings and dominated by the imposing bell tower and Saint Mark’s Basilica. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy Venice’s scenery, as well as the many cafes, shops, and live music. As the gondola is the symbol of the city, it’s an absolute must to float down the canals and experience the beauty of Venice by boat! You’ll pass by many churches and palaces, lively squares, museums, and shops along the way. Take some time to explore this one-of-a-kind city; even the smallest building can contain works by some of the history's most renowned artists including Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese.

Settled around 300 BC, the growing Roman presence eventually assimilated the original Paleo-Veneti inhabitants, and by 157 BC the city was a Roman centre. After the fall of Rome, it faced a tumultuous several centuries, being destroyed, sacked and dominated as they tried to navigate Italian politics. By the 16th century, it was one of the most downtrodden cities of the Veneto, but Andrea Palladio revitalized it, leaving many outstanding palaces and villas. Among his greatest achievements is the Olympic theatre, widely considered the first modern covered theatre. The arch-faced Basilica Palladiana shows one of the first examples of what have come to be known as the Palladian window. So great was Palladio's influence that the city even has a Palladio museum housed inside a Palladio palace. If you ever tire of his works, the city's many parks churches offer beautiful and quiet spaces to escape to.