Day trip

Padua to Venice Boat Cruise of the Brenta Riviera

Activity provider:Il Burchiello
Day trip

Padua to Venice Boat Cruise of the Brenta Riviera

Activity provider:Il Burchiello
Likely to sell out

From € 126 per person

Likely to sell out

Enjoy a full-day cruise to see more than 50 villas and tour Villa Pisani, Villa Widmann, and Villa Foscariwhile, entry tickets included. Cruise through small towns, locks, and swing bridges.

About this activity

Free cancellation
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 1 day
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English, French, German, Italian

Experience

Highlights
  • Cruise along the Brenta Riviera following the route of the ancient Burchiello
  • Admire more than 50 villas on the banks of the river
  • Cruise through 5 different locks and 9 swing bridges
  • Enjoy a guided tour of Villa Pisani, Villa Widmann, and Villa Foscari
Full description

In ancient times, Padua and Venice were connected by typical river boats called Burchiello®. The wooden boats featured elegant cabins and 3 or 4 balconies and were driven by the wind or oars, before being drawn by horses from Fusina to Padua.

Recreate this journey on a full-day mini cruise from the heart of Padua to Venice San Marco. Departing from the historical Burchiello® Stairway at Portello, you will cruise along the original course of the 18th-century Venetian Burchielli, passing the gorgeous Villa Giovanelli at Noventa Padovana.

Relax on board the luxury boat, with open-air deck to soak up the views. Disembark at Stra for a guided tour of Villa Pisani. Marvel at its impressive swimming pool, the grandiose stables and the elegant eighteenth-century Coffee House.

Continue towards Dolo, enjoying historic illustrations of the different villas seen from the river. Pass through Dolo Lock and on towards Mira.

Just past Mira Lock you will stop at Villa Widmann for a guided tour of the 18th-century mansion that belonged to a noble family of Persian origin. Cruise to Oriago, where you will stop for lunch in the historic Il Burchiello Restaurant. Next, navigate to Malcontenta, cruising past villas, villages and swing bridges. Upon arrival in Malcontenta, stop to explore one last villa; the regal Villa Foscari. Located on the edge of the lagoon, it was within easy access of Venice for its powerful Venetian owner.

Finally, cruise through the Moranzani Lock to journey across the lagoon, and dock at San Marco Riva degli Schiavoni at the “Pontile della Pietà” landing stage.

Includes
  • River cruise from Padua to Venice San Marco
  • On-board guide
  • Villa Pisani entry and guided tour
  • Villa Widmann entry and guided tour
  • Villa Foscari entry and guided tour
  • Lunch
  • Return back to Padua
Not suitable for
  • People with mobility impairments

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

At the Burchiello Stairway at Portello, Padua.

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Important information

Not allowed

  • Luggage or large bags

Know before you go

  • Luggage allowances:
  • The maximum expected size for each piece of luggage is: 75x50x30 cm (€20 for each item)
  • Any luggage greater than the expected measures will be classed as 2 bags
  • Due to limited space, luggage is only allowed on board when it has been pre-booked. You can add luggage to your booking via the 'extras' section on the bookings page. If you do not book your luggage as an extra, undeclared luggage will only be accepted when there is available space on board (for a fee of €30)
  • The reservation is necessary for: suitcases, trolleys, large travel bags, big backpacks, travel bags or sport bags
  • The reservation is not necessary for: handbags, cameras and small backpacks
  • The luggage's storage area is located inside the passenger cabin and it is not guarded. The Management accepts no responsibility for any theft or luggage tampering
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 275 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.7/5
  • Transportation
    4.5/5
  • Service
    4.5/5
  • Organization
    4.6/5

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Star rating:

Very nice trip and very cultural rich. The three villas to visit are great. The main concern is that you are pressed by the time and visits are too fast. It has been especially the case for us in the last villa (lees than 30 minutes to visit while it is THE one done by A. Palladio). Then the entrance in Venice lagoon is always a must.

April 11, 2023

A wonderful day out, on a water route that connects Padua with Venice. One gets access to three villas, which might seem too small a number in comparison to how many of them exist in the area, but these are crucial in providing insight into this interesting phenomenon in the history of the Venetian Republic. In addition, many other villas located along the canal can be viewed from the outside, as well as the engineering facilities - some of them very old - can be seen in full action. A bonus: a delicious multi-course lunch.

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September 8, 2022

We did start an hour late but arrived in the lagoon/at the dock pretty much on time. It makes me wonder if we missed anything to make up time. The tour guides were excellent and had so much information to impart. They could answer nay questions asked of them. I was very impressed by them!!! The boat was fine.

November 1, 2021

Product ID: 35948