Enjoy a romantic full-day mini cruise along the Brenta Riviera on the Burchiello® and pass more than 50 Venetian villas. Explore the villas of Pisani, Widmann, and the Palladian Villa Foscari, and sail among small villages and the swing bridges of Brenta.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 1 day
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English, French, German, Italian
Experience
Highlights
- Cruise along the Brenta Riviera, following the route of the old Burchiello®
- Admire more than 50 villas on the banks of the river
- Navigate 5 different locks and 9 swing bridges
- Stop to tour the noble Villa Pisani, Villa Widmann, and the Palladian Villa Foscari
- Lunch at the historic Il Burchiello Restaurant
- Sail into the heart of the Venetian Lagoon and arrive at San Marco in style
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, the grandest villa of the Brenta Riviera. Continue towards Dolo, looking at 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
- Boat cruise from Padua to Venice San Marco
- Guide
- Entrance to Villa Pisani
- Entrance to Villa Widmann
- Entrance to Villa Foscari "La Malcontenta"
- Lunch
- Return to Padua (bus tickets can be purchased on board, train tickets at the station)
Not suitable for
- People with mobility impairments
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- Customers must keep distance in vehicles
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
- Customers must fill out a travel information form
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
At the Burchiello Stairway at Portello, Padua.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
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
