Medieval castles walled towns, Renaissance villas, south Euganean Hills
After 1 hour and 30 minutes of driving distance, you will make the first walking tour in Montagnana with your licensed local guide. You will see well-preserved walls of the Middle Ages which surround the historic center for almost 2 km. You will reach the top of the ancient and higher tower of Montagnana.
In 1405 the town chooses to join the Republic of Venice, which helps to grow its economy thanks to the investments of the Venetian Nobles that enriched the town with magnificent buildings and precious masterpieces.
On the way to Monselice, you will stop in another important medieval site of Este considered one of the most famous pottery towns in Italy. Here you will visit a factory known for the production of cured meat like the "Prosciutto Veneto DOP" with a tasting. Close by you will have time to visit also a ceramic historical shop.
Your day excursion continues to reach the castle of Monselice. Also for the visit to this castle, you will have a local professional guide. This is a complex of buildings which consist of four main parts. The most ancient one is composed of a late eleventh-century building, while the Little Castle (Castelletto) dates back to the twelfth century. During the thirteenth century the Castle was enlarged with a massive tower and the large rooms in the keep, characterized by “towered” fireplaces, were made in the fourteenth century. Each room was enriched with a precious collection of authentic furniture, paintings, carpets, tapestries, ceramics, instruments, and fabrics in the Gothic and Renaissance style.
The walking tour continues along the path that follows the slope of the hill. On the left, you find a staircase and some grotesque statues part of Villa Mocenigo that dates back to the renaissance. Further up the old Cathedral of St Justine built in Romanesque style in 1256 and restored in 1935. Continuing, you will pass through two columns surmounted by two lions and a gate.
From here you will walk through a series of six chapels that accompany the ascent to the area of Villa Duodo. In the church next to the villa there are the relics of 25 Christians protomartyrs justifying the granting of indulgence by Pope Paul V.
Full day excursion in the Southern Euganean Hills. This is an area located in the province of Padua. This private tour is focused on the medieval towns of Montagnana and Monselice, as well as the site of Este. The visit of these 2 towns is with professional licensed local guides that you will meet when you will arrive on spot.
You will meet your professional driver at the main car terminal in Venice known as Piazzale Roma (Rome square). The meeting place is at the NCC (chauffeur service) parking area.
Same as the pick-up place.
- Entrance fees to the castles
- Visit and products tasting raw ham and sausage factory
- Driver/guide
- Local guide
- Port pickup
- Private tour
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Fuel surcharge
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Infant seats available
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Dress code is smart casual
- Not recommended for people sensitive to the sight of raw meat and its processing
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity
- The cancellation from 10 days to 72 hours from the beginning of the day tour booked imply 50% of penalty of the whole cost of the service booked;
- The cancellation of the tour booked involves a 100% penalty if communicated within 72 hours from the beginning of the service.