9-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey from Belgium to Verona and Padua, Italy

Day 1: Arrival and Verona Exploration

Verona, Italy on May 5, 2025

9:00am

Travel from Belgium to Verona

Start your journey early to arrive in Verona by midday, ensuring maximum time to explore the city.
VARIES, 6h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Osteria Le Vecete

Enjoy traditional Veronese cuisine in a cozy setting known for its fresh pasta and local wines.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Juliet's House (Casa di Giulietta)

Explore the romantic balcony and the small museum dedicated to Shakespeare's Juliet, a must-see historical site.
EUR6, 1h0m

4:30pm

Walk along the Adige River and Piazza delle Erbe

Stroll the scenic riverwalk and vibrant market square, perfect for people watching and local shopping.
FREE, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria al Pompiere

Dine on classic Veronese dishes including bigoli pasta and local Amarone wine in a traditional atmosphere.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 2: Verona Historical Highlights

Verona, Italy on May 6, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Flego

Start your day with fresh pastries and excellent Italian coffee at this local favorite bakery.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:30am

Explore Verona Arena

Visit the ancient Roman amphitheater, one of the best-preserved and still in use for operas and concerts.
EUR10, 1h0m

11:00am

Climb Torre dei Lamberti

Ascend this medieval tower for stunning panoramic views of Verona’s rooftops and surroundings.
EUR8, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Antica Bottega del Vino

Relish local specialties paired with an excellent selection of regional wines in this historic wine bar.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore

Admire Romanesque architecture and famous art, including Mantegna’s altarpiece.
EUR5, 1h0m

4:00pm

Leisure time at Giardino Giusti

Relax in stunning Renaissance gardens with beautiful views of the city and ornate landscaping.
EUR10, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Locanda 4 Cuochi

Sample creative dishes blending traditional and modern Italian flavors in a stylish setting.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 3: Verona to Padua Transfer

Verona, Italy to Padua, Italy on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Wallner

Enjoy a rich espresso and fresh croissant to fuel your travel day.
EUR7, 0h45m

9:30am

Travel to Padua by train

Take a direct train from Verona to Padua, approximately 1.5 hours, for an early arrival and afternoon exploration.
EUR15, 1h30m

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch at Osteria Ai Scarponi

Settle in and enjoy Padua’s specialties, including risotto and fresh seafood dishes.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Scrovegni Chapel

Marvel at Giotto’s frescoes, a masterpiece of Italian art, open from 9am to 6pm, booking recommended.
EUR13, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Prato della Valle

Walk through one of Europe’s largest squares, featuring statues and a serene canal.
FREE, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Belle Parti

Dine in an elegant venue offering modern takes on traditional Veneto cuisine.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 4: Padua Art and History

Padua, Italy on May 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Caffè Pedrocchi

Begin with a classic Italian espresso in this historic café known for its 18th-century architecture.
EUR10, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit Basilica of Saint Anthony

Explore this iconic pilgrimage site featuring stunning architecture and religious art, open 7am to 7pm.
FREE, 1h0m

11:00am

Walk through Orto Botanico di Padova

Discover the world’s oldest university botanical garden, a UNESCO site open 9am-6pm, showcasing diverse flora.
EUR10, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at La Folperia

Taste fresh seafood cicchetti in a casual and vibrant setting near Prato della Valle.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Palazzo della Ragione

Visit the historic town hall with its medieval frescoed hall and panoramic terrace views, open 9:30am-5:30pm.
EUR8, 1h0m

4:00pm

Stroll through Piazza dei Signori

Relax in this bustling piazza surrounded by cafés and elegant architecture.
FREE, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria dei Fabbri

End your day with traditional Veneto dishes made from seasonal local ingredients.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 5: Day Trip to Venice

Padua, Italy with Day Trip to Venice, Italy on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or nearby cafe

Have a light breakfast before traveling with pastries and coffee within walking distance from your accommodation.
EUR8, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel to Venice by train

Catch a 30-40 minute train from Padua to Venice Santa Lucia station for a full day of exploration.
EUR12, 0h45m

9:00am

Morning walk through St. Mark’s Square

Visit Venice’s iconic piazza featuring landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Campanile, shops open by 10am.
FREE, 1h30m

10:30am

Tour Doge’s Palace

Explore this gothic masterpiece with its ornate rooms and historic prison, open 9am-7pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Osteria alle Testiere

Enjoy fresh seafood in a small, highly rated Venetian osteria known for its intimate setting.
EUR45, 1h0m

1:30pm

Gondola Ride

Experience Venice from the water on a scenic gondola ride through the canals, rides usually 30-40 minutes.
EUR80 (per gondola, up to 6 people), 0h40m

3:00pm

Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Explore modern art masterpieces in this riverside museum, open 10am-6pm, closed Tuesdays.
EUR15, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Padua by train

Head back to Padua to rest after a fulfilling day in Venice.
EUR12, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Antica Trattoria del Santo

Savor classic dishes in this historic Padua restaurant renowned for its risotto and polenta.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 6: Padua Cultural Immersion

Padua, Italy on May 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Taste some of Padua's best pastries paired with a smooth cappuccino.
EUR7, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit Musei Civici agli Eremitani

Explore archaeological finds and Renaissance art in this museum, open 9:30am-5:30pm, closed Mondays.
EUR10, 1h30m

11:15am

Tour University of Padua Botanical Garden Historic Sections

Visit the oldest botanical garden part featuring rare plants and a historic atmosphere.
Included with garden ticket, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Vecchia Padova

Enjoy excellent traditional Venetian dishes in a warm, inviting environment.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Eremitani Church

See the famous fresco fragments and admire gothic architecture next to the museum.
FREE, 0h45m

3:00pm

Shopping and Coffee at Via Roma

Explore local shops and relax with an afternoon coffee in one of the street’s cafés.
VARIABLE, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Al Prato

Finish the day with sophisticated Veneto cuisine in a charming atmosphere near Prato della Valle.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 7: Day Trip to Vicenza

Padua, Italy with Day Trip to Vicenza, Italy on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Grab a quick breakfast to start your day trip with energy.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Train from Padua to Vicenza

Take the train (30 mins) to explore Vicenza, known for Palladian architecture.
EUR7, 0h30m

10:00am

Visit Teatro Olimpico

Tour the world’s oldest indoor theater designed by Palladio, open 9am-5pm.
EUR12, 1h0m

11:30am

Walk through Piazza dei Signori and Basilica Palladiana

Enjoy these iconic squares and Renaissance architecture in the city center.
FREE, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Enoteca dai Tosi

Savor regional wines and traditional Veneto cuisine in this popular local eatery.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Villa La Rotonda (exterior and gardens)

Admire Palladio’s masterpiece villa from the outside and enjoy its serene gardens.
EUR10, 1h30m

4:30pm

Return to Padua by train

Relax on your return journey to Padua after a full day of sightseeing.
EUR7, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Da Giovanni

Indulge in classic northern Italian dishes with a focus on fresh ingredients and flavors.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 8: Relaxed Last Day in Padua

Padua, Italy on May 12, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Racca

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with fine pastries and espresso in a historic setting.
EUR8, 0h45m

10:00am

Visit Musei di Palazzo Zuckermann

Explore fine arts and decorative arts collections in a neoclassical palace, open 9:30am-5:30pm.
EUR8, 1h30m

12:00pm

Relax in Parco Europa

Spend a peaceful afternoon walk or rest in one of Padua’s large green spaces.
FREE, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Baccus Wine Bar

Try a variety of regional wines paired with light dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Shopping for local specialties

Purchase artisanal products like truffle, wine, and local cheeses to bring home.
VARIABLE, 1h30m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Antica Osteria ai Carraresi

Celebrate the end of your trip with exquisite Veneto cuisine in an intimate setting.
EUR45, 1h30m

Day 9: Departure

Padua, Italy to Belgium on May 13, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast and Departure

Have a quick breakfast at your hotel or nearby café before starting your journey back to Belgium.
EUR7, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel from Padua to Belgium

Begin your return trip to Belgium with memories of a rich cultural and culinary Italian experience.
VARIES, 6h0m