Southwest of the ancient university town of Padua (“Padova” in Italian, known for the exquisite Scrovegni Chapel, painted by Giotto), you find yourself immersed in lush vineyards. This is the scenic wine region of Colli Euganei. Padova is little explored and not known to wine tourists visiting Veneto as Prosecco or Amarone (Valpolicella) wine country. The Colli Euganei is characterized by its steep, almost triangular hills (caused millennia ago by volcanoes), its medieval hamlets and monasteries (many still inhabited by Benedictine monks), and by its unspoiled landscapes (the wine region is part of a “Parco Regionale” and protected land). We have organized this luxurious private day excursion from Padua as an opportunity for you to visit the best wine estates, visit the prettiest villages and enjoy the best of Colli Euganei.
Signature journey
Highlights include Visit medieval Italian village of Arquà Petrarca, Taste the best wines from Colli Euganei, Wine Tasting in beautiful Monastic estate, and Private Chauffeured Mercedes Excursion.
Day 1Colli Euganei
Lispida winery
Your private chauffeured Mercedes and elegant English-speaking driver will pick you up at your hotel in Padua or the surroundings, and you will head south to the wine hills. The drive is about 40 minutes, so sit back in your comfortable Mercedes and relax. Your first stop today is at a leading small estate run by Paolo Brunello, a passionate entrepreneur who is also a very talented Cello player. Begin with a tour of the lovely vineyards, and learn all about the grapes grown here, from the whites like Tocai, Moscato, and Garganega, to the reds such as Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
You will taste the range of wines at this boutique estate and carry on to beautiful Arquà Petrarca (considered one of the loveliest medieval hamlets- “Borgo”- in Italy). Italians associate this little 14th-century village with the poet Francesco Petrarca, who lived out his last years here (indeed, his Venetian marble tomb is here, too). Lunch is waiting for you at a cozy trattoria, and you will taste local dishes all paired with Colli Euganei wines. The local pasta dish is “bigoli co l’arna” Bigoli with duck ragù,” a thick homemade spaghetti served with a lusty sauce of duck and tomato.
After lunch, enjoy some free time to explore medieval Arquà Petrarca on your own. Your last stop for today is to a spectacular monastic estate dating back to the 12th century that now features manicured gardens, luxuriously appointed rooms often used for weddings, and a whole working organic and natural winery. You will explore the beautiful estate and castle followed by a wine tasting directly from oak cask and amphora! If we arrange this tour for you at harvest time, you will get the opportunity to participate in the harvest and learn about ancient winemaking methods. Fascinating and memorable.
After a tour and tasting, you will head back to Padua, where your driver will drop you off at the hotel, concluding a fabulous day out in the wine country; we look forward to seeing you again next time. We hope you had a fantastic food and wine experience!
Cellar Tours private itineraries include chauffeur-led transportation, carefully selected hotels, winery appointments, restaurant planning, and practical support before and during your journey.
Depending on the destination and proposal, your tour may also include private guides, tastings, special experiences, cultural visits, regional transfers, and dining reservations.
Your custom proposal will clearly show what is included, what is optional, and what is not included.
Our custom itineraries include chauffeur-led transportation, carefully selected hotels, private winery appointments & tastings, restaurant planning, and support before and during your travel.
International flights, travel insurance, personal expenses, optional spa treatments, gratuities and meals or tastings not listed in your itinerary are usually not included unless specifically stated.
All itineraries are private and pre-arranged for your party.
Yes, 100%. Share mobility considerations, allergies, dietary preferences, and pacing needs early so we can adapt hotels, transport, restaurants, and visits wherever possible.
