Florence - Padovano $ 39.72

Embark on a captivating journey through Italian history as you travel by train from Florence to Padova. This scenic route will take you through picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and vibrant cities, all while immersing yourself in the rich culture and heritage of Italy.

The trip begins at the magnificent Florence Santa Maria Novella station, where you'll board the train. The shortest duration for this trip is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, whisking you away to your destination in no time. As the train glides through the idyllic countryside, you'll pass by the stunning cities of Bologna and Ferrara. Though these cities are worthy of exploration in their own right, save them for another adventure as your excitement builds toward Padova.

Arriving at the Padova station, you are greeted by historical landmarks and architectural marvels. The city's most iconic item stands tall in the Piazza delle Erbe - the Palazzo della Ragione. This medieval palace, adorned with frescoes and hosting a lively market, is a sight to behold.

During your visit to Padova, make sure to explore the Scrovegni Chapel, home to a series of masterful frescoes by Giotto depicting biblical scenes. Take a leisurely stroll through the Prato della Valle, one of Europe's largest public squares, and admire the central island surrounded by statues.

As the day draws to a close, indulge in local cuisine at Ristorante Al Bacaro or one of the many charming trattorias in the city. Savor traditional dishes like risotto, fresh seafood, and the world-famous Prosecco from the nearby region of Veneto.

Traveling from Florence to Padova by train allows you to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Italy while exploring charming towns and vibrant cities along the way. So, hop aboard and prepare for a journey through time and beauty!

Welcome to Florence, Italy, the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to some of the most amazing historical and architectural sites in the world. From awe-inspiring art galleries and botanical gardens to awe-inspiring churches and piazzas, Florence is a must-see destination. Here are seven must-see sites and what to eat in Florence. 

The Duomo: The Duomo, or Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, is the largest and most beautiful of Florence’s churches. A stunning example of Renaissance architecture, the Duomo is the perfect spot to admire the city’s stunning beauty. Located in the Piazza del Duomo, entrance costs €20 and is open every day from 8 AM to 7 PM. Insider tip: climb to the top of the bell tower for a breathtaking view of the city.

The Palazzo Vecchio: Located in the center of the city, the Palazzo Vecchio is a palace and one of the oldest buildings in Florence. Built in the 16th century, the palace houses the city’s government and is the perfect spot to admire beautiful Renaissance art and architecture. Entrance costs €7 and is open daily from 8:15 AM to 7 PM. Insider tip: arrive early to avoid the crowds.

Santa Croce: Located in the center of Florence, Santa Croce is a stunning 13th-century basilica known for its frescoes and the tombs of famous Italian artists. Entrance costs €10 and is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Insider tip: take a guided tour to learn more about the history and art of the basilica.

The Uffizi Museum: One of the oldest and most popular art museums in the world, the Uffizi Museum houses a stunning collection of Renaissance art and sculptures. Located on the banks of the Arno River, entrance costs €25 and is open daily from 8:15 AM to 6:50 PM. Insider tip: the lines can be long, so be sure to buy tickets in advance.

Boboli Gardens: Located at the back of the Palazzo Pitti, Boboli Gardens is a stunning 16th-century Italian garden filled with statues, fountains, and secret pathways. Entrance costs €10 and is open daily from 8:15 AM to 6 PM. Insider tip: visit in spring to see the gardens in full bloom.

Ponte Vecchio: Ponte Vecchio is one of the most famous bridges in Italy and one of the oldest in the world. Spanning the Arno River, the bridge is lined with shops and filled with history. Insider tip: take a stroll across the bridge at night for stunning views of the city.

Eating in Florence: Last but not least, no trip to Florence is complete without sampling some of the delicious food. From steak and pizza to gelato and tiramisu, Florence has something for everyone. Insider tip: be sure to try all the local specialties, such as Tuscan bread, Wild Boar Salami, and Pecorino Cheese.

From the iconic Duomo to the stunning Boboli Gardens, Florence is full of amazing sites to see and experiences to be had. Whether you’re an art lover or just looking for a city to explore, Florence is the perfect destination. So, grab your camera and get ready for an unforgettable trip.

Welcome to Padua, Italy! As the fourth largest city in the Veneto region, Padua is known for its rich culture, lively atmosphere and undeniably stunning architecture. Here's a list of seven must-see places to visit while in Padua, with historical and architectural information, as well as practical details and insider tips. 

Basilica of St. Anthony: Built in 1307, this Gothic-Romanesque basilica draws 4 million visitors annually and is among the most important Catholic sanctuaries in the world. Its interior is richly decorated with mosaics, frescoes and sculptures. Admission is free, although there's a €2 charge to visit St. Anthony's tomb. Take note of the 60cm silver reliquary containing his tongue - a priceless relic! 

Palazzo della Ragione: Open to visitors since 1218, this imposing palace was originally used for important civil trials and is now the seat of the city’s courtrooms. It boasts an enormous, centuries-old wooden ceiling, grand marble staircases and a rooftop terrace with views of Padua’s red-tiled roofs. Admission is free. 

Scrovegni Chapel: This 14th-century chapel is renowned for its frescoes painted by Giotto. Located in the city center, it’s easily accessible on foot or by bus from Padua's main train station. Admission is €12 per adult and the visit must be booked in advance. 

Prato della Valle: This 90,000-square-meter oval square is the largest in Europe. It’s known for its Venetian-style monuments, lush gardens and a central canal. Prato della Valle is also a popular spot to snack on Italian specialties. Entrance to the square is free. 

Caffè Pedrocchi: Built in 1831 and open 24/7, this café is known for its rich décor and a long list of coffee-based drinks. It also serves classic Italian snacks like paninis and tiramisu. Located right in the city center, Caffè Pedrocchi is an easy and delicious spot to grab a bite. Prices vary. 

Caffé Florian: This stunning café is one of the oldest coffee houses in the world, having been open since 1720. Adorned with chandeliers and velvet-covered chairs, it’s the perfect place to relax with a cappuccino. Prices start at €7. 

Botanical Garden: Located on the grounds of Palazzo Bo, the University of Padua's botanical garden contains over 4,500 species of plants from all over the world. It's open to visitors from April to October, with admission costing €6.50 for adults. 

Padua is a must-visit destination for history buffs and anyone looking for a memorable Italian experience. There's something to please everyone in the city, from the vibrant café culture to the stunning architecture. With this list of must-see historical and architectural sites, you'll be sure to make the most out of your trip to Padua!