Padua Scrovegni Chapel & Basilica of Saint Anthony Day Trip from Bologna

Uncover Giotto's frescoes that changed Western art forever on a semi-private tour with an art expert

Travel Flexibly
· 6h · Bologna, Italy

In 1305, Giotto painted a chapel so emotionally powerful that it shattered medieval art conventions and gave sacred figures human souls. Seeing his frescoes in person is profound, and this small group tour is the deepest way to experience them. Travel by train from Bologna to Padua to meet a sacred art expert who reveals the grief, joy, and humanity in every panel before guiding you through the Basilica of Saint Anthony and its pilgrimage treasures.

What You Get With This Tour

  • Go where Giotto gave art emotion
  • Skip-the-line ticket to the Scrovegni Chapel
  • Expert English-speaking certified sacred art guide
  • Round-trip train tickets from Bologna
  • Guided tour of Scrovegni Chapel
  • Guided tour of Basilica of Saint Anthony
  • Guide tips
  • Lunch

Tour Itinerary

  • 1

    Your tour begins at Bologna Centrale station

    Arrive at Bologna Centrale early in the morning and board your regional train to Padua. Settle in for the short journey through the Emilia-Romagna and Veneto countryside as you prepare to explore two sacred art masterpieces.
  • 2

    Meet your guide at the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua

    Arrive in Padua and make your way to Piazza Eremitani 8, where your certified art and sacred iconography guide greets you in front of the chapel entrance. Your guide sets the scene for Giotto's groundbreaking vision before you step inside.
  • 3

    Step into Giotto's revolutionary fresco cycle

    Enter the intimate Scrovegni Chapel to witness frescoes that changed Western art forever. Your guide reveals how Giotto brought emotion and humanity to sacred painting in the early 14th century, from the Nativity to the haunting Last Judgment.
  • 4

    Cross the historic center to the Basilica of Saint Anthony

    Walk through Padua's medieval streets and the grand Prato della Valle square toward this pilgrimage church. Your guide leads you inside to discover side chapels, refined bas-reliefs, Donatello's bronze sculptures, and the Chapel of the Relics.
  • 5

    Your tour ends at the Basilica of Saint Anthony

    After exploring the basilica, your guided tour concludes. You'll return independently to Bologna by train, carrying with you a deeper understanding of Giotto's genius and Padua's sacred art legacy.

Additional Information

Good to know:

  • Train Travel: The round-trip train journey between Bologna and Padua is done independently, though tickets are included. Please arrive at Bologna Centrale at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

  • Dress Code: Appropriate clothing is required for access to sacred places, meaning shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women.

  • Accessibility: This experience is wheelchair accessible. Please contact us in advance so we can make the proper arrangements.

  • Late Arrivals: In case of a late arrival, participation in the tour is not guaranteed, and no refund will be issued.

  • Tour Changes: The itinerary may be subject to changes due to public events, adverse weather conditions, ongoing works, or other force majeure causes beyond our control. If this were to occur we will reach out as soon as possible.

  • Please Note: The meeting point with the guide in Padua is at the Scrovegni Chapel, Piazza Eremitani 8 in front of the chapel entrance.

  • Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early before your train departure and prepare to check-in with your guide upon arrival in Padua.

Your 6-hour tour includes:

  • Expert English-speaking certified guide specializing in art and sacred iconography

  • Round-trip regional train ticket from Bologna to Padua

  • Skip-the-line ticket to the Scrovegni Chapel

  • Guided tour inside the Scrovegni Chapel

  • Guided tour inside the Basilica of Saint Anthony

  • Maximum group size of 8

What to bring:

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Clothing that covers knees and shoulders

  • Camera

  • Water bottle

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Customer Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour family friendly?

Yes, this tour is suitable for children, but it is content-heavy and art-focused, making it best suited for older children and teens with an interest in art or history.

What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?

This experience is wheelchair accessible, though some areas include uneven streets and small bridges. Please contact us in advance so we can make the proper arrangements.

How much walking is involved on this tour?

This is a 6-hour tour that includes walking between the Scrovegni Chapel and the Basilica of Saint Anthony through Padua's historic center, plus time exploring inside both sites. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Are meals included on this tour?

Meals and drinks are not included on this tour. You may have time to grab a quick bite between sites, or you can eat before or after your guided tour.

Start From: $217.80

Available days Discounted days

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance!