The ancient city of Padua in northern Italy is packed with heritage landmarks and photogenic architecture. If you want to peel back the layers of this charming settlement, then exploring with a local guide is a must.

Padua tours are best enjoyed on foot, so you can venture down atmospheric cobblestone streets and visit places far from the main thoroughfares. It's a great way to spend your first day here, to help get a feeling for the city. 

During the excursion, you'll stroll through plazas, tick off monuments and learn about the rich culture of Padua. Top spots include Prato della Valle, a Roman-influenced square and the Basilica of St. Anthony in Piazza del Santo. You'll also pass by the Scrovegni Chapel which is famed for its frescoes by Giotto. 

Artists and writers have been coming here for centuries, so the city has quite a creative vibe. At the end of the tour, you'll stop for refreshments at Caffe Pedrocchi, which is one of Italy's most iconic literary haunts.

Sampling the local cuisine is one of the best ways to get to know a new destination. These Padua tours focus on revealing the region's finest foods along with a healthy portion of culinary history as a fitting accompaniment.

The cooking classes usually take place in the home of a Padua resident, for an authentic experience. Your trip begins with a visit to the market, to source fresh ingredients and learn about the produce found here in Padua. 

Then it's time to step into the kitchen. The friendly chef will give a demonstration to show you the different stages of the meal preparation. You'll be given a recipe to follow too, which you can take home and recreate after your vacation. 

Popular dishes on the menu include hand-made pasta, gnocchi and tiramisu. During the session, pick up secret insider tips that go beyond what you'll find in a cookbook. Finally, you can feast on your efforts at the end of the tour, with wine and coffee to help wash it all down. 

Wine is an important part of Italian culture, whether you're enjoying a few glasses in a bar or out exploring the rolling countryside vineyards. If you're interested in tasting the wines of the Padua region, a day trip to the nearby Euganean Hills is a must. 

On these excursions into the heart of the Veneto region, you'll discover swathes of olive groves and vineyards. The volcanic soils produce some of the best olive oil and wine in the country, and it's fun learning about the organic process firsthand. 

After being transferred from Padua, you'll enjoy a guided visit around an olive mill, with plenty of samples on offer. Then you'll head to a winery for a tour, where you'll discover how the humble grape is transformed into delicious barrels of wine. 

The highlight is a visit to the cellar, where you'll get to taste some of the wines being produced here. Local food pairings just add to the experience, with breads, ham and cheeses all on offer.

For something a bit different, why not have a go at one of the Padua escape game experiences here in the city? Together with your fellow travelers, you'll pit your wits against the clues to unveil a fun-packed day out.

These escape games take place outdoors, giving you the chance to explore the city in a new way. By solving puzzles and working out riddles, you'll be immersed in the heritage of Padua, ticking off lots of sights along the way. It's a great option for those who want to learn more about Padua without having a guide. 

Locations visited can include everywhere from the Basilica of St. Anthony to the Tomb of Antenor. You'll end up at lots of spots off the beaten track too if you answer the game questions correctly. 

You'll use your phone to reveal and answer the challenges, so make sure your batteries are fully charged. As soon as you solve the first clue, you'll receive directions to the next place – the whole tour lasts around 3 hours. 

The Villa dei Vescovi is a popular feature on many Padua tours. Visits here are often combined with a trip to the 17th-century Valsanzibio Garden, which is known by some as Italy's most beautiful park. Transfers from Padua are included in the excursion price for a hassle-free day out.

At the Valsanzibio Garden, you'll explore the long avenues of trees, tackle the mind-boggling labyrinth and admire the tinkling fountains. There are lots of statues keeping watch over this idyllic outdoor realm, all of which have their own symbolic meaning. Once the haunt of the Venetian nobility, today these manicured grounds are a favorite with day-tripping tourists.

After checking out the garden, you'll head to the Villa dei Vescovi up in the Euganean Hills. This historic holiday residence was built in the 16th century as a summer retreat for the Padua bishops. 

The elegant architecture blends seamlessly with the surrounding vineyards, making for a pretty picture. Inside this Renaissance villa, you'll discover lavish rooms adorned with colorful frescoes and bedrooms complete with period furniture.

For the ultimate day out from Padua, boat trips to Venice tick all the boxes. These one-way Padua tours are ideal if you're traveling onward to Venice as the two places are connected by the Brenta Riviera. 

You'll board the boat in Padua and cruise along the course of the original 18th-century waterway to San Marco in Venice. Relax on deck as you pass elegant mansions like the famous Villa Giovanelli at Noventa Padovana. 

You'll have a chance to stretch your legs on shore with a guided tour of Villa Pisani. This magnificent manor is known for its swimming pool, stables and traditional Coffee House. Continue your journey through the iconic Dolo Lock, before enjoying another tour – this time at Villa Widmann. 

Lunch is taken at the historic Burchiello Restaurant in Oriago. Then it's on to Malcontenta with views of quaint villages and swing bridges along the way. After a final stop at the extravagant Villa Foscari, you'll arrive in Venice and dock in San Marco.