Guided Spritz Walk

A guided walk built around the spritz, Padova's aperitivo staple. The route stays central, fitting easily between sightseeing and dinner.

Overview

Two spritzes, two bars, one walk through central Padova. That is the shape of this 1.5 hour tour run by Venice Day Trips, which starts at the circular fountain in Piazza delle Erbe and winds through the main squares and narrow streets with a guide who specializes in food and drink. Along the way you get the story of the spritz, from its origins in Padova, where Aperol was created a century ago, to the many versions poured today.

At each of the two stops you taste a different take on the cocktail, paired with local finger food such as cheese, prosciutto, olives and focaccia. The group is capped at 10 people. Reviews repeatedly single out the guides for their knowledge, with several travellers mentioning how much they learned about the spritz itself, including one who noted the pours were more varied than the standard Aperol spritz they were used to. One reviewer also received help securing a dinner reservation afterwards, thanks to their guide.

There is roughly half an hour of walking in total, the tour runs rain or shine, and pickup is not included, so you make your own way to the starting point in Piazza delle Erbe.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at the fountainMeet your guide at the large circular fountain in Piazza delle Erbe. The guide carries a Venice Day Trips sign.
2. Walk through central PadovaStroll the main squares and narrow streets with your guide, who explains the history of the spritz and how it has evolved.
3. First spritz stopTaste an authentic version of the spritz at the first location, served with traditional finger food.
4. Second spritz stopMove to a second unique location for a different version of the cocktail, again with finger food such as cheese, prosciutto, olives and focaccia.
5. Closing recommendationsThe walk wraps up with the guide suggesting recommended restaurants in Padova. No return transfer is provided.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical details will help you get the most out of this walk.

• Pace and walking. The listing notes about 30 minutes of walking across the tour. The ground covers the city center, including narrow streets.
• Weather gear. The tour runs rain or shine, so check the forecast before you head out. An umbrella or light rain jacket is sensible if the sky looks doubtful.
• Small group feel. Groups are capped at 10 people. Several reviewers mention learning a lot from their guide about Padova and about the spritz.
• Food along the way. The listing describes the food as traditional local finger food served with each cocktail.
• Beyond the usual spritz. Expect variety. One reviewer pointed out the pours were not the standard Aperol spritz they were used to, so come open to different styles of the drink.
• Getting there. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Make your own way to the circular fountain in Piazza delle Erbe and look for the guide holding a Venice Day Trips sign.

Common issues. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, and the tour proceeds regardless of weather. The walking portion, about half an hour, may not suit everyone. One reviewer booked the English tour and received it in Italian instead, which the guide handled by accompanying them in fluent Italian. Beyond that, reviews of this tour are positive about the guides.

Common Questions