In reading about Padua in my new RS guidebook, I’m noting that many of the places the Village Italy tour is supposed to visit on our full day (Sunday) appear to be closed on Sundays. I know the markets won’t be open then, but they will be easy to visit on our own prior to the start of our tour. According to the guidebook, the Anatomy Theater is also closed on Sundays. Has anyone recently been on the tour with a Saturday start, and if so, is the itinerary different? If the tour doesn’t visit the anatomy theater, should we try to see it the day before on an English speaking tour? I’d like to plan what to see and what to skip prior to the start of the tour based on what we’ll be seeing on the tour. Since there are a lot of tours with the Saturday (rather than Monday) start date, I’m kind of surprised that the sights mentioned might be different than the sights we’ll actually see as a group. I’m fine being flexible, but don’t want to assume I’ll see something on the tour if it’s actually not available to see on a Sunday. Any insight? Thanks!
Posted by
Northern Minnesota
597 posts
No insight on what you will see starting on a Saturday, but I would put the Anatomical Theatre on your list of "things not to miss."
Posted by
San Diego, California
4710 posts
Best to contact the RS office. Have a great trip!
Posted by
Arlington TX
406 posts
It’s a very good idea to figure out that information about open days when you sign up for a tour. I have to confess I’ve never thought about it and I guess it’s never impacted any of the 6 tours I’ve taken so far. I’d love to know if you get any information from the office. I’m planning on this tour in 2025.
Posted by
28 posts
We are scheduled to take this tour in May so I appreciate you calling this to our attention. I just wrote the office and will let you know if they respond. Perhaps they have a special arrangement for this tour.
Posted by
OP
Ithaca, NY, USA
671 posts
Thanks everyone. I took your suggestion and emailed RS Tours yesterday. I’ll let you know what they say.
madreklf, which tour will you be on in May? We’ll be on the one which starts on May 11th.
Posted by
28 posts
We are on the May 11th tour, also. It is the first Rick Steves tour we have ever taken. I also wrote to Rick Steves today.
Posted by
28 posts
We just heard from Rick Steves and we will visit the Anatomy theater on Sunday with special permission to have access. We are free after noon that day. That was good to know.
Posted by
OP
Ithaca, NY, USA
671 posts
Madreklf I’ve pm’d you. If we don’t connect ahead of time I look forward to meeting you on the tour!