Getting from Padua Train Station to Hotel Al Fagiano (First Hotel on Village Italy Tour)

Posted by Mark & Sandee (Texas) on 06/27/23 01:25 PM

Hello Everyone,

My wife and I will be taking the RS Village Italy Tour in June 2024, and I was wondering about the feasibility of walking what looks to be 1.2 miles from the Padua Train Station to the Al Fagiano Hotel which is located close to St. Anthony's Basilica. We would have two small luggages (25") and plenty of time for (what google maps says) the 25-27 minute walk. It looks like the route goes right past the Scrovegni Chapel, which we go to as a group on Day 2.

It looks doable, but am I missing something?
Is there a sidewalk to walk on?
Not being familiar with the area, is it safe?
Other thoughts?

Thank you in advance!

Mark

Posted by lnbsig 🌍

North Carolina

06/27/23 01:45 PM

2454 posts

Walking would be fine. Alternatively, you could take the tram - you’d want to get off at the ‘Santo’ stop.

Posted by renee

Minnesota

06/27/23 03:08 PM

484 posts

We took a taxi because it was dark and we didn’t feel like getting lost with our luggage LOL. Not very expensive . But it is certainly walkable and the tram is also easy to use.

When your tour dates are closer, Rick Steves will send detailed instructions for getting to the hotel.

Posted by Lesley

Sidney, BC, Canada

06/27/23 04:35 PM

892 posts

I find a look at Street View on Google Earth or Google maps is a great way to get a feel for neighbourhoods for either walking or checking a hotel location. When I did the tour, I took a taxi from the station to the hotel.

Posted by Mary

Massachusetts

06/27/23 06:41 PM

846 posts

I took this tour in June 2022. The only reason I took a taxi instead of walk to the hotel from the train station was the heat. It was in the high 80s. But if you want to walk the route, the area is safe.

Posted by Pam

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA

06/27/23 09:29 PM

13952 posts

Honestly, if you've got suitcases that are that big, I'd get a taxi. You can walk, but it's been a while since I did this tour and I know for the 3 of us we just got into a cab at the cab rank outside the station. There is also the ability to take a tram but we didn't do that.

If you all have an interest in gardens, do go visit the Botanical Gardens near the hotel. They are wonderful!

I am not a religious person but am always interested in what people fold into their religious practices. For this trip I tried to see all the relics that were on display in the various cathedrals including the ones of St Anthony's jaw, vocal cords and tongue in the Basilica nearby the Padua Hotel.

I hope you will consider going in to Padua at least the day ahead of your tour start. I did not schedule that for us and regretted it as there were some things to do in Padua that we did not have time for. It also helps get over the jet lag unless you are coming from elsewhere.

Posted by Bob

Central Connecticut, USA

06/27/23 11:18 PM

1103 posts

We took this tour in 2019. Upon arriving in Padua, we walked from the train station to the hotel, and it was not too difficult. On another day, we returned from a day trip to Venice and took the tram which dropped us off very close to he tour hotel.

Posted by Ken

Vernon, Canada

06/28/23 04:38 AM

32213 posts

The hotel I used in Padova was in the same general area as Al Fagaino and I found that the Tram was the easiest and cheapest method. The Tram stop is right across from the station and it sure beats walking with luggage!

The RS Italy guidebook or tour information should list the best ways to reach the hotel.