Venice’s unique topography, architecture and food culture make it a truly enchanting destination that has captivated visitors for centuries. Its most traditional districts, known as Sestieri, each have their own distinct personality, so it is well worth exploring them. Navigating the winding streets of the Floating City can be tricky, so treating yourself to a private tour with a local expert is the best way to uncover the most charming corners of Venice, not to mention its tastiest bites, in the form of characteristic small plates known as Cicchetti.
On this private walking tour, you will:
Travellers looking to experience the true flavours and ambience of Venetian life and find hidden gems will love the irresistible combination of history, gastronomy and culture on this tour, an exhilarating journey through winding canals, bustling markets, and historic squares with a culinary climax where you can enjoy traditional cicchetti and ombra. Your voyage of discovery begins at your centrally located hotel where your passionate local guide will come to meet you, ready to lead you through Venice’s rich cultural landscape.
Beyond the crowds of San Marco, you will proceed to explore Cannaregio, one of Venice’s most storied neighbourhoods. As you stroll along its peaceful canals, your guide will share the fascinating history of this district, home to the Venetian Ghetto and brimming with old-world charm. You will then cross into Santa Croce, Venice’s quietest and most tranquil sestiere. Here, you’ll experience a side of Venice rarely seen by tourists, where narrow lanes open up into peaceful squares surrounded by beautiful old buildings. Santa Croce is where Venetians themselves unwind, and it offers a true glimpse into local life.
From Santa Croce, you will make your way to San Polo, one of Venice’s liveliest neighbourhoods. As you wander the vibrant streets filled with artisan shops you can admire the area’s impressive architecture. Your guide will make sure to show you Campo San Polo, the city’s second-largest square and a beloved gathering spot for locals and of course the Rialto Bridge, the oldest and most famous bridge in all of Venice. There you will take in spectacular views of the Grand Canal before exploring the Rialto Market, where Venetians have shopped for fresh produce and seafood for centuries. Your guide will reveal stories of the area’s bustling trading history, providing a deeper understanding of Venice’s cultural and culinary heritage.
No authentic tour of Venice would be complete without sampling some Cicchetti, Venice’s traditional small bites, paired with ombra, small glasses of local wine. You’ll visit three celebrated Bacari (wine taverns), where you’ll enjoy a variety of Cicchetti such as baccalà mantecato (whipped salted cod), sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines), and fried polpette (meatballs) along with a crash crouse in Cicchetti culture. Each tasting is accompanied by an ombra, often sourced from a nearby wine region like Prosecco, Soave, or Valpolicella, giving you a delicious taste of Venetian viticulture at each bar.
Your guide will bid you farewell in the heart of the Rialto area where you are free to keep exploring, equipped with a whole host of personalized recommendations for the rest of your stay and a newfound appreciation for Venice’s lesser spotted neighbourhoods, having seen them through the eyes of a local.
Venice is a truly captivating city known for its canals, long and complex history, thriving food culture, artisanal traditions and its vibrant carnival festivities. Travellers short on time can enjoy a full-day itinerary jam-packed with Venetian highlights on our exclusive private tour, where you can cruise the Grand Canal, stroll the historic Sestiere, visit the colourful island of Murano to see master glassblowers at work and even dip into an atelier where carnival masks are carefully crafted. You will also get a delectable introduction to the quintessential Venetian gastronomy in the form of Cicchetti at a traditional tavern, making this the perfect way to immerse yourself in Venice’s rich cultural heritage.
On this private full-day tour, you will:
There are so many sights and intriguing stories to be found within Venice that it can be hard to know where to start. Enlisting the help of a private guide is a great means of making the most of your time in the Floating City. Our carefully curated full-day itinerary combines Venice’s most famous sights with authentic experiences, offering a perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and unforgettable views. This is Venice at its finest—a day crafted for travellers who want to explore the city’s essence from every angle.
Your Venetian adventure will begin at your hotel where your guide will come to pick you up and set the stage for your day together. From there, you will embark upon a walking tour of the historic centre to learn about the monuments and events that have shaped Venice across the centuries. Traversing the heart of the city, your guide will show you St. Mark’s Square, where the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace awaits. You will marvel at the opulent architecture that showcases Venice’s illustrious past and stroll by the Bridge of Sighs, learning its intriguing history and imagining the stories of those who once passed through it. Your guide will also show you the iconic Rialto Bridge and pass by the bustling Rialto Market nearby, a staple of Venetian daily life. You will have the opportunity to meander through the charming streets of San Polo and Cannaregio, two of Venice’s most authentic sestieri (the name given to the traditional neighbourhoods in the centre of Venice). Here, you’ll experience Venice as locals do, with your guide introducing you to hidden gems and sharing insights about Venetian customs and everyday life.
One of the quintessential Venetian customs is of course the annual carnival celebrations which see the city come alive with opulent balls, parades, and performances. Masks are central to the festivities, with visitors and locals alike donning intricate designs and elaborate costumes, stepping back in time to Venice’s Golden Age. As you step inside an authentic mask atelier, you’ll get an exclusive insider look at the mask-making process. Your guide will explain the origins of the Venice carnival and the different types of masks on display, and you will see firsthand the artistry and craftsmanship that go into this cherished tradition at the hands of the expert mask makers known as mascareri.
Your itinerary will include a pause for a delicious Venetian lunch at a cosy local tavern where you can indulge in traditional cicchetti —small plates brimming with local flavours — and enjoy an ombra, a small glass of wine that’s an integral part of Venetian social life. With your guide’s local insight, you’ll be able to savour this midday feast and connect with Venetian culinary heritage. After lunch, it is time to get on the water and embark on a scenic private boat journey across the Venetian lagoon to the vibrant island of Murano, famed for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition. You will visit a glassblowing factory, where a skilled artisan will demonstrate the mesmerizing process of creating Murano glass—a unique and intricate art form passed down through generations.
As your Venetian voyage of discovery draws to a close, you will enjoy a breathtaking cruise along the Grand Canal. You will admire Venice’s palazzos, bridges, and timeless skyline from the water, getting caught up in the romance of Venice’s waterways as you glide past emblematic landmarks, capturing unforgettable views and memories. Following your picturesque boat trip, you will have the option to return to your hotel and relax or to disembark back at St. Mark’s Square to enjoy Venice at twilight, equipped with a much deeper knowledge of the city's truly unique personality and traditions.
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