Church of San Zaccaria
Escape the crowds and explore Venice like a local visiting a pretty, quiet side of Venice on this immersive three-hour private walking tour of the Castello neighbourhood.
Explore Venice's Castello neighbourhood like a local Venetian on this immersive three-hour walking tour with your expert private guide. Castello, stretching from the centre near Rialto in the west to Arsenale and Giardini in the east, is the largest of Venice's six sestiere or districts and unique in its preservation of residential charm and character. This is truly authentic Venice.
On your private walking tour, you will:
Enjoy a three-hour private walking tour of Venice's Castello district. The largest of the six sestiere's of Venice, Castello (meaning Castle) is famous for its charm and authenticity. Castello is the local Venice you wouldn't normally see without a private guide to take you off the beaten track, down quaint streets, to see hidden gems like San Zaccaria and the Giardini.
Your tour begins at the stunning San Zaccaria church. Built in the 15th century on top of and next to 7th and 11th-century versions, it houses many masterpieces by famous artists and conceals a flooded crypt below. Learn about the adjoining convent, once a destination for curious Venetian girls who were deemed too promiscuous!
Walk along the beautiful seafront pathway and gaze upon the horizon dotted with beautiful isoli (islands) and their church spires. Next, stop by the imposing Arsenale Gate - designed by Bellini and learn all about Venice's military and naval power.
Cross the wooden Quintavale footbridge onto the island of Saint Peter - where a sixth-century castle once stood, and now lends its name to the area. Tour the Basilica of San Pietro - often empty of visitors this is an overlooked marvel, housing the throne of St Peter, which according to legend, once hid the Holy Grail.
Next, enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Giardini Pubblici, a garden creation of Napoleon Bonaparte, which was built on the site of many torn-down religious sites. From here, you'll walk along the waterfront called the Shore of the Seven Martyrs, and on up to Via Giuseppe Garibaldi - named for the famous Italian General Republican, this is one of the widest streets in Venice, as it is a filled-in canal.
You'll see it's popular with locals, thrumming as it is with lively bars and restaurants. Your tour ends here, in the heart of Castello, and your guide will be only too happy to make recommendations!
Do not worry, we have you covered with our flexible cancellation terms.
Travel like a VIP, avoid crowds, and unnecessary queues.
Bespoke local tours handcrafted for you by our global travel specialists
All guides are handpicked, trained and licensed to ensure you are immersed in the local culture
Visit the must-see sites of Venice in a full-day private tour from St. Mark's Basilica & the Doge's Palace, to the Rialto Bridge & the neighbourhoods of San Polo, Dorsoduro, San Marco & Castello.
Cross the Venetian Lagoon in a private boat to Murano and enjoy a glassblowing demonstration in the oldest workshop in Venice and an exclusive tour of its glass exhibits, usually closed to the public.
Enjoy a private tour of The Accademia Gallery of Venice, the world-famous museum of Renaissance masterpieces, followed by a visit to the beautiful Frari Church and a stroll in the San Polo district.
Visit two of Venice's most popular landmarks: St. Mark's Basilica & the Doge's Palace, followed by a city walk towards the Rialto bridge on this private half-day walking tour.
Watch Venice come to life as you explore the fish, fruit and vegetable Rialto markets that marvel both tourists and locals with their scents, colours and fresh produce on this private walking tour.
Learn the traditional skills of navigating the iconic canals of Venice by gondola in this private 1.5 hr lesson, and become a gondolier in this fun, family-friendly experience.
Join the fastest growing community of professional tour guides.
Use our easy to integrate toolset to include Tours & Attractions in your customer journey.