Private Venice Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, 100% Personalised

Venice , Italy

Private Venice Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, 100% Personalised

Active

(16 reviews)

2h - 8h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

See Venice through a local’s eyes with a tour that’s crafted just for you. Your host isn’t following a script—they’re sharing their city in a way that feels like exploring with a friend. Whether you want to taste cicchetti in a hidden bacaro, explore a textile workshop full of centuries-old secrets, or discover peaceful courtyards off the beaten path, your host will bring Venice to life with stories and spontaneity.

After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire to capture your personality, interests, and must-sees. You’ll then be matched with a like-minded host who will reach out to discuss and shape the perfect itinerary—so your Venice experience is as personal and unforgettable as the city itself.

Available options

Venice Walking Tour - 6 hours

Duration: 6 hours

Venice Walking Tour - 3 hours

Duration: 3 hours

Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours

Duration: 4 hours

Venice Walking Tour - 2 hours

Duration: 2 hours

What's included

Direct communication with your host for itinerary planning and local recommendations.

Flexible durations and start times—choose your preferred time when booking

Pre-tour questionnaire to tailor the experience to your preferences

Private and personalized walking experience with insider tips from a passionate local

Detailed itinerary

See Venice through the eyes of someone who lives and breathes its timeless charm. This isn’t just a tour—it’s a fully personalized experience shaped around you. Whether you're drawn to quiet canals, hidden campi, or centuries-old stories, your local host will craft a route that reflects your interests and pace. Before your experience begins, your host will reach out with a few quick questions to help tailor your walk through La Serenissima. No crowded routes—just authentic stories, secret corners, and the Venice locals love. Here are some highlights and hidden treasures to spark your curiosity:

Begin your walk at this all-marble Renaissance gem tucked away in Cannaregio. Known as the “jewel box of Venice,” this intimate church is stunning inside and out. Your host will share the legends that make it one of the city’s most beloved hidden spots.

Step into a quiet square steeped in history. Statues of Moorish merchants guard the corners here, telling stories of Venice’s ties to the East. With your host, you'll uncover the Arabic influences woven into this peaceful neighborhood.

Stop 4 Pass by

Discover Venice’s last remaining bridge without railings. A rare sight even for locals, this photogenic bridge offers a glimpse of the city as it once was—where bridges opened directly onto the water.

Wander through the Castello district to a peaceful lane leading to a hidden monastery courtyard. This tranquil corner of Venice is where locals go to escape the crowds. Your host will share the spiritual and architectural stories that bring it to life.

Follow this secret canal-side path to a little-known pier with postcard-perfect views of the Rialto Bridge. A truly off-the-beaten-path stop—ideal for quiet reflection and amazing photos.

Stroll along this calm waterfront promenade with sweeping views across the lagoon to San Michele and Murano. Your host will paint a picture of daily life in this residential area that few tourists explore.

What's not included

Food, drinks and tickets to any attractions

Transportation (primarily a walking experience, public transport may be used at an additional cost)

Gratuities (optional)

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.8

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

12 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

After booking, you'll receive a short questionnaire to share your interests, preferences, and must-sees. Your guide will personally reach out to craft a fully customized itinerary that suits your style—whether you love history, food, hidden gems, or cultural experiences.

This private tour is a walking experience. A private vehicle is not included.

Public transportation or local taxis may be used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with your host after your reservation is finalized.

On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it

Meeting point

Meet your host at Palazzo Soranzo. After booking, you can change the meeting point to suit your location with help from our Experience Planners.

Important notes

We’ll be in touch within 24 hours after booking to find out more about your personality and interests so we can assign a like-minded local who will create a bespoke experience for you.

About Venice

Venice is a unique and enchanting city built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Known for its canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture, Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination for its rich history, art, and culture. The city offers a romantic and timeless atmosphere that captivates visitors from around the world.

Top Attractions

St. Mark's Basilica

A stunning Byzantine cathedral known for its opulent design, golden mosaics, and historical significance. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free entry, €3 for museum and treasury

Doge's Palace

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Doge's Palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice and the seat of Venetian government. It offers a glimpse into the city's political and cultural history.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours €25 for standard ticket, €30 for Secret Itineraries Tour

Rialto Bridge

The oldest and most famous of Venice's four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge is an iconic symbol of the city.

Architecture 30 minutes Free

Grand Canal

The main waterway of Venice, the Grand Canal is lined with beautiful palaces, churches, and historic buildings. A vaporetto ride along the canal offers stunning views.

Nature/Scenic 30-60 minutes €7.50 for a vaporetto ticket

Murano

An island famous for its glass-making tradition. Visitors can watch artisans at work and purchase unique glass souvenirs.

Cultural/Historical Half-day Free to explore, €10 for museum

Burano

A colorful island known for its lace-making tradition and picturesque houses. Burano is a charming and photogenic destination.

Cultural/Scenic Half-day Free to explore, €5 for lace museum

Must-Try Local Dishes

Risotto al Nero di Seppia

A risotto made with cuttlefish ink, giving it a distinctive black color and rich, briny flavor.

Main Course Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians or those with seafood allergies.

Sarde in Saor

Sweet and sour sardines marinated with onions, raisins, pine nuts, and vinegar.

Appetizer Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Bigoli in Salsa

Pasta with a sauce made from anchovies, onions, and breadcrumbs.

Main Course Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Frito Misto

A mix of fried seafood and vegetables, including shrimp, squid, and zucchini.

Appetizer Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians.

Popular Activities

Kayaking in the canals Cycling on Lido di Venezia Hiking in the Venetian Lagoon Sunbathing on Lido di Venezia Enjoying a gondola ride Visiting a spa or wellness center Attending a concert or opera Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. The city is vibrant with events and festivals, and the temperatures are comfortable for exploring.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, German
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken in local areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Venice is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, pickpocketing and petty theft can occur in crowded areas, and acqua alta (high water) events can disrupt travel plans.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Use official taxis and ticket vendors
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests

Getting there

By air

Venice Marco Polo Airport • 12 km from city center

By train

Santa Lucia Railway Station

By bus

Piazzale Roma

Getting around

Public transport

The vaporetto is the main public transport system in Venice. It operates on fixed routes and is the most convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber (limited availability), Local taxi apps

Rentals

Neighborhoods

San Marco Dorsoduro Cannaregio Castello

Day trips

Burano and Murano

10-45 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

Visit the colorful island of Burano and the glass-making island of Murano for a unique and picturesque day trip.

Lido di Venezia

20 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

A long, narrow island between the Venetian Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea, known for its beaches, the Venice Film Festival, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Padua (Padova)

40 km (25 miles) • Half-day to full day

A charming city known for its beautiful architecture, historic sites, and the famous Scrovegni Chapel with its stunning frescoes by Giotto.

Festivals

Venice Carnival • February or March (dates vary) Venice Film Festival • Late August to early September Festa del Redentore • Third weekend of July

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Explore the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and hidden gems for a more authentic experience
Try local specialties and dishes, and ask locals for recommendations
Use a map or GPS to navigate the intricate streets and canals, as Venice can be easy to get lost in
Be prepared for acqua alta (high water) events, especially from October to January, and check forecasts and plan accordingly