Secrets of Venice Carnival and the life and times of Giacomo Casanova

Venice , Italy

Secrets of Venice Carnival and the life and times of Giacomo Casanova

Active

(1 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Our entertaining Carnival tour starts by following Giacomo Casanova's footsteps, taking you back to the Venice Carnival of the XVIII century.
On this informative and fun walking tour, our masked guide will acquaint you with the story of Venice Carnival, then and now; learn about the history of masks, once used to hide the person's identity, and how they are made.
Casanova was a great lover and adventurer, extremely extravagant.
A completely different narrated walking tour filled with desire and passion, pleasure and entertainment.

Available options

Secrets of Venice Carnival and the life and times of Giacomo Casanova

What's included

Live tour commentary in English

Fun walking tour with a Guide in a traditional 17th century venetian costume

Hot cappuccino and venetian ‘Frittella’ in a local coffee shop

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We meet at La Fenice opera house and our entertaining tour starts by following Giacomo Casanova's footsteps, taking you back to the Venice Carnival of the XVIII century.
On this informative and fun walking tour, our masked guide will acquaint you with the story of Venice Carnival, then and now; learn about the history of masks, once used to hide the person's identity, and how they are made. Casanova was a great lover and adventurer, extremely extravagant, a freemason and a servant of the establishment.

Born in Venice. He grew up in the area of San Samuele.
Following your guide through the narrow Calle (alleys) passing his home and also the house of the famous poet Giorgio Baffo, who introduced the young Casanova to the worldly pleasures.

Stop 3

Learn about the Ridotto, the first Casinò in Venice often an easy meeting place for Casanova and the beloved Venetian Aristocracy.
Hear fascinating stories about the Venetian Courtesans who also did their part to make the city as animated as possible.

A completely different narrated walking tour filled with desire and passion, pleasure and entertainment.

We end our tour with a hot cappuccino and a typical Venetian Carnival cake "Frittelle" in a typical Caffe approx. 10 mins walk from St Mark’s Square.

What's not included

Hotel pick up and drop off

Gratuities

Costume

Extra food or drink

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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

Please feel free to come in Carnival costume, or a cape with a mask. It's great fun and perfect for photographs

Meeting point

In front of la Fenice Opera House next to the Well
Address: Campo San Fantin, 1965 - 30124 Venice
Look for the orange umbrella and the assistant with a sign with the name of the tour

Important notes

Please meet us 15 min in advance in front of la Fenice Opera House next to the Well.
Address: Campo San Fantin, 1965 - 30124 Venice

How to reach the meeting point:
Arriving from Saint Mark's Square, pass under the arches close to the Correr Museum, take the Salisaza San Moisè continue along and cross the bridge in front of the Hotel Bauer Grunwald, which takes you onto Calle Larga XXII Marzo; then take the second on the right along the Calle Della Vesta, cross the small bridge and 50 yards in front of you: you will arrive at the Well in Campo della Fenice.
Look for the assistant with a sign with the name of the tour on it and an orange umbrella.

For your tablet, smartphone or GPS System:
Latitude: 45.433766 Longitude: 12.333982

Office: 0039 041 5239979 Mobile: 0039 349 3054767

It is your responsibility to be at the meeting point punctually.
Late arrivals, no shows, NO REFUND!

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