Private Art and Culture Tour in Dorsoduro and Academia Venice
Active
2h - 5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the rich history and cultural heritage of the Dorsoduro and Academia districts with the best Local Guide.
Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs and interests:
2-hour: Dorsoduro Highlights
Choose this tour to visit the Church of San Pantalon and see the highlights of the Dorsoduro and Academia districts, such as San Barnaba and Santa Maria della Salute (outside).
3-hour: Dorsoduro & Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute
Choose this tour to visit the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute and the Church of San Pantalon, and see the highlights of the Dorsoduro and Academia districts.
5-hour: Dorsoduro, Basilica & Peggy Guggenheim
Choose this tour to visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute and Church of San Pantalon, and see the highlights of Dorsoduro and Academia.
Dorsoduro is known as the art district of Venice, with many architectural masterpieces, famous museums, and cultural hot spots.
Available options
3H:Dorsoduro&BasilicaofSanta
Duration: 3 hours: Choose this tour to visit the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute and the Church of San Pantalon, and see the highlights<br/>,: of the Dorsoduro and Academia districts, such as San Barnaba and Santa Maria della Salute (outside). <br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language. ITVE009
2-hour: Dorsoduro Highlights
Duration: 2 hours: Choose this tour to visit the Church of San Pantalon and see the highlights of the Dorsoduro and Academia districts, such as<br/>,: San Barnaba and Santa Maria della Salute (outside).<br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language. ITVE009
5H:Dorsoduro,Basilica&Peggy
Duration: 5 hours: Choose this tour to visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute and Church of San Pantalon,<br/>,: and see the highlights of Dorsoduro and Academia.<br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language. ITVE009
What's included
(number of attractions depends on the selected option)
Skip-the-line tickets to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection (5-hour option only)
Free admission to the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute (3 and 5-hour options only)
Free admission to the Church of San Pantalon (all options)
5-Star Licensed Guide who is fluent in the language of your choice
Private Walking Tour of Dorsoduro and Academia Districts
Detailed itinerary
1
Meet your guide outside the entrance to hotel Ca Maria Adele, Sestiere Dorsoduro, 111, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy. Please do not enter the hotel, it is only a meeting point and the staff is not informed about the tour.
2
Stop 2
See the best highlights of Dorsoduro, the highest point in the Floating City.
3
Stop 3
The tour will begin outside the magnificent Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, which overlooks the Grand Canal. Explore the narrow, winding streets and canals while listening to amazing stories about historic sites such as the ruins of Palazzo Genovese and Ex Chiesa di San Gregorio.
Enrich your experience with a visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute (free parts only). It’s one of the most famous landmarks of Venice with a spectacular baroque dome, unique octagonal design, and a popular stairway. As you explore its awe-inspiring interior with your Expert-Guide, you will learn about the symbolism of the high altar where the Virgin and Child protects Venice from the plague. You will also see 12 works by Titian and Tintoretto’s Marriage Feast of Cana in the basilica’s sacristy.
4
Stop 4
Pass the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Gallerie dell'Accademia, and take a photo with the famous Ponte dell'Accademia.
5
Head to Calle Della Toletta to hear the legend of the Witch’s Hour.
6
See the Church of San Barnaba, which is known as a museum with works by Leonardo da Vinci and a fictional Library of Indiana Jones.
7
You will also discover the ancient tradition of fist clashes as you cross Ponte dei Pugni, and get tips on the best shops, restaurants and cafes around Campo Santa Margherita.
8
The final highlight will be a visit to the Church of San Pantalon, which boasts a vast ceiling fresco by Gianantonio Fumiani and many other artworks.
9
Stop 9
Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a world-class modern art museum. It is the second most visited art gallery in Venice, but with skip-the-line tickets you will beat the crowds and go straight in without waiting in line. Learn about the great collector Peggy Guggenheim as you explore his Venetian house, garden and personal collection of art. See works by great artists such as Pollock, Ernst, Picasso, Brancusi and Dalí, as well as modern sculptures by Giacometti and Paolozzi.
What's not included
Donation to the Church of San Pantalon
Tickets to paid parts of the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute (optional)
Free admission to the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute (in 2-hour option)
Skip-the-line tickets to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection (in 2 and 3-hour options)
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
RU
EN
IT
PL
FR
ES
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please check your email the day before the tour to receive important information.
Please note that the number of attractions depends on the selected option. Entry to the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is not included on the basic 2-hour tour.
For the comfort of all guests, it is best to have 1 licensed guide per maximum of 25 guests. If there are 26-50 people in your group, we will provide the service of 2 licensed guides so that all guests can get the best experience, ask questions and hear the guide well.
Entry to San Pantalon Church is free but you can help maintain the church through voluntary donation. The church is open Saturday to Thursday 10 AM - 12:30 PM and 3:30 - 6 PM, and is closed on Mondays.
Free admission to the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute excludes access to the Sacristy, Internal Balustrade (Balustrade of the Prophets) and External Balustrade (Dome). Tickets can be purchased on site.
Guided tours inside the churches during masses and scheduled events are limited. If entry is not possible, the guide will provide all information outside.
It is advised to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting the churches in Venice.
Skip-the-line tickets to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection grant you immediate entry at your booked time, without waiting in line at the ticket office. Due to museum rules, 1 licensed guide can show a group of 1-20 people, so the price will be higher if you need more than 1 guide. For 21-40 people we will provide service of 2 licensed guides.
Meeting point
Meet your guide outside the entrance to hotel Ca Maria Adele, Sestiere Dorsoduro, 111, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy. Please do not enter the hotel, it is only a meeting point and the staff is not informed about the tour.
Important notes
Know Before You Go:
- Please check your email the day before the tour to receive important information.
- Please note that the number of attractions depends on the selected option. Entry to the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is not included on the basic 2-hour tour.
- For the comfort of all guests, it is best to have 1 licensed guide per maximum of 25 guests. If there are 26-50 people in your group, we will provide the service of 2 licensed guides so that all guests can get the best experience, ask questions and hear the guide well.
- Entry to San Pantalon Church is free but you can help maintain the church through voluntary donation. The church is open Saturday to Thursday 10 AM - 12:30 PM and 3:30 - 6 PM, and is closed on Mondays.
- Free admission to the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute excludes access to the Sacristy, Internal Balustrade (Balustrade of the Prophets) and External Balustrade (Dome). Tickets can be purchased on site.
- Guided tours inside the churches during masses and scheduled events are limited. If entry is not possible, the guide will provide all information outside.
- It is advised to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting the churches in Venice.
Skip-the-line tickets to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection grant you immediate entry at your booked time, without waiting in line at the ticket office. Due to museum rules, 1 licensed guide can show a group of 1-20 people, so the price will be higher if you need more than 1 guide. For 21-40 people we will provide service of 2 licensed guides.
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
