Venice Private Tour - Custom Experience with Local Guide

Venice , Italy

Venice Private Tour - Custom Experience with Local Guide

Active

(16 reviews)

2h - 4h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Imagine walking through the streets of Venice, uncovering hidden corners known only to a few...

This won't be just another sightseeing tour—you’ll explore the true heart of Venice, through secret legends, invisible details, and fascinating curiosities that will make your journey truly unique.

An experience that offers far more than you expect—unhurried, uncrowded.

A rare opportunity to discover a Venice that will stay in your heart.

Available options

Venice Private Tour - Custom Experience with Local Guide

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Free 24/7 personalized assistance before and after your tour.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Rialto Bridge—but not like any ordinary tourist would see it. Beneath its grand arches lies a history steeped in crime and power. You’ll discover the Pietra del Bando, the stone of punishment that still echoes with the shadows of Venice’s darkest days. This won’t be your typical bridge experience—it’s a glimpse into the hidden Venice that few are lucky enough to witness.

A tiny alley that feels straight out of a fairy tale. Known for its quiet charm and intimate atmosphere, this calle is a hidden corner that few tourists ever stumble upon. Once home to nobles and artists, it still preserves a sense of silent, timeless beauty.

A bookstore like no other. Picture books floating in gondolas, stacked in old bathtubs. This isn’t just a stop — it’s an immersive journey into a literary wonderland, offering you an experience far beyond the act of reading.

Stop 4

You will feel its poignant story — the sorrow of the prisoners who sighed as they took one last look at the city. It’s a deeply emotional moment that will leave you with a sense of Venice no ordinary tour could ever convey.

Stop 5

Davanti alla sua maestosa facciata in marmo rosa e bianco, scoprirai che è molto più di un edificio elegante: è il cuore politico di un’intera Repubblica. Ti svelerò dettagli che spesso sfuggono agli occhi distratti—come i messaggi simbolici nascosti nelle colonne, le storie inquietanti celate dietro le sculture gotiche, e il perché una sola colonna sia diversa da tutte le altre.

Stop 6

Standing before the façade, I’ll guide you through Byzantine symbols, tales of stolen relics, and the mysteries of the bronze Horses. You’ll discover the exact spot in the square where you can glimpse the mosaic depicting the moment the merchants brought Saint Mark’s body to Venice — a hidden detail few ever notice, yet one that reveals the city’s deepest soul.

What's not included

Doge’s Palace €30, St. Mark’s Basilica €6, Bell Tower €12. Prices may vary seasonally.

Available languages

Guide guide

AR EN IT FR

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

16 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Ideale per coppie e famiglie anche con bambini

Meeting point

Meet us at the main entrance of the Church of San Polo, located in Campo San Polo, 30125 Venice VE, Italy. The entrance is easy to spot—it’s the large, ornate door facing the square. I’ll be standing nearby, holding a map, and I have curly hair.

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