Secret Venice Walk, Artisan Alleys & Hidden Stories

Venice , Italy

Secret Venice Walk, Artisan Alleys & Hidden Stories

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

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About this experience

Explore Venice's living history in just 90 unforgettable minutes. This expertly guided outdoor tour takes you beyond postcards to the true heart of the city.

Walk through Saint Mark’s Square, the Pantheon of Venice, Marco Polo’s house, and more. Hear hidden stories, legends, and local insights that connect the past to the present.

No lines, no crowds—just Venice, unveiled. Perfect for first-time visitors and curious travelers alike.

Available options

Spanish Guided Tour

German Guided Tour

French Guided Tour

English Guided Tour

What's included

Official certified guide

Radio system to hear the guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Begin your journey in the beating heart of Venice. Surrounded by masterpieces of Italo-Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture, this iconic square is an open-air museum. Admire the ornate Basilica di San Marco, the imposing Doge’s Palace, the elegant Procuratie Vecchie and Nuove, the soaring Campanile, and the mesmerizing Clock Tower. Your guide will unravel the fascinating significance of each landmark, connecting myths, politics, and religion into a rich narrative tapestry.

Stop 2

From the grandeur of the Republic to a lesser-known gem, this charming square reveals Venice’s eclectic character. Discover the playful origins of the church's name and admire the unique blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture in one of the city’s oldest parishes.

Nicknamed the “Pantheon of Venice,” this grand square is the final resting place of many doges and military heroes. Here you’ll encounter the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo and the stunning Scuola Grande di San Marco, once a charitable brotherhood and now a striking Renaissance landmark. Hear tales of power, faith, and rivalry as the stones come alive with the voices of the past.

Stop 4

Venture into the quieter Castello district to stand near the modest home of the world’s most famous explorer. Let your guide transport you to the Silk Road as they recount Marco Polo’s epic journey to the East—and how it changed Venice forever.

Once a vibrant hub for opera and drama, the Teatro Malibran carries centuries of cultural legacy. Learn how this 17th-century theater has survived fires, floods, and fascinations, echoing with the voices of divas, dramatists, and dreamers.

Conclude your walk by strolling through the Mercerie, Venice’s historic shopping street that has connected Rialto to San Marco for centuries. Today, it bustles with boutiques, artisans, and echoes of medieval merchants, tying the city’s economic pulse to its noble past.

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Entrance tickets to the attractions- The Tour is operated from the outside of the attractions

Food and drinks

Transportation to/from attractions

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This tour does not include entrance to the main sites and will completely take place outside (only external comments of the various sites will be provided)

Unfortunately, wheelchairs and strollers cannot be accommodated on this tour. All customers must be able to autonomously walk, climb and get off the steps

Please wear comfortable walking shoes as there is a moderate amount of walking involved

Please note that the tour requires a minimum number of guests to run

Please note that if you arrive after the tour start time you will not be able to join and will not be refunded or have your tour rescheduled

Subject to favourable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund

There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements, in the event of this occurring you will be offered an alternative or full refund

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.

Meeting point

Please meet your guide in front of the wooden souvenir kiosk, just behind the Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco, next to the entrance to the post office.

Important notes

Please follow the instructions to the meeting point as on the voucher.

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