About this experience
The excursion is designed for everyone: those who are in Venice for the first time or, conversely, have been here many times. You will see both the most famous city spots - St. Mark's Square, Rialto Bridge, Grand Canal, Doge's Palace, and less known but even more picturesque residential areas, embankments, secret alleys, and churches. I will help you feel the unique atmosphere of mysterious Venice and tell you amazing urban stories and legends.
What to Expect
Cult landmarks and secret spots
You will stroll along picturesque embankments and streets, feel the authentic Venetian spirit, learn about the city's history on the water, and curious features of local life. So, the excursion includes:
- Slavianskaya Embankment - the largest medieval port. I will tell you how ships were unloaded here in ancient times by sailors speaking different languages and answer why the embankment is called 'Slavianskaya'.
- Near the Danieli Hotel - this is where scenes from the famous movie 'The Tourist' were shot.
- Ancient Santa Zaccaria Convent - you will learn why the Doge and his entourage came here for Easter dinner and how it happened that the Doge wore not a crown, but a 'corno ducale' horn.
- Picturesque Osmarin Embankment, home to the best mask shops. I will reveal the secret of the Venetian Carnival and the meaning of masks.
- Devil's Bridge - you will see the most mystical place in the city and discover its legends.
- Greek San Giorgio Church, adorning the Castello district - this church's feature is that it is Orthodox, unlike most other Venetian monasteries and temples.
- Campo Santa Maria Formosa - you will feel the spirit of one of Venice's largest and at the same time coziest squares.
- Colorful residential Castello district - traditionally inhabited by ordinary Venetians. I will unveil the secret of the local population's daily life and tell you how they cope with floods.
- Rialto Bridge - you will learn stories and legends, perhaps, of the main symbol of Venice, captured on millions of postcards.
- Grand Canal - I will explain why it is called the 'most beautiful road in the world'.
- Bustling Merchery - you will stroll along the trading street, also known as the 'Craftsmen's Street'.
Riddles of the main city square
The tour will end in the heart of Venice, at St. Mark's Square. This is where the 'offices' and apartments of the powerful procurators of the Republic were located in ancient times. I will tell you the history of the legendary square and show its iconic structures: the magnificent St. Mark's Cathedral with the famous ancient Quadriga on the facade, the Clock Tower, the mysterious Doge's Palace, Columns of Saint Mark and Saint Theodore - symbolic gates of the city, Campanile bell tower - the tallest tower in Venice. You will learn about the historical role of St. Mark's Square in Venice, how it was paved, and other interesting details.
Organizational Details
- The tour will be conducted by one of the team of professional guides.
- The tour's timing may be subject to change.
