About this experience
To truly feel the atmosphere of the ancient city, you need to explore it without rush and crowds. That's why I invite you to a tour of evening Venice, during which you will immerse yourself in the sounds of the night city: the closing shutters, footsteps on the stone bridge, whispers, splashes of waves, and ringing bells. And most importantly - the absence of car noise. You will truly feel like you have stepped back in time, when you could meet Casanova, Othello, or Vivaldi around the corner. As a native resident, I know many stories about my city that no Russian guide will tell you, and I will gladly share them.
What to Expect
The tour is divided into two parts. First, we will walk through the central streets, and I will tell you the history of Venice: when and how the city was founded, which eras passed here and what they were marked by, about the Venetians and their lives, about the decline of the Venetian Republic, about Napoleon's rule and his influence on the city.
Then you will embark on an extraordinary journey by water: on a gondola or a boat along the Grand Canal. The Grand Canal is the main thoroughfare of the city, where all the nobility aspired to live, so here you will find the most beautiful buildings of Venice (palaces, theaters, and churches) in various architectural styles (Byzantine, Gothic, Venetian, Renaissance, Baroque, and others). I will tell you about them and the famous architects who built magnificent palaces, the peculiarities of Venetian palaces, and the most outstanding residents of these luxurious buildings.
Among other things, I will show you the house of Desdemona, and the palace where the future Emperor Paul I lived during his secret visit to Venice. You will see the palace of Catherine Cornaro, the last queen of Cyprus, and learn how she gave Cyprus to the Venetians and what she received in return. Also, the house of Elena Cornaro - the first European woman to receive a higher education. I will tell you who she was, how she obtained her diploma, and what she did after.
We will pass through the area of "Rivo Alto" ("High Shore"). In Casanova's time, it was the economic center of the city and the financial center of Europe. I will talk about the first market, the arrangement of the trading square, the first insurance, and bankers of Europe.
At the main bridge of Venice, you will learn which famous creators participated in its construction, why a young unknown architect was chosen for the construction, and how it was built.
Main Attractions:
- Chiesa degli Scalzi (Church of the Scalzi or Santa Maria di Nazareth - built between 1660-1689)
- Bridge of Sighs
- Fondaco dei Turchi - former Turkish trading post, built in the 13th century
- Ca' Pesaro - marble palace in the Baroque style
- Ca' d'Oro - "Golden House"
- Ca' da Mosto - built in the 13th century in Veneto-Byzantine style
- Palazzo Grimani
- Ca' Foscari (Universita' di Venezia) - Gothic palace belonging to Doge Francesco Foscari
- Cathedral of San Giorgio Maggiore
- Accademia Gallery
- Academy Bridge
- Piazza San Marco
- Bridge of Sighs
- Doge's Palace
- La Fenice Theater
Logistical Details
- The tour is conducted in Russian
- Additional expenses: gondola ride (80€ for half an hour; after 19:00 - 100€ for half an hour), river tram ride (7.50€ per person), or private boat ride (130€ per hour for up to 4 people + 10€ for each additional person)
- Meeting point - in the lobby of your hotel or by arrangement
