Secret Venice
Cannaregio Highlights and the Jewish Quarter - Tour 5
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Explore the authentic side of Venice with a guided walking tour through Cannaregio, one of the city’s most vibrant and historic districts in the northwest. Away from the busiest tourist areas, Cannaregio offers a quieter atmosphere, picturesque canals, elegant palaces, and glimpses of everyday Venetian life. This district is perfect for those who want to discover a more genuine side of the city while learning about its rich history and traditions.
Strolling along its peaceful streets and canals, you will admire historic buildings and refined façades that reflect the wealth and influence of the Venetian Republic. Along the way, your guide will share stories and insights about the neighborhood’s past and its role in the social and cultural development of Venice.
The tour includes a visit to the Church of the Jesuits, renowned for its spectacular Baroque interior and remarkable artworks, including Titian’s masterpiece ‘The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence’.
The walk continues toward the historic Jewish Ghetto, established in the 16th century and considered the first ghetto in the world. Here you will learn about the origins of this historic area and its importance in Venetian history. Once the center of Jewish life in Venice, the Ghetto still preserves a unique atmosphere shaped by centuries of culture, tradition, and resilience.
The tour ends here, but for those who wish to visit the synagogues, a guided tour with entrance tickets can be arranged at an additional cost. In this case, please contact us for further information.
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The above guided tour costs 240,00 Euro for small parties and families up to 8 people.
Jesuits’ church entrance fee:1,00 Euro per person. Appropriate dress mandatory.
Duration: 2, 5 hours
San Polo and the Rialto market - Tour 6
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The district of San Polo, centered around the historic Rialto market, offers a vivid glimpse into Venice’s economic, social, and artistic life. For centuries, Rialto served as the bustling heart of
commerce in the Venetian Republic, where merchants traded spices, silk, and precious goods from across Europe and the East. The market remains active today, and its famous fish section
continues to reflect the lively energy of this once-thriving commercial hub, highlighting Venice’s enduring connection with trade.
Rialto was also a center of social life. The Republic closely regulated daily activities, including legal prostitution, and many women lived and worked near the market. A significant number were confined to the Castelletto, a closed area where they resided for more than a century. Their presence demonstrates how commerce, social dynamics, and diverse communities coexisted, shaping the distinctive character of the neighborhood and the rhythms of everyday Venetian life.
From the market, narrow streets and quiet canals lead to the magnificent Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. Inside, extraordinary works of art are found, most notably Titian’s celebrated Assumption of the Virgin, alongside other masterpieces of the Venetian school. The church is also conveniently located near other notable landmarks, offering additional opportunities to explore Venice’s rich cultural heritage.
The guided tour costs 270,00 Euro for small parties and families up to 8 people.
Frari church entrance fee: 5,00 Euro per person. Appropriate dress mandatory
Duration: 3 hours
Castello and the Arsenale - Tour 7
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This immersive tour of Venice’s Castello district offers a deeper connection to the city, blending
history, local culture, and the authentic atmosphere of everyday life.
The experience begins at the historic Arsenal, the powerhouse of Venice’s maritime dominance for centuries, where shipbuilding fueled the Republic’s trade and naval strength. From this historic center, the tour moves into quieter residential streets where real Venetian life unfolds. Local artisans continue their craft, traditional workshops remain active, and neighbors greet each other in Venetian dialect, preserving a sense of community that has endured for generations.
Walking along peaceful canals and passing working boatyards, visitors experience a rhythm of life that has been maintained over time. Castello was also home to a vibrant mix of foreign communities that contributed to Venice’s cultural heritage; among these were the Greek population, centered around the Greek Orthodox church of San Giorgio dei Greci and its confraternity, and the Dalmatian community, connected to its own confraternity and artistic traditions.
The tour continues to the imposing Basilica of San Giovanni e Paolo, one of Venice’s grandest churches and a remarkable testament to the city’s religious history. Nearby, the historic Scuola
Grande di San Marco, now part of the hospital complex, adds another layer of the city’s past.
Finally, the tour concludes at the famous Libreria Acqua Alta, a bookstore overflowing with second-hand books in a whimsical setting, offering a perfect snapshot of Venice’s unique character.
Throughout the tour, the city’s maritime legacy, daily life, and cultural treasures come
together, revealing a side of Venice beyond the postcards and leaving a lasting impression of its enduring charm and spirit.
The guided tour costs 240,00 Euro for small parties and families up to 8 people.
Duration: 2.5 Hours
The islands of la Giudecca and St. George - Tour 8
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Discover Venice beyond the crowds with a Hidden Venice Experience, a serene tour through two enchanting lagoon islands.
On Giudecca Island, where the magnificent Church of the Redeemer stands, lies the Redeemer’s Garden, a historic monastic oasis once nurtured by Capuchin friars. Wander fragrant pathways lined with fruit trees, olive groves, aromatic herbs, and climbing vines. Relax under shaded pergolas, discover hidden corners, and soak in sweeping lagoon views, a perfect spot for mindful reflection, photography, and connecting with Venice’s green heritage.
Next, visit San Giorgio Maggiore Island, home to its iconic church. Climb the bell tower for unrivaled panoramic vistas over Venice, the sparkling lagoon, and surrounding islands. From above, rooftops, canals, and waterways create a mesmerizing mosaic of timeless beauty.
This eco-conscious tour celebrates Venice’s lesser-known green spaces and local traditions, offering a tranquil alternative to typical tourist paths. Return to the city rejuvenated, inspired, and with unforgettable memories of hidden gardens, peaceful walks, and breathtaking lookout points, a truly sustainable and immersive way to experience the magic of Venice.
The guided tour costs 240,00 Euro for small parties and families up to 8 people.
The means of transport is not included, ask for more information.
Bell-tower entrance fee: 8,00 Euro per person, reduced price 6,00 Euro
Garden entrance fee: 12,00 Euro per person, reduced price 6,00 Euro
Duration: 2,5 hours