Secret Venice
Cannaregio Highlights and the Jewish Quarter - Tour 5
Uncover the authentic side of Venice with a guided walking tour through Cannaregio, one of the city’s most lively and historic districts. Situated in the northwestern area of Venice, Cannaregio offers a calmer atmosphere, charming canals, elegant palaces, and a genuine glimpse of local Venetian life, away from the most crowded tourist paths.
Strolling along its quiet streets and waterways, you will admire historic residences and refined façades that reflect the prosperity and influence of the Venetian Republic. Along the route, your guide will recount fascinating stories about the district’s past and its role in shaping the social and cultural life of Venice.
The tour includes a visit to the Church of the Jesuits, famous for its impressive Baroque interior. Inside, you can admire extraordinary marble decorations and remarkable artworks, including Titian’s powerful masterpiece The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence, a dramatic example of Venetian Renaissance painting.
The walk then continues to the historic Jewish Ghetto, founded in the 16th century and widely recognized as the first ghetto in the world. Here, you will learn about the origins of this distinctive neighborhood and its significance in Venetian history. Once the heart of Jewish life in Venice, the area still preserves a unique atmosphere shaped by centuries of culture, tradition, and resilience.
The tour concludes in the Ghetto, where visitors may also arrange a separate guided visit to the synagogues upon request. Ask for a quotation.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Price: €240 for small groups and families up to 8 people
Jesuits’ Church entrance: €1 per person. Appropriate dress is mandatory
San Polo and the Rialto market - Tour 6
The district of San Polo, centered around the historic Rialto Market, offers a fascinating glimpse into Venice’s economic, social, and artistic life. For centuries, Rialto was the commercial heart of the Venetian Republic, where merchants traded spices, silk, and precious goods arriving from across Europe and the East.
The market remains active today, and its famous fish section still reflects the lively energy of this once-thriving trading center. Visiting the area allows you to experience the vibrant atmosphere that has shaped Venetian daily life for hundreds of years.
Rialto was also an important center of social life. The Republic strictly regulated many aspects of everyday activity, including prostitution. Many women lived and worked near the market, and a number of them were confined to a district known as the Castelletto, a regulated area that existed for more than a century. Their presence reflected the complex social dynamics that once characterized the neighborhood.
From the busy market streets, the tour continues through narrow streets and quiet canals toward the magnificent Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. Inside this extraordinary church you will admire masterpieces of Venetian art, including Titian’s celebrated Assumption of the Virgin.
The tour offers a rich perspective on Venice’s artistic, social, and economic heritage while providing insight into its unique architecture and neighborhoods. This experience blends history, art, and local culture, perfect for families and small groups who want to explore Venice beyond its tourist landmarks. By the end, visitors understand how commerce, religion, and art shaped one of Venice’s most distinctive districts.
Duration: 3 hours
Price: €270 for small groups and families up to 8 people
Frari Church entrance: €5 per person. Appropriate dress is mandatory
Castello and the Arsenale - Tour 7
This immersive walking tour explores the historic district of Castello, one of the most authentic areas of Venice, where local life and centuries of history still coexist.
The tour begins near the Arsenal, once the industrial heart of the Venetian Republic and the key to its maritime power. For centuries, this enormous shipyard produced the galleys that allowed Venice to dominate trade routes and maintain a powerful navy.
From the Arsenal, the walk continues through quiet residential streets where everyday Venetian life unfolds. Passing small squares, canals, and traditional boatyards, visitors can observe a rhythm of life that has remained remarkably unchanged over generations. Local artisans continue their crafts, and neighborhood traditions still survive in this less-visited part of the city.
Castello was also home to several foreign communities that contributed to Venice’s cultural richness. Among them were the Greek community, centered around the Greek Orthodox church of San Giorgio dei Greci, and the Dalmatian community, connected to its own confraternity and artistic traditions.
The tour continues to the impressive Basilica of San Giovanni e Paolo, one of the largest and most important churches in Venice, before ending at the famous Libreria Acqua Alta, a whimsical bookstore overflowing with second-hand books.
This immersive experience blends the city’s maritime history, residential life, and cultural treasures, showing a side of Venice beyond tourist postcards. Ideal for families and small groups, the tour combines storytelling, history, and everyday Venetian charm. Visitors leave with a deeper understanding of Venice’s cultural diversity, historical significance, and the rhythms of local life.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Price: €240 for small groups and families up to 8 people
The islands of la Giudecca and St. George - Tour 8
Enjoy a quieter side of Venice with a guided tour to two beautiful islands in the lagoon: Giudecca and San Giorgio Maggiore. Away from the crowds of the historic center, these islands offer peaceful views, historic architecture, and a deeper
connection with Venice’s cultural and natural heritage.
The tour begins on Giudecca Island, once home to gardens, monasteries, and artisan workshops. Here you will admire the magnificent Church of the Redeemer, built by Andrea Palladio in the 16th century. Nearby lies the Redeemer’s Garden, a historic monastic garden once cultivated by Capuchin friars. Walking through its peaceful paths, visitors discover fruit trees, olive groves, herbs, and climbing vinesmthat reflect Venice’s long tradition of monastic horticulture.
The tour then continues to the nearby island of San Giorgio Maggiore, dominated by Palladio’s elegant church and its bell tower. From the top of the tower you can enjoy one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Venice, the lagoon, and the surrounding islands.
This eco-conscious tour blends history, culture, and natural beauty, offering a quiet alternative to the busy city. It’s ideal for visitors seeking relaxation, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of Venice’s lesser-known corners. By the end, participants will have experienced the islands’ historical significance, scenic charm, and tranquil landscapes, gaining insight into Venice beyond the main tourist routes.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Price: €240 for small groups and families up to 8 people
Transport: not included
Bell tower entrance: €8 full / €6 reduced. The tower is served by an elevator
Garden entrance: €12 full / €6 reduced