Venice at Twilight Tour: The Secrets of the Serenissima

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through the timeless labyrinth of Venice on our introductory walking tour of the Floating City. Discover the unparalleled beauty of Venice in the company of our friendly local expert guide, and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the city’s narrow alleys and winding canals. Whether it’s your first time in Venice or you’re an old hand in the Serenissima, there’s something for everyone on our carefully crafted itinerary! Our route will take us past unmissable highlights like St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs as well as hidden corners that only the locals know, where ancient churches, dazzling palaces and mysterious canals brim with history and intrigue. Enjoy a complimentary spritz on us at a traditional Venetian bar, or bacaro, and marvel at the ethereal beauty of Venice illuminated by the soft glow of twilight. Venice is a city that will stay in your soul forever. Explore it with us!

Tour Description

Discover the fascinating history of Venice with our expert local guide

Welcome to Venice, a city steeped in history and intrigue, where every corner holds a tale waiting to be told! Our Venice at Twilight walking tour is the perfect introduction to the many charms of the Floating City. You’ll be in the capable hands of our expert local guide, who will lead you through the city’s labyrinthine streets and centuries-old canals, unraveling the rich tapestry of Venice's past along the way.

From its humble origins as a marshy lagoon refuge in the final years of the Roman Empire to its rise as one of the world’s great maritime powerhouses, on our introductory walking tour to Venice you'll delve deep into the fascinating history that shaped the city known as La Serenissima, or the Serene One. Learn about the legendary figures who left their mark on Venice, from powerful Doges to masterful artists, and relive the glories of the city’s Golden Age. With every step you take, history will come to life before your eyes.

Small groups and expert guides make for a perfect introduction to Venice

Thanks to small group sizes and our team of expert guides, our Venice walking itinerary is much more than your average tour. Instead, we have crafted an intimate and immersive journey that will bring you face-to-face with Venice’s most iconic landmarks as well as hidden corners of the city that only locals know. Our knowledgeable guides are passionate about sharing their love for Venice, offering insider insights and local recommendations that you won't find in guidebooks. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, our tour is designed to provide an unforgettable introduction to the magic of Venice, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime.

Be introduced to the city’s amazing highlights

In Venice, there are some places that you simply can’t afford to miss. Prepare to be awestruck as you're introduced to the amazing highlights of Venice, from architectural marvels to artistic treasures. Our route will begin where the story of Venice itself began: according to legend, the first stone of Venice was laid in the square of San Giacometto more than 1,000 years ago. After strolling through the buzzing market area of Rialto, one of Venice’s liveliest neighborhoods, we’ll cross the spectacular Rialto Bridge -  this marvel of Renaissance engineering is the oldest and most famous bridge spanning the Grand Canal. Next wander through the narrow alleys and along the shimmering canals of the historic center, where unexpected delights await around every corner - from quaint campo squares to centuries-old churches chock-full of artistic masterpieces.

Amongst the unmissable highlights you’ll encounter on your tour is the stunning Bridge of Sighs, named after the dismayed groans of prisoners catching their last sight of the beauty of Venice as they made their way across the bridge to the nearby prisons of the Doge’s Palace beyond. On our Venice walking tour, we’re saving what might just be the best for last: we’ll conclude our itinerary in grand St. Mark's Square, the beating heart of Venice where the Byzantine domes and turrets of the iconic basilica soar into the sky. 

Go off the beaten track to see a hidden side of Venice

There’s a lot more to Venice than famous landmarks. With our expert local guide leading the way, on our tour we’ll venture off the beaten track and discover a hidden side of Venice that few tourists ever see. Wander through lovely piazzas like Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo where locals still hold sway amidst ancient churches and artisans’ workshops, and learn about some of Venice’s most beautiful churches like Santa Maria dei Miracoli, known as the ‘church of marble’ thanks to its spectacular and precious facade. As we make our way through the dense web of streets and alleys, we’ll be following in the footsteps of some very famous local heroes - we’ll pass by the house where Marco Polo was born 700 years ago, and learn about how his voyage to the East changed the course of European history. 

Drink in enchanting views of the Serenissima

As you wander through Venice's enchanting maze of canals and bridges with us, prepare to be captivated at every step by breathtaking views of the Floating City. Make sure to pack your camera! Admire the elegant palaces that line the waterways, their facades reflecting the golden hues of the setting sun. Nothing could be more picturesque, meanwhile, than the sight of Venice’s innumerable sleek black gondolas gliding gracefully along the waterways. 

Take a moment to pause and soak in the timeless beauty of Venice's skyline, dotted with domes and bell towers, and gaze out over the lagoon to the stunning panorama of San Giorgio Maggiore across the water. With each vista more mesmerizing than the last, you'll soon understand why Venice has inspired artists, writers, and dreamers for centuries.

Enjoy a spritz and cicchetti at a traditional bacaro

No visit to Venice would be complete without sampling the delights of the city's delicious culinary tradition! On our tour we’ll be taking a pit stop at a traditional bar, known as a bacaro in Venetian dialect, to enjoy a refreshing spritz (another Venetian invention) and some cicchetti snacks. As you Immerse yourself in the convivial atmosphere of the bacaro, where friends gather to share stories and laughter over shared plates and good company, you’ll get a true sense of what being a Venetian is all about!