Things to do in Veneto

 

1. Venice by Private Gondola

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Nothing conveys the romance of Venice like a gondola — these elegant, black, hand-built wooden boats have been an unmistakable feature of the city for almost 1,000 years!

 

2. Venice for Beginners

Venice’s layers of history and mazes of Calle can seem like a big undertaking to first-time visitors, but with a little guidance and the proper introduction, the city becomes yours to discover. This tour gives you a complete introduction to Venice, from its foundation to its historical significance to the city today, covering the must-see sites and more!

 

3. Insights into the “real” Venice: A Small Group Tour

This small group walking tour provides excellent insight into the “real” Venice, far from the crowds in Piazza San Marco. It is designed to take you deep into the heart of Venice’s colorful past, as you walk in the footsteps of some of the city’s best-known characters. Meet your guide in St. Mark’s Square and then head to La Fenice opera house, a true Venetian jewel that has been restored since it was severely damaged in the fire of 1996.

 

4. The Power of the Past: A Small Group Tour

Nowhere else in the city is the incredible glory of the Venetian Empire felt than when standing in front of St. Mark’s Basilica and the extravagant Doge’s Palace. This tour is designed to transport you back to the golden age of power that Venice wielded for centuries, shedding light on the gilded basilica and the mighty palace.

 

5. An Island in the Venetian Lagoon: Murano

The ephemeral beauty of blown glass is a perfect metaphor for Venice and its lagoon. Experience the wonder of this delicate art with a guided visit to the island of Murano – for over seven centuries home to the glass making industry that was transferred here from Venice in 1291 as a precaution against fire.

 

6. One-Day Venice: An Introduction to the City

Is it possible to understand Venice in only one day? That is the goal of this walking tour that uncovers twelve centuries of Venice’s glorious history. The starting point is St. Mark’s Square. Praised by Napoleon as the most beautiful drawing room in Europe, this spacious square is the only one in Venice to merit the title “piazza.” Its graceful Renaissance arches shelter some of the city’s most elegant shops and historic cafes.

 

7. The Craft of Mask-Making: Fun for the Entire Family!

You probably know that masks are worn during Venice’s Carnevale, but have you ever bothered to scratch the surface and learn about the intriguing and mysterious legends behind Venetian masks?

 

8. A Guided Visit to Venice Biennial Art

The 57th Biennale di Venezia will animate the city of Venice from May 13th through November 26th, 2017. Since this international art exhibition was first organized in 1895, the green expanse of the Napoleonic-era Giardini has been the traditional venue for the most prestigious contemporary artists to display their works. The ancient Arsenale complex was renovated in the early 1980’s for the promotion of younger artists. Choose from either a half day guided tour of the national pavilions in the Gardens, or a full day tour that also includes the artworks displayed in the brick buildings of the Arsenal.

 

9. Off the Beaten Path in Veneto

Enjoy a relaxing day in the Veneto hills to the north of Venice. Stroll around enchanting villages and towns and savor the delicious Italian cuisine and famous wines of the Veneto. During this full-day tour you will travel along scenic backroads, with enough time to enjoy each destination.

 

10. The Doge’s Dominion: St. Mark’s Basilica and the Palazzo Ducale

The elegant Piazza di San Marco, the political and religious heart of Venice for over 1,000 years, is the starting point for this guided tour. At the eastern end of the spacious piazza is the Basilica of San Marco, built in 1063. With its Byzantine style domes and its stunning golden mosaics, the Basilica is a testament to Venice’s historical power as a sea-trading empire, and to its political links with both East and West. Our next stop will be the adjacent Palazzo Ducale, or Doge’s Palace, the seat of the Venetian government until Napoleon’s conquest in 1797.

 

1. 11. Venetian Renaissance after the Plague

Out of the million visitors that Venice welcomes every year, only a few are aware of the tremendous impact that the plague had on La Serenissima. Between 1348 and 1509 the Black Death struck the city and its mainland possessions 28 times, continuously challenging Venice’s very survival.

 

1. 12. Venetian Rowing Lesson

Undoubtedly, Venice’s uniqueness stems from its means of transportation: maritime traffic is what has made this beautiful city run since its emergence many centuries ago. Inhabitants have always moved around on different kinds of boats that have become the true symbol and essence of Venice. During this private rowing lesson, you will participate in an authentic Venetian experience that few tourists get to try. In these 90 minutes of unforgettable fun, you will learn the basics of the voga alla veneta, the traditional Venetian rowing style, while at the same time having the opportunity to appreciate the historical and truly traditional aspects of Venice.

 

13. Two Islands in the Venetian Lagoon: Murano & Burano

The ephemeral beauty of blown glass is a perfect metaphor for Venice and its lagoon. Experience the wonder of this delicate art with a privately guided visit to the island of Murano – for over seven centuries home to the glass making industry which was transferred here from Venice in 1291 as a precaution against fire. With a miniature version of the Grand Canal lined on both sides with glass factories and shops, you are invited to watch the skilled artisans at work and can purchase an exquisite example of their craft as a souvenir at the end.

 

14. Jewish Venice & Cannaregio (Half Day)

A melancholy calm permeates the Venetian Ghetto, which today is home to a mere 50 Jews. During the Renaissance, however, it was a beehive of activity with an intense cultural life and five Synagogues to serve the various nationalities of Jews who settled here.

 

15. Discovering the Supreme Food of the Venetian Lagoonwish Venice & Cannaregio (Half Day)

On this full day private boat excursion, you will embark on a gourmet journey that takes you far away from the bustling city of Venice to discover the peace and quiet of its surrounding lagoon, where birdsong replaces the chattering crowds of tourists.

 

16. The Architecture of Joy: Palladian Villas

Explore the verdant countryside of Venice’s terra firma in this full-day tour that takes you to three of Palladio’s most celebrated villas. You’ll visit enchanting Asolo, too – called the ‘Pearl of the Veneto,’ it is one of Italy’s most beautiful hill towns and is the perfect place to sample the local wines and regional recipes.

 

17. Gondola Ride with Cicchetti on Board

Experience Venice with all your senses during this romantic ride that reveals the most characteristic pleasures of this magical, watery city. Gliding along the canals and admiring the stunning buildings, you will be offered a glass of Prosecco and a sampling of cicchetti, the classic Venetian appetizers that are made up of small portions of bite-size delicacies, similar to tapas.

 

18. Venice City Shore Excursion

This shore excursion introduces you to this wonderfully unique city on the water. Venice’s layers of history and mazes of Calle can seem like a big undertaking to first-time visitors, but with a little guidance and the proper presentation, the city becomes yours to discover.

 

19. A Walking Tour of Venice with a Stop for Chocolate Tasting

Delight your mind and your senses, enjoying the most famous sights and flavors of Venice. You will learn about art and culture, as well as how chocolate entered Europe through Venetian traders.

 

21. Winery Visit and Lunch at Villa della Torre

Discover the beauty and flavors of Veneto’s Valpolicella wine country with this exclusive private visit to Villa della Torre, the principal estate of the Allegrini family and the headquarters of their winemaking operation.

 

23. Oh, Sweet Venice!

Feed your sweet tooth on this delectable 4-hour private walking tour to some of Venice’s best cake, coffee, chocolate, and ice cream shops in the sestieri of San Marco and San Polo, on opposite sides of the Grand Canal. As you walk through the narrow streets, you will learn about the city and its inhabitants: their culinary customs, the history of sugar and coffee, and the tradition of cake-making in the Veneto

 

24. Wine and Cheese, a Happy Marriage

Nowhere else in the city is the incredible glory of the Venetian Empire felt than when standing in front of St. Mark’s Basilica and the extravagant Doge’s Palace. This tour is designed to transport you back to the golden age of power that Venice wielded for centuries, shedding light on the gilded basilica and the mighty palace.

 

25. Learn to Cook a Venetian Meal

This private cooking class takes place in the chef’s cheerful home kitchen, located in the heart of Venice. During the lesson, you will learn the secrets of Venetian cuisine and discover the regional products that make it one of the most prized methods of cooking in Italian cuisine.

 

26. Wines of the Doges – Wine Tasting in Venice

Wine has always been more popular than water in La Serenissima. The Veneto produces more wine than any other region in Italy and the city’s wine bars, or bacari, serve an average of 50,000 glasses of wine each day!

 

27. Winery Visit and Lunch at Castello di Roncade

Just a few short miles from Venice lies Castello di Roncade, a stunning 15th-century castle originally constructed as a working vineyard and country villa for the Giustinian family, whose members include two Venetian doges, senators, and even saints. The villa, built by the same architect who designed the Clock Tower in Venice, offers a fascinating display of Renaissance architecture, from its interior rooms to its garden and the moat surrounding the exterior wall.

 

1. 28. Cooking Lesson on a Vintage Boat in the Venetian Lagoon

On this full-day private excursion and cooking lesson, you will embark on a gourmet sailing adventure that takes you far away from the bustling city of Venice to discover the peace and quiet of its surrounding lagoon, where birdsong replaces the chattering crowds of tourists.

 

29. Discovering the Wines of Lake Garda from Verona

The eastern shore of Lake Garda is dotted with characteristic towns that boast ancient castles, medieval churches, and Venetian-style houses. Also known for the beauty of its olive groves and orderly vineyards, which belong to the Bardolino, Lugana, and Custoza DOC wine areas, this half-day private excursion will take you to two wineries to see how they make the ‘Nectar of Bacchus.

 

30. Veneto: The Land of Prosecco

In the hills around the villages of Valdobbiadene and Conegliano, you will enter a magical world: the land of Prosecco. Tidy rows of vineyards, set amidst historic villages, provide the scenic backdrop for this full-day excursion, with this Italian sparkling white wine often called Italian champagne due to its crisp, bubbly taste, as your guide.

 

31. Taste of Northern Italy: Food & Wine in Valpolicella

 

Discover the beauty and flavours found in the Valpolicella wine country of the Veneto region on this full-day guided tour. You’ll take the most scenic backroads to two different wineries and a characteristic restaurant, and along the way, your tour guide will illuminate all the special features of this beautiful region. Sample regional cuisine and learn how these wineries produce world-class wines with subtle yet significant differences.

 

Contact Us

All tours can be tailor-made to suit your preferences, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable journey in Italy. To make an enquiry about this tour, call our Experts at 0208 973 2292 or fill out the request form below.