AT HOME IN VENICE
“At home in Venice” is both an itinerary and a first-hand experience.
Curious visitors are not exclusively interested in city highlights, or acclaimed chefs.
They need an insider look, a point of view closer to those who live there, day by day.
Our professional guides are native to Venice and eager to embody the spirit of history, lifestyle, and local culture.
In “At home in Venice” your guide will take you through the least known and truly popular districts, and help you explore a charming residential area off the beaten track.
“At home in Venice” tour compares the bustling morning atmosphere filled with loud fishmongers, all kinds of deliveries, and congested alleyways with Santa Croce backstreets; so quiet and authentic at the same time.
In the last years, several artisans started brand new businesses: small shops selling items of modern design jewelry, handmade masks, manufactured purses, unique ceramic pieces, hand-blown glass objects, and Burano lace shirts.
On the gourmet side, gelato parlors with a variety of seasonal flavors!
We shall visit one of these shops according to the artisans’ availability and the opening hours.
As we walk through narrow alleyways parallel or perpendicular to the Grand Canal, stop for a glimpse of a hidden garden, old family crests, and private courtyards.
Historical details, traces of everyday life are all over, and recall a past still resounding in the present.
The last part of the tour takes place in a private venue for a relaxing gourmet tasting of fresh appetizers.
Savor a dish of local cheese and cold cuts served with a good glass of wine from the Veneto Region.
Enjoy the atmosphere of an old house, and the sympathy of a Venetian resident.
It will be exciting to interact with them, ask questions and improve your insider view of Venice!
You might also like our CICHETI & NIZIOLETI tour.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Relaxing stroll through Santa Croce district
- Visit to an artisan’s workshop
- A glass of wine and appetizers in a private apartment
MORE ABOUT
THIS TOUR
Santa Croce is the smallest district after San Polo, located in the western side of the city and partly bordered by the Grand Canal.
Compared to other historic areas of town, Santa Croce underwent radical changes in the last 80 years, when Venice was connected to the mainland by the road bridge “Ponte della Libertà” in 1931. This event marked the beginning of a new age in the millenary history of the city.
For the first time, visitors and commuters could reach Venice by private car or public bus, and continue into the city on foot or public vaporetti waterbus.
However, Santa Croce was never really affected by mass tourism like St Mark’s or the Rialto, and, despite the many highlights and interesting modern buildings, it still maintains the true nature of a pedestrian urban setting. Here you can walk at leisure without being disturbed by noisy crowds and getting lost can be a great pleasure.
Among the majestic Palazzi on the Grand Canal, is the Warehouse -Fondaco- of the Turkish merchants, today the Museum of Natural history, and Ca’ Pesaro – today Museum of Modern Art – a 17th-century Baroque mansion built by the wealthy Pesaro family, masterly portrayed by Titian at the Church of Frari.
Next to it, you can see the former residence of Andrea Tron, a distinguished diplomat of the Venice Republic during the Renaissance. The University of Architecture purchased Ca’ Tron in 1972, for the Urban Planning Department.
Many picturesque squares -Campi- are scattered throughout the district, such as San Giacomo dell’Orio being one of the most attractive and lively. People sit at the outdoor cafés and wine bars, enjoying the sun and everyday life in the quarter.
Private gardens are remarkable too, such as the famous Palazzo Soranzo Cappello one, which inspired Henry James (“The Aspern Papers”), and Gabriele d’Annunzio (“Il Fuoco”)
DRESS CODE AND ADVICE
- No dress code required
COST
- This tour lasts three hours and costs 280 euros up to six people (not per person), only private parties. For larger parties send us an email!
- Food & wine fee: 25 euros per person not included.
CONTACT US
WALKS INSIDE ITALY
ART CITY WALKS aff. Network Giv
San Polo 1541 30125 VENICE, ITALY
C.F. e P. Iva 04331170276
Prot. 2016/16140 del 25-2-2016
Polizza Europ Assistance 8957877