Italian Welcome presents………..

Guided Walking Tours and Canal Boat Tours of Venice
"The Very Best Tour Company in Venice"

Italian Welcome with the collaboration of Avventure Bellissime Tours offers the widest selection of Venice walking tours and canal boat tours. We can also arrange private walks of Venice and custom canal boat tours of Venice.

 Innovative guided walking tours and canal boat tours of Venice, Italy that help visitors experience the full effect of the world's most unique and beautiful city.

Our friendly Venice tour guides provide guided walking tours that not only educate and inform the visitor, but entertain them as well.

We strive to set ourselves apart from regular Venice sightseeing tours and walking tours. Although some of our walks may feature the famous landmarks of Venice, they primarily focus on the labyrinth of back-streets and passageways, which are the very soul of a unique city like Venice, making it on of the most popular places to visit in Italy.

Our guides all possess an intimate knowledge of Venice, and they all speak "purfect inglish". They will provide you with an insider’s view of Venice; introducing you to her hidden treasures, and entertaining you with her great legacy of legends and stories that seem to resonate throughout the city.

·        Our Venice walking tours and canal boat tours operate daily from 11th March - 6th November, 2005.

·        During the winter months, every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday (except 9th January - 7th February, 2005)

·        All our Venice walks operate rain or shine

·        All our Venice walking tours last two hours

·        Private Venice tours operate all year round

We are the only walking tour company that Guarantees no queues to enter the St. Marks Basilica & the Doges Palace

 

The Original Venice Walking Tour

”An absolute must for the first time visitor to Venice! A true voyage of discovery from the heart of San Marco through the narrow alleys and passageways of the hidden Venice.”

We guarantee no queues to enter the Basilica

Walking Tour features: San Marco Square and its famous landmarks, St. Mark's Basilica, legends of Casanova & Marco Polo, Campo Santa Maria Formosa, beautiful small squares, bridges, House of Marco Polo, Merchants warehouse and the Rialto bridge.

Visit San Mark's square and learn the history that lies behinds the walls of its most famous landmarks; the Basilica and its Byzantine heritage, the Doge's Palace and its adjoining prisons, that retain the true secrets to comprehend how a city built on swamps became one of the most enlightened cities of the western world, and learn how all of a sudden fate turned its back on her. 

Then, leave the square to discover the "real Venice", enter a labyrinth of narrow passageways and alleys where a magical city of meandering canals punctuated by delicate bridges awaits you......

And through the sights and the historical narrations learn how illustrious Venetians, the likes of Casanova and Marco Polo, and more common citizens made this city of stone a vibrant and magical place. And, of course, discover how Venice is today and how it is to live in the most beautiful city of the world, though not the most practical!

Duration: 2 hours

Price: Adults € 20 per person – Students € 15 per person – Children (6-12) € 11 per person, Children (under 6) free

Operates: Every Tues, Thurs, Sat at 11:00am (8th Feb – 10th March), Mon thru Sat at 11:10am, Sundays at 2:00pm (11th March – 6th Nov)

Meeting Place: Entrance to the Royal Gardens, San Marco.

We guarantee no queues to enter the Basilica

THIS TOUR SHOULD BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE

 

Doge's Palace Walking Tour

"The story of the Serene Republic"

Tour Features: Chambers of the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs, Prisons, works by Tintoretto, Titian, Veronese, Tiepolo and many others.

We guarantee no queues to enter the Doges Palace

Visit the sumptuous and splendidly decorated rooms of what used to be the “brain" that governed the Republic of Venice. Its open architecture testifies to the unbeatable power of Venice, queen of the sea. While its lavish chambers display the immense wealth that the city possessed.

And while your eyes are captured by the beauty that is around you, you'll learn about the diverse roles played in society by the Doge and his counsellors, who helped create the many institutions that made Venice the most modern and liberal state in Europe.

During the tour, you'll cross the famous bridge of sighs and visit the famous prisons of the Doge's Palace. You'll hear about the infamous council of ten, and be entertained by the legends and stories of the characters that played a role in creating the most serene of Republics.

Duration: 2 hours

Price: Adults € 20 per person – Students € 15 per person – Children (6-12) € 11 per person, Children (under 6) free, Plus € 11 per person admission fee for the Doge’s Palace to be paid in cash on the day of the tour.

Operates: Every Tues and Thurs at 11:10am (16th April – 15th October, except 10th July thru 13th September)

Meeting Place: Entrance to the Royal Gardens, San Marco

We guarantee no queues to enter the Doges Palace

THIS TOUR SHOULD BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE

 

Cannaregio and the Jewish Ghetto

"A walking tour to discover the hidden Venice"

Tour features:
Jewish Ghetto and Cannaregio residential district, masterpieces by Tintoretto, Madonna dell'Orto church, beautiful views of northern lagoon and Cemetery Island. 

Discover the lively and vibrant atmosphere of the most residential part of the city, where the few Venetians left in town still live!

Visit the fascinating church of Madonna dell'Orto, where you'll learn about its famous legend and admire works by Tintoretto.  You'll also see Tintoretto's delightful home.

Enjoy sweeping views of the Venetian lagoon while hearing morbid tales of San Michele, the cemetery island of Venice and understand what a vital role the lagoon played in a city built from fear.

In the second part of the tour, visit the first Jewish ghetto in history, a city within a city, and learn how the Jewish community lived here over the centuries.

Entrances to the Jewish museum and synagogues are not included; as they are strictly controlled by the Jewish community (can be visited after the tour)

Duration: 2 hours

Price: Adults € 20 per person – Students € 15 per person – Children (6-12) € 11 per person, Children (under 6) free, Plus € 2.50 per person admission fee for the Madonna dell’Orto Church to be paid in cash on the day of the tour.

Operates: Wednesday at 11:30am (13th April – 19th October, except 7th July thru 6th September)

Meeting Place: Top center of the Rialto Bridge

THIS TOUR SHOULD BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE

 

Discovering San Polo & the Frari Church

"One of our clients' favorite walking tours"

Tour features:
Frari church, masterpieces by Bellini, Titian and Canova, the Merchants of Venice, a prison for tax evaders, the old red-light district of Venice, some of the oldest houses in Venice and quaint bridges. Well off-the-beaten track.

A rich and stimulating itinerary - Venice at its best! One of our clients favorite walks, this is a walk of wonder and discovery of the real Venice, through its past and also its present.

Visit the important Frari church, hidden away in the San Polo district of the city, home to masterpieces of Titian & Bellini as well as an imposing funeral monument by Canova.

Enjoy a guided walk through a labyrinth of streets and narrow passageways in the old artisans’ quarters of Venice and listen to numerous stories of the illustrious merchants and their acts of cruelty.

Pass-by the old locandas, where the merchants would sojourn and encounter the famous Venetian courtesans in the old red light district of Venice that is home to the notorious "Ponte delle Tette".

During this walk, you'll see some of the oldest houses in Venice, quaint picturesque bridges and palaces, an old prison for tax evaders and learn about how life used to be in Venice and how life is today for the modern day Venetians.

Duration: 2 hours

Price: Adults € 20 per person – Students € 15 per person – Children (6-12) € 11 per person, Children (under 6) free, Plus € 2.50 per person admission fee for the Frari Church to be paid in cash on the day of the tour.

Operates: Thursdays at 11:30am (14th April – 20th October, except 8th July thru 7th September)

Meeting Place: Top center of the Rialto Bridge

THIS TOUR SHOULD BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE

Venice Ghost Walking Tour

Venice by night is a place of romance and mystery. The streets dimly lit and deserted are a place where long shadows loom and footsteps echo in the distance.

As you are guided on this walking tour through narrow calli and campi, the ghosts of the past and present day will keep you company as our guide will introduce them to you, telling all their secrets.

These stories and anecdotes will give you a better understanding of the human-side of Venice -the Venetians themselves - i Veneziani.

As with all our walking tours, this tour features a unique and very beautiful walk through the back streets and alleys of Venice.

Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours

Price: Adults € 20 per person – Students € 15 per person – Children (6-12) € 11 per person, Children (under 6) free, Plus € 2.50 per person admission fee for the Frari Church to be paid in cash on the day of the tour.

Operates:Every Wednesday (16th March – 9th November), Every Saturday (16th April – 22nd October), Every Monday (16th May – 3rd October), Blackout date – 16th July

Meeting Place: Top center of the Rialto Bridge

THIS TOUR SHOULD BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE

 

Wine tasting Evening in Venice with a professional sommelier

“Also available as a private tour year round or enjoy a special wine dinner in Venice”

Venice is located in the region of Veneto, a region that produces more different types of wine than any other in Italy. If you would like to learn more about the wines from this region, like the famous Amarone and Soave, with a professional sommelier, then this is the tour for you.

In a charming enoteca (wine bar), whose walls are covered with fine bottles of wine, learn with the help of your sommelier, Tamara, how to appreciate the wine before actually drinking it by using your senses: sight, smell and taste.

Alongside the wine, a little proscuitto crudo and cheeses will help enhance your wine-tasting experience.

(To reserve this tour we require a credit card guarantee at the time of booking)

Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours

Price: € 50 per person (no discounts given on this tour)

Operates:Every Wednesday at 5:30pm (May, June, September, October), There is a minimum of 6 people to operate this tour.

Meeting Place: Top center of the Rialto Bridge

THIS TOUR SHOULD BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE

 

The Original Grand Canal Boat Tour, Venice

"A delightful tour of the Grand Canal & minor waterways of Venice"

Admire the play of light on the water as we glide along the Grand Canal, the main Street of Venice!

See the beautiful and imposing palaces and churches that line its banks and learn how it has developed over the centuries into the "most beautiful street in the world".

In the second part of the tour, discover the more romantic and intimate minor canals to savor the true essence of Venice while enjoying a few glasses of the sparkling and refreshing Prosecco wine!

(To reserve this tour we require a credit card guarantee at the time of booking)

Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes

Price: Adults € 40 per person (Minimum of five people required to operate this tour)

Operates:Every Tues, Thurs, Sat at 3:00pm except Jan 8 and Feb 7 (8th Feb – 10th March), Daily at 4:30pm (11th March – 6th Nov)

Meeting Place: Entrance to the Royal Gardens, San Marco

THIS TOUR SHOULD BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE

 

Private Venice Canal Boat Tours
(Operate all year round)

Cruise along the Grand Canal of Venice in a luxurious motor boat on a guided tour of the world's finest street. As well as the Grand Canal, we'll cruise along some of the lesser known canals of Venice.

This tour is ideal for photographers.

(To reserve this tour we require a credit card guarantee at the time of booking)

Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes

Price: On request

Operates:All year round

Meeting Place: Entrance to the Royal Gardens, San Marco

THIS TOUR SHOULD BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE

Three-Island Boat Tour

“Visit the Islands of Murano, Burano & Torcello”

This tour departs at either 9.30 a.m. or 2.30 p.m. daily (2:30pm only before March 11, 2005) from San Marco in the centre of Venice to the three islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.

The island of Murano is famous for its glass-ware, Burano for its lace-making, and Torcello for its church that has beautiful mosaics. 

This tour is operated by the Serenissima Company, and is a large multi-lingual group tour. We offer this tour at a special internet rate of 18 Euro per person.  

To enjoy this special price we require that you book the tour in advance with a credit card guarantee (MasterCard or visa)

Price: € 18 per person

Operates:Daily at 2:30pm (Until March 11), Daily at 9:30am & 2:30pm (After March 11)

Meeting Place: Riva degli Schiavoni, near the Danieli Hotel

Languages: English, Italian, French, German, Spanish

THIS TOUR SHOULD BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE

 

Private Tours of Venice
(Operate all year round)

Italian Welcome with the collaboration of Avventure Bellissime offer personalized tours of Venice ranging from a two-hour introductory walking tour of Venice, to tours lasting several days and incorporating several themes or neighborhoods of Venice.

                Services offered include:

·        Private Venice in 1-day package

·        Private Walking tours

·        Private Boat tours of Venice  the islands of the lagoon

·        Private “Hidden Venice Walk”

·        Personalized custom packages for groups & individuals

·        Transfers from/to Marco Polo Airport

·        Restaurant reservations

·        Special interest tours – photography, art & architecture, wine tasting

Among the many subjects and places covered by our Private Walking Tours / Special Theme walks & tours of Venice are:

PRIVATE WALKING TOURS OF VENICE

·        The Hidden Venice
Enjoy a meandering two-hour stroll along Venice's lesser known streets through some of the more enchanting parts of the city with your own personal guide.

·        Murano Glass Tour
A two and a half hour guided tour of Murano Island, which includes a visit to the Glass museum and a glass factory.

·        Life & Times of Casanova
Who was Casanova? A great lover and an accomplished confidence trickster, an alchemist and a sceptical freemason, a servant of the establishment and an adventurer.

·        Secret Gardens of Venice
These gardens are not only secret, they are also closed to the public. Havens of peace and tranquillity, suspended in time, they are as colorful as an artist’s palette.

·        Jewish Ghetto Tour
Nicknamed "Mordechaj" by his Jewish clients, enjoy a guided tour of the Jewish Ghetto with one of leading authorities on the oldest ghetto in the world.

·        Shopping Tour of Venice 
Venice boasts numerous artisan and speciality stores. Tell us what kind of shops you are interested in visiting and our guide will take you to the right places hidden away in the back-streets of Venice.

·        Photographers Tour of Venice
Enjoy a private tour of Venice with a professional English-speaking guide.

·        Venice with Kids
With the help of our talented guides, your children will enjoy wandering around Venice while learning in a fun way about the fascinating history of the city. 

Many more itineraries available on request

Do not hesitate to contact us, if you require any further information on Private/ Custom walking or boat tours of Venice.

Italian Welcome with the collaboration of Avventure Bellissime also offer day tours of Venice and the Veneto region. These tours include the Villas of Andrea Palladio, the Veneto Wine Country as well as walking in the Dolomites.

Entrance fees are not included in the prices.