Castello: Venetian's Venice (Private Tour)

Highlights

  • See the flooded crypt and Bellini altarpiece in San Zaccaria

  • Visit the Arsenale, the historic docks of Venice

  • Explore the Giardini Pubblici Park

  • Enter the stunning San Pietro di Castello basilica

  • Take a ride on a water Vaporetto

Summary

Escape the crowds and visit the pretty, quiet side of the island. Be outnumbered by locals

Tour info

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
English
Meeting Point

San Zaccaria church, Campo San Zaccaria, Venice, Veneto, IT

123 Main St, Main St, Kings County, New York, 11217, United States

Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

Unique in its preservation of residential charm and character, escape the crowds of touristic Venice and explore the quaint, quiet streets of Eastern Castello. Here crumbling buildings line quiet canals, washing lines flap overhead. Aged Venetian men fill shaded bars to watch the football and mothers play with their children by the canals. This is authentic Venice, trapped in time.

Begin at the stunning San Zaccaria church. Built in the 15th century, it houses many artworks and conceals a flooded crypt below. Learn about the adjoining convent, once a destination for curious Venetian girls deemed too promiscuous. Walk along the beautiful seafront pathway and gaze upon the horizon that is dotted with beautiful isoli and their church spires. Next, visit the Arsenale shipyards, one of the earliest large-scale industrial enterprises in history. It was here that Venice assembled its military naval power for centuries.

Then explore the Giardini Pubblici, a garden creation of Napoleon Bonaparte, which was built on the site of many torn down religious sites. Finish your tour at the wondrous, but less travelled San Pietro di Castello on the island of San Pietro. See the throne of St Peter, which according to legend, once hid the Holy Grail. Finally, take a water Vaporetto back to more familiar settings.

What’s included?

  • Entrance tickets to the San Zaccaria church

  • Entrance tickets to the San Pietro di Castello

  • A friendly, professional tour guide for your own private group

  • Plenty of time to take photos of your favourite places

  • Cost of hotel pick up/drop off. Your guide will accompany you in a taxi or by public transport

  • Food and drink, although your guide will be happy to recommend snacks along the way

Things to know

Before you book

  • Please bring comfortable walking shoes

  • Should you require a specific pick up location, additional fees may apply and are payable locally

Before you go

  • Please ensure you arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes prior to the tour start time

  • Please bring waterproof clothing in case it rains

Covid Policy

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands

Cancellation Policy

    Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund

About operator:

Travel Curious, based in Shoreditch/London, researches, creates and owns immersive, cultural tours and experiences in cities throughout the world. We provide our tours and experiences as a service to the travel industry and are privileged to name some of the biggest global brands as our partners