This walking tour will take you into three gardens of Venice that are not usually sought out by tourists. It includes two convent gardens and on that is a beautiful example of a renaissance Venetian garden. It is located on the grounds of a secluded palace and few people know it exists.
Gondola Rides
Though the canals and gondolas of Venice aren’t exactly hidden, a gondola ride gives you the chance to view Venice from a different perspective. Gondolas were once used to transport goods along the canals. Today, they are mainly used for ceremonial events and sightseeing. View historic buildings and magnificent architecture from water level. Enjoy gliding over the water of hidden canals as your gondolier takes you off the beaten path. It’s also possible to take a gondola tour of your favorite hotel, which is a unique experience for those visiting the city.
The most romantic time to take a gondola ride is in the evening when lights twinkle on the water’s surface and the waterways are no longer crowded. If the moon is full, moonbeams will dance on the water, filling you with a sense of wonder.
San Polo and the Frari Church
Book a walking tour of San Polo and the Frari Church. This tour has a rich and stimulating itinerary. It is a walk of wonder and discovery of hidden Venice, through both the past and present.
The Frari Church, an important building, houses an imposing funeral monument that was created by Canova. View magnificent masterpieces by Bellini and Titian that are displayed in the Church.
Once you’ve toured the church, you will be guided through a labyrinth of streets and narrow passages in the old artisan quarters of Venice. Listen to intriguing tales of illustrious merchants of the past and their horrific acts of cruelty. Stroll by the old locandos, where merchants of old came to enjoy the company of women in the red light district that is home to the notorious “Ponte delle Tette (Bridge of the Female Breast.) This historical rendition of how the bridge came to get this title is part of the tour and actually fascinating. It shows an erotic side of Venice that is not well known.
During this walk, you will see palaces, some of the oldest homes in Venice and an antiquated prison that housed tax evaders. Take a glimpse into the lives of ancient Venetians and how their life differed from the people living in the area today.