Uncommon Venice

Uncommon Venice: Day Tours for Travellers Avoiding the Crowds

Seek out the historic streets where Venetians live out their daily lives, get away from the crowded canals and chat with the owners of family-run businesses that have been around for generations. Along the way, sample artisanal chocolate treats and sip prosecco on a 15th-century palace rooftop with a view of the Grand Canal.

Highlights

• Raise a glass of prosecco as you take in a view of the Grand Canal from a quiet exclusive palace rooftop that’s usually closed to the public
• Learn about Venice’s history as an important trade hub
• Taste artisanal chocolate and learn about how Venice helped make this sweet treat popular
• Visit artisanal workshops and family-run businesses
• Go beyond the crowded canals to the places where locals hang out

Begin your tour in one of Venice's most popular spots outside San Giacomo di Rialto Church, situated right next to the Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal. From here, your tour guide will take you away from the crowds and deeper into the real Venice, where you’ll find hidden views over the Grand Canal and streets frequented more by locals than tourists. Veering off the beaten path, you’ll discover generations-old family businesses and artisan workshops, revealing the rich history of craftmanship interwoven into this city.

Just a few steps away from the church, you’ll arrive at the Rialto Market, which was established in 1097. Watch locals shopping for fresh fish and produce from the fertile islands of the Venetian lagoon. You’ll pass Venice’s oldest specialty food shop – the Drogheria Mascari spice shop.

Next, visit VizioVirtu Cioccolateria for an artisanal chocolate tasting. Chat with the owners and learn about the important role Venice played in popularising chocolate while tasting some of the shop’s most popular treats, including the ‘Goldoni’ – a cold, spiced chocolate drink.

Continue to the quiet square of Campo Santa Marina and learn about its connection to Marco Polo. Then, stop at St John and Paul Hospital. Learn about its architecture, including its striking marble facade, and its 400-year history – this was one of the first obstetrics hospitals in the world.

Make your way to Calle del Fumo, a laneway leading to Fondamente Nove – a port where many of the locals board boats to Venice’s islands for work each morning. Tucked away on this street, you’ll find Stamperia Gianni Basso. In this printing workshop, you’ll see bespoke stationery including writing paper, bookmarks, business cards and invitations, all made using traditional hand-operated presses, metal typefaces, copper plates and woodblock stamps.

Head to the Fondamente Nove waterfront and look out towards the open lagoon – a distinct contrast from the narrow canals that wind through the city’s interior. You’ll be able to see across to San Michele, the island cemetery where many famous Venetians are buried.

Visit the Jesuit Church for a look at impressive Baroque architecture. Inside, you’ll see famous oil paintings including Titian’s ‘The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence’. Right next door, you’ll discover a true community hub – COMBO Venice. Housed in a 12th-century monastery, this hybrid community centre hosts cultural events and provides a gathering place for local residents, families and students. Continue your journey through daily local life with a visit to the city’s oldest school, Liceo Classico Marco Foscarini. Next, walk along Pozzi Street as your guide teaches you about Venice’s unique rainwater collection system. See the historic wells that line the street, many of which are ornately decorated. At Santa Sofia Square, you’ll see locals walking to and from school or work and taking quick gondola rides to get around the city.

Finally, arrive at Ca’ Sagredo for an Intrepid Only experience. From the rooftop of this 15th-century palace, you’ll get a fresh perspective over the Grand Canal that few travellers get to see while you take part in a prosecco tasting. Sip on some bubbly while you look out over the Rialto Bridge.