• Private Tour
• Instantly Confirmed
• Carbon Neutral

Take a walk off the beaten track, away from the tourist crowds, and see the real side of Venice. On this private tour, go beyond the classic route and explore Castello where you’ll experience a different Venice, like a local with a local by your side!

Destination

Venice, Italy

Category

Off The Beaten Track

Duration

2.5 hours

Transport mode

Walking tour

Available languages

English, Italiano, Deutsch, Español

Included

• Private Guide
• All Withlocals Tours are Carbon Neutral

Excluded

• Entrance to Attractions
• the Venetian Arsenal is open Mon-Fri 08.00-15.00

What you can expect

Choose your local

Get to know these 2 passionate locals, each bringing unique perspectives and talents. Choose your favorite, check their availability, and book to create an unforgettable adventure tailored to you.

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with the host of your choice.

1. Meeting point

   Meet at In front of the church - Venice to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. Off the Beaten Track

   Done with the main highlights of Venice? Check out Castello. Explore a lesser-known part of the city that will give you a more authentic feel of Venice. Check out Venetian Arsenal, Giardini della Marinaressa and more!

4. The Real Deal

   Let a local expert in the area you’ll visit show you their Venice from a different perspective - away from the tourist traps. See street art, cultural hot spots, local vendors, hangout spots, and historical gems, and embrace the vibe!

5. Personalized Recommendations

   Want to explore more of the area after the tour? Your host is happy to recommend their favorite eateries and where to take a break while wandering in this vibrant area

6. Unique Plan

   Depending on your host, this tour will be experienced based on their knowledge, passion, and expertise. Pick a host that matches your interests and see their city through their eyes!

7. Make it yours

   Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

   Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

   Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Ann

(About local Valerio)

5 June 2025

Our day with Valerio was amazing! After meeting at the local fish market, we went to his home on murano to prepare a meal. It was delicious and so fun to feel like a local. Our tour of murano included stops to learn about glass blowing. Our daughter got to make her own glass bead and then we toured a glass showroom which was beautiful. Don’t hesitate to book this memorable tour- Valerio is outstanding!Amazing Day

Cornelia

(About local Valerio)

26 May 2025

Valerio macht den Spaziergang durch Canareggio und San Polo weit über die Brunetti-Informationen hinaus interessant. Wer weiß schon, wie die Hausnummern zustande kommen oder wo die Bestattungskirche aus dem Film "Wenn die Gondeln Trauer tragen" liegt? Die Restaurant Empfehlungen, die man noch zusätzlich bekommt, sind eine echte Empfehlung. Vielen Dank, Valerio!mehr als Brunetti ...

Kerry

(About local Giacomo)

3 May 2025

We recently had the pleasure of joining a food tour with a local in Venice, and it was truly one of the highlights of our trip. Giacomo was not only incredibly knowledgeable about the city’s history and culture but also passionate about its culinary traditions. We visited several hidden gems and every stop featured something delicious. We especially loved learning the stories behind each dish and how they connect to Venetian life. Giacomo made us feel like locals, introducing us to places we never would’ve found on our own. It felt more like exploring with a friend than being on a tour. If you're looking to experience Venice through its food and meet a truly passionate local, I highly recommend this tour!Amazing Food Tour Experience in Venice!

cczg6gvypf

(About local Valerio)

30 April 2025

Jeder der überlegt, ob sich ein Private Guide lohnt, möchte ich sagen: Auf jeden Fall!! Man darf Venedig von einer ganz anderen Seite erleben. Wenn man möchte, ganz entspannt fernab der Touristenmassen. Venedig ist eben nicht nur Dogenpalast und Markusplatz! Wunderbare Zeit in Venedig, danke Valerio!

HENRYK🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Valerio)

27 April 2025

I am a big fan of Inspector Brunetti, the Venetian policeman created by Dona Leon. A friend enthused about the "Brunetti" tour presented by Valerio in Venice. We hired Valerio and embarked on the expensive two hour tour (over two days unfortunately). We walked by five relevant sites and enjoyed espresso at Brunetti's local coffee bar. From my friend's enthusiasm, I had expected more from the tour. Perhaps, we didn't get the full tour?Inspector Brunetti tour

Evelyn🇦🇹 Austria

(About local Valerio)

27 April 2025

Valerio hat mich unterhaltsam und charmant durch diesen mir nicht bekannten Teil Venedigs geführt . Er hat mir alle Facetten , Kultur, Geschichte, Religion und Kulinarik näher gebracht, sowie alte Filme, die da gedreht wurden wieder aus meinem Gedächtnis geholt. DORSODURO ENTDECKEN

Clare

(About local Giacomo)

31 March 2025

Very good food tour even in extenuating circumstances where there was a football match on the same afternoon, as well as a tall ship in near St Marks Square, so a couple of the usual places he might have taken us were completely full. His knowledge of Venice and places to go were really good and helpful. Thank you for a good tour. Excellent food tour

Dominic🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Valerio)

3 March 2025

Danke Valerio10

David🇫🇷 France

(About local Valerio)

22 February 2025

Nous avons passé un excellent moment avec Valerio, passionné limite enflammé par Venise. Il connaît les endroits et l'histoire de sa ville et a su transmettre son ethousiasme. Il nous a montré les différentes facettes de la cité, des ambiances contrastées de foule et de calme, des lieux atypiques. Plein de bons conseils. Merci Valerio !Le vrai vénitien, amoureux de sa ville

Lori🇺🇸 United States

(About local Valerio)

13 January 2025

While visiting Venice, I had the pleasure of booking a tour with Valerio for fish shopping at Rialto Market followed by home cooking in Murano. The experience was nothing short of extraordinary and truly authentic. We began our day at Rialto Market, selecting fresh, local ingredients under Valerio's expert guidance. From there, we traveled to his lovely home in Murano, where he prepared a mouthwatering multi-course meal, perfectly paired with libations for each course. What made the experience even more special was how hands-on it was—my friend and I got to help with some of the preparations, which made the meal feel even more personal and rewarding. Throughout the day, Valerio’s warm and engaging personality shone. He answered all our questions about life in Italy with patience and enthusiasm, sharing fascinating insights into local culture and traditions. Despite our endless curiosity, he never seemed to tire of our company and made us feel completely at home. To top it off, Valerio provided excellent recommendations for other unique experiences and activities we could try during our trip. His hospitality, knowledge, and passion for sharing the Italian way of life made this tour the highlight of my visit to Venice. If you’re looking for an authentic, unforgettable experience in Venice, I cannot recommend Valerio enough. He is the perfect host and guide, and this experience is not to be missed!A Highlight of My Venice Trip!!

Steve🇺🇸 United States

(About local Valerio)

14 December 2024

We took the Brunetti tour with Valerio last week. Valerio was very accomodating in adjusting our start time and meeting location. We had just arrived the previous day and were still getting up to speed. Needless to say, the tour was absolutely fascinating. We learned some very interesting facts about Venice as well as about Donna Leon and Brunetti's Venice. A most enjoyable 2 hours. If your a fan of Brunetti and visiting Venice, definetly look at this tour. It was the highlight of our trip. Aside form the tour, Valerio was extreemly helpful in giving us some recommedations for restaurants and some things to do in Venice and Murano. We visited some areas that were definetely not on the normal tourist track, which made the tour that much more interesting. Thanks Valerio!Brunetti's Venice with Valerio

Benjamin🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Valerio)

25 November 2024

Wir hatten das große Glück, Valerio als unseren Städteführer zu haben – und es war einfach fantastisch! Die Führung war spannend und unglaublich lehrreich. Valerio hat es geschafft, uns die Stadt auf eine ganz besondere Weise näherzubringen. Besonders beeindruckt haben uns die vielen tollen Tipps und Empfehlungen für Sehenswürdigkeiten und ‘places to go’, die wir ohne ihn wahrscheinlich nie entdeckt hätten. Vielen Dank für diese unvergessliche Erfahrung, Valerio! Wir kommen definitiv wieder!Einfach Klasse

Robert

(About local Giacomo)

25 November 2024

Giacomo knows all. He customized my 3 day visit to the Venice Achitecture Biannale, all needed logistics to get around town, and how to beat the crowds. My tour certainly was custom and rewarding and expensive - but worth it. He is prompt, personnal, logical, and has many private contacts. This is yet another city where I feel I have made a friend and I look forward to returning. If you are looking for a high level of expertise, look no further.Modern Architecture in Venice and the Biennale

Barbara

(About local Giacomo)

24 November 2024

Giacomo made the Biennale approachable. Without his knowledge and expertise, it would have been daunting. He took us through the exhibits providing explanations and insight, allowing us to follow and enjoy.Venice Biennale 2024: Art Exhibition

Paul

(About local Giacomo)

22 November 2024

A superb tour by water taxi. Knowledgeable and great for teens and families.Grand Canal: The Most Beautiful Promenade

Marsha

(About local Giacomo)

17 November 2024

Giacomo was extremely knowledgeable and lead us thru the best sand most interesting pavilions with excellent explanations about each artists work. Above snd beyond was his help with my husbands kk it’s mobility o insure he also experienced the full tout which was so appreciatedHighlights of Venice Biennale 2024

Merrily

(About local Giacomo)

14 November 2024

In addition to being very pleasant and easy to be with, Giacomo provided our seeing Carlo Scarpa's touches in the unlikeliest of places, access to "behind the scenes" designs that are so thoughtful, and an afternoon of architectural and artistic education. I've been to Venice a dozen times and had never even noticed the Olivetti showroom.Carlo Scarpa in Venice - a unique architect!

Annette

(About local Valerio)

6 November 2024

Wir haben Valeria für eine Führung durch den Dogenpalast gebucht. Er hat auf unsere Anfrage sofort reagiert und geantwortet. Valerio spricht ein sehr gutes Deutsch und ist auch super auf unsere Kinder eingegangen. Die Führung war interessant und mit vielen Zusatzinformationen gespickt. Wir können Valerio guten Gewissens weiterempfehlen !!!Top Führung

Karin🇦🇹 Austria

(About local Valerio)

1 November 2024

Super interessante Führung mit vielen Tipps, Empfehlungen und dem Besuch von unbekannten Plätzen in Venedig. Sehr persönlich gestaltet und auf individuelle Bedürfnisse eingegangen. Jedenfalls eine Weiterempfehlung!Brunetti Tour durch Venedig mit Valerio

Simone

(About local Giacomo)

29 October 2024

Very professional and well experienced guide. A fantastic day spent into the Guggenheim Museum thanks to Giacomo. We will call him again.Collezione Peggy Guggenheim

Jutta🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Valerio)

18 October 2024

Valerio war ein unglaublich freundlicher und äußerst kompetenter Reiseführer. Seine tiefgehenden Kenntnisse über Venedig, von der Geschichte bis hin zu versteckten Geheimtipps, machen die Tour zu einem unvergesslichen Erlebnis. Er war stets geduldig unbeantwortete alle unsere Fragen mit Begeisterung. Zudem spürte man seine Liebe zur Stadt in jeder seiner Erzählungen. Die Tour war nicht nur informativ, sondern auch sehr unterhaltsam. Absolut empfehlenswert!Ausgesprochen gut

Gary

(About local Giacomo)

17 October 2024

Excellent, Excellent, Excellent. Nice person, had good explanations, and explained things we would have missed on our own. Highly recommended. Venice Biennale 2023: Architecture Exhibition

Thomas

(About local Giacomo)

13 October 2024

We had a great introduction to Venice with Giacomo. The boat tour was very informative, and we got a great feel for the city. We would highly recommend this tour.Grand Canal: The Most Beautiful Promenade

Jamie

(About local Giacomo)

3 October 2024

What a treat! Giacomo shared his knowledge of the Architecture Venice Biennale--past and present. He carefully planned our tour allowing us to visit this year's highlights, introduced us to the vision and themes of this year's exhibition and discussed current issues in global architecture. A bonus was seeing the old naval shipbuilding area of Venice. His commentary truly made this visit memorable! This was a delightful tour, particularly once you have already visited the typical highlights of Venice. Venice Biennale 2023: Architecture Exhibition

Sue

(About local Giacomo)

30 September 2024

My tour with Giacomo was a perfect way to explore Venice. He took me off the beaten path, told fascinating stories that connected a art, history and architecture and helped me understand the historic influences which make Venice such a unique and incomparable city. In addition to all I learned, he was great company and I enjoyed my time enormously with him. I feel so fortunate to have enjoyed such a memorable day with someone so knowledgable and kind.Contemporary Architecture in Venice

Jenni

(About local Giacomo)

17 September 2024

Giacomo was a wonderful guide - knowledgeable, engaging and flexible. We asked him to take the lead on which pavilions to visit at the Architecture Biennale and his selection was fascinating , combining some of the most interesting pavilion architecture as well as exhibitions for this year's Biennale. He helped us understand what was special and unique in a very accessible way. Venice Biennale 2023: Architecture Exhibition

Barbara

(About local Giacomo)

3 September 2024

Giacomo made the Biennale approachable. Without his knowledge and expertise, it would have been daunting. He took us through the exhibits providing explanations and insight, allowing us to follow and enjoy.Venice Biennale 2024: Art Exhibition

Sue

(About local Giacomo)

1 September 2024

Giacomo was great! His knowledge of Venetian history was exactly what we wanted. He also added tidbits and information on other areas of our interest.The Venice Ghetto: Oldest Jewish Ghetto

Alan

(About local Giacomo)

21 August 2024

Giacomo gave us a wonderful tour of the Grand Canal.Grand Canal: The Most Beautiful Promenade

Nicole

(About local Valerio)

16 June 2024

Die Erfahrung Venedig durch einen Einheimischen erklärt zu bekommen, ist einfach eine tolle Erfahrung. Wir haben ihm vorab geschildert, was wir uns von der Tour erwarten und er hat sie im Längen übertroffen. Er konnte alles erklären und ist auch auf alle Fragen eingegangen, die währenddessen aufgekommen sind. Einfach klasse. Die Tour war aufgeteilt in teils touristisch und größtenteils weg vom Tourismus, dies war unser Wunsch und er hat in uns besser als gewollt erfüllt. Wir hatten tolle 2 Stunden und es wird nicht die letzte Tour bei Valerio gewesen sein. Venedig auf andere Weise sehen

Hagen🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Valerio)

3 June 2024

Valerio ist sehr kompetent, freundlich und geht sehr gut auf einen ein.Super Stadtführung

Andreas🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Valerio)

22 May 2024

Very good contact in advance. Good tour on not crowded pathes. Good german language skills. But our children sometimes couldn’t follow. Venice guys are talking so fast, also in german ;-) And good tips to continue the tour alone and for the next day. Fully recommendation!Nice individual tour

Hermann🇦🇹 Austria

(About local Valerio)

16 April 2024

Valerio kennt nicht nur die Donna Leon-Serie und deren Hintergründe, sondern auch die Geschichte Venedigs: Er ist offizieller Fremdenführer und lässt Details der Geschichte Venedigs sehr angenehm in die führung einfließen ...Toll

Caterina

(About local Valerio)

27 March 2024

Super Tourguide, umfassendes Wissen zur Geschichte, Kunst, Architektur und Kulinarische Empfehlungen, Valerio war sehr sympathisch, zuverlässig und hat alle Fragen allumfassend beantwortet. Zusätzlich gab es noch einige gute Tips für die nächsten Tage. Danke!Private Tour durch Venedig

Felix🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Valerio)

10 October 2023

Valerio spricht sehr gut Deutsch und Kinder wie Eltern und Grosseltern lauschten interessiert seinen Ausführungen!Grossartige Tour mit Valerio

Ingrid

(About local Valerio)

22 September 2023

Wir haben eine personalisierte Privattour „Auf den Spuren von Commissario Brunetti“ inklusive Besuch eines Gartens bei Valerio gebucht und hatten Gelegenheit einen wunderschönen privaten Klostergarten direkt am Wasser zu sehen. Auf unterhaltsame Weise führte uns Valario abseits der bekannten Touristenpfade zu Drehorten der Donna Leon Serie und gab uns nebenbei noch tolle Tipps für Speis & Trank. Danke, Valerio! Wärmste Empfehlung ☺️👍Wunderbare Venedig Privattour

Larissa🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Valerio)

15 June 2023

Vorher fanden wir Venedig wunderschön jetzt durch Valerio Lieben wir es!!! Er hat durch seine mehr als sympathische Art unsere Tour zu einem unvergesslichen Erlebnis gemacht. Valerio ist voll und ganz auf unsere Wünsche eingegangen. Sehr zu empfehlen und wir freuen uns jetzt schon auf die nächste Tour 2024.Venedig nur noch mit Valerio

9njs8588g6🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Valerio)

9 June 2023

Wir haben spontan eine Führung mit Valerio gebucht und wurden nicht enttäuscht. Es war eine Führung abseits der Touristenströme, die auch für unsere Kinder interessant und kurzweilig war. Valerio ist sehr nett und lässt keine Langeweile aufkommen. Zusätzlich haben wir zum Abschluss noch ein paar super gastronomische Tipps bekommen. Sehr zu empfehlen!Familienfreundliche Führung durch Venedig

Verena🇦🇹 Austria

(About local Valerio)

29 May 2023

Although we had a storm during our visit, Valerio knew enough people and spit to give us and the kids a lot of experience we still remember! Thank youSomething to remember

Heidi🇺🇸 United States

(About local Valerio)

22 April 2023

Valerio is the best guide in Venice! We enjoyed a customized experience with Valerio arranging a fun evening walking around Venice without crowds, sharing interesting stories and tips for a great stay in Venice. Booking any tour in Venice or Murano with Valerio will be a highlight of any stay in Italy!!Fantastic Experience with Valerio

Estelle🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Valerio)

3 April 2023

Thank you Valerio and Ambair. We had a great experience and we really appreciated that you took the time to plan everything according to the needs of our diverse group :-) We loved the little details our guide Ambair added to the tour. I would definitely recommend it.Great experience

Claudia🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Valerio)

19 November 2022

Valerio unser Guide war sehr nett und äusserst kompetent. Wir haben die Tour örtliches Venedig - abseits der Massen gebucht. Schon im Vorfeld hat Valerio all unsere Fragen schnell beantwortet. Die Tour verging viel zu schnell, es wurde nie langweilig. Valerio hat uns viel geschichtliches erzählt, es war absolut spannend. Vielen Dank für die tolle Führung. Wir können Valerio nur empfehlen. Valerio - der kompetente Guide

mpckx9g7bh🇳🇱 Netherlands

(About local Valerio)

28 October 2022

We had a fantastic afternoon in Venice in which we were taken in the history of Venice for 2 hours. Valerio has humor and really knows a lot about the city! He interacted super with our children aged 4, 7 and 11. Afterwards we received several tips so that we could get lost in Venice for the day. According to Valerio, you first have to get lost to get to know the city. We enjoyed your stories and your personality.When you are in Groningen you get a free tour :)Valerio is an amazing guide!

Victoria🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Valerio)

18 October 2022

We had a great tour with Valerio through the hidden Venice. Valerio shares interesting stories and historic backgrounds in a easy and digestible way, also for our teenagers ;-) Great Tour

Sandra🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Valerio)

12 October 2022

Valerios Stadtführung war interessant und kurzweilig, abseits der vielen Touristen. Auch unser Sohn (8) hatte Spaß, weil Valerio ihm immer wieder kleine Aufgaben gegeben hat. Wir würden sofort wieder bei Valerio buchen:-)Venezia con Valerio

Jerry🇺🇸 United States

(About local Valerio)

8 October 2022

Setup a private tour walking tour in Venice with Valerio. It was my wife, myself, our two girls (3,8) and my mother. He meet us right at our Airbnb and we started from there. We walked es the maze that is Venice and he explained a ton of history and special little spots you really wouldn’t realize or maybe find on your own. He was very engaging with my daughters so that they could absorb the city as well. He setup an awesome time with Sarah a local mask workshop (she was amazing, friendly and super sweet with my girls), definitely a highlight of the trip! Highly recommend!!!! I would highly recommend Valerio to anyone interested in an easy paced wandering tour to really absorb what Venice is and what it has to offer. He also setup dinner reservations to an awesome local spot where the food was pretty dang good! Again I highly recommend him! Thank you Valerio for a memorable time for my family and me in Venice!Awesome time in Venice with Valerio

Marion 🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Valerio)

24 September 2022

Valerio ist ein sehr kundiger und unterhaltsamer guide, der uns in der kurzen Zeit viele interessante Informationen über Venedig und ihre Bewohner vermittelt hat. Schade, dass die 1,5 Stunden so schnell vorbei waren. Auch seine Restaurant Tipps waren sehr empfehlenswert. Unbedingt machen !Toller Einstieg

Nadia🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Valerio)

14 September 2022

Eine wirklich richtig schöne Tour, wie gebucht abseits der Touristenpfade!! Der Guide, Valerio ist super nett, hat uns richtig schöne Plätze gezeigt, die ich, obwohl ich schon 5x in Venedig war, noch nicht kannte und alleine wohl auch nicht gefunden hätte. Valerio war nicht nur sehr nett, er hat unheimlich viel Wissen und hat uns viele tolle Sachen erzählt und konnte uns jede Frage die wir stellten beantworten. Außerdem ist er sehr individuell auf uns eingegangen. Alles in allem jeden Cent wert, den man bezahlt. Besser geht es einfach nicht! Herzlichen Dank nochmal für alles!!! Tolle Tour, die hält was sie verspricht

Unknown

(About local Valerio)

8 September 2022

Valerio gave us a total different insight into Venice - we got to know places where the locals are dealing with their everyday business and no other tourists around - not to talk about cool locations for a drink. The facts we learned were always decorated with interesting personal stories and there were plenty of fun moments as well. I would definetely recommend a private tour with Valerio if you want to really get to know Venice "under the surface" and "behind the facades"!! Thank you so much! Great experience

Anja🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Valerio)

7 September 2022

Valerio hat eine tolle Tour mit uns gemacht. Wir waren an vielen Schauplätzen von Donna Leon. Er ist witzig, super nett und ging gerne auf unsere individuellen Fragen ein. Tolle Tips für Venedig und immer außerhalb der Touristenströme unterwegs. Valerio spricht perfekt deutsch, erzählt Geschichten, die nicht im Reiseführer stehen und macht einen Spaziergang durch Venedig, unvergesslich. Wir können Valerio sehr empfehlen. Mille Grazie Valerio, gerne wieder. Anja&FrankTop Tour mit Valerio