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 Dorsoduro where you’ll experience a different Venice, like a local with a local by your side!
Explore the Castello district and dive into the real Venetian life. Stroll through the narrow calli, admire magnificent places and listen to the stories that contributed to mysterious atmosphere of this place.
Venetian Mysteries: A Walking Tour in the Footsteps of Commissario Brunetti by Donna Leon
235 reviews
2 hours | off the beaten track | Venice
Donna Leon Fans Unite! Join this exclusive walking tour celebrating the beloved crime series set in Venice. Explore real-life locations from the novels — including the "Questura" — with a host who personally knows author Donna Leon
Get to know some of the Venice's secrets during this walking tour of hidden Venice. Let a local insider show you some of the city's more off-beat sights and listen to the city's best kept secrets and scandalous stories.
Marzia showed us around the Castello district which was a quiet neighbourhood compared to the other more touisty areas. We wandered towards the Arsenale and learned a lot about the city's history and beautiful architecture. She also answered all of our random questions! She is a wonderful guide!
Castello Private Tour: the real Venice
Jean
About local
4 June 2025
So Amazing!!
Everything about today just made me happy. The whole experience was just amazing. Our family loved everything about Venice, but this tops the cake. Emanuele is so knowledgeable, passionate, and genuinely kind. This was our first time in this magical city and I hope it’s not our last. Thank you for such a great experience. Hope to see you again one day.
The islands of Venice: Private Boat Tour
Jenny
About local
28 May 2025
Great tour!
Genny was a great tour guide, who provide in-depth knowledge of the area and small artisans in it. In addition, she is funny and very relatable.
Anyone would through enjoy both Genny and this tour.
Off the Beaten Track in Cannaregio
Andre
About local
22 April 2025
An enthusiastic storyteller
We had a marvellous afternoon with Elena. She is friendly, enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable about both history and general life in Venice. I have been to Venice at least twenty times before, but I learned so much new about Venice from Elena. I will definitely book another tour with her when I come back to Venice (which I certainly will).
Off the Beaten Track in Venice: Dorsoduro Tour
laurie
About local
12 April 2025
So personalized!
This was my second time Giada She asked many questions before the tour to make sure she covered what I was interested in. Loved the church of Saint pantalone. Would never have found it without her.
Off the Beaten Track in Venice: Dorsoduro Tour
Megan
About local
Perfect Introduction to Venice
Elena was the perfect guide; when are ferry got delayed, she immediatley offered to meet us at a different starting place, and was there before we got off the ferry. She was engaging and full of stories of the history of Venice. She was engaging from start to finish. We truly enjoyed our time with her and would highly recommend her to anyone visiting Venice.
Off the Beaten Track in Venice: Dorsoduro Tour
Anna
About local
The Best Tour!
Elena was absolutely amazing! She incorporated our interests in the tour. She is born and raised in Venice so has a first hand knowledge of the history, lifestyle and culture. Her knowledge is immeasurable and she tells a story that is enjoyable to listen to. Honestly, the best tour we have had!
Off the Beaten Track in Venice: Dorsoduro Tour
Marilyn
About local
Super!
Claudia was an absolute pleasure. She is knowledgeable and fun!
We thoroughly enjoyed our time together. I highly recommend you reach out to her.
Off the Beaten Track in Venice: Dorsoduro Tour
Horacio
About local
Amazing time!
Genny was great! Super personality and was easy going. Our kids said she was the best tour guide they have ever had. She accommodated our needs ( we were hungry) and went above and beyond. Shes awesome!
Off the Beaten Track in Venice: Dorsoduro Tour
Tony
About local
Marza is great fun.
Marza was great. A rainy morning but she bought the whole area alive. Definitely recomend it! Highly informative and interesting.
