- Hotel Savoia & Jolanda - Meet your guide in front of the entrance to Hotel Savoia & Jolanda, Riva degli Schiavoni, 4187, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy. Please do not enter the hotel, it is only a meeting point and the staff is not informed about the tour.
- St. Mark’s Square - Discover what the Venice Carnival is all about, from special events to festive snacks. Whether you have been to the festival before or not, the amazing stories from your Local Guide will make you experience the fun and excitement of this unique Venetian tradition. Learn about the origin of this annual event, the famous carnival masks and costumes, and the legend of the white girl and dove as you stroll around the historic St. Mark’s Square.
- Saint Mark’s Basilica - Imagine how the entire square transforms into a runway that features an endless parade of excited masquerades and see the beautiful Basilica of Saint Mark, the Doge’s Palace, and the Astrological Clock of Torre dell’Orologio.
- Rialto Bridge - As you meander in the charming back alleyways, the guide will tell you the history behind Festa delle Marie, the Plague Doctor, and the long mask making tradition. Pass the crowds gathered at the iconic Rialto Bridge and admire San Giacomo di Rialto, the oldest church in the city, and the medieval merchant houses from the Venetian Golden Age around Campo San Polo.
- Palazzo Zeno - Learn about the La Festa Veneziana sull’acqua water show on the Grand Canal and admire the Palazzo Zeno, which hosts the famous Casanova Grand Ball. You will pass the imposing Basilica S.Maria Gloriosa dei Frari and end the tour outside a traditional mask making atelier. Enrich your carnival experience with the exclusive “paint your own mask” workshop! Masks are what makes Venice Carnival so unique, and it’s an ancient tradition that dates back to the 5th century. This hands-on experience allows you to learn how to decorate your own Venice Carnival Mask. A master artisan will guide you through the process and the techniques, and when your mask is done you can take it home as a souvenir from Venice. It’s a fun activity for both adults and children.
- 5-Star Licensed Guide fluent in your language
- Historical facts, anecdotes, and legends about Venice Carnival
- 1-hour ‘decorate your own mask’ workshop (3-hour option only)
- Tips on best local shops, restaurants, and cafes
- Number of attractions depends on selected option
- Tickets for a 1-hour “make your own mask” workshop (in 2-hour option)
Experience the magic of the Venice Carnival all year around on a private tour of the Old Town. Explore San Marco and San Polo and hear the legends of the bauta mask and the Plague Doctor. Extended option: paint your own Venetian mask.
Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs and interests:
2-hour: Venice Carnival Tour
Choose this option to discover the traditions of the Venice Carnival and see St. Mark’s Square, Torre dell’Orologio, Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, and more.
3-hour: Venice Carnival Tour & Mask-making Workshop
Choose this option to do a 1-hour mask workshop and go on a 2-hour walking tour to discover the traditions of the Venice Carnival and see St. Mark’s Square and Rialto.
Do you know why people put on elaborate masks when celebrating the annual Carnival of Venice? Get a first-hand experience of local culture and discover the history and traditions of the most famous masquerade ball in the world on a private tour of The City of Masks.
- Please check your email the day before the tour to receive important information.
- Please arrive at the meeting point on time you won’t be able to enjoy the full itinerary if you are late.
- Please note that the number of attractions depends on the option selected. The “decorate your own mask” workshop is not included on the basic 2-hour tour.
- For the comfort of all guests, it is best to have 1 licensed guide per maximum of 25 guests. If there are 26-50 in your group, we will provide the service of 2 licensed guides so that all guests can get the best experience, ask questions and hear the guide well.
- Your Private Guide will not participate in the workshop.
- The Venice Carnival runs for 2 weeks before Shrove Tuesday but you can book this tour every day of the year.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
