Tour Overview
Step into the elegance of 18th-century Venice on a private 3-hour journey combining the magnificent Ca’ Rezzonico, hidden streets and courtyards, the extraordinary Scala Contarini del Bovolo and the historic Rialto district.
Begin inside Ca’ Rezzonico, one of the Grand Canal’s most magnificent palaces and today the Museum of 18th-Century Venice. Behind its monumental Baroque façade lies the world of the Venetian aristocracy during the final century of the Republic — an age of magnificent palaces, elaborate celebrations, music, theatre and sophisticated social life.
Walk through richly decorated salons and the spectacular Ballroom, while discovering how Venice’s noble families lived and entertained. Admire frescoes associated with Giambattista Tiepolo and encounter works by artists including Canaletto, Francesco Guardi and Pietro Longhi, whose paintings reveal very different sides of 18th-century Venetian life.
Leaving the palace, continue through the quieter calli, campi and campielli of Venice. Away from the monumental façades of the Grand Canal, discover intimate courtyards, historic wells, small bridges and architectural details that reveal how Venetians actually lived behind the grandeur of the Republic.
Continue to one of Venice’s most remarkable architectural surprises: the Scala Contarini del Bovolo. Hidden inside a quiet courtyard, its extraordinary external spiral staircase combines Gothic and Renaissance elements in a design unlike almost anything else in Venice. Climb toward the upper loggia and enjoy a memorable panorama across the city’s rooftops, bell towers and domes.
From here, continue toward the historic Rialto district, for centuries the commercial and financial heart of Venice. Walk through streets once crowded with merchants, bankers and traders before reaching the iconic Rialto Bridge, where the tour concludes overlooking the Grand Canal.
This experience combines Venetian art, aristocratic life, hidden architecture and everyday history, revealing a side of Venice very different from the monumental world of St. Mark’s Square.
Tour Highlights
- Private 3-hour guided tour combining art, history and hidden Venice
- Guided visit inside Ca’ Rezzonico, the magnificent Museum of 18th-Century Venice
- Explore the spectacular Ballroom and aristocratic salons
- Admire works by Tiepolo, Canaletto, Guardi and Pietro Longhi
- Discover the fascinating world of 18th-century Venetian aristocratic life
- Walk through Venice’s hidden calli, campielli, courtyards and bridges
- Visit the extraordinary Scala Contarini del Bovolo
- Climb the famous spiral staircase for panoramic views over Venice
- Explore the historic Rialto district
- Finish at the iconic Rialto Bridge overlooking the Grand Canal
- Discover Venice with a licensed local guide and professional historian
What’s Included
- 3-hour private guided tour of Venice
- Licensed local guide and professional historian
- Admission to Ca’ Rezzonico
- Guided visit inside Ca’ Rezzonico – Museum of 18th-Century Venice
- Admission to Scala Contarini del Bovolo
- Visit to the Scala Contarini and panoramic terrace
- Private walking tour through Venice’s hidden calli, campielli and courtyards
- Walk through the historic Rialto district
- Visit to the Rialto Bridge
- Personalized private-tour experience
Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Personal expenses
- Additional entrance tickets or activities not specified in the itinerary
Tour Details
Duration: 3 hours
Tour Type: Private tour
Language: English
Guide: Licensed local guide and professional historian
Starting Point: Ca’ Rezzonico
Ending Point: Rialto Bridge
Walking Level: Easy to Moderate
Admission: Ca’ Rezzonico and Scala Contarini del Bovolo included
Customization: The itinerary can be adapted according to your interests and pace
Important Information
- Please arrive at the meeting point approximately 10 minutes before the tour begins.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- The visit to Scala Contarini del Bovolo involves climbing a spiral staircase, so guests should be comfortable using stairs.
- This is a private tour, allowing the experience to be adapted to your interests and pace.
- Entrance to Ca’ Rezzonico and Scala Contarini del Bovolo is included.
Ready to Discover a Hidden Side of Venice?
Step inside the elegance of Ca’ Rezzonico, explore Venice’s hidden streets and courtyards, and climb the extraordinary Scala Contarini del Bovolo on a private journey through Venetian art, architecture and history.