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Tour details

Dorsoduro is the most pictoresque of the six districts of Venice!

Not your typical tour of Venice, our visit to the “other” side of the Grand Canal’s sestiere (district) of Dorsoduro is a special adventure. With a fun and informative English-speaking guide you’ll explore this less travelled destination. Hear fascinating stories of local lore in an area often overlooked by popular tours of Venice. If your vision of Venice includes winding waterways and alleys, artists and galleries, students and families, than this intimate glimpse of Venetian culture is for you.

A Haunted House and Refuge for Children

Ca’Dario, or the Palazzo Dario, is a castle with an interesting history. Many of its owners have met with mysterious deaths, and the premises are rumored to be haunted. We’ll visit, if you dare. We’ll also see the site of the Fondamenta degli Incurabli, or Canal Bank of the Incurables. We’ll learn the interesting history of this Renaissance hospital/orphanage that provided music education for its young conservati (orphans).

Celebrated Sites

We’ll see Harry’s Bar, where Ernest Hemingway raised a glass of Prosecco to a good day’s work. Then there’s the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, or the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, with its canal terrace and Istrian stone façade. We’ll also see the famed Palazzo Contarini-Fasan (Contarini-Fasan Palace), home of the noble Desdemona, reputed inspiration for Shakespeare’s Othello.

Optional Gondola Ride

Enjoy a pre-arranged gondola ride conducted by a local gondolier. Enjoy a relaxing tour of the back canals without guided commentary. Each gondola seats six. Gaze up at the ancient buildings nestled along the banks and experience the essence of Venice.

Check our pictures of Facebook of the previous tours....Clich here to see the pics!

  • Duration: Approximately 3 hours
  • When: Available everyday.
  • Dressing code: comfortable, shoulders and knees should be covered to enter churches..
  • Stress-free: we can provide you trasnportation from cruise ship, train station or your hotel.




we really enjoyed our guide Giovanni, he is great, he shared his culture of Venice with us with passion. We thank him for his explanation and especially in good French. 5 STARS!

Thomas R., UK
Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence

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Business Hours

  • Monday-Sunday: 8am to 7pm
  • Local time in Rome: +1 GMT

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