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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.

Highlights

• Explore the highlights of Venice with a 5-Star Private Guide
• Learn about the world-famous Mask Carnival of Venice
• Discover the legends of St. Mark’s Square, Astrological Clock, San Polo, & more
• Admire the epic view of Grand Canal as you cross the famous Rialto Bridge
• Paint your own Venice carnival mask under the guidance of professional craftsman

Description

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. Enjoy a private experience tailored to your interests. Choose the 2-hour option to 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. 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. 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. 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. Choose the 3-hour option to 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.

Includes

Venice Carnival Private Theme Tour with Mask Workshop (number of attractions depends on the selected option) 5-Star Licensed Guide who is fluent in the language of your choice Interesting historical facts, anecdotes and legends about the Carnival of Venice Tips on the best local shops, restaurants and cafes Tickets for a 1-hour 'decorate make your own mask' workshop (3-hour option only)

Important Information

• 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.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund