Friend in Venice – Arsenale & Luxury Water Taxi Experience
Description
Discover a different side of Venice through the historic Arsenale, the heart of the Venetian Republic’s naval power and one of the most extraordinary shipbuilding centers in history. This private experience combines a 2-hour walking tour through the authentic Castello district and Arsenale area with 1 hour aboard a luxury private water taxi. During the walking experience, you will explore hidden corners, quiet canals and lesser-known areas while learning about Venice’s ancient boatbuilding traditions, skilled craftsmen and the shipyards that helped build one of the world’s greatest maritime powers. The experience continues aboard a luxury private water taxi, offering a unique perspective of Venice from the water. Relax and enjoy the beauty of canals, historic palaces and secret waterways accessible only by boat.This is not a standard scripted tour, but a fully customizable private experience designed around your interests, pace and travel style.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Castello was one of the earliest parts of Venice to be settled (fifth to sixth centuries). The district takes its name from the castle that stood there and which provided defence from attacks from the sea. Here is the ancient Arsenal, that was an essential part of the life of the repubblica. Cathedral of San Pietro di Castello For many centuries the cathedral was under the authority of the Patriarch of Grado. In 1451 Venice obtained its own patriarch. hence the church became cathedral. As a result of the dignities that were suppressed by Napoleon in 1807, San Marco (Saint Mark's) became the new cathedral and instead of just being a chapel of the Doge's it became the seat of the Patriarch Antico Arsenale (Old Arsenal) It can be recognised by its terracotta walls and squares towers. From the thirteenth century it was an essential part of the life of the republic.
with a private taxi we could admire the beauty of Venice from the water .. small canals, fairytale scenarios and a lot of emotion
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please let me know where you are staying or your exact location,and I will do my best to arrange a meeting point nearby
Reviews(5)
The BEST tour experience you can get in Venice!! This is my second time with Nadia, she is the sweetest and gives you such a local experience. We did an hour walking tour and a hour boat ride, it was perfect! She shows you the side of Venice that you would not see by yourself, you get to get lost in the experience of the city! This tour was the cherry on top of our trip, I could not recommend her more!!
Nadia is the best! This is one of 2 tours we did…her knowledge and her personality are perfect for guiding you through the beautiful island of Venice. She knows how to avoid the crowds and still see all the highlights and more. Strongly recommend you book with Nadia while in Venice.
Dear Guest, Thank you from the heart for your beautiful words. It truly means a lot to me to read that you enjoyed your time in Venice and that both tours felt special to you. Sharing this city is never just about showing places — it is about creating moments, emotions, and memories that stay with you long after you leave. I am especially happy that you experienced the Venice I love to show: the quiet corners, the hidden paths away from the crowds, and the authentic soul of the city that so many visitors miss. Venice has so many layers, and it is always a joy for me to help guests experience it in a more personal and meaningful way. Your kind words about me touched me deeply. Guiding people through Venice is not only my work, it is something I truly care about, and I am grateful every time I can share it with guests like you. Thank you again for your trust and your wonderful recommendation. I sincerely hope to welcome you back one day and show you even more of Venice’s hidden magic. Warm regards, Nadia @friendinvenice
Nadia was amazing! Extremely knowledgeable and so passionate about the city. You can tell she genuinely enjoys what she does. This tour was one of my favorite things on our trip. She really takes you to places you wouldn’t have been aware of to go on your own. Completely worth it. So happy to say I now have a friend in Venice!
Dear Hannah, Thank you so much for your kind words! It was such a pleasure spending time with you and sharing some of my favorite corners of Venice. I'm especially happy to hear that the tour was one of the highlights of your trip. My goal is always to help visitors experience Venice beyond the usual sights and to see the city through the eyes of someone who truly loves living here. Hearing you say that you now have "a friend in Venice" honestly means the world to me. That's exactly the kind of connection I hope to create with every guest. Thank you again for your trust, your curiosity, and your wonderful company. I hope Venice brings you back someday, and if it does, you'll always have a friend waiting for you here. Warmly, Nadia
Nadia , came with a wonderful taxi boat pick me up at the train stations from the beginning she makes me at ease and explain how Venice was built and why on the water ! She is from Venice very knowledgeable the most for me was that she takes you out of the beaten path , that you can really enjoy what Venice is all about and can hear all the history she explain so well !!! I would recommend Nadia 100 %
Dear Friend, Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review. It really means a lot to me and helps future guests understand what I try to share. My goal is to make your arrival as easy as possible, whether at your hotel or, as in your case, right at the station. From the moment a booking is made, I look forward to meeting my guests. I believe that seeing Venice through the eyes of a local, away from the crowds, allows you to discover its most authentic side. Even though I am Venetian, I often feel like an explorer within my own city. Venice never ceases to surprise me, and sharing this passion with my guests is something I truly enjoy. Thank you again, and I hope to see you back in Venice soon. Baci baci, Nadia Friendinvenice
Nadia was kind hearted, outgoing, friendly and knowledgeable. What was great about this tour - beyond the guide - was that it was a terrific combination of a general water tour of Venice, with the Arsenale and an area of Venice less traveled by other tourists. Highly recommend it, for something differen
Cara Elena, thank you for taking some of your time to write this fantastic review.I agree with you the Arsenale and Castello are rarely visited and yet the Arsenale was the heart of the venetian naval industry from the XII century.I really hope that your testimony helps to understand that Venice deserves a longer stay becouse the places and history of Venice is unique . Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your beautiful family Baci baci Nadia
