Uncommon Venice: Hidden Gems, Rooftop & Prosecco
Description
Escape the crowds and experience a more authentic side of Venice on this 2.5-hour small-group walking tour. Explore quiet neighbourhoods, historic streets, and generations-old artisan workshops where Venetians still live and work. Along the way, taste artisanal chocolate, meet local makers, and uncover the city’s rich cultural traditions. Finish with an exclusive highlight—prosecco on a private rooftop terrace overlooking the Grand Canal, offering views few travellers ever get to experience. Highlights - Enjoy exclusive access to a Venetian palace rooftop with stunning Grand Canal views - Escape the crowds and discover hidden neighbourhoods and local life - Visit family-run artisan workshops and learn traditional crafts - Indulge in prosecco and artisanal chocolate tastings - Experience Venice in a small group for a more relaxed, personal feel
Tour Options
Itinerary
Start near the iconic Rialto Bridge and step away from the crowds into the quieter, more authentic side of Venice.
Explore Venice’s historic market and pass its oldest specialty food shop, where locals still shop for fresh produce and spices. Then taste artisanal chocolate and learn how Venice helped popularise this indulgence, including a traditional spiced chocolate drink.
Pause in a peaceful square linked to Marco Polo and discover a quieter side of Venetian history.
See one of Venice’s most important historic buildings, known for its striking marble façade and long medical legacy. Then visit a traditional print workshop and see handcrafted stationery made using centuries-old techniques.
Take in open lagoon views and spot San Michele, Venice’s island cemetery.
Step inside a Baroque masterpiece and admire artworks including pieces by Titian. After discover a lively local hub set in a former monastery, where culture, community and daily life come together.
Walk past historic wells and learn how Venice’s unique rainwater system supported the city for centuries.
See everyday Venetian life unfold, from school runs to quick gondola crossings, before ending with prosecco on an exclusive palace rooftop overlooking the Grand Canal—a view few visitors experience.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Is there anything special included? Yes — you’ll enjoy exclusive rooftop access, a unique spot that’s usually closed to the public.
- Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, this tour is suitable for children aged 6 years and above, making it a great option for families.
- Can dietary requirements be accommodated? Yes, a variety of dietary needs can be accommodated, including vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, and gluten-free (non-celiac) diets. Please be sure to advise in advance.
- What is the group size for this tour? To ensure a more personal and enjoyable experience, shared tours are limited to a maximum of 10 participants.
- What are the requirements for private tours? Private tours require a minimum of 2 participants, offering a more tailored and flexible experience.
- How much walking is involved in this tour? This tour involves approximately 4km of walking. at a relaxed pace. Due to the route and venues visited, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Reviews(15)
This was a wonderful tour showing us the local side on Venice. Our guide Irene was full of knowledge about the history and culture of Venice. Definitely recommend to anyone visiting.
Giorgia was amazing! Extremely informative. Personable. Professional
Amazing experience, very knowledgeable guide! So glad I booked this. Well worth it!
The tour was one of the highlights of our trip! It was the perfect way to experience the city beyond the usual tourist spots. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about Venice, sharing fascinating stories and hidden gems we never would have discovered on our own. The tour felt authentic, relaxed, and personalized, giving us a much deeper appreciation for the city's history, culture, and local life. If you're looking for a unique and memorable way to experience Venice, I highly recommend Uncommon Venice. It was worth every minute!
What a fantastic way to explore the city! Venice has so much more to offer than its famous tourist-filled alleyways. From artisan stamp makers and Gutenberg-era print shops to authentic Murano glassmakers, it would be a shame to miss these hidden gems—and on this tour, you won't. You'll discover a chocolate drink made from an 18th-century recipe, visit one of the oldest markets in Europe, and enjoy one of the best views of the Grand Canal. And that's just a small taste of what you'll experience! Highly recommended!
If you want to experience a more peaceful and authentic side of Venice, this is the tour you are looking for! Our guide was great, the group was small and so she could make it really personable, she was really involved and made us understand how Venetians live their everyday lives in such a special place. The Prosecco at the and was just the perfect way to end the tour!
It was wonderful to see the more hidden Venice, where the residents live and where there are still artisanal shops for the citizens. The aperitif in front of the Grand Canal is very nice
This was such a fabulous, interesting, delicious, fun trip. My charming guide Camilla was so knowledgeable about the local makers and retailers, I came away with a sense of history and so many great recommendations for food and transport options. I learned about the local education system and how children and families live in Venice today. We went to a chocolate maker who recreate the Goldoni recipe from 1700s. And to a rooftop bar to see all of Venice. It was marvellous. Thankyou Camilla x
This is the perfect tour to discover the authentic side of Venice. Enjoy a pleasant walk through the city’s charming calli (narrow streets), far from the crowded tourist areas, and experience the real everyday life of Venetians. Discover where locals shop, where their children go to school, where they live and work, and where they enjoy a relaxing mid-morning break with a delicious cup of hot chocolate. This tour reveals a different Venice—peaceful, unspoiled, and full of hidden charm. Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll hear fascinating stories and anecdotes about the city, as well as insights into Venetian traditions and daily life. The experience ends with a breathtaking view from the terrace of a historic Venetian palace, offering a truly unforgettable finale. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to experience the genuine soul and authenticity of Venice.
Wonderful visit and experience. Thank you Camilla!
