Excursion Hidden venice on foot tour at Venice

Discover the wonderful Old World architecture and scenic landmarks not typically encountered by visitors to Venice during this scenic sightseeing tour. Venice is renowned for the beauty of its setting, its architecture and its artwork. The city in its entirety is listed as a World Heritage Site along with its lagoon.

Campo Santa Margherita

Depart the pier on foot or take a brief transfer via motorboat to Piazzale Roma (depending on the ship's docking location) to reach Campo Santa Margherita, lively animated during weekdays by fresh fruit stands and a small fish market in the morning. Because many visitors to Venice catch only a brief glimpse of what the city has to offer, this excursion features a number of additional sights that reveal what lies behind its glittering façade. In a short distance you will reach Campo San Rocco.

Campo San Rocco

Your walking tour continues on for an exterior visit to Campo San Rocco to view the church and Scuola Grande di San Rocco. Founded in 1478 under the protection of St. Roch, the Patron Saint of plague victims, this was one of the great charitable institutions of the Venetian Renaissance. The interior houses some of the most important Italian paintings created by Tintoretto.

Church of Santa Maria Gloriosa Dei Frari

Just a few steps away, an inside visit is made to the Franciscan friars' Church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. This Gothic church is a stunning vestige of ancient Venetian glory, and contains masterpieces by Bellini and Titian. On Sundays, or in the case of unexpected religious functions, only an exterior viewing is possible.

Campo San Polo

Leaving the church, proceed to Campo San Polo, one of the largest squares in Venice and home to theatrical performances. Pass Campo San Tomá and the Goldoni House, where the famous 18th-century Venetian playwright Carlo Goldoni was born. Today, it is a theatre and museum.

Rialto Bridge

Next, continue through narrow pedestrian walkways to the Rialto Bridge. Originally built from wood in 1172 A.D., this is the largest and most famous of the four bridges that span the Grand Canal. As you cross, be sure to have your camera ready to take memorable photos from both the waterfront and the top of the bridge.

At a local café, enjoy refreshing juice or coffee and a Venetian biscuit while you soak up the delightful atmosphere of Campo San Giovanni & Paolo, followed by some free time to explore the area independently. Your guided tour ends here.

Greek Orthodox District

Along with your escort, meander through the winding streets and small courtyards of the old Greek Orthodox District or Riva degli Schiavoni.

Following your tour, your tour escort directs you to the motorboat for the ride back to the ship.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Campo Santa Margherita, Campo San Rocco, Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari Church, Campo San Polo, Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, Greek Orthodox Section

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking and many bridges to climb, and is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Headsets to connect the guide to guests are included in the tour. Conservative dress is required to enter the Church of Frari; ladies must cover their knees and shoulders, and gentlemen must wear pants. Photography is not permitted inside the church. Tour groups are not permitted inside the Church of Frari on Sundays and church holidays, an outside visit is scheduled. However, time permitting and if the church allows, entry may be possible on an individual basis to view the interior quietly and reverently. Your guide will not be able to enter with you. The order of sites visited may vary. Please note that due to the restorations currently being held at the main altar of the Basilica dei Frari, visitors will not be able to see neither the altar nor the altarpiece until the end of the restoration works, scheduled for the beginning of summer 2021.