The Arsenale of Venice is a historic naval complex that played a crucial role in Venice's maritime power and economic strength during the height of its influence. Located in the Castello district, the Arsenale was a vast shipyard and armoury that contributed significantly to the Republic of Venice’s domination of the Mediterranean Sea.
The Arsenale was established in 1104, though its origins may date even earlier. It grew over the centuries to become one of the largest and most efficient shipyards in the world. The word "Arsenale" comes from the Arabic "dār aṣ-ṣināʿa" which means "house of manufacturing" or "workshop," reflecting the influence of Arabic trade and culture on Venice.
At its peak, the Arsenale was the largest industrial complex in Europe, covering over 110 acres and employing thousands of workers. It was highly organized and efficient, allowing Venice to produce warships and merchant vessels at an unprecedented rate. The shipbuilders and craftsmen, known as arsenalotti, worked under strict secrecy to protect Venice’s naval innovations.
Explore Venice's Castello neighbourhood like a local Venetian on this immersive three-hour walking tour with your expert private guide. Castello, stretching from the centre near Rialto in the west to Arsenale and Giardini in the east, is the largest of Venice's six sestiere or districts and unique in its preservation of residential charm and character. This is truly authentic Venice.
On your private walking tour, you will:
Enjoy a three-hour private walking tour of Venice's Castello district. The largest of the six sestiere's of Venice, Castello (meaning Castle) is famous for its charm and authenticity. Castello is the local Venice you wouldn't normally see without a private guide to take you off the beaten track, down quaint streets, to see hidden gems like San Zaccaria and the Giardini.
Your tour begins at the stunning San Zaccaria church. Built in the 15th century on top of and next to 7th and 11th-century versions, it houses many masterpieces by famous artists and conceals a flooded crypt below. Learn about the adjoining convent, once a destination for curious Venetian girls who were deemed too promiscuous!
Walk along the beautiful seafront pathway and gaze upon the horizon dotted with beautiful isoli (islands) and their church spires. Next, stop by the imposing Arsenale Gate - designed by Bellini and learn all about Venice's military and naval power.
Cross the wooden Quintavale footbridge onto the island of Saint Peter - where a sixth-century castle once stood, and now lends its name to the area. Tour the Basilica of San Pietro - often empty of visitors this is an overlooked marvel, housing the throne of St Peter, which according to legend, once hid the Holy Grail.
Next, enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Giardini Pubblici, a garden creation of Napoleon Bonaparte, which was built on the site of many torn-down religious sites. From here, you'll walk along the waterfront called the Shore of the Seven Martyrs, and on up to Via Giuseppe Garibaldi - named for the famous Italian General Republican, this is one of the widest streets in Venice, as it is a filled-in canal.
You'll see it's popular with locals, thrumming as it is with lively bars and restaurants. Your tour ends here, in the heart of Castello, and your guide will be only too happy to make recommendations!
Venice is one of Italy's most unique and fascinating cities. With a history dating back to the 5th Century, it is world-famous for its extraordinary topography. The city is built upon a lagoon and made up of a network of over 118 small islands, connected by over 400 bridges, and crisscrossed by around 150 canals. As a result, the best way to explore the city is by boat, and our luxury boat trip is a delightful way to explore the highlights of Venice and get a comprehensive introduction to the city’s history, architecture and captivating culture.
On this luxury private boat trip, you will:
The stunning mosaic of islands that make up Venice truly has to be seen to be believed. The city and its surrounding lagoon have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, and its history, nature, architecture, and amazing arts and cultural scene captivate millions of visitors every year. Experience our private luxury boat trip of the city known as the Sirenissima and ensure to beat the crowds on the narrow streets and see the many islands and landmarks in all their splendour from a unique vantage point on the water.
Your adventure through the lagoon will begin at your hotel or another location of your choice in central Venice, where your captain will be waiting to welcome you aboard your vessel for the day’s exploring, a gorgeous Luxury Riva Aquariva Limousine Boat. Once you get comfortable, you will journey to the heart of the lagoon, taking in a series of spectacular sites along the way. While the exact itinerary of your tour may vary depending on the conditions on the day, your experienced captain will be sure to include the Island of San Marco, known to house some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the grand St. Mark’s Square. You'll see some of the city's most emblematic architecture, including the breathtaking Basilica di San Marco and the majestic Doge’s Palace. You will also make it to the nearby San Giorgio Maggiore island, one of the most picturesque spots in the Venetian lagoon, which offers fantastic views of the Venice skyline and the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore, a masterpiece of classical architecture that dates back to 1610.
Your voyage will continue pass the intriguing island of Poveglia, an eerie abandoned enclave full of legends and mysteries. Whilst visits to the island are prohibited, your captain will get you as close as possible so you can get a feel for the tumultuous history and alleged ghostly aura from the spirits of many who have perished upon Poveglia over the years. Right next to Poveglia, you will have the chance to cruise up and down the incredible Lido di Venezia, a long, narrow island that forms a natural barrier between the Venetian Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea. The Lido is celebrated for its sandy beaches, whimsical Art Deco architecture and for being the home of the Venice Film Festival, one of the most hotly anticipated events for cinephiles, where the Hollywood royalty and prestigious auteurs descend on the Lido in August and September every year.
Right at the tip of the Lido, you will find the lush green island of Vignole, traditionally known as Venice’s vegetable garden. You will take in this oasis of gardens, orchards and vineyards dating back hundreds of years, many of which provide fresh produce to the restaurants of Venice to this day. Right next door, you will see Certosa, another lesser-known islet, where you may spot a variety of birds and other wildlife. All the while, you will have the chance to enjoy a glass of prosecco on board as well as snack on some traditional Venetian cookies that will give you a delectable taste of a much-loved local delicacy.
No boat trip around the islands of Venice would be complete without a stop on Murano, one of the most famous and colourful islands, thanks to its myriad of talented artisans. Murano is synonymous with Venetian glass, an art form that dates back to the late 13th century. Once you disembark on Murano and explore its charming streets, you'll see how this tradition is still going and will even get the chance to step inside one of Murano’s oldest glassblowing factories to see the elaborate art of glassmaking firsthand.
Following your exuberating artistic interlude in Murano, you will climb back aboard your boat and cross the lagoon one more time to return to bustling central Venice. You have the option to return to your hotel, or your captain can take you back to St. Mark’s Square should you wish to continue your exploration of the Floating City on foot. Once this unforgettable excursion comes to a close, you'll be left with lasting memories of your beautiful day among the islands, no doubt one of the highlights of your trip.
Once the centre of the European art world, and still a haven for artisans to this day, it is easy to see why so many have been inspired by the unique beauty of Venice across the centuries. Each of the city’s more than one hundred islands has its distinct character and stories to tell, and visitors who appreciate great art should not miss the chance to discover the iconic Murano and Burano, known around the world for their colourful streets and centuries-old traditions of glass-blowing and lace-making. The best way to navigate the highlights and the hidden gems of Venice is on the water, and our artsy excursion by luxury boat allows you to embark upon an unforgettable journey through the Venetian Lagoon.
On this private full-day trip, you will:
The city of Venice is truly one of a kind. There is so much to uncover amongst its intricate web of islands connected by iconic bridges and canals. Exploring Venice by boat provides you with an immersive and authentic experience, through its rich maritime history and gives a comprehensive view of its incredible architecture since many of its buildings were specifically designed to be seen from the water.
Your delightful day on the water will begin at your hotel in central Venice, where your experienced captain will pick you up and bring you aboard your elegant Riva Aquariva boat. Once you get acquainted, it is time to embark upon your voyage of discovery through the lagoon. As you cruise through the waterways, you’ll enjoy a privileged view of Venice’s most iconic landmarks. Whilst the itinerary may vary depending on the conditions of the day and the interests of your party, you will not want to miss San Marco island, home of St. Mark's Square, the Doge’s palace and the impressive St. Mark’s Basilica. You will experience Venetian architecture in all its glory as you take in the picturesque buildings of the square from the water, once the political and religious centre of the independent Republic of Venice.
You may sail under the famous Bridge of Sighs before reaching San Giorgio Maggiore. This small island, just a stone’s throw away from San Marco, is known for its grandiose basilica and bell tower that dates back to the 16th century. Your journey will continue to the isolated enclave of Poveglia, an eerie abandoned island with some dark secrets, and the nearby Venice Lido, which forms a natural barrier between the lagoon and the Adriatic sea and is beloved for its sandy beaches, glamorous hotels and for playing host to the prestigious Venice Film festival. All the while, you will have the chance to sip Prosecco and taste emblematic Venetian sweet treats as you take in breathtaking views.
You can expect to see the Arsenale, a fascinating Byzantine shipyard thought to have been the largest manufacturing complex in Europe before the Industrial Revolution, which was crucial to the wealth and power of the Republic of Venice. Before heading to the most colourful parts of the lagoon, you will discover some of the lesser-known islands, such as the rustic Vignole and the lush green haven of Certosa where you can keep an eye out for some of the lagoon’s wonderful wildlife.
Then it will be time for your hotly anticipated visit to Murano, a charming cluster of islands famous worldwide for their master craftsmen who have been producing exquisite glasswork for over 700 years. You will disembark your boat to explore the island on foot and have an opportunity to witness master artisans practice the ancient art of glassblowing in one of the oldest remaining glass factories. This behind-the-scenes experience offers a rare glimpse into Venetian artistry that has been perfected over centuries. You will have the chance to stroll the scenic canals and perhaps even acquire some Murano glass to take home.
Soon you will sail on to beautiful Burano, where a kaleidoscope of colourful homes lines the canals. You will delve into the island’s lace-making tradition, a craft that has flourished for over 500 years, and see a special demonstration of this intricate process. You will also enjoy some free time to wander Burano's picture-perfect streets and snap some pictures of the beautiful, brightly-coloured buildings. By this time, you should have worked up an appetite, so your captain can recommend some fantastic restaurants on the island to enjoy typical Venetian cuisine (not included).
After this delectable detour, you will climb aboard the boat once more and make your way back through the lagoon, passing by the neighbouring island of Mazzorbo where you can admire its historic buildings and vineyards known for cultivating uncommon grape varieties and producing very interesting and sought-after wines. Your captain will then bring you back to central Venice, where you will return to your hotel, or if you prefer, disembark at St. Mark’s Square to continue your adventure, armed and enriched with a deep understanding and appreciation of Venice’s crafts and cultural heritage.
A visit to Venice offers a captivating blend of stunning beauty, rich history, unique geographical features and fascinating cultural traditions. The city's picturesque canals, breathtaking palaces, and mosaic of magnificent islands dotted across its waters create a sense of awe and serenity that has enticed residents and travellers alike for centuries, earning Venice the title la Sirenissima. The city's relationship with the sea has shaped its entire identity. From the tranquil waters of the Grand Canal to the smaller, winding side canals, the essence of Venice lies in this seamless fusion of architecture and nature, where boats replace cars and bridges link neighbourhoods. The best way for visitors to truly get under the skin of Venice is by boat, accessing islands and landmarks you could not reach on foot. On our private full-day luxury boat experience, you can make the most of your time in the city of canals and uncover the treasures of the Venetian lagoon.
On this private full-day luxury boat trip, you will:
Founded around the 5th century AD, Venice is renowned for its stunning canals, historic architecture, and romantic charm. Over time, the city grew into a powerful maritime republic, particularly during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and its wealth and importance are still evident in many incredible buildings that have survived to this day. As such, wandering the streets of Venice can feel like stepping back in time, especially since cars are forbidden. Our luxurious private boat trip offers a perfect combination of Venice's iconic landmarks, artisanal traditions, and culinary delights, creating a truly unique and immersive experience.
You will begin your Venetian adventure in the heart of the city with a hassle-free hotel pick-up and enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own dedicated captain throughout the day. Once you hop on board your splendid Riva Aquariva boat, you will enjoy a thrilling introduction to the Floating City. You will soon start to cruise past Venice's most renowned landmarks, including St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, and St. Mark’s Basilica, as you take in breathtaking views of the historic San Marco area.
As you glide across the lagoon, you'll pass by the well-known islands of San Giorgio, Poveglia, and the impressive Venice Lido, each with its own distinct character and landscapes. Meanwhile, you can indulge in traditional Venetian treats and Prosecco while on the boat, adding a touch of local flavour to your luxurious journey. You will sail past the Venice Arsenale, a historic naval hub, and also enjoy the views of the beautiful islands of Vignole and Certosa.
Then it will be time to delve into the artistic heritage of Murano, where you can disembark to get a closer look at its Venetian glass shops and galleries and enjoy an exclusive visit to one of the oldest glassblowing workshops, where you’ll see artisans crafting their world-famous pieces. Later, you will marvel at the vibrant colours of Burano, famous for its charming houses and intricate lace-making tradition dating back 5 centuries. After enjoying a demonstration of the lace-making process, you will have time to wander the lively streets and take plenty of photos. You will also pay a visit to the historic island of Torcello, where you can get an in-depth look at one of the lagoon’s earliest and most significant settlements before stopping for a traditional lunch (at your own expense). Your captain can share the best places to eat on the island, including a renowned family-run restaurant showcasing the best of Venetian cuisine.
Last but certainly not least, your final stop of the day will be the tranquil island of Mazzorbo, where you’ll not only learn all about its historic vineyards but also indulge in a wine tasting where you can savour a taste of its exquisite wine and discover rare and ancient grape varieties native to the island that have been revived in recent years.
As your circumnavigation of Venice comes to a close, your captain will take you back to the city centre, where you have the choice of returning to your hotel to relax or to St. Mark’s Square to dive deeper into the magic and mysteries of the city. Your captain will be happy to provide recommendations for the rest of your trip, and your fond memories of your exhilarating expedition through the iconic waterways of Venice will last a lifetime.
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