Your tour, your interests
A private Hidden History tour can be anywhere in central Venice, at any time of day, and concentrate on the topics which interest you.
I can meet you at your hotel in the morning, or at the restaurant where you’ve had lunch, or wherever it suits you in Venice, and we’ll walk around the city together, searching for messages from the past.
If you have any particular interests, we can concentrate more on those subjects.
A two-hour private tour is minimum €200 for the group, or €40/person. Longer tours are charged at €75, or €15/person, for each additional hour.
Payment is normally at the end of the tour. I accept most credit cards (Visa, Master, AmEx, etc.) and, of course, cash. Payment in advance is also possible, but not a requirement.
You can book by email to info@historywalksvenice.com.
Alternatively, you can browse the available times, and book your private tour directly in my calendar. You’ll get a confirmation email, and I will be notified immediately when you click the link in that email.
These articles are examples of some the topics we can discuss on a private tour:
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Prostitution in Venice
In ancient Venice prostitution was considered a necessary evil, where more harm would come from a ban than from a de facto acceptance
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Le Arti che vanno per via (1753) — Gaetano Zompini
The “Arti che vanno per via nella città di Venezia”, by Gaetano Zompini, is a fantastic source for how people appeared on the streets of Venice in the mid-1700s.
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Long live the doge
Viva il doge – Long live the doge – the writing on the wall celebrating the election of Andrea Gritto as doge in april 1523
What others said
We loved the information so much
This tour with Renè was fascinating and he shared so much information about Venice. We are really happy we went!!! Katherine and crew
Highly recommend for lovers of history and unique details.
Rene has incredible knowledge and enthusiasm. This was a unique tour because of all the details Rene notices and because we spent less time walking than talking in the square of the meeting place. We were discovering the history of Venice just being in the square and covering the bridge/ the church/ the school/ the statue/ the nearby cemetery which are within 100m of each other. He knows so much that he can easily create a custom experience. His tour was two hours but we talked even more than that as he walked us to our next destination. Highly recommend for lovers of history and unique details.
A great overview of the city
I took 4 hours tour with René in Venice. He was really knowledgeable about the history and gave me great overview of the city. Myself I am interested in history and I want to understand it, so time with René was very helpful because I got clear picture of what was going on. I highly recommend tour with René for people, who like logical view of history and who want to understand, not only hear random facts.
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This is an excellent experience for anyone wanting an explanation behind some of the things you wondered about in Venice or to get their eyes opened to the centuries of stories behind everything.
Fantastic history focussed guide
I walked with Rene for two days in September and thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m fairly good on my European history, so quite demanding but I learned so much. I especially recommend visiting some of the lagoon islands!
Highly recommend
Incredible depth of knowledge – told the story of Venice throughout the ages through hidden architectural treasures along the streets. Highly recommend
Thank you for sharing your knowledge today, René
I feel so lucky to have had the chance to walk with René for a couple of hours in Venice. His passion and enthusiasm for this incredible place is infectious and his knowledge and attention to detail unmatched. I felt like a local dodging the crowds to find tiny details of the people and machinations that have made this city what it is today. I don’t think there is a question I could’ve asked that René hadn’t researched the answer to! An absolute treat to be shown the details that hide in plain sight while you sip an espresso. Thank you so much René!
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Great tour!