Tour to the Islands of San Servolo and San Lazzaro Degli Armeni

Discover the lesser-known islands of San Servolo and San Lazzaro degli Armeni in the Venetian lagoon on this captivating small-group tour. Explore the rich cultural history of these unique destinations, where you’ll explore architectural wonders, stroll through tranquil parks, and uncover the island’s Armenian heritage. With seamless transportation and an expert local guide, this immersive experience offers a chance to see a side of Venice that few visitors get to explore. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a peaceful escape, this tour promises to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the hidden gems of the Venetian lagoon.

Key Points

• This small-group tour (max. 8 travelers) focuses on lesser-known Venetian lagoon islands, providing a personalized experience with a local guide.
• Highlights include guided visits to the architectural complex and park of San Servolo, and the historic monastery on San Lazzaro degli Armeni.
• Transportation by vaporetto (water bus) is included, enhancing the immersive experience of exploring the lagoon.
• Visitors can learn about the unique history, cultural heritage, and traditional Italian life on these islands through the guided walking tours.
• The tour includes entrance fees and is priced starting from $220.83, with a 5.0-star rating from previous customers.

Overview of the Tour

This tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore two lesser-known islands in the Venetian lagoon, providing an authentic experience away from the crowds of central Venice.

The small group size, maximum of 8 travelers, ensures personalized attention from the local guide. Participants will travel by vaporetto, or water bus, to the island of San Servolo to visit its architectural complex and park.

The tour then continues to San Lazzaro degli Armeni, known for its historic Armenian monastery. Throughout the experience, the guide will provide insights into traditional Italian life on these unique islands.

With inclusions like entrance fees and transportation, this tour provides an immersive and efficient way to discover Venice’s hidden gems.

Itinerary and Meeting Point

The tour begins at the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, located on Riva degli Schiavoni in Venice, where you will meet at 2:00 PM. From there, the group will travel by vaporetto (water bus) to the island of San Servolo, where they’ll explore the island’s architectural complex and verdant park. The journey then continues to San Lazzaro degli Armeni, a historic island known for its monastery.

Itinerary Details
Meeting Point	Start Time	End Point
Monument to Victor Emmanuel II	2:00 PM	Returns to the meeting location

The tour provides a unique opportunity to experience lesser-known Venetian islands, away from the crowds, and gain insights into traditional Italian life from the local guide.

Transportation and Vaporetto Ticket

As part of the tour package, participants travel by vaporetto, the public water buses of Venice, to reach the islands of San Servolo and San Lazzaro degli Armeni.

The cost of the vaporetto ticket, approximately €8 per person each way, is included in the tour price. This efficient mode of transportation allows visitors to fully enjoy the lagoon setting and admire the picturesque canals and architecture along the way.

The guided tour also includes the ferry rides, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for travelers.

With the vaporetto ticket covered, participants can focus on exploring the unique history and cultural heritage of these lesser-known Venetian islands.

Architectural Complex and Park Visit

Upon arriving at San Servolo, the tour takes visitors through the island’s impressive architectural complex and expansive park. The architectural ensemble showcases a harmonious blend of historical buildings, including the former psychiatric hospital and monastery, now repurposed for educational and cultural purposes. Strolling through the serene park, travelers can admire the well-manicured gardens and appreciate the island’s tranquil ambiance, offering a refreshing contrast to the bustling crowds of central Venice.

Architectural Highlights	Historical Significance
Former Psychiatric Hospital	Served as a mental health institution until 1978
Monastery	Dates back to the 12th century, now a cultural center
Educational Facilities	Home to various educational and research organizations
Repurposed Buildings	Adaptively reused for modern purposes
Landscaped Gardens	Providing a peaceful oasis for visitors

Historic Monastery Exploration

After exploring the architectural wonders of San Servolo, the tour continues to the historic monastery on San Lazzaro degli Armeni, known for its rich cultural heritage and religious significance.

The monastery was founded in the early 18th century by Armenian monks, who’ve maintained a strong presence on the island ever since.

Visitors can expect to:

• Tour the beautiful Neoclassical church, admiring its intricate artwork and ornate altar.

• Explore the monastery’s library, which houses a vast collection of ancient Armenian manuscripts and texts.

• Learn about the island’s history as a center of Armenian culture and scholarship, and how it has influenced the Venetian lagoon over the centuries.

Guided Walking Tours

The guided walking tours provide visitors with a personalized exploration of the islands, as knowledgeable local guides share insights into the traditional Italian life and rich cultural heritage of San Servolo and San Lazzaro degli Armeni.

Guests will learn about the unique architectural complexes, historic monasteries, and serene parks that make these lesser-known Venetian destinations so captivating.

The small group size ensures ample opportunity for questions and interaction, allowing travelers to delve deeper into the islands’ stories.

Whether strolling through San Servolo’s picturesque grounds or uncovering the Armenian roots of San Lazzaro, the guided tours offer an authentic and immersive experience away from the crowds of central Venice.

Inclusions and Pricing

The tour package includes the entrance fees to both San Servolo and San Lazzaro degli Armeni, allowing visitors to fully experience the architectural and cultural highlights of these lesser-known Venetian islands.

A local guide accompanies the group, providing insightful commentary on the traditions and history of the sites. Plus, the cost covers the vaporetto (water bus) tickets for the transportation to and from the meeting point.

The price for this small group tour starts from $220.83 and varies depending on the group size. While the tour is non-refundable, the booking confirmation is received immediately unless within 3 days of travel.

Additionally:

• The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

• There may be an additional €5 access fee for travelers outside Venice.

• The tour has received 5.0 stars from 3 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Additional Important Information

Travelers should be aware that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s located near public transportation.

Plus, a small access fee of €5 may apply on certain dates for visitors based outside of Venice.

Despite these details, the tour has received excellent reviews, with a 5.0-star rating from 3 customers on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Most travelers can participate in the tour, which provides a unique opportunity to experience authentic Venetian life away from the crowds.

The tour includes guided walking tours of the San Servolo and San Lazzaro degli Armeni islands, as well as transportation by vaporetto (water bus) to these lesser-known destinations in the Venetian lagoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Group Size Limit for This Tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 8 travelers, providing a small group experience with personal attention from the guide. This small group size ensures an intimate and customized tour for the participants.

Are Food and Drinks Included in the Tour Price?

No, the tour price does not include food and drinks. The tour only covers the entrance fees, guided walking tours of the islands, vaporetto transportation, and insurance. Travelers will need to budget for any food, drinks, or additional expenses during the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment?

Yes, travelers can bring their own camera equipment on the tour. The tour allows and encourages visitors to take photos, as the islands offer many photogenic architectural and scenic sights to capture.

Is There a Dress Code for This Tour?

There is no formal dress code for this tour. Visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes. Casual attire is acceptable, as the focus is on exploring the islands rather than formal dress.

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, the tour can be booked for a private group. The tour operator offers small group experiences with a maximum of 8 travelers, which allows for a more personalized and intimate tour experience.

Recap

This guided tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the lesser-known Venetian islands of San Servolo and San Lazzaro degli Armeni.

Visitors can enjoy the islands’ rich cultural heritage, from the architectural wonders of San Servolo to the historic Armenian monastery on San Lazzaro.

With seamless transportation and an expert local guide, this intimate experience promises an enriching and memorable journey through Venice’s hidden gems.