Exploring Venice’s hidden gardens promises a captivating and tranquil respite from the bustling city streets. The "Venice: Secret City Gardens Walking Tour" invites visitors to discover over 500 enchanting parks and green spaces that are often overlooked by the average tourist. Led by knowledgeable guides, participants can expect to encounter delightful aromas, Renaissance-era architecture, and a sense of serene seclusion – all while learning about the unique botanical marvels that thrive in the heart of this iconic Italian destination. For those seeking a refreshing perspective on the "Floating City," this two-hour adventure may just uncover a side of Venice that few have the privilege to experience.
This experience made our list of the 19 Best City Tours In Venice.
Key Points
- Explore over 500 hidden parks and gardens in Venice on a 2-hour guided walking tour.
- Discover lesser-known sites like a Renaissance villa and an in-nature theatre while encountering the aroma of flowers, fruit trees, and medicinal plants.
- Tour is available in English, Spanish, German, and Italian, with a meeting point at Fondamenta Gasparo Contarini near a bridge.
- Full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, but the tour operates rain or shine and involves extensive walking on uneven terrain.
- Tour price starts from CZK 1,777 per person and includes a licensed guide and entrance fees to all featured gardens.
Tour Overview
The Venice: Secret City Gardens Walking Tour is a two-hour exploration of Venice’s hidden green spaces.
Priced from CZK 1,777 per person, the tour is available in English, Spanish, German, and Italian. Visitors can choose from private or small group options, meeting at Fondamenta Gasparo Contarini near a bridge.
Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund. The tour includes a licensed guide, admission to the gardens, and the opportunity to take in the city’s lush flora, ancient monasteries, and contemporary art installations.
Guests should note the walking can be challenging, especially in hot weather, and the tour operates rain or shine.
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Experience Highlights
Visitors can expect to explore over 500 parks and gardens throughout Venice, including private villas and ancient monasteries.
They’ll breathe in the aroma of flowers, fruit trees, and medicinal plants. Tour-takers will visit a nursery where locals buy flowers for their balconies and enjoy views from garden terraces overlooking the lagoon.
The tour also uncovers lesser-known sites, such as a Renaissance villa and an in-nature theatre, as well as opportunities to immerse in contemporary art within garden settings.
This unique experience allows guests to escape the tourist crowds and discover Venice’s hidden green spaces.
Tour Inclusions
The tour includes a licensed guide who leads the walking tour and provides access to the various gardens and parks visited.
Entrance fees to all the featured gardens are covered in the tour price.
Transportation to and from hotels isn’t provided, so you will need to make their own way to the meeting point.
Food and drinks are also not included, allowing guests to explore the local eateries and cafes at their own pace.
Tips for the guide are optional but appreciated by those who wish to acknowledge the guide’s expertise and attentive service during the tour.
Customer Feedback
According to the available customer reviews, the Venice: Secret City Gardens Walking Tour has earned an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 26 reviews.
Participants praised the knowledgeable guides, unique experience away from tourist crowds, and the well-curated garden visits.
However, some found the walking challenging, especially in hot weather. The tour is recommended for those who can manage the physical demands.
Key customer feedback highlights include:
- Value for Money: 4.5/5
- Knowledgeable Guides
- Unique Experience Away from Crowds
Important Considerations
For individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, the Venice: Secret City Gardens Walking Tour may not be a suitable option.
The tour involves extensive walking and navigating uneven terrain, which could prove challenging for those with limited mobility. Plus, the tour operates rain or shine, so participants should be prepared for varying weather conditions.
While the tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Venice’s hidden gardens, it’s essential for interested parties to carefully consider their physical capabilities before booking.
Participants should be ready to manage the physical demands of the tour, which may include long periods of walking and standing.
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Meeting Point and Availability
The meeting point for the Venice: Secret City Gardens Walking Tour is Fondamenta Gasparo Contarini, near the bridge.
Participants can check the availability of the tour and starting times on the tour’s website or booking platform.
The tour is offered in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, German, and Italian, and is available in both private and small group options.
Customers should note that the tour operates rain or shine, and participants should be prepared for walking and varying weather conditions.
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Pricing and Duration
The Venice: Secret City Gardens Walking Tour is priced from Kč1,777 per person and lasts for 2 hours.
This guided tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore the city’s hidden gems – its 500 parks and gardens, including private villas and ancient monasteries.
The tour is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, German, and Italian, catering to a diverse audience.
Participants can choose from private or small group options, ensuring a personalized experience.
The tour includes entrance fees to the gardens, allowing guests to fully enjoy the lush greenery and unique architectural features.
While food and drinks aren’t included, the tour provides a rundown of Venice’s lesser-known but captivating botanical delights.
Exploring Venice’s Hidden Gardens
Amidst Venice’s bustling streets and iconic canals lies a hidden world of lush greenery and tranquil gardens, accessible through the Venice: Secret City Gardens Walking Tour.
This unique experience takes visitors on a journey to uncover the city’s lesser-known botanical gems, including:
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Private villas and ancient monasteries, where the aroma of flowers, fruit trees, and medicinal plants wafts through the air.
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A nursery where locals purchase blooms for their balconies, offering a glimpse into Venetian daily life.
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Garden terraces overlooking the serene lagoon, providing stunning vantage points to appreciate Venice’s natural beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?
The tour does not allow pets. Pets are generally not permitted on guided walking tours due to safety and access concerns for all participants. Guests are advised to make alternative arrangements for their pets during the tour.
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
Photography is generally allowed during the tour, though visitors should be respectful of the gardens and their caretakers. Guides can provide guidance on appropriate times and locations for photos to ensure an enjoyable experience for all participants.
What Is the Typical Group Size for the Small Group Option?
The small group option typically has 6 to 12 participants. Group sizes are kept intimate to provide a more personalized experience and allow for easier navigation through the gardens and lesser-known sites visited on the tour.
Can the Tour Be Customized to My Interests?
The tour can be customized to the customer’s interests. The private tour option allows guests to tailor the experience, focusing on specific gardens, art, or areas of interest. This provides a more personalized and flexible experience.
Is There a Discounted Rate for Seniors or Students?
There’s no mention of a specific senior or student discount for this tour. However, the tour operator may offer some flexibility on pricing for those groups. It’s best to inquire directly about any available discounts when booking.
Recap
Discover the hidden botanical treasures of Venice on this captivating walking tour. Venture off the beaten path to uncover a secret world of lush gardens, fragrant flowers, and tranquil Renaissance villas. Led by an expert guide, you’ll enjoy a refreshing perspective on the city’s lesser-known green spaces, far from the tourist crowds. An enchanting experience that promises to leave you with a newfound appreciation for Venice’s botanical wonders.
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