Venice with Betty Tours
Experiences for Couples, Families & Solo TravelersMy Tours of La Serenissima
Let me design a special tour for you and your group. I have limitless options for visitors to Venice!
Artistic Venice
Architecture, Museums, Churches & History
Doges Palace & San Marco Basilica
You will always remember your first time in Venice. This visit is a must and will take you to the heart of Venetian history. Highlights of Venice begins with an introduction to the origins of Venice and an overview of the most important attractions located in the heart of Venice. Our first stop is the Doges Palace, for centuries the seat of Venetian political power.
We will tour the sumptuous halls of power in the Doge’s Palace, once the seat of the Serenissima government. The tour continue inside the Basilica of Saint Mark, now the city’s cathedral, was once both the Ducal Chapel and a reflection of State magnificence. You’ll be dazzled by its golden mosaics and precious marbles, admire the Pala d’Oro and famous horses, an exquisite example of Byzantine art with its thousands gems and precious stones.
The tour continues through the backstreets, leaving the crowd behind, to discover some of the peaceful corners of the city. We’ll reach campo Santa Maria Formosa, one of the most interesting monumental areas of the city of Venice. We proceed crossing some interesting areas of the city to reach the Rialto Bridge.
Duration: 3 hours
Local Venice
Favorite Venues Where Only the Locals Go
Kiss With A View From The San Giorgio Campanile
While most people believe that the San Marco Campanile gives the best views of Venice, we will take the vaporetto to reach the Campanile of San Giorgio Maggiore. Built in 1791, this Campanile not only allows you to admire Palazzo Ducale, the San Marco Campanile, Punta della Dogana and the many islands spread over the lagoon, but you can see as far as the Arsenale. You can also look down on the Borges garden of the Fondazione Giorgio Cini and Giudecca from up here! Go up here around sunset and see the sun setting behind the lagoon. Seal this eternal moment with a quick kiss! From here, we take the vaporetto back and explore the Zattere and Dorsoduro together.
Touted to be one of the most romantic neighborhoods in Venice, the Zattere is where the true beauty of Venice at night shines. Feast your eyes on the panoramic views of the Giudecca Canal, watch the light doing its dance on the water and together we will see the Santa Maria della Salute church, the gondola making place of San Trovaso and finishing the stroll in Campo Santa Margherita.
Duration 2 hours
Romantic Venice
My Itinerary for Lovers & Friends
Dorsoduro
Explore with me one a quit and quaint part of the city: Dorsoduro. Nestled in a bohemian vibe with a hive of unpretentious eateries, lively bacari, a collection of museums, churches , galleries, a bunch of indie shops and vintage boutiques. Walk with me through the charming lanes and stumble across Campo Santa Margherita, from here we will see some of the most interesting corners of the city. The church of Saint Pantalon and its incredible history and the lively area surrounding . We continue to find the University area with all the cafes and palaces, a fantastic mask making workshop and fantastic centre for local life. We will reach the Fondamenta delle Zattere, one of the most popular streets among resident Venetians, from students enjoying a coffee break to visitors having a break.
Gondolas are not only the emblem of Venice but an example of great craftsmanship, as they all are hand-made. However, these beauties need constant maintenance, which is carried out in the squeri (boatyards). Often sitting in truly picturesque spots, such as the one next to Campo San Trovaso, we can see from the distance you can come and see where gondolas are made and repaired. From here we will reach my favorite place of Venice, Punta della Dogana and the view over the Giudecca Canal is one of Venice’s most peaceful and picturesque.
Duration 2 hours
My Venice
Have a look at my personal photographs of Venice. They include personalities, buildings and scenery only the Venetians know about.
Betty’s Venice Insider Tips
Here, I share everything from sightseeing secrets to authentic Insider Experiences.
1. When is the best time to visit?
Although Venice does not really have an off-season, you must veer away from the summers, weekends, and the days of the carnival. The best time to visit Venice, keeping in mind both the weather and the tourist hordes, are the months of March, April, October, and November.
2. Stay in the city not on the mainland!
Stay on the Island of Venice If you’re in Venice for a short period, I strongly recommend staying in one of the six central districts of Venice: Castello, Cannaregio, Santa Croce, Dorsoduro, San Marco, and San Polo for a time-efficient trip. Plenty of accommodation available at all prices.
3. Travel light!
It goes without saying it’d be best to travel light! The water taxis and ferries do not always drop you right in front of your hotel. It is highly likely that you will need to walk for a while to get to your hotel. You may have to cross a few step bridges as well. So travel light and expect some walking to be involved during the commute. If you’re arriving by bus or train, you have to cross a rather steep bridge to get to the city center, hence traveling light is highly recommended.
Betty's Blog
Don't Just Visit Venice. Live it!
Risotto with Artichokes
Risotto with artichokes is a classic Venetian dish.
Alberto Valese Ebru, Venetian Papermaker of Elegance
The art of paper and bookmaking in Venice is an ancient one.
My Favorite View in Venice
Venice is beautiful from any angle.