San Francesco del Deserto, Torcello, and Sant’Erasmo
Discover the authentic charm of the Venetian Lagoon with an exclusive four-hour private boat tour, exploring three lesser-known islands rich in history and tradition.
The journey begins with San Francesco del Deserto, a peaceful island home to a Franciscan monastery dating back to the 13th century, surrounded by lush nature.
A resident friar will guide you through a 40-minute visit, showcasing the cloister, church, and part of the gardens.
Visits are available daily, except on Mondays, at the following times: 9:00, 9:45, 10:30, 15:00, 15:45, and 16:30. A free-will donation is appreciated to support the maintenance of the island.
The second stop is Torcello, an island of great historical importance that once flourished but is now home to only a few residents.
Upon request, visitors can explore the stunning Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, open daily from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM), as well as its panoramic bell tower, accessible until 4:30 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM).
Additionally, the Torcello Museum, which houses valuable archaeological artifacts, can be visited: from March to October, it is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM); from November to February, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM).
Admission fees are as follows: Basilica €5, Bell Tower €5, combined Basilica + Bell Tower + Archaeological Museum with audio guide: full price €9, reduced price for groups (minimum 10 people) €6, free for children under 6 years old.
The tour concludes with a visit to Sant’Erasmo, known as the “Garden of the Lagoon” due to its vast fields, orchards, and vineyards.
Beyond its agricultural landscape, the island also features natural environments such as salt marshes and sandy shores.
Points of interest include the Maximilian Tower, an Austrian fortress built in the early 19th century and recently restored, as well as the Church of Cristo Re.
Many other types of tours are available, such as the sunset tour and others, even tailor-made!
Immerse yourself in the authentic beauty of the Venetian Lagoon, far from the usual tourist routes.
Book your private boat tour now for an unforgettable experience!
Discover Venice with Marco Polo: A Journey into the History of Venetian Merchants
On the occasion of the seven hundredth anniversary of Marco Polo’s death, L’altra Venezia is delighted to present a new and fascinating guided tour itinerary dedicated to the most famous Venetian merchant. Join us for an unforgettable journey through the history of Venice, exploring the places and stories that shaped the life of Marco Polo and the city itself.
Venice: Crossroads of Cultures and Commerce
“Cities are a combination of many things: of memory, of desires, of signs, of language; cities are places of exchange, exchanges of words, of desires, of memories”
(Italo Calvino, Six Memos for the Next Millennium)
Venice has been a mercantile city since its earliest lagoon settlement. Thanks to its strategic position, Venice quickly developed maritime trade relations, becoming a bridge between East and West. This role as an intermediary not only brought immense wealth to the city but also transformed it into a mosaic of cultures, styles, and ideas.
Its merchants made the city rich, transformed and shaped it, made it multi-ethnic and permeable to the arts and styles of all the cultures with which they came into contact.
After the golden centuries of trade, the protagonists, the goods, and the routes changed, but until the end of the Republic, Venice remained radically and intrinsically a mercantile city, a connection point between Europe and Asia, an engine of culture and progress.
Marco Polo: The Merchant Who Conquered the East
Our itinerary focuses on the figure of Marco Polo, the renowned Venetian explorer who traveled to the court of Kublai Khan in China. Through his adventures, recounted in the book “Il Milione – The Travels of Marco Polo”, he introduced Western audiences to the customs, wonders, and riches of the East.
During the guided tour, we will uncover the places linked to Marco Polo’s life in Venice, including his supposed house in the Cannaregio district. We will explore the alleys and squares where Venetian merchants traded spices, silk, and other precious goods that made Venice one of the wealthiest and most influential cities of the Middle Ages.
An Itinerary Rich in History and Charm
Our itinerary extends beyond the figure of Marco Polo. We will guide you through the stories of other great Venetian merchants whose enterprises left an indelible mark on the city. We will visit the Rialto Market, the bustling heart of Venetian commerce, and discover how Eastern influences enriched Venice’s culture and art.
This tour represents a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the mercantile history of Venice, understand the dynamics that made the city a crossroads of cultures, and appreciate the extraordinary legacy of Marco Polo.
“Because Marco is Venice. Because if Marco embodies the hero who undermines the rules and conventions to the point of projecting himself where no one had ever dared (…), the lagoon city is the absolute and indisputable protagonist”
(E. Orlando, The Venices of Marco Polo)
Book Your Adventure with L’altra Venezia
Don’t miss the chance to explore Venice in a new light, uncovering the secrets of its merchants and the extraordinary history of Marco Polo.
Come and experience a unique journey that will take you back in time, through stories of adventure, trade, and discovery. We look forward to sharing with you the magic of Venice and the allure of its mercantile legends!
Discover the Charm of Venice with a Special Rooftop Aperitivo
“L’altra Venezia” is delighted to introduce an exclusive new offering: a special aperitif on a rooftop terrace overlooking the stunning cityscape of Venice. Located just steps away from St. Mark’s Square, yet far from the noisy crowds, this aperitivo promises a unique and unforgettable experience.
Imagine savoring a delicious Venetian aperitivo on one of the most beautiful terraces in the city, featuring a rare Art Nouveau style. This terrace is not just any rooftop but a true hanging garden adorned with flowers and aromatic plants, the result of meticulous and loving research by a professional horticulturist.
The breathtaking view over the rooftops of Venice will leave you in awe: from the bell tower of Santo Stefano to the majestic domes of St. Mark’s, every angle offers an unforgettable sight. In this corner of paradise, you can relax and enjoy a high-quality Prosecco, accompanied by tasty Venetian cicchetti.
This experience represents a true oasis of peace in the heart of Venice, where you can sip your drink in complete tranquility, immersed in a magical and refined atmosphere. Whether you are a tourist seeking a unique experience or a local wanting to rediscover the beauty of your city, this private rooftop aperitivo is the perfect choice for you.
Don’t miss the chance to experience Venice from a different and enchanting perspective. Book your rooftop aperitif with L’altra Venezia and treat yourself to a moment of pure pleasure and relaxation.
We look forward to providing you with a unique experience among the rooftops of Venice!
If you want to book your aperitif on terrace in Venice contact us: info@laltravenezia.it
L’Altra Venezia proposes “Venice tours for kids” : four new itineraries dedicated to children and teenagers (not forgetting the parents who accompany them!).
These itineraries are designed specifically for families, in order to discover Venice in a fun and exciting way, with stories, anecdotes, and curiosities about the city.
1) Discovering Venice
Venice is a city built on an archipelago of islands in the middle of the lagoon, but what does all this mean? How was the city built? Why are there so many bridges, narrow streets, and just one square? And how old is Venice? We offer you a fun itinerary to discover the Venetian labyrinth to understand how the city is made and how to learn to orient yourself.
Starting point: Piazza San Marco Duration: about 2 hours
2) Mysterious stories for brave children
Venice is a city full of charm and mysteries, it is even said that witches and ghosts meet here … do you want to know more?
This is a walk for brave children to discover strange and mysterious stories!
Starting point: Rialto Duration: about 2 hours
Stories of ghosts and witches at dusk, discovering a mysterious Venice.
3) A lion, four horses, a fish, and a sea monster
This tour begins in the heart of the city, the Rialto market, and ends in San Marco. Discovering the history of Venice in its iconic places but seen through the eyes of children, including fantastic animals, stories of giant fish, and legends of lions and horses.
Duration: about 2 hours
4) Alternative Venice
Venice, like a book, can be read in many ways, it depends on the glasses you wear …
This tour offers an alternative visit to less touristy places, to discover the city of Venice through children’s eyes. A treasure hunt through the streets in search of animal figures, strange buildings, crossing secret passages, accompanied by the legends and stories of Venice.
You can choose between 2 routes:
– The Dorsoduro district, the most artistic district of the city, masks, artists, gondolas, and mysterious tales
– The Castello district, discovering Venice hidden between alleys and alleys, the Arsenale of Venice, travel, ships, and a large garden
Itineraries suitable for children aged 4 to 13 years. The guide will be able to adapt the narration according to the participants’ age.
Venice tours for kids realized in collaboration with Paola Salvato and Chiara Penzo.
L’Altra Venezia offers several tourist services in Venice and its lagoon:
Private boat transfer from/to Railway Station or from/to Airport
1) The private boat transfer includes an assistant who will wait for you at the platform (in case you arrive by train at Santa Lucia Station) or at the exit of the baggage drop-off (in case you arrive by plane at Marco Polo Airport), with a sign with your name (or code of your choice). The assistant will accompany you to the boarding (on the Grand Canal in case of arrival by train or at the airport dock in case of arrival by plane) on our private motorboat that will take you to the mooring point as close as possible to your destination (some hotels are equipped with a private pier so, in this case, you will go directly to the hotel) and, if you wish, the assistant can accompany you to the reception of your hotel.
Of course, you can also use the same service on the day of your departure, with the private boat (and assistant) that will pick you up at the hotel and takes you to the railway station or airport.
In case of groups of more than 8 people arriving at Marco Polo airport, we have several boats of various sizes that can carry up to 40 people.
These boats, however, are not allowed access to the internal canals of Venice, so it will be possible to disembark only at specific points provided by the Municipality and the Harbour Office. We will choose the landing point as close as possible to your destination, then the assistant will accompany you on foot.
Pick up service on foot
2) The pick up service on foot includes an assistant who will pick you up at Santa Lucia Train Station (or Piazzale Roma) with a sign with your name (or a code of your choice) and accompany you on foot or by vaporetto (helping you, if necessary, in the purchase of tickets) to your destination in the city.
Escort and/or assistance service
3) The accompanying service includes an assistant who accompanies you during your travels in the city and/ or in the lagoon, helping you find the right way to your destination and providing practical assistance in using the vaporetto, buying tickets for visits, choosing restaurants, etc.
1) IN THE HEART OF VENICE: the Saint Mark’s Square between the Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, then a walk to Rialto through internal and hidden alleys
The heart of Venice is a square: Saint Mark’s Square. Entering by the two monumental columns in front of the lagoon (the so-called “water square”), near the Bridge of Sighs, suddenly we can admire the history of the Republic of Venice displayed: we can see the Doge’s Palace, the seat of government and center of political and administrative life of the city, the Basilica, with its golden mosaics and precious marbles, the Procuratie, location of the oldest and luxurious cafeteria, and moreover the Clock Tower and the Bell Tower. The walk then leads to the Grand Canal and the famous Rialto Bridge through beautiful and hidden corners, which allow you to admire the beautiful Theater La Fenice and the Bovolo Staircase, the Mercerie street with its luxurious boutiques, but also the characteristic Campo Santa Maria Formosa.
– duration: 2/3 hours
2) MONUMENTAL INTERIORS: Saint Mark Square and the interiors of the Doge’s Palace and the Basilica
So-called the “most beautiful lounge in the world”, Saint Mark’s Square with its monuments, colors, and perspectives, is the background of the beautiful interior of the Doge’s Palace, where you can visit the grandiose halls of government with the important artworks representative of the glories of the Republic of Venice, the charming residence of the Doge, the solemn halls where justice was administered and the Bridge of Sighs, through which you can reach the fearful state prisons. Then we move to the nearby Saint Mark’s Basilica, which is like an ancient jewel case of beautiful treasures, but also the most important and loved church in Venice, covered inside by thousands of square feet of shiny mosaics. The oriental aspect of the architecture testifies the deep ties between Venice and Byzantium.
– duration: 2/3 hours
– additional cost: Doge’s Palace and Basilica admission ticket
– note: an appropriate dress for a place of worship is requested
3) RIALTO – FRIAR – St. ROCH: A walk among the Rialto stalls, the Grand Canal and its views, the Friar’s Church, and the School of St. Roch
Walking along the banks of the Grand Canal, where the reflections of the water blend with the colors and the grandeur of the fruit, vegetable, and fish stalls at the Rialto Market, which has always been the economic and financial center of the Republic of Venice. The narrow streets of the district of St. Polo lead to the great religious complex of the Friar’s Church, which contains illustrious tombs and inestimable artworks, above all the Assumption of Titian. The tour continues to the nearby Great School of St. Roch, one of the few Venetian confraternities to have been spared from the Napoleonic suppression, where you can still admire the original and monumental rooms decorated by the Jacopo Tintoretto’s precious cycle of paintings.
– duration: 2/3 hours
– additional cost: Friar’s Church and School of St. Roch admission tickets
– note: an appropriate dress for a place of worship is requested
4) MARCO POLO – CHURCH OF SAINTS JOHN AND PAUL:A walk among the calli near Marco Polo’s House, from the Rialto Bridge to the Church of Saints John and Paul
Many important merchant families lived near Rialto: among the most famous was the Polo’s, which we can still visit the place of its thirteenth-century palace, which is a starting point for understanding international relations and trade woven by Venice through the centuries. From the nearby charming Campiello del Remer we can admire the Grand Canal and the Rialto Market. Continuing through narrow streets and hidden squares, we come to the distinctive Church of Miracles, which is like a treasure chest made of precious marbles. We then proceed to the impressive Church of Saints John and Paul, the Doges’ mausoleum, located in one of the city’s most beautiful areas.
– duration: 2/3 hours
– additional cost: Churches admission tickets
– note: an appropriate dress for a place of worship is requested
5) MURANO AND BURANO ISLANDS: the glass and lace working
The islands of the Venetian lagoon are small pearls scattered on the water, each one with its unique attractiveness and traditional activities. Murano, called “the small Venice” with the Grand Canal, the palaces, and the ancient Cathedral of Saints Maria and Donato, is the historical capital of blown glass. In the remaining furnaces, we can watch the work of glass masters that perpetuate old techniques and crafts. Burano is a small fishing village made of colorful houses, where its famous lace has been made for centuries. According to the old and slow processing methods, they can be manufactured only by the skilled hands of local artisans.
– duration: 4 hours to 6 hours, depending on whether 2 or 3 islands are preferred
– additional cost: vary according to the means of transportation to the islands
– note: visit on request to a glass factory and a lace workshop
6) CUSTOMIZED GUIDED TOUR
We can organize personalized private tours in the museums and churches of your choice, such as the Scuola Grande dei Carmini, the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista, the Venetian Museum of the 18th century in Ca’ Rezzonico Palace, the Museum of Fabrics and Perfumes at Palazzo Mocenigo, the Fortuny Museum, the Basilica della Salute and much more.
Contact us to check the availability and feasibility of the visit you want to do.
Several boat tours in Venice and its lagoon are possible, with different boats, such as traditional Venetian boats (bragozzo and trabaccolo) or tourist boats (covered motorboats that can be used during the cold season or in case of rain).
The itinerary can be tailored according to the client’s requests, whether it is addressed to the most famous islands (such as Murano, Burano, and Torcello) or the least known islands but not less beautiful (such as Mazzorbo, Sant’Erasmo, San Francesco del Deserto, etc.).
Half-day or full-day excursions can be arranged, with the possibility of having lunch in some quaint restaurant on an island in the lagoon.
It is, of course, also possible to organize simple panoramic tours of a couple of hours, maybe with an aperitif on board!
Combine fun, culture, gastronomy, boat, and sun? You can.
Book your private Venice boat tour, with the possibility of music on board, panoramic deck, and aperitif.
nature and its islands (both the famous ones and the less known ones); the beach (yes, there are also beaches!) to relax in the sun and/or take a refreshing swim; gastronomy (refreshments and aperitif on board or, optionally, in a panoramic bar on the terrace of a hotel overlooking the rooftops of Venice, or in a luxury bar in a 5-star resort on a private island); the panorama (with views from the San Marco basin); the culture (a walk in St Mark’s Square, or on an island of your choice).
Tourist boats
Tourist boats can accommodate up to 50 people. And they can be 1 or 2 decks. These boats are used throughout the year long. We also have motorboats for small groups of friends or family.
Traditional boats
The traditional boats can accommodate up to 20 people. These boats are used only during the warm season (from April / May until September / October) and only with favorable weather conditions.
These are spartan boats whose comfort level is somewhat limited; in this case, the goal is to experience the thrill of an excursion on a traditional wooden boat.
The sails are only hoisted in the presence of useful wind; otherwise, the boats are moved by the engine.
The Venice boat tours are proposed either “only pilot” or “with a guide on board”.
The tourist boats are equipped with an audio system.
A visit to a Murano glass factory is certainly a must for any visitor to Venice. Still, there are several ways you can live this experience, as well as different types of glass with varying levels of quality.
The Murano private tour that we propose is an exclusive experience with the guarantee of a highly reliable selection of glass works, not only for the quality of the glass itself but also, and perhaps above all, for the artistic expression of the objects created. Of course, it is possible to customize the choice of glass factories according to customer demands and interests.
The boats
Even the means of transport itself is customizable: the customer can choose between different types of boats, from the simplest to the top of the range, represented by a magnificent vintage speedboat, making the tour a unique experience from the moment of boarding.
The guide
Onboard and for the whole time of the visit, the customer will be accompanied by a private guide, experienced and with extensive knowledge of the matter, who will not only tell the story and the unique aspects of the glass works but also, if necessary, advise in the purchase and select the glass factories best suited to the interests of the customer.
The glassworks
In any case, the choice will be made within a range of prestigious glass factories, ensuring quality in the glass, in the manufacture, and whose internal staff is competent, helpful, and able to provide accurate explanations.
The other islands
We also have the highest availability regarding schedules and duration of the tour, which can be easily stretched with visits to other glass factories or sailing toward other islands. Even in the choice of the islands, we are very flexible and willing to escort the customers to visit famous islands such as Burano and Torcello, or other less known but no less beautiful ones such as San Francesco del Deserto, Sant’Erasmo and more.
A genuinely exclusive way then to live, an experience to remember.
Discover the Venice Grand Canal with a Private Speedboat Tour
The Grand Canal, which runs through Venice, was called “the most beautiful street in the world“. A unique “street” made of water, overlooked by magnificent noble palaces, lush gardens, and beautiful churches.
L’altra Venezia is pleased to present an exclusive experience: a private tour of the Grand Canal by speedboat.
Therefore, we propose you to sail this spectacular waterway in a comfortable private speedboat that will allow you to admire (and photograph) calmly, without the crowd that usually invades public transportation, the Grand Canal and some characteristic internal canals.
The magic of this amphibious city, off the beaten track, surrounds you in a fresh embrace, leaving a wonderful memory.
The tour can last one or two hours, and takes place only in the afternoon (as per the disposition of the City of Venice).
We can pick you up wherever you like depending on the available mooring access.
On board, there will also be an expert guide who will provide you with interesting and helpful information about Venice, making the experience even more engaging and instructive.
On request, we can provide refreshments on board. Alternatively, we can take you for an aperitif on an island in the southern lagoon, such as the Skyline Rooftop on the roof of the Hotel Stucky on the Giudecca island, or in one of the JW Marriott bar-lounges on the Isola delle Rose.
The tour is for up to eight people to ensure the best possible quality.
A unique opportunity to experience the Venice lagoon in a sustainable, fun, and healthy way!
Explore the islands of Lido, Sant’Erasmo, Punta Sabbioni, and Lio Piccolo with your bicycle aboard our boats specially modified to transport bikes of all sizes simply and safely.
And if you don’t have your own bike, you can rent it thanks to our partners!
You can choose between different itinerary proposals, with different durations, but always within everyone’s reach.
You can use the hop-on hop-off boat service (ask for the timetable and stops) or, if you are a group of at least 10 people, you can request a personalized service and itinerary.
The “Boat and bike tour in Venice”is a family-friendly service, suitable for groups and lovers of cycling. Discover the hidden corners of the Venetian lagoon, with unique views and in contact with nature. Cycle through the narrow streets surrounded by vegetable gardens and fishing valleys of Sant’Erasmo, admire the northern lagoon and visit the Lido of Venice, its Liberty villas, its beaches and those of Malamocco and Pellestrina.
A new way to make sustainable tourism and enjoy the Venice lagoon from an unusual perspective!
The Boat and Bike tour in Venice service is regularly available on weekends, while on other days it’s only by reservation.
For information and reservations: info@laltravenezia.it Or fill out the following form:
