Secrets of Venice Carnival and Life of Casanova Tour

Meet your English-speaking guide in front of La Fenice opera house for a walking tour that follows in the footsteps of Giacomo Casanova, and travel back to the Venice Carnival of the 18th century.

To set the mood, your guide will be dressed in traditional Venetian costume, and will acquaint you with the story of the Venice Carnival, then and now. Learn the history of the masks, once used to hide the wearers' identify, and hear how they are made. Admire elegant costumes from the 17th century, now worn to parade through the streets at Carnival time. See luxurious costumes worn by people attending one of the many Grand Balls that take place in private palaces.

Your guide will talk about Casanova as a great lover, adventurer, extravagant, Freemason, and servant of the establishment. Born in Venice, he grew up in the San Samuele area, and you will walk through the narrow calle (alleys) that pass his home and the house of the poet Giorgio Baffo, who introduced the young Casanova to worldly pleasures. Learn about the Ridotto, the 1st Casino in Venice, where Casanova would meet the Venetian aristocracy. Hear fascinating stories about the courtesans who also played a part in making the city as animated as possible.

Experience an alternative walking tour, filled with desire and passion, pleasure, and entertainment. End the tour in a typical Caffe approx 10 mins walk from St Mark’s Square with a hot cappuccino and typical Venetian Carnival cake called a “frittelle”, only made during the Carnival period.