Weekend off in Venice
Details
Weekend Off in Venice is a short escape designed for travelers who want to experience the city’s beauty through a different lens. Venice has always been synonymous with romance—but behind its palaces, canals, and masked traditions lies a fascinating gay history, made of hidden meeting places, coded language, and stories that survived censorship and moral control.
On this gay-friendly tour, you’ll walk through iconic landmarks like Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Square, while uncovering the discreet side of the Serenissima: courtyards, campielli, and areas once shaped by desire, power, and forbidden freedom. You’ll also explore the world of Venetian courtesans, and the contradictions of a city that—while punishing “sodomy”—also developed a surprisingly complex underground social life.
The second day adds a touch of classic Venetian magic: a boat ride across the lagoon and time on Murano Island, home of the centuries-old glassmaking tradition—followed by a quieter, authentic Venice, away from the crowds.
Weekend Off in Venice is a short escape designed for travelers who want to experience the city’s beauty through a different lens. Venice has always been synonymous with romance—but behind its palaces, canals, and masked traditions lies a fascinating gay history, made of hidden meeting places, coded language, and stories that survived censorship and moral control.
On this gay-friendly tour, you’ll walk through iconic landmarks like Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Square, while uncovering the discreet side of the Serenissima: courtyards, campielli, and areas once shaped by desire, power, and forbidden freedom. You’ll also explore the world of Venetian courtesans, and the contradictions of a city that—while punishing “sodomy”—also developed a surprisingly complex underground social life.
The second day adds a touch of classic Venetian magic: a boat ride across the lagoon and time on Murano Island, home of the centuries-old glassmaking tradition—followed by a quieter, authentic Venice, away from the crowds.
Itinerary
Day 01 – Venice: Gay History Walking Tour
Arrive in Venice and meet your guide for a unique walking tour through the city’s most iconic areas, seen through the lens of Venice’s LGBTQ+ past.
The itinerary begins near Palazzo Mocenigo, a historic residence linked to Lord Byron’s Venetian years. From here, the route continues toward the Rialto area, uncovering ancient meeting points, hidden courtyards (campi and campielli), and stories of desire and control in the Serenissima.
The tour ends in St Mark’s Square, with a focus on Venetian scandals and the legendary figure of Giacomo Casanova, including the places connected to his adventures and imprisonment.
Overnight in Venice.
Day 02 – Lagoon Experience: Murano + Hidden Venice
Check out and enjoy Venice from the most authentic perspective: the water.
A boat tour across the lagoon takes you to Murano Island, where you’ll discover the art of Venetian glassmaking and watch artisans keep this centuries-old tradition alive.
After Murano, enjoy a different side of Venice—beyond the postcard views—exploring quieter districts where everyday life unfolds far from the main tourist routes.
End of services.
What's Included
What's Excluded
Additional Information
The tour is fully customizable to suit your needs.
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Weekend off in Venice
From € 1,640
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