Venetian Ships Pavilion and the Castello district with Official Guide and Entrance Fees

Venetian Ships Pavilion & the Castello district - duration 2h
Get away from the crowds and explore this unique part of Venice on our small group walking tour that visits the Castello area and the inside of the historic Venetian Ships Pavilion which forms part of the Arsenale. The Pavilion was constructed in the mid sixteenth century as an oars workshop and warehouse supported by a forge. It houses vessels of great historical importance and interest. The magic that is real Venice is waiting for you as you stroll through its back streets (Calle) and hidden squares (Campi). You mustn't miss this walking tour that will take you off the well-worn tourist track. You will discover the fascinating history of La Serenissima and what it's really like to live in this unique city.
Your local guide will be waiting for you by the equestrian statue of Vittorio Emanuele II, just a short walk along the canal, near Saint Mark's Square. You will head through the maze of alleyways into the heart of Castello, Venice's biggest residential area. As you pass through Campo Della Bragora, Bandiera e Moro and then through Calle Della Morte (Street of Death!), your guide will tell you about the people who were condemned to death here by the Venetian Council of Ten. The next stop on this fascinating tour is the School of San Giorgio Degli Schiavoni, which houses a painting by the famous artist “Carpaccio”. San Francesco Della Vigna is your next port of call, the church dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi. You will cross the Ponte Del Cristo and arrive at the Celestia, on the eastern side of the city overlooking the cemetery of Saint Michele's and the Island of Murano, famous for its glass-making. You will then take a specially constructed walkway that goes around the outer wall of the Arsenale, (which means the house of industry). It is now a military area and closed to the public. It used to be known as the most important shipyard in Europe. The walking tour continues as you head towards the magnificent entrance to the Arsenale, past the traditional maritime houses of famous sea captains and merchants from the Venetian Navy.
You will arrive at the Ships Pavilion and dodge the queue with your guide. Here, you will see many historic Venetian craft, including the Bucinotoro, the Disdotto, the Doges' funeral gondola plus several war ships, giving you a real sense of the city's maritime history.
Highlights
2-hour walking tour of Castello and a visit to the 16th century Venetian Ships Pavilion
• Small group tour a maximum of 15 people per tour
• Escape the crowds by visiting a different area of the city
• Skip the line tickets avoid the public queues with our special pass into the ShipsPavilion
• Fully qualified local guide
• Great for families.
Inclusions
• Guided Tour of Castello area and the Ships Pavilion
• Admission fees
• No-queue entrance to the Ships Pavilion
• Live tour commentary given in English.
Exclusions
• Optional gratuities
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Food and drink, unless specified.
Notes
• Maximum group size is fifteen people
• This activity is not accessible by wheelchair
• Check-in is 15 minutes before the booked tour start time
• Please wear comfortable walking shoes
• Bring a bottle of water if the weather is hot
• The tour ends inside the Ships Pavilion.
How to reach the meeting point
Arriving by boat (Vaporetto): You will arrive near the Saint Mark's Square area and should get off boat No:1 at San Zaccaria. You will see the monument from the boat stop.
Arriving on foot: Make you way to Saint Mark's Square and pass Saint Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace until you reach the water front. Turn left past the Doge's Palace and cross two bridges along the water front and you will see the monument in front of you on Riva Degli Schiavoni. This is your meeting point.
Arriving by water taxi: Please ask the water taxi driver to take you to the Hotel Londra Palace, the monument is in front of the hotel.