Love & Lust in Venice: A Scandalous Walking Tour

If you’re looking to uncover a more sizzling side of Venice beyond the gondolas and grand palaces, this Love & Lust in Venice tour might just be what you need. It promises an intimate look into Venice’s hidden past—filled with stories of courtesans, brothels, and forbidden love—told through the lens of its scandalous history.

What really caught our attention about this experience are two things: first, how it offers a different perspective on a city often seen as romantic and pristine, revealing a more provocative history. Second, it’s a surprisingly short, 1.5-hour walk, perfect for fitting into a busy sightseeing day.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that this tour leans heavily into the salacious stories—so if you prefer your history on the tame side, this might not be your cup of tea. Also, it’s a walking tour, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a bit of strolling through Venice’s alleys and squares.

This tour would suit history buffs wanting an unconventional story, couples looking for a cheeky twist on Venice, or travelers curious about the city’s more scandalous past. It’s a niche experience but one that adds a fun and intriguing layer to your Venice visit.

Key Points

• Unique Focus: Uncover Venice’s hidden history of courtesans, brothels, and forbidden love.
• Brief but Impactful: Only 1.5 hours long, ideal for a quick yet memorable experience.
• Scenic Route: Pass through iconic squares and cross the Ponte delle Tette, once a stage for seduction.
• Expert Guides: Led by knowledgeable guides who share stories of love, betrayal, and scandal.
• End at Piazza San Marco: Conclude your journey with tales beneath Venice’s most famous square’s glittering façade.
• Value for Price: At $70, it offers an intimate, story-rich experience that complements other Venice exploration.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the “Love & Lust” Tour in Detail

If you’re the kind of traveler who loves stories behind the architecture and streets, this tour offers a peek into Venice’s more risqué past. It’s not just a walk through the city’s beautiful alleys—it’s a journey into its clandestine passions.

Starting at Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo

Your adventure kicks off at this historic basilica, a site that’s central to Venice’s historic fabric. From here, your guide will set the scene, explaining how Venice’s morally relaxed attitude fostered a city where love and desire played out openly, often under the watchful eyes of the authorities.

The Guided Tour: Stories of Courtesans and Power

The bulk of the tour is a guided walk through narrow alleys and lively squares, where your guide will reveal tales of Venice’s honest courtesans, women who wielded considerable influence by their wit and charm. These women were not just seductresses but also political players and patrons of the arts. We loved the way the stories painted a picture of women asserting control in a male-dominated society, often shaping art and politics from behind the scenes.

Crossing Ponte delle Tette

A highlight is crossing the Ponte delle Tette, known historically as a stage for sensual displays. Courtesans would stand here to entice potential clients, making this crossing a literal and figurative gateway into Venice’s secret passions. Standing on this bridge, you can imagine the lively, scandalous scenes that once played out below.

More Great Tours Nearby

Historic Squares: Campo Santa Maria Formosa & Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo

Next, your route takes you through Campo Santa Maria Formosa, a square steeped in legends of love and betrayal. The stories you hear here might involve secret affairs that changed the course of Venetian history. Then, you’ll head to Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo, one of Venice’s largest piazzas, where whispers of forbidden romances still seem to echo in the stones.

Ending at Piazza San Marco

The tour culminates at Piazza San Marco, Venice’s glittering heart. Here, your guide shares tales of scandal and seduction beneath its golden mosaics. It’s a fitting finale, combining the city’s beauty with stories of its more provocative past.

What’s Included & Practical Details

The tour is supplied by Hili srl, and it includes an English-guided experience that typically lasts around 1.5 hours. It’s available in Spanish, English, and Italian, and you can opt for a small group, which enhances the intimacy and allows for more personalized storytelling.

Meeting at the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo in the heart of Venice, you’ll begin your journey with a brief 15-minute introduction, followed by several stops for photos and storytelling. The route includes multiple photo stops—each offering a chance to capture Venice’s picturesque streets and squares—plus viewpoints that add to the visual appeal of the experience.

The tour concludes in St. Mark’s Square, giving you plenty of time afterward to explore or continue your Venice adventures. At $70 per person, the price might seem a little steep for a short walk, but considering the storytelling quality and the exclusive insights, many find it a fair value.

Accessibility & Group Size

A small group format is available, which is a plus if you prefer a more intimate atmosphere and the chance to ask questions freely. Since it’s walking-focused, comfortable shoes are recommended, especially if you’re planning to explore more afterward.

What Travelers Say

Many reviews highlight how the tour offers a different perspective on Venice. One reviewer noted, “It’s a fascinating look at Venice’s secret passions, totally different from typical sightseeing.” Others appreciated the knowledgeable guides who brought the stories alive, describing the tales as “colorful” and “entertaining.”

A few reviewers did mention the stories are quite scandalous, and if you’re sensitive to that kind of content, it’s worth considering. Also, since the tour is only 1.5 hours, some say it’s just enough to whet your appetite for Venice’s more hidden stories, but you might want to supplement with other experiences.

Is It Worth It?

For those interested in Venice’s less conventional stories, this tour provides a captivating peek into the city’s scandalous and seductive past. It’s a well-paced walk that combines history, legend, and a touch of mischief, making it a good choice for travelers who enjoy storytelling that’s a bit spicy.

The value lies in the storytelling quality, the unique stops, and the chance to see Venice from a different angle—not just the postcards but its hidden passions. If you’re after a straightforward history tour, this might not be your first pick, but if you’re curious about the city’s secret side, it’s a memorable addition to your trip.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers with an interest in Venice’s risqué past or those looking for a fun, conversation-starting activity. It’s ideal if you enjoy stories of love, betrayal, and scandal woven into the city’s streets. It’s also a good pick for couples wanting a playful, intimate experience or anyone curious about Venice’s more provocative history.

It’s not a family-friendly tour—given the content and themes—so travelers with children might want to pass on this one. Also, keep in mind it’s a walking tour, so comfortable shoes and moderate stamina will help you enjoy it fully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this tour suitable for children?
Since the tour focuses on scandalous stories involving courtesans and forbidden love, it’s generally better suited for adults or older teens. It’s not specifically designed as a family-friendly experience.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a quick yet immersive experience. It’s perfect for fitting into a busy sightseeing schedule.

What languages are available?
The tour is offered in English, Spanish, and Italian, with live guides leading the way. You can choose based on your language preference when booking.

Where does the tour start?
It begins in the middle of Piazza Santi Giovanni e Paolo, a central and accessible location in Venice.

What’s included in the price?
The ticket price covers the live guided tour in your chosen language. No additional entrance fees or extras are typically included.

Is the group small?
Yes, a small group option is available, which allows for a more personal experience and easier interaction with your guide.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your schedule shifts.

If your Venice trip is calling for a dose of the city’s secret, scandalous past, this Love & Lust in Venice tour delivers a lively, engaging, and somewhat provocative alternative to traditional sightseeing. It’s a short journey through Venice’s shadowy stories, told with enthusiasm and insight, that will resonate with history lovers and curious travelers alike.

While it’s not a comprehensive history lesson, it’s a fun and revealing glimpse into Venice’s more playful side. It’s best for those comfortable with storytelling that’s a little spicy and who enjoy exploring the city’s alleys with a sense of adventure.

For travelers wanting a quick, story-rich experience that adds flavor to their Venice visit, this tour hits the mark. Just remember, it’s all about the tales of love, passion, and scandal—stories that have shaped Venice’s intriguing personality beneath its polished facade.

You can check availability for your dates here: