VENICE, FRANKINCENSE AND MYRRH! A JOURNEY ON AROMATICS TRADE

If you’re fascinated by Venice’s legendary role in global trade and curious about the fragrant treasures that fueled its prosperity, this tour might be just what you’re looking for. We haven’t personally taken it, but after gathering insights from reviews and the detailed itinerary, it’s clear this experience offers a unique way to connect with Venice’s past—through scents, stories, and history.

What really stands out to us is how this tour combines history and sensory exploration. You’ll get to smell authentic aromatics like frankincense, myrrh, sandalwood, and more, which were once the backbone of Venice’s trade empire. Plus, the guide’s knowledge seems to be a hit with travelers, making the experience both educational and engaging. On the flip side, one consideration is that it’s quite a short, 1.5-hour experience—so if you’re craving a full-day tour, this might not satisfy that need.

This tour appears ideal for those curious about Venice’s trading past, lovers of fragrances, or anyone wanting a different, immersive peek into the city’s storied history. It’s not a massive, all-day event, but rather a focused, sensory journey that can easily fit into a busy sightseeing schedule.

Key Points

• Focused and engaging, blending history with sensory experiences
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the storytelling and scent descriptions
• Short duration makes it easy to add to a busy itinerary
• Authentic aromatics sourced from a dedicated collection, offering a genuine olfactory experience
• Location-based in Venice, starting at a scenic water bus stop
• Price point seems reasonable for a private, guided experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from This Aromatic Journey

First, it’s important to understand what this tour entails. It’s held in the Anbesa showroom, which the organizers describe as a kind of Incense kingdom. Imagine stepping into a shop filled with raw materials, vials, and fragrant treasures accumulated over 20 years of study and trading. It’s a real treat for anyone interested in the raw ingredients behind perfumes and incense.

The tour kicks off at the San Samuele water bus stop, making it easy to reach with public transport, especially if you’re already exploring Venice. From there, the guide will take you through Venice’s historic trade routes, including the Silk route, Spice route, and Frankincense route. This is where the story of Venice as a hub connecting East and West really comes alive. It’s fascinating to learn how Venice’s ships and merchants played a crucial role in bringing these exotic raw materials into European markets.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: San Samuele Water Bus Stop

This spot is a practical and picturesque meeting place. The guide will likely be easy to spot with a sign bearing the company’s logo, “ANBESA-THE INCENSE KINGDOM.” It’s a well-chosen spot that’s central and accessible, perfect for a quick start.

Main Tour: Venice and Its Aromatic Heritage (2 hours)

The core of the experience is a 2-hour walk-through, during which you’ll learn about Venice’s long-standing relationships with the Middle East and Far East. The guide’s storytelling skill seems to be a highlight, bringing to life the story of Venice’s maritime power, the vessels, and the production chain—from the Arsenale to the first ships that carried spices and incense across oceans.

You’ll hear about how Venice imported raw materials, their uses in medicine, cosmetics, arts, and religious rituals, and how these aromatic substances became part of Venetian daily life. This historical context makes the scents more meaningful—no longer just fragrances but symbols of wealth, spirituality, and global commerce.

Olfactory Experience: Smelling the Raw Materials

The second part of the tour is dedicated solely to smell. You’ll be introduced to a wide selection of exotic fragrances pulled from the collector’s extensive collection. Some of the key aromatics include Incense, Myrrh, Mastic, Sandalwood, Colophony, and Copal.

What’s nice here is that you don’t just get to sniff blindly—you’re likely to hear about each ingredient’s origin, its different uses, and what makes it special. It’s a chance to learn to identify these scents and perhaps even discover new favorites.

Deep Dive into the Experience

The Guide’s Role

From reviews, it’s clear that the guides are knowledgeable and passionate about their subject. One reviewer mentioned, “The guide really knew his stuff,” and another appreciated how the storytelling made the scents come alive. Expect detailed explanations about each aromatic raw material, their history, and how they were used historically in Venice.

The Setting

The showroom is described as a real Incense kingdom, filled with raw materials, bottles, and historical artifacts. This authentic environment enhances the sensory aspect, making it more than just a walk-and-tell tour. It feels like stepping into a merchant’s storeroom from centuries past.

The Sensory Aspect

Many travelers have praised the quality and authenticity of the aromas. You’ll encounter scents that are ancient, powerful, and evocative. The experience isn’t just about smelling but about connecting—feeling the weight of history through fragrances that once traveled thousands of miles.

Value and Price

At $30 per person, this tour feels like a fairly priced sensory addition to your Venice visit. Considering it’s a private group, personalized experience, and the depth of information provided, it offers good value. It’s not a flashy, touristy attraction but a niche experience for those genuinely interested in spices, perfumes, and trade history.

Practical Details & Tips

Duration & Timing

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours—a manageable chunk of time that fits well into a busy sightseeing schedule. Check the availability to see the starting times, as it’s offered as a private experience with flexible scheduling.

Meeting Point

The meeting point is at the San Samuele water bus stop. It’s well-located, and the organizers are clear about holding a sign with the company logo, making it easy to spot.

Languages

The tour is offered in Italian and English, catering to most travelers. If you speak one of these languages, you should have no problem following the guide’s narration.

Group Size

Being a private group means you’ll have a more intimate experience, with the guide’s attention focused on your party. This is especially nice if you want to ask questions or get a more personalized take.

Cancellation & Refunds

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. So if your plans change, you can manage it easily without losing your investment.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history buffs, fragrance lovers, or anyone curious about Venice’s trade past. It’s also a good pick for those who want a short, impactful activity that adds a different dimension to their Venice visit. If you enjoy sensory experiences or are interested in the origins of perfumes and incenses, you’ll find this tour engaging.

It’s less ideal if you’re looking for a sprawling, in-depth tour of Venice’s landmarks or a large-group sightseeing activity. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate niche, educational experiences and don’t mind a focus on scents and stories rather than extensive sightseeing.

The Sum Up

If you’re after a quiet, insightful break from the crowds, this aromatic tour offers a refreshing perspective on Venice’s history as a trading powerhouse. The combination of history, storytelling, and authentic scents makes it a memorable experience, especially if you’re curious about how perfumes and incenses shaped civilizations and Venice’s wealth.

The knowledgeable guides and authentic raw materials make this a worthwhile addition to your trip, particularly if you want to learn something new and engage your senses. While it’s not a full-day adventure and doesn’t cover the city’s landmarks, it’s a focused and meaningful way to connect with Venice’s merchant past.

It’s best for those who value unique, thoughtfully curated experiences. If you love fragrances or want to add a sensory layer to your Venice trip, this is a charming, educational choice.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, making it a short and manageable activity that fits well into a busy day.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the San Samuele water bus stop, a convenient location in Venice.

Is the tour private or group?
It’s a private group, so you’ll have personalized attention from the guide.

What languages are available?
The tour is offered in Italian and English, so most travelers will find a suitable language.

What is included in the experience?
You’ll explore Venice’s trade history and participate in an olfactory journey through exotic fragrances like frankincense, myrrh, sandalwood, and more, all from a curated collection.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is it suitable for children or families?
The experience focuses on scents and history, so it’s best suited for adults or older children interested in fragrances and history. It’s not specifically designed for kids.

How much does it cost?
At $30 per person, it offers reasonable value considering the private, guided nature and the sensory insights provided.

In the end, this aromatic journey is a niche but charming way to learn about Venice’s historic trade in a very sensory way. If you enjoy stories behind fragrances or want a different perspective on the city, it’s well worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: