Treasure Hunt in Venice with a Surprise Workshop
Discover hidden secrets with a Carnival-themed game across Grand Canal, and painting your own mask
While Venice’s famous canals and St. Mark Square attract crowds, a hidden side of the city awaits, full of legends and untold stories. This unique treasure hunt offers an immersive experience, blending adventure and history as you explore Venice’s alleys in search of clues. Follow an interactive app to navigate the hidden corners of the city, solving clues and uncovering secrets about Carnival’s rich traditions. The journey ends at the Prisons' Palace, where you’ll craft your own mask.
- Meeting point in Piazzale Roma
- Download the app and get your map
- Start your treasure hunt
- Venice’s bridges
- Calle Dei Boteri & Erbaria
- Venice’s history & Carnival traditions
- Palazzo delle Prigioni
- Find your treasure & paint your mask
- Ending Point
This immersive adventure will lead you off the beaten path, guiding you through winding alleys and hidden corners that unveil the rich history of the world’s most enchanting city. With the help of a special Carnival edition app—your personal compass and digital storyteller—you’ll uncover the secrets of Venice and its legendary Carnival celebrations. Along the way, you’ll discover fascinating anecdotes, immerse yourself in the festive spirit, and even have the chance to win two authentic Carnival masks—the perfect keepsakes of your Venetian experience!
Starting from the vibrant Piazzale Roma, you’ll meet one of our representatives, who will provide you with a map and explain how to begin your treasure hunt using the mobile app. From there, you’ll encounter some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including three grand bridges crossing the Grand Canal. Admire the modern Constitution Bridge, the historic Scalzi Bridge, and the legendary Rialto Bridge, the oldest and most renowned of them all. Along the way, you’ll discover the mysterious "Rialto Hunchback," a historic spot where ancient laws were once announced, and learn about the Rialto Mercato, the city’s ancient fish market.
The grand finale of your journey brings you to the historic Prisons' Palace, located just steps from St. Mark’s Square, where your adventure concludes. It is here, where the infamous Giacomo Casanova was once imprisoned, that you’ll collect your treasure—a white Venetian mask—and can paint it. This unique and creative experience is the perfect way to end your Venetian adventure, leaving you with a personalized souvenir that captures the spirit of Carnival.
Treasure Hunt in Venice with a Surprise Workshop Description
Your 1.15-hour adventure includes:
Mobile app to download on your mobile device
Detailed map for the game
Discover hidden gems of Venice
A carnival mask as treasure hunt prize
20 minutes of decoration class with a mask's craftsman
Family-friendly experience suitable for all ages
Maximum of 15 participants per group
Explore Venice’s iconic bridges
To begin your adventure, make sure to download the Carnival app, which will guide you through your journey with a helpful map. You will receive all the details after your booking. During your exploration, you'll encounter Venice’s three grand bridges crossing the Grand Canal. First, admire the modern Constitution Bridge, designed by the famed architect Santiago Calatrava. Then, take the historic Scalzi Bridge, followed by the legendary Rialto Bridge, the oldest of them all. As you explore, you’ll learn about the famous "Rialto Hunchback," an ancient spot for law announcements, and discover the significance of Rialto Mercato, the city’s historic fish market. These landmarks are just the beginning of your journey through Venice’s charming streets and vibrant past.
Discover Venice's hidden streets and Carnival secrets
Your adventure continues with an exciting treasure hunt through Venice’s historic streets. As you explore, you’ll pass by Calle Dei Boteri, a narrow alley rich in artisan history, where you’ll learn about the traditional crafts that have long been an integral part of Venetian life and Erbaria, a charming area whose name comes from the Venetian word "Erba "," meaning "spices.", once a bustling market where merchants traded in spices, herbs, and other goods that helped Venice thrive as a major mercantile hub.
Along the way, you’ll learn how Venetians, not just gondoliers but skilled merchants, helped shape the city’s prosperity. You’ll also discover fascinating Carnival curiosities, including the origins of the famous Venetian masks and their significance during the celebrations. This immersive journey through Venice’s streets offers a unique glimpse into the city's rich traditions and vibrant history.
Craft your Venetian mask at the Palazzo Delle Prigioni
The grand finale of your adventure takes you to the historic Palazzo Delle Prigioni, located near Piazza San Marco. At the end of your treasure hunt, your prize will be revealed—a beautiful white Venetian mask, waiting for you to personalize! In the grand setting of the 1500s Doge’s Prisons Palace, a professional mask painter will be there to offer expert suggestions as you decorate your mask, bringing your very own Venetian creation to life.
As you soak in the atmosphere of this magnificent Venetian palace, keep in mind that it’s also the historic location where the infamous Giacomo Casanova was once imprisoned. The Palace is connected to the Doge’s Palace by the famous Bridge of Sights, and as you paint your mask, you’ll feel the allure of centuries-old legends. Your tour will end here, after your painting workshop. This is not just an artistic experience but a unique opportunity to take home a personal memento of Venice’s Carnival—your very own hand-painted mask, a lasting reminder of your journey through the city’s captivating history.
What you get with this tour
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Make sure your phone is fully charged to download and use the app! Have your vouchers ready to show to the staff and wear comfortable walking shoes. Since the tour takes place outdoors, we recommend bringing an umbrella or sunglasses, depending on the weather.
Is lunch included in the price of the workshop?
Food is not included in the price, and we recommend bringing water with you.
Is this experience operated by The Tour Guy?
No, this tour is operated by one of our trusted partners in Venice.
Can I bring my children, and do I have to pay for them?
Yes, kids are welcome on this tour and children under 6 can join for free. Please choose accordingly during the booking.
Is the tour shared or private?
You'll be sharing the experience with other participants, but the activity is individual, meaning you'll take part on your own while still being part of a group.
What if it rains?
The tour will take place rain or shine. In case of exceptionally bad weather or high/low tide, we will inform you about rescheduling or refunds.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, this tour is not fully accessible for wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility. If you have any mobility concerns, please contact us in advance.
What is the duration of the tour?
Your shared walking tour will last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, followed by a 20-minute mask painting session.
Is the painting class included in the price?
Yes, the painting class is included in the price of the tour. It lasts for 20 minutes, during which you'll have the opportunity to decorate your Venetian mask with the help of a professional mask painter.
Can I take the mask home?
Yes, you can take your decorated mask home with you at no additional cost. It will be a wonderful, personalized souvenir of your Venetian adventure!
Does this tour include a guide?
No, this tour does not include a live guide. Instead, the mobile app will be your guide, leading you through the game and providing fascinating stories and revealing hidden secrets about Venice and its Carnival.
Does the tour include hotel pick-up?
No, the tour does not include hotel pick-up. Please meet your guide at the designated meeting point.