The Secret Soul of Venice: Art, Stories & the Grand Canal

Hi, I’m Matteo, a licensed tour guide and art historian based in Venice. I believe the best way to discover Venice is not simply to see it, but to understand it. With a Master’s degree in Art History and many years of experience as a professional guide, I love sharing the history, art, characters and stories that have shaped this extraordinary city. My tours are designed for curious travelers who want to go beyond the checklist of famous sights. Of course, I’m happy to show you St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the Grand Canal, but I also love taking you into the neighborhoods, stories and places that reveal a different Venice. I’ve created a range of different private experiences, each designed around a particular way of discovering Venice. I recommend browsing my tours first to see which one best matches your interests. Once you find the experience that feels right for you, we can always customize the itinerary and make small adjustments to suit your interests and pace. Many of my guests are returning visitors to Italy or experienced travelers, and I particularly enjoy showing them a side of Venice they may not have discovered before. Whether you are passionate about art and history, food and wine, architecture, local life or simply curious to understand what makes Venice so unique, I’ll tailor the experience around you. I’m a very sociable person and I believe that a great tour should feel like spending time with someone who genuinely loves the city: informative, relaxed, personal and, hopefully, with plenty of laughs along the way. I can also arrange private boat experiences, from the iconic Grand Canal to quieter waterways and the islands of the lagoon, always choosing the experience according to your interests. Outside of guiding, I love traveling, good food and wine, cinema, reading, hiking and long walks with my dog. I’m always curious to discover something new, and I think that curiosity is one of the best things we can share with our guests. If you’re looking for a guide who can give you both the context behind Venice’s masterpieces and the stories behind its streets, I’d love to show you my city. See you in Venice! 🇮🇹