Top Venice Carnival in 2026

The Doge's Palace prison near St. Mark's Square is where Casanova was held before his famous escape—a specific and unusual piece of Venetian history that standard walking tours rarely cover. This experience combines a guided visit to the historic prison with a hands-on Carnival mask-making workshop led by a local artisan, with a completed mask to take home at the end.

Discover the art of Venetian mask-making in an exclusive workshop at the historic Palazzo delle Prigioni, near Piazza San Marco. Under the guidance of a local instructor, you'll use vivid colors and sparkling to decorate a traditional Carnival mask. This hands-on experience in a setting rich with history allows you to create a unique, tangible piece of Venetian culture to take home as a memorable souvenir.

Play a self-guided game in Venice to discover Carnival history along with hidden parts of the city. Simply download the app on your smart phone then follow the directions from St. Mark’s Square through picturesque streets and plazas. Hear stories about Venice and snap photos of locations such as Scala Contarini del Bovolo to win two Carnival masks at the end of the game.

Bring home the ultimate souvenir of your Venetian sojourn—your own papier-mâché carnival mask, handmade to your own design. A local master artisan works with you and your small group to unleash your creativity, as well as sharing stories of craftsmanship and carnival. Work with a whirlwind of materials—not just paint, but feathers, glitter, and trimmings—to create something that’s truly and uniquely yours.

Explore the intricacies of two famed Italian handicrafts on a fully guided day trip from Venice to the nearby islands of Murano and Burano with a group of up to 22 people. Watch centuries-old glassblowing techniques in Murano, and marvel at the detailed stitches of exquisite Burano lace. Your knowledgeable guide will share the history of these two artisan islands while you visit local workshops and wander the picturesque streets.

Begin your experience with a private boat transfer from select hotels in San Marco or San Polo. Enjoy a scenic cruise along Venice’s iconic canals as you head toward a historic mask studio—a smooth, stress-free start to your creative adventure. At the studio, step into the world of Venetian mask making. Observe skilled artisans demonstrate time-honored techniques, from shaping delicate papier-mâché to applying vibrant, intricate details. Then, roll up your sleeves and craft your own mask, following a clear, step-by-step process that connects you with centuries of local tradition. This workshop offers a hands-on encounter with Venice’s rich artistic heritage. From the memorable boat ride to the creative session at the studio, every moment is designed to engage your senses and leave you with a unique, personal memento of your time in Venice.

What makes this experience unique is first and foremost the location: Palazzo Soranzo, an authentic Venetian historic palace overlooking Campo San Polo, also linked to the history of Giacomo Casanova, who in his memoirs recounts his encounters with the senator Matteo Bragadin right at Palazzo Soranzo. In this setting you will enter a suggestive Venetian atelier dedicated to masks. You can choose your papier-mâché mask and customize it with colors accompanied by the expert. The experience thus unites Venetian history, creativity, and tradition in about 120 minutes. At the end, you will take with you something much more personal than a souvenir: a Venetian mask decorated by you inside a palace that preserves the stories and atmosphere of Casanova's Venice.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Venice's historic carnival with a unique costume photoshoot tailored just for your group. Start by visiting the studio, where you can select from an array of stunning outfits and masks, ensuring you look the part. Once dressed, a professional photographer will guide you through the picturesque canals and charming streets, capturing high-quality images against the backdrop of Venice’s timeless beauty. You also have the option to include some photos in your everyday attire for variety. Within five working days, enjoy access to your personal online gallery to download your professionally edited images. Private photoshoot experience tailored for your group Choose from a selection of costumes and masks in the studio Professional photographer guides you through scenic locations Receive a link to an online gallery with downloadable images within five days

You don’t have to brave Venice in February to enjoy the magic of Carnival. Capture yourself against six different settings and backgrounds with a range of dresses, masks, hats, and feathers at a studio in the heart of Venice. Create fun videos and photos to share online or print out—it’s the perfect activity for when history and art gets a little much.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting Venice Carnival with an exclusive gala dinner held in a historic theater. Experience the vibrant atmosphere filled with lavish costumes and enjoy a spectacular musical cabaret show while savoring a delectable 4-course meal. Kick off the evening with a welcome drink and indulge in complimentary face painting before the grand performances. Suitable for all ages, this event features top-tier dancers, singers, and musicians, all set against the backdrop of ornate interiors. Delight in a menu that includes a starter, two main courses, dessert, water, and half a bottle of wine, all while surrounded by the magic of Venice. - Celebrate Venice Carnival with a gala dinner and cabaret show - Enjoy a 4-course meal with water and half a bottle of wine included - Marvel at extravagant costumes and performances by talented artists.

The collection includes works by 18th‑century masters up to PABLO PICASSO, JEAN COCTEAU, MARC CHAGALL and many others, all united by the fascinating theme of the Venice Carnival

Exciting nightlife in Venice can be hard to find. This carnival pub crawl lets you dress in period costume and follow your small group from the Ca' Rezzonico Museum to three local bars—known as bacari in the local dialect. At each bar, sample local wine with cicchetti, typical Venetian small plates similar to tapas, and enjoy a masked party night atmosphere.

Learn about Venetian history through the lens of its lavish Carnival celebrations and the life of Giacomo Casanova. Follow your costumed guide through Venice’s historic quarters, visiting landmarks like Teatro La Fenice and the historic Casinò. Hear stories of secrets and scandals before ending with a hot chocolate and frittella Carnival sweet at a coffee shop in charming Campo Santo Stefano.

Many people come to Venice to sightsee and miss out on the Floating City’s nightlife. For a special experience, book an entertaining evening out at the cabaret. A grand magic show, musical performers, and dancers keep you entertained while you dine on a three-course dinner with Italian wine. Choose from among three different menus; a welcome cocktail is included.

Experience the magic of the Venice Carnival all year around on a private tour of the Old Town. Explore San Marco and San Polo and hear the legends of the bauta mask and the Plague Doctor. Extended option: paint your own Venetian mask. Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs and interests: 2-hour: Venice Carnival Tour Choose this option to discover the traditions of the Venice Carnival and see St. Mark's Square, Torre dell'Orologio, Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, and more. 3-hour: Venice Carnival Tour & Mask-making Workshop Choose this option to do a 1-hour mask workshop and go on a 2-hour walking tour to discover the traditions of the Venice Carnival and see St. Mark's Square and Rialto. Do you know why people put on elaborate masks when celebrating the annual Carnival of Venice? Get a first-hand experience of local culture and discover the history and traditions of the most famous masquerade ball in the world on a private tour of The City of Masks.

Learn about the fascinating history of the Venetian Carnival on this interactive experience. Led by a local, you’ll explore the city as you learn about the traditions, legends and, of course, masks that make Carnival such an iconic event for the city. You’ll visit an ‘atelier’ (or dressmaking workshop) to see exquisite handmade costumes and handcrafted masks, with an option to wear the Carnival outfits and have photographs taken.

When visiting Venice during Carnival, break away from the crowds and explore the city’s rich past in an unusual way with a traveling performance. A costumed actor from the renowned Pantakin company brings to life the medieval traditions of the ‘Codega,’ leading visitors on an entertaining walking route through the city’s backstreets and legends.

Venice is famed for its colorful Carnival, which is best experienced in the company of a guide who can explain its intricacies. This private tour, exclusively for your party, introduces you to the stories behind the masks and colorful costumes and immerses you fully in the festive atmosphere.