Top Venice Carnival

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.

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 master artisan, you'll use vivid colors and sparkling glitters 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.