The Original Free Walking Tour

Overview

The Original Free Walking Tour sets out from Campo Santi Apostoli, in front of the old well, and spends roughly two hours across eastern Cannaregio and western Castello. It is a GuruWalk walk: a spot costs nothing to reserve, and guests pay the guide what they think the walk was worth at the end. Built as an introduction to the city, it covers the history of Venice, the unusual way the city was constructed, and orientation among the lanes, along with stories about famous Venetians, the origins of Venetian masks, and food and drinks tips.

One thing it is not is a St Mark's Square walk. Reviewers still describe it as a perfect introduction to Venice, and one said it encouraged them to explore a different area of the city. The pace is leisurely rather than rushed, with interesting and funny facts keeping things moving.

The walk runs every day at 11AM and finishes near where it began, which makes planning the rest of the day simple.

Itinerary

1. Meet At Campo Santi ApostoliThe guide meets everyone in front of the old well in Campo Santi Apostoli. If the well is hard to spot, the bar Riccio Peoco marks the spot, and the Ca' D'oro waterbus stop is a 3 minute walk away.
2. Holy Apostles FieldThe walk starts in this campo with an introduction to Venice, its history and the way the city was constructed, before continuing through the eastern part of Cannaregio and the western part of Castello.
3. Campo Dei Santi Giovanni E PaoloA stop at this campo, the second of the stops published on the GuruWalk listing.
4. Campo Santa Maria FormosaThe third stop shown on the GuruWalk listing. The route has 5 stops in total, and only the first 3 appear in the published details.
5. Finish Near The StartThe walk ends near the meeting point after roughly 2 hours at a leisurely pace.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points help before reserving a free spot on the guide's GuruWalk page.

• Leisurely Pace. The GuruWalk listing calls the pace leisurely rather than rushed, and reviewers agree, describing an easy pace and a relaxed attitude.
• Questions Welcome. Reviewers said the guide was open to questions and answered them with ease and completeness. The same feedback praised the presentation and clarity.
• Good First Walk. Reviewers call it a perfect introduction to Venice. The walk covers orientation and the main sights among its topics.
• Food And Drink Tips. The walk includes tips on food and drinks. Keep them in mind for later meals, since nothing beyond the walk itself is included.
• Finding The Start. The meeting point is the old well in Campo Santi Apostoli. If it is hard to find, the bar Riccio Peoco stands there, and the Ca' D'oro waterbus stop is a 3 minute walk away.
• Light And Funny. Reviewers mention interesting and funny facts throughout. Expect an entertaining two hours rather than a dry history lecture.

Common issues. The GuruWalk listing is direct about what the walk does not do: the route skips St Mark's Square and the Rialto bridge, so anyone set on those sights needs a separate plan. Only the first 3 of the route's 5 stops appear on the guide's GuruWalk page, so part of the route stays unknown until the day. No pickup is included. The 2 hour duration is approximate and the pace is leisurely, so leave some slack in the schedule afterwards.

What Visitors Ask Before Reserving