Venice: Casanova Charm Carnival Treasure Hunt – A Unique Way to Experience the City
Venice is a city that almost everyone has dreamed of visiting — with its winding canals, iconic bridges, and centuries of stories. This Casanova Charm Carnival Treasure Hunt offers a fresh take on exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site. For $109, you’ll spend about two hours walking through Venice’s most picturesque spots, guided more by your curiosity and clues than by a typical tour script. Led by a mobile app that turns your smartphone into a treasure map, this experience promises a mix of adventure, history, and creativity.
We particularly like how this tour breaks away from the usual slow-paced, often predictable walking tours. Instead, you’ll be actively engaged in solving riddles and uncovering secrets, which makes exploring feel more like a game — perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends. Two standout features are the chance to visit top landmarks like the Rialto Bridge and the opportunity to paint and personalize your own Venetian mask, which adds an authentic, hands-on element to the day.
A potential consideration is that this tour doesn’t include a guided narration — if you prefer a knowledgeable guide explaining each site in detail, you might find this more of a self-guided adventure. However, if you enjoy a bit of independence with a touch of playful mystery, this experience will suit you well. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who want to see Venice from a different perspective and aren’t afraid to get a little creative.
This treasure hunt is ideal for those who enjoy interactive experiences, want to avoid the typical tourist crowds, and are looking for memorable moments rather than just a checklist of sights. It’s a perfect fit for families, couples, or groups eager to explore Venice’s hidden stories while having fun.
Key Points
- Interactive Experience: Combines a treasure hunt, riddles, and exploration for an engaging way to discover Venice.
- Top Landmarks: Visit the Rialto Bridge, the Grand Canal, and other iconic sites with a focus on hidden corners.
- Authentic Hands-On Activity: Create and personalize your own Venetian mask, adding a personal souvenir.
- Flexible, Self-Guided Format: Utilizes a mobile app and map, ideal for independent explorers.
- Limited Group Size: Max of 15 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.
- Good Value: For $109, you get an active, memorable experience including a mask and mask-painting class.
Planning more time in Venice? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
A Deep Dive into the Venice: Casanova Charm Carnival Treasure Hunt
Venice is a city that easily seduces visitors with its surreal beauty and centuries-old charm. But, let’s face it — wandering aimlessly along the canals can become a little dull after a while, especially if you’re used to guided tours with a lot of narration. This carnival-themed treasure hunt offers a different approach, blending history, fun, and a touch of mystery into a compact two-hour adventure.
For just $109, you gain access to a mobile app that acts as your personal guide, paired with a detailed map to navigate Venice’s labyrinth of streets, bridges, and hidden spots. The tour starts at Casanova Tour Lufthansa City Center near Piazzale Roma, a convenient location close to public transportation, and ends at the Circolo Artistico – Palazzo Delle Prigioni on the Riva degli Schiavoni.
What makes this experience stand out?
First, the interactive treasure hunt aspect brings a sense of adventure. We loved the way you’re prompted to follow cryptic clues and riddles rather than just passively viewing sites. It keeps your mind engaged and turns the city into a giant puzzle. Second, the opportunity to create your own Venetian mask is a highlight — not only do you get a souvenir, but also a chance to get creative in a historic Venetian palace. The mask-painting class, guided by a professional artist, adds an authentic Venetian touch and leaves you with a personalized keepsake.
One possible drawback is that since this isn’t a guided tour with a narrator, some travelers might miss out on detailed historical insights unless they do some research or read up beforehand. However, the app provides anecdotes about Carnival, adding context in a fun way. This tour fits best for travelers who prefer hands-on activities and playful exploration over traditional sightseeing.
Who is this best suited for?
If you’re traveling with family, especially with kids who enjoy games and creative activities, this is a fantastic choice. Couples and groups of friends looking for a memorable, interactive experience will also find it appealing. It’s less about ticking off sights and more about experiencing Venice in a lively, personal manner.
Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary
- Eat Like a Local: 3-hour Venice Small-Group Food Tasting Walking Tour
- Tour of The Real Hidden Venice
- Discover Venice Like a Local: Small Group Cicchetti & Wine Tour
- Murano Glass Experience With a Visit to a Burano Lace Island
- Venice: St Mark’s Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge’s Palace
- Private Excursion by Typical Venetian Motorboat to Murano, Burano and Torcello
Starting Point: Piazzale Roma
The tour kicks off at the Casanova Tour Lufthansa City Center, a central location close to transportation hubs. Here, you’ll receive your mobile app, map, and your carnival mask. This setup ensures everyone is ready to go without complicated instructions.
Discovering Hidden Corners and Iconic Bridges
From here, the treasure hunt leads you through Venice’s narrow streets, away from the crowded main avenues. You’ll explore the three major bridges crossing the Grand Canal: the Constitution Bridge (noted for its modern Calatrava design), the Scalzi Bridge, and the Rialto Bridge, the oldest and most famous of them all. These sites are essential Venice landmarks, but what’s special here is the focus on lesser-known details, such as the hidden Rialto Hunchback (a fun nod to Notre Dame’s famous character) and the Rialto Mercato, Venice’s historic fish market.
Walking through characteristic alleys, you’ll learn amusing anecdotes about Carnival’s history and significance. For example, the app shares stories that bring Venice’s lively past to life, making the experience both educational and entertaining. You might find yourself wandering through streets like Calle dei Botteri, full of local character and picturesque scenes.
The Clues and Photo Challenges
Throughout the hunt, you’ll be prompted to snap photos of at least three highlighted points on your map. These might include beautiful views, quirky details, or historic sites. The act of capturing these moments encourages you to look more closely and notice details you might otherwise overlook.
The Mask Painting Experience
Near the end of the tour, you’ll arrive at a Venetian palace, where a professional mask painter will help you decorate and personalize your mask. This is a real highlight — a chance to create a one-of-a-kind souvenir that captures your personal style. We loved the idea of turning a simple mask into a memorable piece of art, and many reviews mention how much fun this part is.
The Final Destination and Legends of Casanova
The last stop is at the Doges Palace, specifically at the Prigioni (prison) wing, linked via the famous Bridge of Sights. This location is steeped in Venetian legend, with many believing Casanova himself was imprisoned here. The atmosphere in this historic building is heightened by the stories and legends, making it a fitting place to conclude your treasure hunt.
The Experience Provider and What’s Included
CITY TOURS CO. LTD offers this adventure, providing a mobile app, detailed map, and a Venetian carnival mask to take home. Plus, your ticket includes a 20-minute mask-decoration class, which adds a creative flourish to the day. This makes the tour not just a sightseeing activity but a mini art workshop.
What’s not included? Guided narration, food, drinks, or hotel pickup — making this a flexible, independent experience. You’re free to explore at your own pace, which can be a plus or minus depending on your travel style.
Practical Details
The tour can accommodate up to 15 travelers, ensuring a cozy, manageable group. It’s confirmed immediately upon booking, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind.
Is It Worth the Price?
At $109, this experience offers excellent value for money. It combines sightseeing, interactive fun, cultural insights, and a personalized souvenir — all in a compact two hours. For those who dislike traditional walking tours or want a more engaging way to explore Venice, this treasure hunt is a smart choice.
It’s especially appealing if you want to avoid overly crowded, scripted tours and prefer a more playful, hands-on approach. Plus, the inclusion of the mask painting makes it a memorable keepsake, not just a fleeting moment.
Final Thoughts
For travelers seeking a unique Venetian experience that balances history, fun, and creativity, the Casanova Charm Carnival Treasure Hunt hits the mark. It successfully transforms the typical sightseeing walk into an interactive game, making it perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends who love a bit of adventure.
While it might not appeal if you’re looking for a deep historical narration or guided commentary, it compensates with its memorable activities and the chance to craft a personal mask. The tour’s focus on hidden corners and iconic bridges, combined with the playful clues, ensures you’ll discover Venice in a way few other tours can offer.
In a city brimming with beauty and stories, this experience offers a refreshing, lively perspective that will leave you with more than just photos — it leaves you with stories, a mask, and a genuine sense of fun.
FAQ
What is included in the tour?
You get access to a mobile app, a detailed map, one carnival mask, and a 20-minute mask decoration class. It’s a self-guided treasure hunt designed to be interactive and creative.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Casanova Tour Lufthansa City Center near Piazzale Roma and concludes at the Circolo Artistico – Palazzo Delle Prigioni on Riva degli Schiavoni.
How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a perfect short activity to fit into a day of sightseeing.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews note that children especially enjoy creating their masks and participating in the treasure hunt.
Do I need any prior knowledge of Venice?
No, the app provides clues and stories to guide you; no prior knowledge is necessary.
Can I do this alone or with a group?
It’s designed for small groups, up to 15 travelers, but you can also do it solo or as a family unit.
Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
Does the tour include guided narration?
No, it’s a self-guided experience with an app, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Is there any transportation involved?
No, the tour is walkable, starting near public transportation hubs, but does not include transport.
If you’re looking for a lively, memorable way to experience Venice beyond the usual, this treasure hunt offers a creative, engaging, and authentic taste of the city’s spirit and stories.
More Tour Reviews in Venice
- Venice: Jewish Ghetto Walking Tour with Synagogues Visit
- Private Photo Shoot & walking tour
- Private 2-hour Walking Tour of Accademia Gallery in Venice with private guide
- 3-hour Best of Venice Highlights Private Walking Tour
- Venice Photography Workshop: The City Through an Artists Eye
- Transfer services from Venice to Florence or Bellagio or Como.
More Venice experiences we've covered
- Venice: Jewish Ghetto Walking Tour with Synagogues Visit
- Private Photo Shoot & walking tour
- Private 2-hour Walking Tour of Accademia Gallery in Venice with private guide
- 3-hour Best of Venice Highlights Private Walking Tour
- Venice Photography Workshop: The City Through an Artists Eye
- Transfer services from Venice to Florence or Bellagio or Como.
- Authentic Venetian Cooking Classes
- Venice Landmarks: Walking Tour Plus St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace Tours
- VIP Doge’s Palace Secret Passages & Casanova Prison Tour
- Private Dolomites Day Trip from Venice by Mercedes Van
- Prosecco Hills Wine and Cheese Gourmet Discovery by Yellowboot
- Tastes & Traditions of Venice: Food Tour with Rialto Market Visit