VENICE, FRANKINCENSE AND MYRRH! A JOURNEY ON AROMATICS TRADE

VENICE, FRANKINCENSE AND MYRRH! A JOURNEY ON AROMATICS TRADE
Location: Veneto, Italy
Price: $29 per person
Supplier: ANBESA SRL

If you’re wandering through Venice and looking for a unique experience that combines history, smells, and stories of trade, this tour offers an intriguing peek into the city’s ancient role as a hub for spices and aromatics. For just $29, you’ll spend a couple of hours exploring how Venice became a merchant powerhouse through fragrant commodities from the Middle and Far East. Led by passionate guides in the intimate setting of the Anbesa showroom, it’s a hands-on journey that’s as educational as it is sensory.

We love that this tour not only tells a compelling story about Venice’s spice trade — one that shaped its wealth and cultural identity — but also gives you the chance to smell and experience authentic raw materials that once traveled across vast routes. The olfactory component, where you get to breathe in frankincense, myrrh, sandalwood, and more, makes history feel surprisingly tangible. On the flip side, the tour’s focus on aromatic raw materials might be less ideal for those seeking a broad sightseeing experience. It’s best suited for travelers interested in history, perfumes, or who simply love fragrant adventures.

This experience is perfect if you’re curious about Venice’s merchant history beyond the typical landmarks. It appeals especially to those eager to understand the city’s trade networks, or anyone wanting a sensory break from the crowds. If you appreciate guided stories with a touch of scent and a dash of authenticity, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Authentic Aromatic Experience: Smell and learn about raw materials like frankincense, myrrh, sandalwood, and benzoin.
• Deep Dive into Venice’s Trade: Discover how Venice’s strategic position fueled its role in global spice routes.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable hosts share stories that bring the history of aromatics to life.
• Interactive & Tactile: Get up close with the raw materials; it’s a sensory journey, not just a lecture.
• Cultural & Practical Insights: Learn about how these aromatics were used in medicine, cosmetics, and religious rituals.
• Flexible Booking: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

Meeting Point & Atmosphere

The tour kicks off at the San Samuele water bus stop, a central and accessible spot in Venice. Look for the guide’s sign — “ANBESA-THE INCENSE KINGDOM” — which hints at the fragrant adventure ahead. Entering the Anbesa showroom feels like stepping into a real incense kingdom, filled with jars, containers, and a thousand years of aromatic history.

This setting immediately sets a tone of authenticity. The hosts, who are proud Venetians, have dedicated over 20 years to researching, importing, and trading these raw materials, making them truly passionate about sharing their knowledge. You won’t find a sterile shop here; instead, it’s a curated collection that feels like a journey through a merchant’s storeroom, packed with exotic scents and stories.

The Historical Context

The first part of the tour immerses you in Venice’s orientalist past. Your guide will explain why Venice became a major player in the spice trade, thanks to its position as a bridge between East and West. You’ll learn about Stato da Terra e Stato da Mar — the land and sea territories that made Venice a maritime and trading empire.

Highlights include the Arsenale, the historic shipyards, and Venice’s place on the Silk, Spice, and Frankincense routes. The guides emphasize how Venice’s merchant class imported these precious raw materials, not just for wealth but for use in medicine, cosmetics, religious rituals, and art.

Olfactory Journey

The second part is where your senses come alive. The hosts will guide you through a selection of fragrant raw materials, drawing from their extensive Incensarium collection. Expect to smell frankincense, with its resinous, calming aroma, or myrrh, with its warm, slightly spicy scent. Other scents include Sandalwood, Storax, Benzoin, Mastic, Colophony, and Copal.

The experience is tactile and aromatic, helping you understand what made these materials so sought after. For example, you might find that benzoin has a sweet, balsamic smell that was used both in perfumes and religious offerings. The guides will share insights into their origins, uses, and their significance in different cultures.

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Authenticity & Expertise

What sets this tour apart is the depth of knowledge from guides who are genuinely passionate. Many reviews mention how “the guides are very knowledgeable”, making the complex history of trade, botany, and perfumery accessible and engaging. They’re able to answer questions about the origins of each aroma and explain how Venice’s trade routes facilitated their import.

Group Size & Duration

The tour is designed to be intimate, allowing plenty of time for questions and interaction. Duration is roughly two hours, making it a manageable addition to a busy day wandering Venice’s streets. The price point of $29 provides excellent value considering the depth of historical context and the sensory experience.

Practical Considerations

Since the tour is held at the Anbesa showroom, it’s indoor, making it weather-proof — a plus during Venice’s unpredictable weather. The flexible booking options — book now, pay later — and the cancellation policy (full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance) make it easy to plan without stress.

Who Will Love This?

This tour is perfect for those curious about Venice’s trade history, lovers of fragrant scents, or anyone seeking a small-group, authentic experience. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate learning through sensory engagement rather than just looking at landmarks.

Final Thoughts

This aromatic journey offers a rare glimpse into Venice’s historical role as a mediator of global trade, using the language of scent and story. It’s a hands-on experience that humanizes the merchants and cultures behind these precious materials. For just $29, you gain not just knowledge but a richer appreciation of Venice’s potent history of commerce.

If you’re interested in history, perfumes, or simply enjoy discovering new smells, this tour will surprise and delight you. It’s an enriching way to see Venice through a different lens — one filled with fragrant tales and ancient aromas.

However, if your primary goal is to see Venice’s famous landmarks, this experience complements rather than replaces traditional sightseeing. It’s an ideal add-on for those who want to deepen their understanding of Venice’s merchant past in a cozy, fragrant setting.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s designed as an adult experience, especially because of the focus on scents, but older children with curiosity about history or perfumes might enjoy it too.

Do I need to be particularly interested in perfumes or history?
Not necessarily. If you love smells or are curious about Venice’s past, you’ll find this tour engaging.

How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately two hours long, making it a manageable and enriching activity during your Venice visit.

Can I book the tour last-minute?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour accessible in different languages?
Yes, it’s offered in Italian and English, catering to a broad range of travelers.

What should I wear or bring?
Just dress comfortably; no special gear is needed. Be prepared to smell and discuss aromatic raw materials.

Are the raw materials real and authentic?
Yes, the hosts have over 20 years of experience working with these aromatic raw materials, ensuring authenticity.

Where exactly does the tour start and end?
It begins at the San Samuele water bus stop and ends back there, making it easy to incorporate into your day.

Is there a minimum group size?
The information suggests a small, personal experience, but specific details on group size aren’t provided.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, offering flexible planning.

This fragrant journey through Venice’s spice trade history offers a compelling blend of stories and scents. It’s a small investment for a memorable, sensory-rich experience that deepens your appreciation of Venice as a centuries-old trading crossroads. Whether you’re a history buff, a perfume enthusiast, or simply curious, you’ll find this tour both educational and captivating.

You can check availability for your dates here: