Venice, Dorsoduro, Ca’Foscari University & More Walking Tour

Start the tour outside Ca’ Foscari University, a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture that has sculpted the identity of Dorsoduro. Ever since 1868, Ca' Foscari palace has been home to Ca' Foscari University, an institution that has attracted artists, academics, merchants and students to the area.

Stroll into Campo Santa Margherita, a fantastic market square during the day and the perfect place to grab a drink by night. Head over to the Varoteri school, a strange building that has been the Headquarters of the local tanners and leather makers in the 1700s, then later a store for firewood, then a cinema and then in the 1930s, but it’s most bizarre incarnation was a centre of education for fascist mysticism!

Walk over Ponte dei Pugni (the Bridge of Fists) and into Campo San Barnaba to see its stunning church. Learn about Venice’s warring gangs and a couple of appearances the city has had in classic films.

Weave down Ca'Macana as we learn about the beautiful craft of mask making. A mask is a sure-fire way to do whatever you want without it affecting your day-to-day business. It also meant every man and woman were equal… you could live as a prince for a night.

Poke your head inside Al Casin dei Nobili (the House of the Nobles), one of the best restaurants in the neighbourhood. Venice is, of course, known for its fish and seafood, dredged fresh from the lagoon and this restaurant works wonders with these ingredients. Linguini all vongole (fresh clams), or maybe a grilled seabream.

Stop by the waterside at Squero di San Trovaso, one of the working boatyards where Venice's famous gondolas are built.

Grab a bottle of vintage wine from the marvellous Cantine del Vino gia Schiavi.

Visit the Gallerie dell’Accademia, home to masterpieces from Veronese and Giorgione to Bellini and Carpaccio. There are six renaissance artists who absolutely defined Venice and its culture: Bellini, Veronese, Giorgione, Tintoretto, Titian and Carpaccio.

Learn about Peggy Guggenheim at her spectacular collection, featuring works from Picasso and Kandinsky to DuChamp and Dali.

Finish the tour at the majestic Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, Venice's plague church. This church was built after a terrible plague ravaged Venice, one of many waves that would come here: as a centre of trade, Venice was incredibly vulnerable. The city founded plague churches with the express desire to ask the Madonna to deliver us from this scourge where people died in their thousands. The most famous of which is this beautiful church right here.