Escape the crowds and learn about the enchanting world of Venice’s Royal Gardens. This one-hour experience offers a chance to indulge in a Venetian spritz and savor local tapas while admiring the iconic views of St. Mark’s Basin. Nestled in a former greenhouse, the charming illy café sets the stage for a memorable afternoon, but reviews suggest service and offerings may not always meet expectations. Explore the tranquil gardens and uncover the secrets that lie within this hidden gem.
Key Points
- This activity offers a typical Venetian aperitif experience at the scenic St. Mark Basin and Royal Garden, lasting approximately 1 hour.
- Participants can enjoy 1 Venetian spritz and a mix of Venetian tapas and snacks during the activity, with pricing starting from $16.19 per person.
- The activity takes place at the illy café, a former greenhouse near Piazza San Marco, providing a delightful setting with natural light and stunning sunset views.
- While the venue is wheelchair accessible, the activity may not be suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues due to standing and walking.
- Based on limited customer feedback, the activity has an overall rating of 2.1 out of 5, with reports of poor service and discrepancies between advertised offerings and actual provisions.
Activity Overview
The activity overview offers visitors the chance to experience a typical Venetian aperitif in the scenic setting of the St. Mark Basin and Royal Garden.
Lasting approximately one hour, the experience includes one Venetian spritz and a mix of Venetian tapas and snacks. Priced from $16.19 per person, the activity can be booked with a pay later option and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Located at the illy café, a former greenhouse near Piazza San Marco, the activity provides stunning views of the iconic basin and colorful gardens, enhancing the authentic Venetian atmosphere.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Venice.
Highlights and Features
Visitors can enjoy a typical Venetian aperitif in a scenic location, with stunning views of the St. Mark Basin and the colorful Royal Gardens. The experience includes 1 Venetian spritz and a mix of Venetian tapas and snacks. Plus, guests will have access to a mobile app with 6 curated itineraries and 200 points of interest to enhance their Venetian adventure.
| Feature | Description |
|———|————-|
| Aperitif | Typical Venetian spritz |
| Snacks | Mix of Venetian tapas and snacks |
| App | 6 itineraries and 200 points of interest |
| Views | Stunning vistas of St. Mark Basin and Royal Gardens |
Venue Description
The experience takes place at the illy café, a former greenhouse located near Piazza San Marco.
This unique venue boasts natural light and stunning sunset views over the San Marco Basin. The café’s atmosphere enhances the experience of enjoying a refreshing Venetian spritz.
With its former greenhouse design, the illy café provides a delightful setting for visitors to savor the local aperitif while taking in the scenic views of the Royal Gardens and the iconic St. Mark’s Basin.
The venue’s tranquil ambiance allows guests to fully enjoy the quintessential Venetian experience.
Accessibility and Restrictions
Though the illy café is wheelchair accessible, the experience may not be suitable for pregnant women.
The activity also has the following restrictions:
-
Alcoholic beverages aren’t served to individuals under 18 years of age.
-
The activity may not be appropriate for those with mobility issues, as it involves standing and walking through the gardens.
-
Participants should be aware of the potential for inclement weather, as the experience takes place primarily outdoors.
Customer Feedback
According to the available reviews, the overall rating for this experience is a disappointing 2.1 out of 5 based on 8 customer evaluations.
Common complaints include poor service, unresponsive staff, and discrepancies between the offerings advertised and what was actually provided, such as closed gardens and missing items.
Prospective customers are advised to carefully consider these potential issues before booking, as the reviews suggest the Venetian spritz experience may not live up to expectations in its current state.
- Tour of The Real Hidden Venice
- Venice: St Marks Basilica After-Hours Tour With Optional Doges Palace
- Murano Glass Experience With a Visit to a Burano Lace Island
- Venice Sightseeing Walking Tour With a Local Guide
- Eat, Drink and Repeat: Wine Tasting Tour in Venice
- I Musici Veneziani Concert: Vivaldi Four Seasons
The Venetian Spritz Experience
Enjoying a classic Venetian spritz in the scenic surroundings of the St. Mark Basin and Royal Garden is a quintessential Venetian experience.
Enjoying a classic Venetian spritz in the scenic surroundings of the St. Mark Basin and Royal Garden is a quintessential Venetian experience.
The experience includes:
-
One Venetian spritz, a refreshing aperitif made with Aperol, prosecco, and soda water.
-
A mix of traditional Venetian tapas and snacks to pair with the spritz.
-
The opportunity to take in the stunning views of the iconic St. Mark’s Basin and the vibrant colors of the Royal Garden.
This 1-hour experience allows visitors to enjoy the local culture and ambiance of Venice while indulging in a beloved Venetian tradition.
Exploring the Royal Gardens
Nestled adjacent to the iconic St. Mark’s Basin, the Royal Gardens offer a serene respite from the bustling crowds.
Strolling through the verdant pathways, visitors can admire the vibrant flowers and well-manicured hedges that line the tranquil grounds. The garden’s historical significance adds to the experience, as it was once the private domain of the Venetian nobility.
Today, the Royal Gardens provide a picturesque setting for the Venetian spritz experience, allowing guests to soak in the city’s captivating atmosphere while savoring the traditional aperitif.
With its natural beauty and stunning views, the Royal Gardens are a must-visit during any Venetian exploration.
Capturing the Scenic Views
Where better to capture the scenic views of Venice than from the St. Mark Basin and the Royal Gardens?
Offering stunning vistas, this quintessential Venetian experience is a must-do.
Offering stunning vistas, this quintessential Venetian experience is a must-do.
Here’s what visitors can expect:
-
Panoramic views of the iconic St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, with the shimmering lagoon as the backdrop.
-
Colorful gardens and lush greenery, creating a serene oasis amidst the bustling city.
-
Picturesque sunsets that paint the basin in warm hues, making for breathtaking photo opportunities.
Combining this visual delight with the classic Venetian spritz, this experience promises an unforgettable taste of la dolce vita.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for This Experience?
There’s no formal dress code for this experience. Casual, comfortable clothing is recommended as the event takes place in an outdoor setting. Visitors should dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared to stand or walk around.
Can I Bring My Own Drinks or Snacks?
No, bringing your own drinks or snacks is not allowed. The experience includes a Venetian spritz and Venetian tapas and snacks, so outside food and beverages are not permitted. The venue policies must be followed to participate in this activity.
Are Pets Allowed During the Experience?
Pets are not allowed during the aperitif experience. The activity description specifies it’s not suitable for pets, and the venue is likely a public space where bringing animals may not be permitted. Guests should leave their pets at home for this experience.
Is There an Age Limit for This Activity?
There’s an age limit for this activity – alcoholic beverages are not served to individuals under 18 years old. The experience is not suitable for pregnant women either.
How Much Time Should I Allocate for This Experience?
According to the information provided, the Venetian spritz experience lasts approximately 1 hour. You’ll have ample time to enjoy the scenic views and sample the Venetian tapas and snacks included in the activity.
The Wrap Up
The "Venice: Royal Garden & St. Mark Basin View Casanova Aperitif" offers a charming Venetian experience, blending a refreshing spritz, local tapas, and stunning views of the iconic basin and gardens. However, visitors should consider the mixed customer feedback regarding service and offerings before booking. This activity provides a memorable opportunity to take in the authentic Venetian atmosphere.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tour Reviews in Venice
- Museum of Leonardo da Vinci’s working machines
- Venice: Cicchetti Street Food and Sightseeing Walking Tour
- Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s & Gondola Ride + Optional Add-Ons
- Venice: Guided Boat Tour to Murano and Glass Blowing
- Sunset in Venice: Private Boat Aperitif
- Doge’s Palace & St. Marks Basilica Guided Tour in Venice
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Venice we have reviewed
- Museum of Leonardo da Vinci’s working machines
- Venice: Cicchetti Street Food and Sightseeing Walking Tour
- Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s & Gondola Ride + Optional Add-Ons
- Venice: Guided Boat Tour to Murano and Glass Blowing
- Sunset in Venice: Private Boat Aperitif
- Doge’s Palace & St. Marks Basilica Guided Tour in Venice
- Venice: “Titizé – A Venetian Dream” Show Ticket
- Venice: Rialto Market Food Tour with 3 Tastings
- Venice: Private Evening Stroll with VIP Entry to St. Mark’s
- Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica Guided Tour and Terrace Option
- Venice: Murano & Burano Guided Glass Tour by Private Boat
- Venice: Opera Concert at Casanova Prisons in St. Mark Square