venice carnival photo tour

Venice Carnevale 2025: Experience the Magic – Registration Ends in August 2024

May 22, 2024 | Announcements , News

Venice Carnevale 2025: Experience the Magic

February 28 – March 6, 2025 7 Days

Join us for an eagerly anticipated Venice Carnival Photo Tour and Cultural Adventure in February 2025! The word “grandeur” scarcely captures the splendor of this vibrant spring pageant. Part of our esteemed PWA festival tours, this highly sought-after event is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Originating in 1162, the Venice Carnival has been meticulously preserved and celebrated for its cultural significance. After nearly two centuries of dormancy, the carnival was resurrected in 1979 by the Italian government, emphasizing its vital role in upholding the nation’s traditional legacy. From grand masked balls to gondola rides and richly adorned parades, the carnival exudes opulence and allure. The crowning event, the Minuet Grand Ball on the final night, held in a 14th-century Palace illuminated by candlelight, is an experience like no other.

For photographers, the carnival offers a wealth of captivating subjects. Participants adorned in exquisite costumes eagerly pose, enhancing the photographic opportunities. Many of the masks and costumes are deeply rooted on Venetian history. Capture the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets against the backdrop of elaborate costumes and masks, adding drama to your shots.

Our Venice Carnival photo tour stands out as we add spontaneous exploration of the carnival and its surroundings. Whether you’re captivated by the festivities or the architectural marvels, Venice promises an unforgettable experience. Spend hours photographing the awe-inspiring architecture of St. Mark’s Square, a testament to Venetian grandeur. Notable palaces, featured in iconic films such as James Bond, the Italian Job, and the Tourist, add to the spectacle.

Beyond the carnival, we’ll delve into the heart of Venice, capturing its essence. Explore bustling markets, tranquil boatyards, and vibrant fishing communities. A visit to San Giorgio Maggiore Island presents opportunities for landscape photography and a glimpse of iconic sites like the Palladian church. The vividly colored houses of Burano offer a picturesque backdrop, showcasing the island’s unique charm.

Due to its high demand, especially among photographers, registration for this exclusive tour closes in August 2024. With only four spots remaining out of eight, secure your place soon. Rest assured, our carefully selected hotels offer prime locations for your convenience.

Don’t miss this chance to experience and photograph the Venice Carnival , along with the captivating allure of Venice itself. From its people and cuisine to its rich culture and art, Venice awaits your exploration at its peak during this extraordinary time. 

Check the Availability for the VENICE CARNIVAL Tour

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PWA Leader Roman Martin

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Carnival in Venice

February 23 - march 1, 2025.

Jim has made some amazing contacts during the many photo workshops he has conducted in Venice, and this means his groups get unbelievable pictures during this 7-day workshop. We shoot costumed models in a gondola, in a 15th-century palace, in traditional bedroom with Venetian decor, and in other locations that provide stunning backgrounds.  You will be breathless after each day of shooting simply because the outrageous costumes, the colors, and the medieval backdrops will afford you the best pictures you’ve ever taken in Europe.

This trip sells out so fast that people get upset with me when they can't get a space.  Therefore, if you really want to join Jim in Venice during carnival, please don't wait to sign up.

Venice is a wonderful and romantic place to visit any time during the year, but during Carnival it is unbelievable.  Set in a medieval environment with stunning architecture and history behind every door is a festival that photographers just shouldn’t miss.  Hundreds of people compete with each other for the most outrageous and creative costumes imaginable.  The colors are breathtaking and the imagination of the designers knows no bounds.  However many pictures you think you will take at this event, multiply that by at least ten.  Your camera will be smoking on a daily basis! 

In addition to the many costumed people to photograph in San Marco Square and elsewhere in Venice, we will also have several private sessions where we will have models in full costume for private shoots and under our direction.  The model shoots will be in different locations, including a 15th century palace, a 19th century palace, a private hotel room with stunning decor, a gondola shoot, and Burano Island which is famous for it’s amazing colorful architecture.

You arrive in Venice on Feb. 23 at the Marco Polo Airport in Venice (airport code VCE).  If you want to arrive one day early, let Jim know and he can reserve an extra night for you (at your expense) so you can recover from jet lag.  We meet for the first time as a group in the lobby of our hotel at 4pm on the 23rd for a slide show and an orientation to the workshop.  Departure from Venice is on March 1 at any time.

HIGHLIGHTS of the PHOTO WORKSHOP

– Spectacular photography of costumed carnival participants

– Private gondola shoot

– Session with models in a 16th century palace

– Twilight photography of famous Venetian architecture

-- Interior photography of the famous La Fenice theater

– Critique sessions of your work

– Discussion of Photoshop techniques to enhance your images

– One of the best travel experiences you’ll ever have

Among the many topics Jim will cover in the informal lectures are:

1. How to shoot people

2. How to protect the highlights from blowing out in your pictures

3. The RAW workflow

4. Composition techniques

5. Professionally replacing backgrounds in Photoshop

6. How to expose your images successfully at twilight

7. Creatively using extreme wide angle lenses

8.. How to clean your sensor

9.  How to use off-camera flash 

10. Understanding white balance

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The only options for travel within Venice are by foot and by boat. Expect the weather to be cold so bring a very warm jacket, gloves, and hat. A color eBooklet will be sent to you about four months prior to departure, and this includes a list of recommended gear, the hotel contact information, weather issues, private water taxi transfer from the airport information, and more.  While you will be shooting every day, time is set aside for photo instruction as well as critiques.  If you don’t want to travel with a laptop, you can load your images on Jim's computer for the critiques.

If you want time to explore Venice on your own, you'll have that opportunity. Jim can recommend some excellent places to see and to photograph.

SKILL LEVEL

The workshop is open to people of all skill levels and experience.  If you are not familiar with the basic principles of photography, let Jim know and he can give you some instruction by phone prior to the trip or spend quiet time in the hotel lobby to go over the basics. If you have purchased a new camera, make sure you are familiar with its controls.  You don't want to be fumbling with buttons and menus during carnival. Everyone should bring the instruction manual for their camera.

Duration:  7 days, six nights

Tour cost:    $4750 based on double occupancy

Single supplement:    $825 (to have your own room)

Includes:  All lodging (accommodation in double rooms) , all breakfasts, welcome and farewell dinners, transportation from the airport to the hotel by private taxi if you arrive on February 23 (if you arrive early, you must make your way to the hotel on your own per Jim's very clear directions), a week-long Venice public water taxi pass, entrance fee and photo fee for La Fenice, photo instruction, models, critiques of your work.

Not included:  International transportation to Venice, alcoholic beverages, tips, private water taxi directly from the airport to the hotel if you choose that option.  A visa is not required to visit Italy for American, European, and Canadian citizens.

Please note:  

This photo workshop involves a lot of walking.  You will be given a pass that's good for one week so you can use any of the public water taxis (they circulate on the main canal every 8 to 10 minutes), and that will reduce the amount of walking you'll need to do.  However, many of the shooting locations are in places where the public taxis don't conveniently go. In addition, there are many steps to negotiate on the bridges that cross the canals.  Therefore, if you have any physical issues making it difficult to walk or climb steps, please contact Jim so you and he can discuss the matter.

Download the Tour Registration Form:

Venice carnival photography tour, february 22nd to february 28th – maximum 6 participants.

7 Days – 6 nights

Venice is one of the most beautiful and unique cities in the world. Each year, during the Carnival festival, Venice comes alive as amazing models in ornate masks and incredible costumes descend upon the city to be admired and photographed. I am very excited to be leading this workshop again. This will be my 10th Carnival and I have been fortunate to form some wonderful friendships with many of the beautiful models, which will allow our group to have several opportunities for private shoots in locations away from the crowds.

The Venice Carnival Workshop is different from most tours in that there is no itinerary from the standpoint of Day 1, Day 2, etc. The weather changes, opportunities for private shoots arise, and our models often appear in specific areas throughout the week. Although some shoots will be pre-arranged long in advance, we will adjust our schedule on the fly in order to get the most out of our time there.

• Carnival model in a palace ballroom and on an incredible grand staircase
• Private shoot with masked model in a gondola
• Carnival models that congregate in the plaza at dusk and sunrise… the best time of day in Venice and the least crowded
• Burano Island, we enjoy a private water taxi from the main island… a truly amazing place with rows of colorful houses, bridges and canals
• Models in front of San Gorgio palace at sunset – weather permitting
• I also know some great lesser known city locations and will arrange some shoots away from the crowds
• City shots, windows and textures for stand-alone images and compositing

I will also lead sessions on:

• Composition, including “breaking the rules”
• Basic Lightroom and Photoshop
• Nik Filters
• Some basic steps to compositing – I will also supply a PDF document with step by step instructions for you to take home with you so you can follow along and practice these steps.

SKILL LEVEL AND EQUIPMENT:

Although experience is an obvious advantage, this workshop is open to photographers of all skill levels. In fact, it is a great opportunity to learn! I have a low instructor-to-participant ratio and will do more than just get you to the right locations… I will assist you with composition and shooting, for those interested. At minimum, you will want to be familiar with your camera dials and functions – such as ISO, Shutter Speed and Aperture Controls.

You will want lenses in the wide-angle and portrait range.. Additionally, an on-camera flash is important for adding a touch of light to the models. An off-camera flash/trigger combination can be useful in certain situations but is optional. Bring your laptop with Photoshop, Lightroom or Bridge. Nik Filters will also be important for post-processing sessions. Bring enough memory cards… I suggest at least 100 gigs or more. Extra camera batteries are always a good idea. And, of course, bring a tripod.

TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS:

2025 Making your air arrangements. The workshop begins at 6:00pm on February 22, 2025 with a group welcome dinner. The workshop ends on February 28, 2025 after an optional sunrise shoot and breakfast in the morning. You can make your ongoing travel arrangements for any time on February 28, 2025. Please note that airport transportation costs to and from hotel is included if you are arriving on the dates of the beginning and end of tour. Should you wish to choose to arrive outside of tour dates, airport transfers will be at your own expense.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

As you probably already know, you can’t drive around Venice. So, we’ll be walking a fair amount and taking the public water taxis. Some of the walking will be up and down stairs when crossing Venice’s bridges. Additionally, the weather can be a bit chilly or cold in February, but usually not cold enough to snow.

DETAILS AND TOUR COSTS:

Important – See “Tour Policies” for information on payments due and refund policy.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE :

• Accommodations
• Breakfasts at hotel
• Welcome dinner – alcohol at own expense
• Farewell dinner – alcohol at own expense
• Transport from/to airport by public bus for those arriving and departing on start and finish tour dates (otherwise airport transfers are at own expense)
• One week public water taxi
• Fees for arranged shoots including entrance to museums and palaces
• Photo instruction & critiques.

If you prefer a private water taxi from/to the airport, I can arrange this for an additional fee charged by water taxi company

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE :

• Airfare to and from Venice
• Transportation to/from the airport on any other day than the first/last day of the tour
• Meals other than those noted
• Passport and visa costs
• Travel insurance – Highly recommended

TOUR POLICIES :

RESPONSIBILITY: A Registration Form including the Acknowledgement of Risk, Waiver and Release of Liability Agreement must be signed by each member at registration, prior to the trip. See the Registration Form for additional details on policy and limitation of liability not included here. Renee Doyle Photography and its Agents act only as agents for the passenger in regard to travel including, but not limited to, sightseeing, meals, lodging, transportation, and all other services whether by railroad, motorcar, motor coach, boat, ship or aircraft and they assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of defect in any vehicle or for any reason whatsoever, or through the acts or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the trip. They can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, volcanic eruption, terrorist acts, political unrest, quarantine or other causes. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger, as trip fees provide for arrangements only for the times and locations stated. Baggage is at the owner’s risk entirely.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

I suggest you purchase emergency medical treatment and travel insurance.

CANCELLATION POLICY :-

Losing money is not fun. For that reason, if you have to cancel for any reason, you will get refunded 100% of the total amount paid (including deposit) in the following two cases ONLY:

1. If you cancel a trip in writing 150 days or more before the departure date, you will get refunded 100% of your payment. 2. If you cancel a trip in writing less than 150 days prior to the trip and the trip sells out completely (including replacing your spot), you will get refunded 100% of your payment.

However, selling the tour out is definitely not a guarantee, especially when you cancel closer to departure. Additionally, if you find someone else (a friend or family member, for example) not yet registered who would like to take your spot, you can transfer your deposit and payments to that person’s registration, provided they qualify for the trip and sign the registration form. Because I incur costs up-front, such as deposits (many non-refundable) for blocks of hotel rooms and local tour operators and transportation, if you have to cancel for any reason (medical or other… any reason) you will receive refunds based on the following sliding scale (all cancellations must be in writing):

• For cancellations 120-149 days before departure date: you will get 75% of your total payments (including deposits) refunded
• For cancellations 90-119 days before departure date: you will get 50% of your total payments (including deposits) refunded
• For cancellations 89 days or less before departure date: you will not get a refund No partial refunds are made for unused portions or services of a trip for any reason.

Italy Photography Workshops

2025 Venice Carnival Small Group Photography Workshop

Sign up in this very small group workshop - maximum 5 guests! - and photograph one of the most unique event worldwide, the Carnival of Venice!

Each year in February Venice becomes the most romantic place on earth as hundreds of extremely skilled artists flood the city to show their colorful masks and the wonderful, sophisticated costumes. They love to be admired and, of course, photographed!

I have been shooting in Venice for more than 20 years and I've attended and photographed the Carnival several times. I am very excited to be leading this workshop again as it's just a fantastic experience, join me there in February 2025, and you will see!

- Six-Day Photography Workshop with Paolo De Faveri -

Venice, italy - february 25th - march 3rd, 2025, tour highlights.

•  Full time in the field guidance and instructions  from a professional landscape and travel photographer with more than fifteen years of experience in international photography tours and workshops; • A very small group size  ensuring the necessary tutor’s attention for each guest; • At least one  image processing session , where we will analyze in details basic and advanced techniques of post-processing •  Inspiration , fun and a great time!

Need to Know

Venice, Italy

February 25th - March 3rd, 2025

6 overnights at the Hotel La Fenice (500 mts. from San Marco square) or similar

3'850 EUR tutoring

+ 1190 EUR ca. for the accommodation (to be paid directly at the hotel's check out)

Medium, a whole lot of walking every day!

Required: DSLR or mirrorless camera, 28-120 mm zoom lens, tripod

Who's for

Open to any photographer interested in landscape and travel photography, whether a beginner or a pro

Limited to  maximum 5 guests

What's Included

• In the field full time tutoring and instructions • Reservation of your single room for 6 nights at the  hotel La Fenice & Des Artistes , with continental breakfast included. You will pay the hotel bill (about 1190 EUR) when you check out. Or, if you prefer, you are free to book your favourite accommodation, provided that it is in a 5 minutes walking range from San Marco square.

• 7 days pass ticket for the waterbus • at least 1 image processing session (a laptop with photo processing software is required)

What's Not Included

• international air travel tickets • cancellation and travel insurance • Venice local tourists tax (approx 4,00 EUR/night pax) • tickets to museums/exhibitions • Everything not specifically listed as included

Payment Terms

A deposit of 1'600 EUR will be required to hold your space in this workshop. The balance will be due not later than 45 days before the start of the tour. You will be provided by email with instructions on how to make the payments.

This workshop is strictly limited to 5 guests , so don't delay. If you've been thinking about a photo workshop at the carnival of Venice then click the button below, fill the form with all the information required and any other information you wish to communicate. You will be contacted back right away with the instructions on how to pay the deposit and make a reservation.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

A workshop during the Carnival in Venice is different from any other tours as there cannot be a detailed, day-by-day itinerary. Since our main focus will be to photograph masks, we will have to be flexible as weather and thus light conditions change, opportunities for private shoots arise, and our masked artist will gather in different places at different days. So we will rather follow the flow. Although I will take care of arranging some shooting session with the models months  in advance, we will still adjust our schedule on the fly in order to get every shooting opportunity that will arise.

The workshop will in any case include:

·  Pre-arranged shooting sessions with models in beautiful locations out of the crowds

·  Shooting sessions with models at dusk and sunrise in San Marco Square, Doge's Palace, Riva degli Schiavoni, which are the places where most of the models show up early in the morning, usually even a hour before sunrise. This is the best time of the day as 99% of tourists are still sleeping!

·  Shooting sessions with models at sunset from the quay of San Giorgio Maggiore, a stunning location as we will be shooting dozens of different artists with the whole Venice skyline in the background, and the sun setting behind.

· At least a visit to Burano, a photographer's paradise with the crazy colors of the houses reflected in the calm waters of the canals, definitely a must visit place, with or without models in costume.

Image Gallery (click to see more pictures)

Required • Tripod • Dslr or mirrorless camera • Enough storage cards for at least 64 GB • A zoom lens covering at least the 28/120 mm range on a full frame sensor, the equivalent on cropped sensors • Camera user's manual Recommended additional/optional items • A very sturdy tripod with panoramic head • Wide angle to normal zoom lens, at least 24/70 mm on a full frame sensor, the equivalent on cropped sensors. Ideally one 16/35 mm and a    28/70 mm • Long tele zoom lens - 70/200mm is enough, 300mm is recommended • Enough storage cards for at least 256 GB • Extra Camera batteries • Photography backpacks come in handy to protect the equipment if it rains and to facilitate transfers from a shooting location to another • polarizer filter • a set of Graduated ND filters, at least a 2 and a 3 stops (it is ideal to have all the range from 1 to 4 stops) • ND filters for long exposures, ideally  one 10 stops and one 6 stop • remote  (or cable) switch • for the image processing session, a laptop with Photoshop and Lightroom

Clothes and Accessories

Winter days in Venice are usually cold and damp, wind may occasionally be strong and chilly when blowing from the east and from the Alps. So a full set of warm clothes is recommended, including but not limited to: - a pair of very comfortable and warm walking shoes - wind/rain proof jacket - pile pullovers - gloves - headdress - sunscreen - sun glasses - Head lamps and batteries

Got Inspired?

f you wish to join the tour, please f ill up this form ; I’ll be happy to get in touch and inform you how to book your cool photo experience in Venice. Please use also this form for sending any other information you wish to communicate, and/or for asking questions about the tour, photo gear, particular  needs and wishes, etc. By sending this form you accept our  terms and conditions .

This contact form allows me to answer quickly and effectively; if you feel uncomfortable with it, please send an email to:  [email protected] note: your privacy is important to us. Please read carefully our  privacy statement . By using this form you agree to the terms of our privacy policy

About your Photography Instructor

Ciao! My name is Paolo.

I have been a full-time professional landscape, nature, travel and architecture photographer since 2007. Since then, I have planned and led hundreds of private one-to-one and small groups photo workshops and tours in some of the best looking regions and cities of Italy and France.

My pictures have appeared in calendars, books, travel magazines, brochures and as wall art in offices, hotels, restaurants and corporate venues. For more info please click here

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2025 VENICE CARNIVAL

Small Group PhotoWorkshop

February 25th-March 3rd, 2025

From 3.850 EUR

Testimonial

The photography trip of Venice Carnival 2023 was an unforgettable experience. With the guidance of Paolo we pretty much visited  all the highlighted events and spots to capture thousands of fascinating pictures of beautiful models with unique and exotic masks and costumes. Paolo knew where and when the carnival models would gather and always led us there right on time for right shooting moments. I had a good time there and came home with a lot of pictures to show off to my families and friends.

—  Edwin Wang, Pittsburgh

Venice Carnival 2025, Feb 23 – March 2

Sign up now to reserve your spot.

Carnival! The word conjures up excitement, intrigue and mystery. Beautiful and romantic Venice displays her spectacular pageantry, rich history and visual delights during the weeks that lead up to Lent. Venice invented Carnival in 1100s where commoners wearing masks to guarantee their anonymity could interact with nobility. Since then, Carnival has grown to include elaborate masks and costumes, many hand made by the participants from around the world. Bobbi Lane and Lee Varis, Fuji-X Photographers, are hosting the Venice Carnival Photo Tour for a seven day event that includes photographing the amazing costumes and an exploration of this gorgeous city.It’s an extraordinary event, and we will help you capture the fun and revelry along with the rich architecture and the splendid light.

This is Bobbi’s 13th and Lee’s 10th time photographing Venice Carnival and we have made many friendships with the top models with their elaborate costumes. We arrange private shoots with the costumers, including the opportunity to photograph them in a gondola. Lighting is of great importance, and we provide extensive instruction in both natural lighting, and working with flash. This is essential for the dawn shoots of costumers at St. Mark’s Square, combining flash with the background to create stunning and magical effects.

Click here to see a gallery of images from years past

Of course we explore the gorgeous city with its winding canals, beautiful bridges like the Rialto, secret streets and unique architecture. We visit some of the historic buildings such as La Fenice and Scala Contarini. We shoot sometimes at dawn and sometimes at dusk to capture the magic and the light.  Getting lost can result in some great options, too!

We take the boat to Burano, the colorful island, filled with brightly colored buildings and warm and friendly residents. It’s a great place to shoot both people and places and the details of their world famous lace.

Of course, the cafes, the food, the wine are all fantastic and a culinary delight! We know wonderful restaurants that fit into a variety of price ranges and they are all delicious.

For my own photography goals, I wanted to get out of my comfort zone of landscape/cityscapes and gain some experience with lighting and photographing people. Besides the stunning costumes, Carnevale is an ideal time to experiment with posed and environmental portraits because the costumers want to have their picture taken. Most are happy to model and pose for a simple promise of emailed photos, of which I sent to dozens after the trip.

I visited with world-class (and Boston-based) image makers,  Bobbi Lane and Lee Varis , whom I first met years ago through the Boston Camera Club when Bobbi was a judge there.  This was Bobbi and Lee’s eighth year at Carnevale, and I would highly recommend taking advantage of their deep experience and connections. 

For all levels of photographers I cannot recommend this trip highly enough. In addition to hands on instruction to make the greatest images ever, Bobbi and Lee safely shepherd you to the best locations with the highest levels of professionalism and enthusiasm. I loved this trip so much, that I joined them year after year knowing that they would come up with even more amazing ideas and locales. They are flexible and encourage everyone, even the non photographers !! For anyone at any level of photography skills, this is the perfect opportunity to hone your portrait and lighting techniques within a very supportive and well-designed itinerary. This is the trip of a lifetime with two of the most innovative and experienced photography and expert post- processing professionals. You will come home with incredible images from a magical city during amazing Carnivale. Lee and Bobbi will ensure your safety and comfort and improve your expertise beyond your expectations.

Attending Bobbi and Lee’s Venice Carnival photo tour in 2019 was an experience well beyond my expectations.  Venice itself was an all-time favorite travel destination; so rich with history, so unique, so much beautiful and boundless character.  The event of carnival is almost impossible to comprehend.  It’s extensive and elaborate and so incredibly festive and energetic.  While Bobbi introduced our outing as “a tour, not a workshop”, she and Lee were more than generous in providing assistance and critique, and in getting the group in the right places at the right times to make some amazing photos.  They absolutely know where the action is at carnival!  It was so stimulating; a true feeding frenzy for photography enthusiasts.  I was completely overwhelmed with the quality and quantity of unbelievable costumes at this event — it has to be experienced to be appreciated.  In addition to the festivities of carnival itself, the tour provided models for private shooting opportunities complete with lessons on lighting.  They took us to nearby Burano to photograph this colorful city and its people, and to Murano to tour inside an operating glass blowing facility.  We enjoyed great food, went on a gondola ride in the canals — there was nothing left undone at the end of the tour.  The agenda was very full and very rewarding.  The photos I returned with are incredible, and I will forever be grateful to Bobbi and Lee for their part in making this such a memorable experience.  I couldn’t speak more highly of them, or of this fantastic adventure.  To anyone on the fence about going to carnival with Bobbi and Lee, I say jump off that fence at once and get signed up.  I guarantee you’ll be happy that you did!

We really loved the Venice Carnival tour, it was one of the best we have done. We were very hesitant on coming on such a tour as we are primarily nature photographer with very little camera flash experience. Well, we soon realized that we can relax and enhance out photography with added flash on and off the camera, due to your excellent instruction and constant help. The fact that you attended the shoots with us and helped us iron out trouble and problems on the spot was fantastic, which gave us confidence and decreased our nervousness. We got some incredible photographs from the general costumers parading in the piazza. However the real jems were from the private shoots arranged by yourselves in absolutely stunning and unique venues.  Your intimate knowledge of Venice, your excellent organizational ability that adapted so perfectly to solve any obstacles, your excellent relationship with so many outstanding costumers and your unique ability to get people to do exactly what is optimal in a shoot, be it casual or bespoke really added value and it is clear that this added ingredient made the tour extra special and gave us a unique experience and helped us get exceptional pictures many of which were unique to your trip. The food was also exceptional and the restaurants you recommended and took us to was perfect and delicious. The location of the chosen hotel was ideal and brilliant as it was close to where we needed to be and walking to the piazza and around it was easy and offered some great street photography opportunities. All in all a massive thank you for an amazing experience and trip I shall never forget it!!!!! Lee your dedication to do what you did with such a severe spinal problem shows just how dedicated you are this is exceptional and highly appreciated. Definitely superb value and I will definitely do more of your adventures as I had an absolute blast.

                What I really appreciated was your incredible 110% commitment to us demonstrated in your willingness to accompany us and show us where the costumers were days before the official tour started despite having to get up before dawn.  This is unheard off!!!! Thanks.

Click Here to read more testimonials

The Schedule is subject to change at any time due to weather or other circumstances. We have found it’s best to stay fluid in Venice and take advantage of opportunities as they arise. There is no guarantee of events happening on certain days.

Sunday Feb 23

11 am Meet and Greet at hotel. This is the opportunity to get to know you fellow photographers and make some lasting friendships! After giving an overview of the tour, we will walk to St. Marks square to get familiar with the area. Later in the evening, we will go to a local restaurant for our Welcome Dinner!  

Monday Feb. 24

Morning at St. Marks then walk over to the Arsenal for the mass gathering of Costumers, then leisurly walk about & lunch

Tuesday Feb. 25  

Option: Dawn shoot at San Marco Plaza  

After a good night’s sleep, we commence on a walking tour that takes us over the Rialto Bridge to St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace. We walk by the Gondola Parking Lot, and have a visit at La Fenice, the Venice Opera House, with its amazing architecture and history. From there it’s short walk to Scala Contarini, the building with the circular staircase and views of Venice. Stop for lunch at local cafes.  

Afternoon we meet for lighting lessons including finding the natural light, use of reflectors and practicing with flash on camera and modifiers. As we practice these technique, we will make our way to San Salute, the spectacular “Plague Church” filled with Titian and Tintoretto paintings. A short walk brings us to the Academia Bridge for sunset with views of the Grand Canal and San Salute.

Wed. Feb. 26  

Boat ride to Burano, the colorful island. A small island of brightly painted buildings is a must see on any visit to Venice. It’s about a 45 minute boat ride after a 20 minute walk. We spend the morning there exploring, meeting people, photographing people, and colors and details. And we know a great café with coffee and snacks! It’s a wonderful place to wander down little streets and photograph the quaint but vibrant houses!

Dinner is on your own and we meet back at the hotel for our first critique. Don’t worry, we will be helpful about how to make your images better by discussion composition, content, lighting, framing and more. It’s important to get feedback to help you make stronger photos and you learn from others, too.  

Thursday Feb. 27  

Morning off to shop, take your own gondola ride, nap, wander the streets and explore the city, whatever!

Friday Feb. 28  

Option: Dawn shoot at San Marco Plaza

Mid-day, private Costumer shoot at the Ca’ Sagredo Hotel

Early afternoon we will shoot with a couple of costumers in a gondola. We will take turns with two people at a time in the gondola with them, for a total of 2 hours. Great views from the sides of the canal and from bridges of the costumers, too. Fabulous opportunity!    

Twilight shoot at St. Giorgio Island. St. Giorgio is across the Grand Canal from the Plaza. It’s an impressive piece of architecture, and on Friday evenings, many of the costumers are available to shoot on the plaza, in front of the church.  

Sat. March 1

Dawn Shoot at San Marco Plaza

We will have arranged to meet costumers and we will do some advanced lighting techniques. Everyone will get to shoot the models in a stunning environment with beautiful lights.  

Late morning Lightroom class in hotel. This is a chance to brush up on some techniques to enhance your images, taught by the Adobe Guru, Lee! He will do demos and then we will help you individually on your own images.

Sat. and Sunday get very busy in Venice as it gets closer to Shrove Tuesday. It’s hard to do much as a group. This is an excellent opportunity to work on images, nap, talk a gondola ride, have a big lunch, shop and just hang out. Sat. night is pretty wild in the Plaza and worth going to see the revelry!

Sunday March 2  

Breakfast at a local café or back to the hotel

9:30  am: Final Critique at the Pensione Guerrato

Noon: Flight of the Eagle in San Marco Plaza.  

The Flight of the Angel, a long standing tradition, is on Sunday Feb. 4. Because of its popularity, in 2012 the Flight of the Eagle began. A very lucky person is selected, and they “fly” by cable from the top of the Campanile to the stage in the Square. The crowds will be large, but it’s a spectacle that you don’t want to miss.  

Sunday evening we have our farewell dinner! We celebrate the magical images we created, the experiences and sights, and the friendships we made.

Monday Feb. 3  

Travel home safely!

Sign up now – click button below to reserve your spot

 scroll to bottom of page

Limited to 12 participants 

Questions? Email us at  [email protected]  or [email protected]  

This is a moderate activity level trip – there is a fair amount of walking with some stair climbing involved

What’s included:  

• Lighting Instruction, both natural and flash
• Private shoots with costumers in beautiful locations
• Private shoot with costumers on a Gondola
• Dawn shoots with costumers in St. Mark’s Square
• Dusk shoot with costumers on St. Giorgio
• Dusk shoot from Academia Bridge
• Platinum All City Pass: includes admission to Doge’s Palace (fast line) 10 Civic Museums of Venice, 16 Churches and much more!
• Seven Day pass for the Vaporetto (water bus)
• Tickets to visit La Fenice and Scala Contarini
• A trip to the island of Burano
• Critiques and post processing instruction
• Exploration of the city with stops for coffee, Spritz, Wine, and snacks
• Welcome Dinner on Sunday night, and farewell dinner on following Sunday night.
• Lots of fun!  

What’s not included:  

• Hotel: We stay at Pensione Guerrato near Rialto Bridge and breakfast is included. Cost is under $250 a night.  You will pay hotel directly.
• Lunches, dinners, alcohol and snacks, with exception of welcome dinner and farewell dinner.
• Airfare/transportation to and from Venice
• Transportation to and from Marco Polo airport or train station
• Any tips or personal expenses
• You must buy your own travel insurance

We will have a welcome and farewell dinner as a group. We will choose restaurants, with a range of menu options  and good food. We decided that all lunches and dinners are not included, with the exception of the Welcome Dinner and farewell dinner, as we have found in the past that people have a wide range of eating and drinking habits so it’s more equitable for each person to choose their own meal.

Special Note:

We will have Hotel Pensione Guerrato for our meetings, critiques and instruction. We suggest that you stay here for your convenience and group interaction. You may stay at Guerrato or any other hotel of your choice. Contact  Monica [email protected] . You will pay your own hotel—we recommend contacting the hotel ASAP to secure a room! PLEASE, let the hotel know you are with Bobbi & Lee – Please book the hotel directly, and not through a booking service like Hotels.com or similar.  If you have to change plans, you WILL lose any refund unless you book with the hotel directly!!!

Hotel Pensione Guerrato Calle Drio La Scimia San Polo 240/a, 30125 Venezia phone +39 041 5227131 – phone/fax phone +39 041 5285927 [email protected] – NON-SMOKING HOTEL – FREE WIFI https://www.facebook.com/pensioneguerratovenezia/

Bobbi Lane and Lee Varis provide expert guidance from two renowned teachers (click on the Home link above to see bios). There is a maximum of twelve people on the tour, so with two instructors, you will get a lot of individual attention. That includes lighting instruction, Lightroom instruction and critiques, all designed to help you unleash your creativity!

We are a small company (basically just Bobbi & Lee) so we only provide personalized service for a small group of photography enthusiasts. We therefore require a reasonable commitment to participate with no refunds after 90 days before the start of the tour—it is next to impossible to fill a spot for an international trip within 90 days of the start of the trip. We highly recommend that you purchase Travel/Trip Interruption Insurance—see various options here: Travel Insurance Companies

Once you book your place, we will provide detailed instructions for where and when to meet in Venice, what to bring, and how to prepare.

Total cost = $3200—click button below to pay deposit.

After signing up using the form, email us to start a dialog: [email protected]

Marco Secchi

Explore Venice: Your Essential Guide to the City's Splendors

Venice Journal: Dive into the heart of Venice with our curated insights. From the rhythm of local life to the best-kept secrets of hotels and eateries, discover the authentic charm of La Serenissima with every read

Venice Carnival 2025 Photography Workshop

Capture the magic of venice's carnival through your lens.

Venice Carnival 2025 is from the 22nd of February to the 4th of March 2025 .

3-DAY Venice Carnival Workshop

Experience the vibrant colours and rich history of Venice's famous Carnival

26-28 FEBRUARY 2025

Euro 800 Per Person Max 6 people

Three full days approx 8 hours of shooting per day

Limited Availability ONLY 3 PLACES LEFT

You can contact me HERE

'Carnevale' Through the Lens of a Storyteller: A Photojournalistic Journey

Professional photography guidance to help you capture the perfect shot

Immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions of Italy

This a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to photograph one of the world's most beautiful festivals

Delve into the heart of Venice during its most enigmatic season. February's Carnevale is not merely an event; it's a narrative unfolding on the cobblestone streets, shrouded in the city's iconic mist, where every shadow and silhouette tells a story.

For a photojournalist and a seeker of stories like me, Carnevale is a feast for the senses and the camera.

In this workshop, we're moving beyond the conventional. While the vibrant costumes and masks are a spectacle, our focus lies in capturing the essence of Carnevale - the unscripted moments of madness, the pulsating energy of the streets, and the intriguing interplay of the bizarre amidst the everyday. Through our lenses, we'll explore the narrative depth of this unique time, employing a street and documentary photography approach to unveil the stories beneath the spectacle's surface.

Venice, in its February cloak of mystery and slight menace, offers us unparalleled backdrops for storytelling. This isn't about the portraits; it's about the stories waiting to be told, the 'unusual in the usual,' and documenting a world where every frame is a narrative in itself. Join me in capturing the soul of Carnevale, where every photograph is a chapter of Venice's winter tale.

Our tour is designed for travellers who are passionate about Venice and Italy and want to experience the vibrant colours and rich history of the Carnival. You'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions while learning the art of photography from our experienced and professional guide.

During the tour, you'll have access to exclusive photography locations and get expert guidance on how to capture the perfect shot. Whether you're a professional photographer or a hobbyist, our tour is tailored to help you improve your skills and take home a stunning collection of photos.

In addition to the photography aspect of the tour, you'll also have the chance to explore the city of Venice and learn about its history and culture. From the winding canals to the stunning architecture, Venice is a photographer's paradise.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to experience the Venice Carnival through your camera's lens.

Capture the Magic of Venice Carnival 2025: Join our Photography Workshop and learn the art of capturing stunning images amidst the vibrant colours and enchanting atmosphere of one of the world's most iconic festivals.

One of the BestTours on Tripadvisor. Photo Workshop. Have you ever walked on the streets and saw a moment that you wanted to capture, but you were too scared to take the photograph? Do you want to become more confident shooting in the streets and learn how to better interact with your subjects? 

Info, News and updates about Venice. Where to stay, What is happening, Where to Eat….and a lot more

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Images Copyright by Marco Secchi

Date & Time

Deposit / full price, what's included, what's excluded, typical group size, fitness level, trees planted per place sold, tutor / guide.

Venice Carnival Photography Workshop

Join us for a photographic adventure to the venice carnival 3 days of amazing photography: 28 feb to 2 mar 2025.

Workshop highlights…

• Your guide is an experienced travel photographer with many years visiting Venice and the Carnival
• Photograph the beauty of the Italian City of Venice
• Early morning and sunset shoots
• Tuition, Learning and image review as needed
• Vibrant & Colourful Carnival – Hundreds & hundreds of costumed characters to photograph

Our workshop is for you…

• You’re an amateur photographer of any ability level who wants to improve your technical and creative skills
• You’re an experienced photographer looking to create something very different & expand your portfolio with unique images
• You’re a competitive camera club member and looking to create unique and winning images
• You simply want to photograph something new and different 

Experience Venice at its most creative

You will create an amazing set of photos to be proud of, magical venice & the carnevale di venezia.

Taking place in the magical ‘floating city’ of Venice with its narrow alleys, silent waterways, fascinating bridges, Gothic architecture, gondolas, and palaces reflected in ancient waterways, our creative Venice Photography Workshop lets you experience the city during the amazing Venice Carnival.

This is the best time to visit as there are more events leading up to the final crescendo. Be prepared: this is not for the claustrophobic or the ascetic as staid old Venice lets its hair down and kicks up its heels in vibrant, indulgent and often absurd style!

Through a series of photography workshops and photo-walks you’ll develop your camera skills and discover whole new worlds in your viewfinder.

What makes this workshop unique?

We will spend our 3 days exploring Venice and the surrounding islands. The Carnival can be very busy with thousands of costumed characters and masked posers to photograph against the iconic architecture of Venice, but we also explore some of the quieter lesser known but no-less stunning areas of Venice. Learning new techniques and photographic skills along the way.

I also have many contacts with the masked characters who will pose and model privately for our group plus I also have contact with a 14th Century Venician Palace for us to shoot in (subject to availability).

Trip Details

An amazing opportunity to explore and photograph the beauty of Venice during the Venice Carnival – its a photographers delight! Venice in winter can be very atmospheric. We only run small groups so you are guaranteed quality and attentive time with me on this trip. There is also an optional group dinner on the Thursday evening.

Our events are structured for photographers of all abilities; For those that are beginners or need additional help, we provide daily assistance, evaluation and guidance throughout from an experienced carnival, street and travel photographer – we want you to come away with an amazing array of quality images.

Workshop Approach

Before taking any photos we will look at how the landscape and architecture presents itself, how the weather and light sits and how it may move and change. We’ll consider the best framing and how to experiment with different ideas and view points, picking out different elements of the scene and using them to best effect. W e are on hand at all times to offer help and advice about composition and technique to help you get the very best from every location.

There will be occasional downtime during the day with the flexibility to either rest or do your own thing, or discuss image critique, editing and feedback. I can talk photography all day!

Typical Trip Agenda

We don’t have a specific daily agenda as it depends on the Carnival events, weather and masked character and location availability.

Some evenings offers live music and dancing on the stage in Piazza San Marco. Again lots of costumed characters will be around to photograph and it’s a real carnival atmosphere! We normally meet up in the evenings for dinner and drinks, but this is optional.

All timings are flexible, weather dependent and subject to change. Locations used/advertised may change due to local accessibility and we may have to substitute locations.

Access to Private Members Facebook group

We also have a private Facebook group where members can join and post images for feedback and I answer questions and give help and advice.

Just give me a call on  07836 705 705  or email  [email protected]

Images from previous Venice Carnival Workshops

Full logistical details, assistance with booking hotels and flights will be provided (if needed) after booking is complete.

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DIGITAL PHOTO MENTOR

Photography tips, tutorials and guides for Beginner and Intermediate Photographers.

Venice Carnival – a Photography and Adventure of Canals, Masks and Architecture

by Darlene Hildebrandt | Last Updated: September 6, 2022

I’m sure you’re up on current events in the world and are aware there is a viral outbreak going around the globe. Well, I’m going to share with you some images and stories of my adventure to photograph the Venice Carnival during the Coronavirus outbreak in Italy.

Hang on to your butts! (Bonus points if you know the movie that line is from and who said it!)

Disclaimer: First of all, I’d like to state that I’m not an expert on the virus I just want to share the story of my experience being in Venice and in Italy when it broke there.

But primarily I’m going to share some of my images and tell you about how I made them in order to inspire you to go to and experience the Venice Carnival for yourself. It was a bucket list item for me and it totally lived up to my own expectations and more.

What is the Venice Carnival?

I assumed everyone knew about Carnival in Venice with all of its masked characters. But once I started posting a few photos on social media it became evident to me that was not the case.

All I really knew before I went was that once a year in Venice , the city of gondolas and canals, they hold a big party.

Everyone dresses up in elaborate costumes and fancy masks and parades around the square.

That was enough for me to know I had to see it with my own eyes. As I said before, it did not disappoint.

Venice Carnival is a photographer’s paradise. Amazing subjects are everywhere!

So I had to do some Googling to find out more about the history and why it started and how it evolved over the years.

Carnival started in 1162 (possibly earlier) as a simple victory celebration of Venice’s triumph over a rival enemy, Patriarch of Aquileia. People came together in San Marco (Saint Mark) Square to dance and party.

For hundreds of years, it continued in the streets and squares of Venice.

The masks were created to allow for total anonymity. So one could go as anything they wished, be anyone they wanted – with no judgment or consequences.

A pauper could dress like a king, a man could dress like a woman or vice versa, and so on.

It was then banned in 1797 when Venice came under Roman rule. But in 1979 the Italian government reinstated it as a way to rejuvenate the economy of the city and bring people to Venice.

If you want to read more about the Venice Carnival this is a good article .

Masked characters with over the top elaborate costumes flood the city each year for Carnival and all its festivities. Tourists and many (SO MANY) photographers join the ranks to enjoy the splendor, myself included!

How to attend Venice Carnival

It’s pretty simple to attend. Just book your travel and a room and show up. That’s it.

BUT I highly recommend that the first time you go, you do so with someone who’s been to Carnival before and knows how to work it.

Someone that speaks the language (Italian obviously, but even my limited French came in handy as many of the masked models are from France), and who knows how to get around, where to find the best mask gatherings, and can even organize some private photo sessions with costumed models for the group.

Allow me to introduce my friend Ugo Cei.

He is an Italian photographer and teacher and he runs a photography tour to Venice for Carnival each year . I was honored to be invited as his guest instructor this year.

So thank you, Ugo, for making one of my dreams a reality.

If you want to do this next year, you can join Ugo and follow in my footsteps. Who knows, I may just do it again (did I mention he also knows all the best places to eat, where the locals go not the tourists?!).

What to Photograph in Venice

There are several iconic images that come to my mind when I think of Venice. I wanted to capture all of them with my camera.

Luckily I think I did a pretty good job of getting most of the ones I wanted.

The City of Venice

Let’s take a look at what’s to photograph in Venice besides masks.

It’s unique in the world as there are absolutely no cars, no bicycles, no traffic other than boats. You need to get around everywhere on foot or on the water.

So first off, if you go be prepared to walk – a lot!

Not just flat surfaces either, there are lots of stairs. You’d think because Venice is basically a man-made island it is pretty flat right. Yes, but in order to allow boats to pass through the canals, there are many, many bridges.

Imagine every time you have to cross the road you have to go up and over it instead. It’s like that.

Plan on 8-16 steps up (or more on the bigger ones) and down every canal that you cross. In the course of a day that might be 20 or so. Suffice to say I got my 10,000 steps in daily and then some.

For me, I wanted to shoot one of the smaller side canals at night.

Maybe catch a reflection in the water and a boat or two going through the scene. The first evening there I was able to do just that, practically right outside our hotel.

* Ugo picks the best location for the tour group and can recommend where to stay so you’re close to all the action. We met another photography group that was staying several ferry boat stops away and it took them an hour to get to the main square. Whereas we were a 10-minute walk.

Then there’s the other iconic shot of the Grand Canal. Ugo took us to the Academia Bridge one day for sunset and blue hour. Here are my favorite images from that shoot.

NOTE: You need to use a tripod to get shots like this using long exposures.

Read: 9 Tripod Mistakes That Could Be Ruining Your Images and Putting Your Camera at Risk

Use Cloudy or Shade White Balance preset to add more orange/yellow to your sunset images, or do a White Balance shift to add pink.

Read: 3 Tips for Creating Spectacular Sunset Photos

Read: Guide to Photographing Light Trails at Night (cars and boats!) to see how to create images like this.

Another unique aspect and feature of Venice are the gondolas.

Imagine a romantic ride in a luxurious gondola, being rowed by a singing gondolier. Yes, that’s all true. And for only 80 Euros for 30 minutes, you can have that experience.

If you go with Ugo he also arranges for each tour participant to get a ride in a gondola with one or two masked models.

So not only do you get to enjoy the ride, you have built-in subjects to photograph the whole way.

Without Ugo and knowing where to go and what time of day to be there, I would not have gotten that shot.

There is a yellow building in the background, and at a certain time of day, if the sky is clear and it’s sunny you will be able to see this. With the blue sky, yellow reflection and red on the boats it’s simple and visually stunning.

The next image was taken inside the famous Acqua Alta bookstore. It’s very old and has books everywhere, including inside a boat, and many cats wandering around like they own the place.

It’s significant because at the back of the bookstore you can climb a book ladder to look out over the canal. It’s from that viewpoint I took the following images.

Notice the masked models in the boat in the left image. Guess who was in the boat? It was Ugo and Chris (one of the tour members).

I had taken the rest of the group to the bookstore while there were on their ride, and the timing worked for me to capture them as they went by – totally by luck!

Finally, here are some of the 118 or so images I shot in the span of 30 minutes on my gondola ride. These are my favorites.

Architecture – markets – local craftsmen

It also goes without saying the Venice is rich with history, amazing architecture and many other cultural aspects (food of course) as well. Here is a look at a few of those things.

Architecture

We took a ferry boat ride (called a Vaporetto) over to Burano, an island in the lagoon where they make lace. It’s super cheerful with all the houses painted bright colors.

Here are a few photos from our visit to the Rialto market.

I bought some pasta spice mixes and by comparison to shops in Florence later, I got a really good deal! The market vendors sell flowers, spices, fruit, vegetables, meat, and fresh fish. I love European and Asian markets!

Read: Tips for Photographing Local Street Markets When Travelling

We watched as a gang of seagulls tried to steal sardines from one stall. One would swoop down and grab a few, shouting in Italian followed along with waving of arms and a big stick.

If one bird dropped some of his loot, the others would come in and grab it, with lots of loud squawking.

I didn’t get a good shot of the shoplifters, but a couple of people in our group with longer lenses managed to do so.

I started to really like the idea of stand up coffee bars and espresso.

The idea is you go into a bar or coffee shop when you need to use the toilet. It’s about 1.00€ to use the public toilet, or you can pay about the same or 1.50€ to get an espresso.

So you go in, order your coffee, use the toilet, swig your coffee back and you’re done.

Quick and easy, no fuss no muss and you get a quick caffeine boost.

In most cafes, if you drink your coffee at the bar you’ll pay a lot less than if you sit down and get table service. Then you can expect to pay 2.50€ or more. Also note, that if you order a “coffee” you’ll get an espresso (do NOT pronounce is EX-presso that’s a no-no).

Craftsmanship

As part of the Venice tour with Ugo we visited two craftsmen – a glassmaker and a puppet maker.

I missed out on seeing the glass sticks made into jewelry and other neat things (my back was hurting that day if I recall) but I did meet the puppet maker Roberto Comin.

He truly is Geppetto, and he reminded of Roberto Benigni the actor who starred in Life is Beautiful (1999 Best Pictures the Oscars). His work is fascinating and is a lost and dying art.

There is no doubt the passion he has for what he does and his creations are full of life and creativity.

Johnny Depp even owns one of his puppets. It is of course of Captain Jack Sparrow and was ordered by Johnny’s assistant for his birthday one year.

If you’re interested you can even order a puppet of yourself or a loved one! Check out his website HERE . They are all hand made and not as expensive as you’d expect (500€ for a large one, 20% more for a custom one).

Note for shooting in a location like this where the light was dim and it was fairly dark you need to have a lens with a large maximum aperture.

Read more here: Tips for Low Light Photography

Masked models

Okay, so I haven’t even gotten to the good stuff yet – the masks!

At Carnival, they often refer to the costumed characters and models that wear fancy masks simply as that – Masks. So if you see me use that term, that’s what it means.

I was expecting to see a lot of masks and fancy costumes, but I was blown away by the sheer number of Masks and how elaborate and intricate each costume and outfit was.

In chatting with a few people I learned that many of them search the globe for accessories, fabric, hats, wigs, jewelry, etc., just to complete their ensemble.

It’s so impressive the great lengths they go to to create their outfits.

Some have designers make the clothing portion, and high-end mask makers do that portion. There were some with moving parts, many with lights, and some had hats that looked like they weighed a ton (below right his hat has a lamp in it!).

One lady’s headpiece was 6kg (below left, Solange Sophie Pauline Solangissima)!

They also walk around in costume all day and do not take their masks off in public. I imagine for some just going to the toilet requires planning and assistance. And I can’t even fathom the cost of some of them!

That’s something else Ugo does for the photography workshop attendees . He explains about all this and what is the proper etiquette when photographing and just being around Masks.

It’s impolite to eat or drink in front of them because they cannot. All good things to know so you can do the right thing!

Some people even have multiple costumes and outfits, and they usually create a new one every two or three years.

One couple I met (in the gondola ride) have been doing this for 30 years! They used to be photographers, then got into coming in costume.

Amazing! I’m hooked! I also met many other photographers from around the world who I’ve now connected with on social media to follow one another.

It’s great meeting people with a common interest and connecting, without often even speaking the same language. For me that’s another huge benefit of photography – it’s visual, not spoken words.

Here are a few more of my favorites. There are too many to put them all here (see slideshow at the bottom of the page to see them all).

Below is another one of the most spectacular costumes I saw, this one is worn by Santiago Garcia Pastor .

The model below was simply stunning and very queen-like.

A quick story of serendipity

I want to share a little story with you about thinking out loud and asking for what you want (of The Universe, God, or whoever you pray to).

On the day we went to Burano Island we were all walking to the boat stop (like a bus stop) and I noticed this really interesting spot (see below).

I pointed it out to another person in our group and voiced my interest in photographing a Mask there in that spot. Fast forward a couple of hours and we were coming back from the island and happened to be walking with a few Masks including these folks.

I had photographed the couple in the bird costumes and the pirate girl a few times already and had been chatting with them on the boat back.

We got to that exact spot above, the one I wanted to shoot a Mask in and the man asked me, “Can you please take our photo there?”

How is that for serendipity and manifestation!?

The light was even better than it had been in the morning and I was able to create these images.

Do something different – stand apart

So here is the challenge of Venice Carnival – how do you get images that are different than the other 6000 or so photographers shooting it? Here are a few of the ways I tried and dared to be different.

• Camera angle (get down low or up high)
• Do some long exposures
• Use off-camera flash

Light painting

• Shoot with an infrared converted camera and make it b/w
• Experiment with a Lensbaby lens

#1 is easy and you can see examples of that in many of my images above.

The second (long exposures) you can see in the images of the Grand Canal and some that I shot at sunrise below.

People who know me, know that I do NOT like getting up early. So for me to go shoot at sunrise THREE times in one week, it’s a big deal!

Long exposures

For these images, I was up and out in the square before 6 am (sunrise was 7 am). All I had to do was get up, throw on some clothes and grab my gear.

Imagine the preparations the Masks have to do, but they do it because they were there well before me!

NOTE: For all of these images I used a tripod . You cannot do this kind of shot without one. You’ll notice a bit of movement in some of the images like the Angel of Death’s wings. But the ground and anything that is solid is sharp.

Off-camera flash

I did a fair bit of processing on these to pull out the models though.

So I went back another morning with the intention of using off-camera flash to light the Masks. There were many photographers shooting each model at the same time and some of them were quite pushy and rude.

So on the last day, I decided I’d be a little more aggressive and I didn’t care if I annoyed someone else by getting in their way temporarily.

I put my camera on the tripod and the remote trigger for my flash on the hot shoe on top. I set the exposure to UNDER exposed the ambient or natural light and set the flash to expose the model correctly.

These are some of the results.

I was by myself, so what I did was I put my camera in the 2-second timer mode so that I had a delay before it fired. Then I pressed the shutter button, ran four or five feet to my right (annoying the photographers over there) and held the flash up, pointed at the subject.

That was my method and I had to do it for every single frame I shot. So I think I pissed off a few people that morning but there were fewer than other days so I can live with it.

One thing I like to do that’s different is light painting.

I haven’t done a lot of it with live models but Ugo and I decided that we’d give it a try so I brought a bunch of Light Painting Brushes and this is what we came up with one night.

Thanks for Mango Cola and Zia Vale for being willing to pose for us while we played around and experimented.

Then the lady on the left got the idea of dancing through the scene during the exposure. So she did!

She was a very quick study, and she assessed that it was too much so we tried it again with less dancing and more walking.

So the image above was a collaboration of myself and Ugo, the two German ladies, and the models.

I did the blue wash of light going over them using the white fiber-optic brush, Ugo lit their faces with a flashlight, and our German models provided the light streaks by walking behind them.

Pure magic! I love it when stuff like that happens.

Infrared camera

Recently I sent my old Fuji XT1 to be converted to infrared.

They have a process where they remove part of the coatings on the digital sensor and install and IR one to allow it to see and record infrared light which is invisible to the human eye.

I chose the 720nm filter.

It costs around $275 USD per conversion, plus shipping.

I did my IR conversion with Life Pixel (I’ll do a full review of my experience and the process another time) and was excited to take it along and use it. I’ll admit I thought it would be a lot easier, and because I had shot b/w IR film figured I could just wing it.

Thanks to Venice tour member Fritz for pointing me in the right direction getting my camera set up and some processing tips.

Here are a few of my favorites and a color version (shot with my regular Fuji XT3) for comparison.

So I learned that there are a few tricks to shooting infrared and to processing it.

If you’re considering getting one of your old cameras converted, or you can even buy one from Life Pixel already done – you’ll want to get some education on the entire process.

As I said before, that’s a whole other deal and I’ll write about that another day.

Finally, (whew this post has become epic!) I took along my Lensbaby Sweeet 50 Optic for something else different.

If you’ve never tried one, it’s kind of like using a tilt-shift lens (without the big price tag).

It allows you to make the edges of your image blurry to varying degrees based on how you position it and the aperture you use. I find that if I shoot too wide open then everything is blurry and that f/5.6 or f/8 is about right.

Here are a few of my Lensbaby images from Carnival.

The image above is romantic, dreamy, and different. Even the pigeons cooperated and posed in just the right place.

To enhance it a bit more, I added a color LUT and a texture overlay using Luminar 4 to give an old-world feeling.

On our last morning in Venice together Ugo and I even recorded an episode for his podcast, right there in San Marco Square.

It was about 7 am and the fog had just rolled in and it got cold really fast. Watch and you’ll see what I mean and all the activity around us in the square as they set up for what was to be the last day of Carnival (more on that below).

Coronavirus and Carnival

Okay, so let’s talk about the elephant in the room – yes I was in Venice when the order to cancel the end of Carnival came down due to the Coronavirus.

I’m not going to get all doom and gloom on you, but this is my experience of being in a red zone.

Sunday, February 23rd was my last full day in Venice, and they had announced it would also be the last of Carnival 2020. All festivities were to be canceled for the following two days and schools were also closed.

All week the city had been packed with people and the best restaurants had people lined up to get in for a meal. That night the streets were eerily empty and I walked right into a great restaurant for dinner.

Leaving the following morning for Florence by train had the police boarding every train to make note of names and ID information for each outbound passenger. I’ve never experienced that before and I confirmed with Ugo that it was not normal.

Once in Florence, things seemed pretty much business as usual.

But there were a lot of people wearing masks and it was all over the news. There was a triage tent set up outside the hospital, and sandwich board signs on many corners urging everyone to wash their hands, cover their mouth and stay home if they were sick.

I considered cutting my trip short by four days and changing my flight to come home early.

But in the end, I decided to continue, but I was hyper-aware of anyone that was coughing or sneezing. One lady seated next to me basically sneezed on me (turned my direction) in a restaurant. Another sneezed out into the air – not even an attempt to cover her mouth at a popular city viewpoint.

Paranoia definitely started to set in and I avoided taking public transport and walked everywhere. My taxi driver who took me to the airport confirmed that there was a lot less traffic than usual including bicycles and pedestrians.

It was February 28th when I left Florence.

That was just the beginning of lockdown in Northern Italy (which would later be expanded to the whole country). Hand sanitizer was used liberally and I even used it to clean the airplane (and train) armrests and tray table.

So I’m thankful to have gotten home safely and hopefully without any extra bugs.

Once home I started a 21-day self-imposed house quarantine .

I canceled or rescheduled all meetings and workshops for three weeks and have not seen any of my family or friends since arriving back home.

That is the proper thing to do , to keep those around me safe just in case I get the Coronavirus (Covid-19) or am a carrier. If you travel, anywhere, by any method – I urge you to consider doing the same.

Now everyone in my city of Edmonton has gone off the rails buying toilet paper and shelves at big suppliers like Costco are empty.

So you can stock up TP if you want, or do what I did – order a bidet toilet seat! I loved the Japanese toilets and didn’t want to replace the whole thing so this will suffice for now.

This is the one I got at a recommendation from a friend (thanks Rita).

So stay safe, be smart, be cautious – but live life. If you want to stock up on coronavirus pandemic supplies here’s a list for you .

See more images

To see all my top Venice images, play the slideshow below or click here to see the gallery on my portfolio site.

NOTE: This was made using Smugmug. If you want a way to display your images to share with others (that isn’t social media) it’s super easy to use and very affordable, starting at only $48 USD per year for a basic plan. Start your free SmugMug 14-day trial today, and save 15% on a new account. (#aff)

I hope you enjoyed this virtual trip to Venice Carnival with me. Who knows, if you sign up for Ugo’s Venice Carnival 2021 tour you might just see me there. I’m hooked!

About Darlene Hildebrandt

Darlene is an educator who teaches aspiring amateurs and hobbyists how to improve their skills through her articles here on Digital Photo Mentor, her beginner photography course , and private tutoring lessons . To help you at whatever level you're at she has two email mini-courses. Sign up for her free beginner OR portrait photography email mini-course . Or get both, no charge!

May 29, 2024 at 12:29 pm

@palmerphotography:disqus this one? https://digitalphotomentor.com/photography/2020/03/venice-carnival-photography-masks-160-1200px.jpg

Honestly you’ll find masked and costumed people all over and in front of spectacular backgrounds. They know where to stop and they just stand there and pose. So finding great backgrounds will not be an issue. They are everywhere, and not sure I could pinpoint that exact location.

Enjoy! Remember to get up early to get the ones by the water!

January 27, 2023 at 5:35 pm

February 4, 2023 at 3:10 am

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Venice Carnival Photo Workshop

Lavish costumes set against the most exquisite background on the planet. That’s the Venice Carnival! People from all over the world gather here once a year to show off their exquisite outfits. Surprise encounters are to be had in the many squares, little bridges and alleyways through the town. At every turn the “poseurs” wait to have their photo taken, a welcome change for lovers of portrait photography.

We take time to explore the secret corners of Venice as well as the better known attractions such as the Rialto, the Bridge of Sighs and the Grande Canal. We will take a boat trip to the magical island of Burano to photograph the colourful boats and houses that line the Canal. We will capture the reflections that ripple in the gentle movement of the water.

In contrast, St. Mark’s Square at sunrise is quiet, often deserted, except for a few hardy “poseurs” and photographers! Being February, the sun rises at a civilized time enabling us to photograph the first light as it cuts across the square.

I have made many contacts over the years and have organized some private sessions in some special locations. This is a major highlight of my year and I look forward to sharing it with you.

Maximum 8 participants

Get in touch:

Email: [email protected]

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Photography & Postproduction Training for Photographers

Venice Carnival Photo Tour, 2017 #1

5th June 2017

 by David J. Nightingale

This was taken during our last Venice Carnival Photo Tour, during one of our dawn shoots at San Marco. It’s a 1/2 second exposure, during which the camera was moved, but because I also used flash the subject appears to be frozen. It’s a fun technique, and one I’ll probably use again during our next tour .

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Join us on our five-day, six-night Venice Carnival Photo Tour to photograph one of the most colourful, historical, and visually exciting festivals in the world! (February 6th-11th, 2018).

Shot at Salute in Venice, during our 2016 Venice Carnival Photo Tour.

I'm not entirely sure I can tell you why I like this shot as much as I do, but it's one of my favourites from our recent trip to Venice.

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Life Experiences You Will Remember

Imagine taking in the colors, sounds, and perfumes of a sunset by the sea, with your camera on a tripod, while a professional photographer advises you on how to take the picture of your dreams.

Imagine discussing the experiences and the photos of the day in front of a tasty, traditional dinner and a bottle of wine, after the sun has set, with your fellow students and your instructor.

This is what I offer you: a comprehensive experience that combines sightseeing, photography, and savouring the soul of a place through its culture, language, and cuisine. Experience unforgettable sights and take it all home to relive again and again, in the stunning images I will help you capture.

Explore New Destinations

I take great care in organizing itineraries that allow my guests to see and photograph the best of what each destination has to offer. We stay at comfortable hotels that lie close to the most beautiful photo spots, so that we can get there at the best times of the day, without having to travel for too many hours.

I like to include in my tours visits to the most iconic locations as well as some off-the-beaten-path places. This ensures that your photos will be unique.

My photo tours and workshops are created specifically for photographers. These are not just regular tourist tours wrapped up as photography tours. Every itinerary is designed to give you the most opportunities to capture photos to be proud of.

Stop and Smell the Roses

A photo tour should not be an endless pursuit of the perfect photo and not everyone enjoys the same level of activity. Some people like conversation with a glass of wine or a cup of tea in hand. Others relish being outdoors as long as there is light, long hikes and the sense of accomplishment that comes from arriving at a distant location in time for the perfect sunset.

While some tours I organize are more intense and strenuous than other, I believe our bodies and our minds need relaxation. I make sure to organize every day so that there is time to have experiences that are not only visual. I want you to bring home not only a string of pictures, but also memories of the tastes, the voices of people, the music, the smells, and everything that makes a place and its culture unique.

Depending on your preferences, you can decide to join a very relaxing retreat in a villa nestled in the countryside of Tuscany or follow the footpaths at the edge of the most beautiful mountains in the world , breathe the atmosphere of a big city or immerse yourself in the wilderness , explore the hidden corners of a historical city or crisscross a country steeped in tradition on a network of futuristic trains. here there is a tour for every type of person.

Make New Friends

Tour or Workshop?

What is the difference between a photo tour and a workshop?

A possible distinction is that a photo tour usually involves visiting different locations and staying in different cities, whereas a workshop is more often held in a single location.

That is not always the case, though. Another thing that sets apart workshops and tours is the fact that the former involve a substantial amount of time dedicated to formal teaching, in the classroom or in the field.

The purpose of a tour, on the other hand, is to let the guests experience beautiful scenes and emotional moments, camera in hand. Therefore, we maximize the time spent photographing and formal instruction takes the back seat.

That doesn't mean there are no opportunities to learn during a tour. In fact, when you are touring with me, I'll teach you many of the artistic skills you'll need to become a great photographer. My students tell me I have great knowledge about all aspects of photography, and that I'm generous sharing this with each student individually. I'm also patient. And always available to help.

In both cases, quality accommodations, great food and wine are just part of the experience you'll enjoy when you travel with me. You can get all of this in some amazing locations all across the world.

I lead tours and workshops at various times of the year. Below you can find a list of all the events I have planned for the near future. Click on each of the titles to get more information about them.

I love to travel. I'm sure you do too. We'll both share the best of what we create together.

Choose Your Next Destination

Venice and the magic of carnival.

• Where: Venice, Italy
• When: February 24 - March 2, 2025
• Who: Ugo Cei and Marisa D'Alessandro
• Type: Luxury Tour

Passionate Street and Urban Photography in Milan

• Where: Milan, Italy
• When: April 22-27, 2025
• Who: Ugo Cei and Steve Simon
• Type: Workshop

Scotland Landscape Photography Masterclass

• Where: Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye
• When: Spring, 2025
• Who: Ugo Cei
• Type: Workshop (itinerating)

Best of Northern Italy

• Where: Milan, Cinque Terre, Florence, Venice, Dolomites, Lake Como
• Who: Ugo Cei in collaboration with M&M Photo Tours

Wild Horses of Cappadocia

• Where: Rome, Tuscany, Umbria
• When: September 1-10, 2025

Best of Southern Italy

• Where: Apulia and Sicily
• When: Seprtember 12-24, 2025

Dolomites Landscape Masterclass

• Where: Italian Dolomites
• When: October 12-19, 2025
• Who: Ugo Cei and Andy Bitterer

Private Tours On Demand

Would you like to spend a weekend in a fabulous location, taking photos with the assistance of a professional photographer, on a date of your choice?

Let’s say you are traveling to Italy and would like to include the Cinque Terre, Tuscany, Lake Como or some other beautiful destinations in your itinerary. I have tours planned at various times of the year, but maybe you only have a couple days to spare and the dates don’t match. If that is your case, I’ve got you covered! I lead on-demand weekend photo tours of the areas mentioned above (and of other areas on request) where you will be accompanied by me personally. I will bring you to the best spots at the best times and teach you how to get those amazing photos you’ve always dreamed of taking.

Enquire here about your private tour .

Virtual Photo Tours

No time or budget to attend a workshop now? Your available dates do not coincide with the scheduled ones? Do you still want to receive instruction and make the most of a location? Now you can attend one of my Virtual Photo Tours from the comfort of your own home. 

Some testimonials from previous guests of my tours

My husband and I did a workshop with Ugo in Cinque Terre. It was fantastic. Ugo is not only a great photographer, but he is generous with his knowledge, and he offers a great workshop. The group was international, which made the experience even richer.

When researching a private photography tour to Sicily, we came upon Ugo's website. His gorgeous landscapes and obvious artistic talent compelled us to inquire further. Ugo was extremely responsive to our questions. His English is superb and we quickly were able to come up with dates for a 10 day tour. He spent countless hours planning the itinerary and reserving the B&B's at which we would stay. Prior to the start of the trip, Ugo asked if we would mind if his wife joined us. Of course we said yes, so the 4 of us embarked on a journey around Sicily. We photographed ruins, countless churches, people on the street, sunrises and sunsets. We also had delicious meals together, drank negroni's and sang in the car as we drove from town to town. Not only is Ugo a very talented photographer he is a wealth of information (history, languages, music, food...). He is a true Renaissance Man. Our trip with Ugo and Marilena was special. In the short time together we became friends. Plus we came away with wonderful images and memories. What more can you ask?

I had a wonderful experience in Venice with Ugo. I learned new things while enjoying the wonderful city. I have some special needs which he was able to accommodate perfectly. I highly recommend his company for photo tours.

Thoroughly enjoyed the recent workshop in Venice. The Carnival is a wonderful event to photograph as is the fantastical city of Venice. Ugo got us to all the right places at the right times for an incredible photography experience. Certainly a top recommendation!

After two photo tours with Ugo in Italy, I cannot recommend the experience highly enough – the local knowledge of Italy, partnered with photographic expertise and guidance made for an extremely rewarding photo tour! Ugo guides and mentors you according to your skills, regardless of whether you are a beginner or experienced enthusiast. I have come away with greater understanding of the craft and confidence to build my skill set. I am inspired to continue my learning journey to create beautiful images. Thank you Ugo!!!

An "Experience", not a vacation. A "journey", not a tour. I've pushed film before but I've never been pushed out of my comfort zone in search of photographs that cannot be obtained otherwise. We put in 19-hour days to take full advantage of Scot sunlight in late May...and it was worth every minute.

What an extraordinary experience to participate in a photography tour and workshop with Ugo Cei Photography Tours, in Venice, Italy during the Venice Carnival. His knowledge of Venice along with the right place to be at the right time made this perfect. Add to that his technical and lighting knowledge and then to top it off the perfect local eateries and local interests. It was days full from daylight to evening at a manageable pace with likeminded new international friends. So glad I took the leap and participated.

I attended a Carnevale in Venice workshop with Ugo and had a wonderful experience. With Ugo's knowledge of Venice and Carnevale, he was able to put us in great locations with dozens of models and a few occasions with private shoots where only the people in the workshop were able to photograph the models. If attending Carnevale in Venice is on your bucket list, as it was on mine, then attending Ugo's workshop is highly recommended. You will be totally satisfied after the first day!

Imagine having an opportunity to photograph some of the most incredible locations and people in the world’s most romantic city, Venice. And, during Carnevale! It was wonderful in every way. From the first email with Ugo, I could tell he was a caring, highly professional and experienced photographer and tour guide for us. He knew this city well and shared a lot before we were there.

I am so glad we chose Ugo and it was very special – my husband is still talking about it. There was so much to learn and interspersed with seeing a boat builder (gondolas), meeting the only professional puppet maker in Venice – and seeing how glass jewelry is made. Photo shoots were morning and night – you have to appreciate and be patient with the models. They are stunning.

The food also was wonderful – Ugo knew the best places. The group was small and allowed for intimate discussion and ease. We are so grateful for a truly immersive and learning experience in a magical city.

Wonderful Weekend in the French Riviera with Ugo who shared his knowledge about photography with us. Learned so many interesting things. Will do it again!

Spent a great weekend with Ugo Cei and Pia Parolin at their "Weekend on the French Riviera" workshop. Learned great tips from Ugo and had a fun time photographing in the Nice outdoor market, along the Promenade des Anglais seaside and in the winding narrow streets of Nice. Highly recommended!! lisadereaphotography.com

To travel and work with Ugo is a delight. He is resourceful and knows his destination, so no matter what weather awaits you, Ugo will always suggest a way to make the most of the day. He is energetic, non-stop, productive. A travel/work experience with Ugo motivates you to become a better photographer. Must mention that he is very fun company, and loves good food!

Amazing photography tour in Venice. Ugo is both a great teacher and guide. I attend multiple photo tours/workshops every year and this is one that will go into my "I really want to travel with Ugo again". Great balance between photo time and free time - and he allowed me to see a side of Venice which I missed in previous trips. It being Carnival - he placed us in a great position to create images, provided timely and creative feedback and made the entire experience not only fun but a deeply creative experience.

I booked 2 days with Ugo for photography for a trip to the Dolomites that I was planning with my husband. Ugo was very responsive during the planning of the trip. He was also very flexible for our shooting locations and our general plan which helped me with my travel logistics. We went to some great photo locations in the Dolomites and he showed me some amazing areas that I had never seen before. He clearly knows the area and where to go. I’m very glad I spent those days with Ugo - I would not have made it to those sites on my own. I highly recommend booking a trip with Ugo.

I have done 3 photo tours with 3 different guides and locations, this has been the best of the three. Ugo was definitely the best of the three guides. His attention to detail with setting the scene and location with models, suggestions on camera settings were helpful for me, a novice with portrait photography. I would definitely recommend any tour with Ugo, he is an excellent photographer willing to share his knowledge, experience and secrets of special places he knows to make the entire photography experience a lifetime memory.

We had an unforgettable weekend with Ugo in Cinque Terre. He took us around the 5 villages and showed us the good vantage points for photography and gave us very useful tips. I went home with beautiful photos. Highly recommended.

My wife and I just returned home from the trip of a lifetime with Ugo and Mike Gulbraa. 7 cities in 15 days photographing the most amazing places in Italy! Ugo was the perfect Italian host and photography pro! Can't say enough about how great he was. Looking forward to touring with him again. Recommend VERY highly

It was a great joy to participate at the Ugo Cei workshop in Venice.

A pleasant, kind and generous person, always ready to share his knowledge about the Venice and carnival. The organization was impeccable, the sessions with the models was done in a very professional way, the tours around the city were incredible. He knows every corner of this charming city. My wife and I came back with 5,000 extraordinary photos. An incredible experience, I recommend!

If I could I would give 6 stars!

My husband and I were fortunate to travel on Ugo Cei's photography trip to Oman. The country itself is an undiscovered treasure, filled with nature and welcoming people. Traveling with Ugo was a pure pleasure. He offered us a thoroughly researched itinerary and lots of photographic guidance. We shot portraits, landscapes, markets and all manner of subjects and Ugo was always there to offer tips. Do yourself a favor and try out one of his workshops!

As I was spending my vacation in the Dolomites I arranged a one day private workshop with Ugo. Alth ough I was a four hour drive from Ugo's home base he willingly made the journey — even though he was heading off to Barcelona first thing the next morning for another commitment.  Not having any transport or knowledge of the best locations to shoot having someone like Ugo was fantastic — and when you add his knowledge of photography and ability to impart that to his pupil it all added up to an outstanding day.  I recommend Ugo without reservation.

Ugo was a wonderful teacher and host in Venice at last years’ Carnival. He takes all the time you need to get your shot and to help with the camera settings when needed! Ugo was very generous and took us out for dinner two times, beginning and end of the workshop. And, he’s fun to be with!!

We had a fantastic three-day private tour in Val d’Orcia with Ugo. Easy-going and knowledgeable, he filled each day with opportunities to make beautiful photographs, from the iconic cypress trees to the winding roads to the picturesque towns. From sunrise to sunset, he ensured we were in a great location to make beautiful photographs. As an unexpected bonus, he also knows many great places for lunch and dinner. If you want to make photographs in Val d’Orcia, one of the most beautiful places on Earth, choose Ugo as your guide. You’ll be glad you did.

If you are planning to travel and love photography at any level Ugo can plan a personal tour to fit in with your itinerary! He has a wealth of knowledge to share with you on any subject of photography. Apart from photography (my passion) Ugo provides a total travel experience looking at Italy through the eyes of a local. A life changing trip leaving me totally hooked to book another! Thank you Ugo and yes I will be returning my dilemma is choosing a destination.

I contacted Ugo for a private two day tour of Cinque Terre. He immediately responded and we met up in Monterosso. Ugo is an easy going and likeable guy and, as can be seen in his website, a good photographer. He knows Cinque Terre very well since he lives nearby and has conducted several tours in the area. If you have only a few days in Cinque Terre, it makes great sense to contact Ugo and he can take you right away to the good spots and at the right time of the day. I had a great time with Ugo in Cinque Terre and would recommend taking his tours.

Engaging Ugo for a private photography mentoring weekend helped improve my landscape photography, and gave me an unforgettable experience in Tuscany. He took me to places I'd never have found on my own. He also has the patience of a saint and he never made me feel silly for asking him basic questions. A weekend I'll never forget.

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Master Photo Tour

Workshops and Tour with great Masters of photography around Europe

Day Tour Venice Carnival

Private and small group guided tours, photography workshop.

Just you and our expert guide and photographer

Tour description, for small group : we can adapt the itinerary based on the ages, needs, and interests of travelers in your group., best season: all year long..

Starting time  —> 12:00amMeeting point —> Parking P1 Venice —> free Walking time —> 6 kmTime   —> 6 hoursLanguage —> Italian and english

All about the VENICE CARNIVAL PHOTO TOUR

We all know, in Venice Carnival is a majestic event and thanks to its colors, movements, masks, smiles, art and fun, it offers incredible opportunities to obtain stunning pictures. Join us in this dynamic Venice Carnival photo tour to capture the essence of the event.

Venice is, indeed, a marvelous scenario to capture amazing picture throughout the whole year, but during Carnival it is remarkably outstanding. Each year, thousand of participants wearing colorful typical elaborated costumes, give life to one of the most visually exciting historical events in Italy.

Since the very beginning of its establishment, Carnival dealt with costumes and masks, because these allowed to hide people’s identity and belongings to a specific social class, religious movement or gender, freeing everyone from judgment.

With its colorful, baroque personality, the Carnevale is a photographic experience that will not leave you unsatisfied. With our master photographer, you will be able not only to shoot in some of the most photogenic and impressive locations of the events, but also to imagine the scene in your mind, before capturing it in the exact moment, and obtain in this way, a more creative and impressive picture. Carnival offers a whole set of possibilities as it includes both street and portray photography. What is more, not all the participants in carnival hide their face behind a mask. Many unmasked participants will allow you to compare and mix tradition and modernity, creating compelling pictures, giving importance to aspects like composition, light and environmental elements to portray.

A real photo lover’s paradise! Let you be guided by our master photographer on a very dynamic photo tour in a friendly and festive environment.

What is included in this tour?

Items that are included in the cost of tour price.

• Workshop with a Master of Photography
• Trekking phototour
• Briefing with the Master regarding lights and settings.
• Shooting: landscape, composition with a person and architectonic elements, outdoor activities and naturalistic subjects.
• Every partecipant is followed by the Master, which will be helpd to improve the tecnique and artistic skills.

Whats is not included in this tour?

Items that aren’t included in the cost of tour price.

• water and food
• mountain equipment
• Cable cars, lifts or entrances
• Equipment (snowshoes if needed) rental
• Items of personal nature

Meet our guides and photographers

Join us in Venice for an incredible experience

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Venice Carnival Tours & Trips

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History of Venice Carnival

Everything in Venice has ancient origins, and Carnival is no exception. The very first Carnival di Venezia was held in 1162 to celebrate a Venetian victory in battle. It would be more than a hundred years before those in charge declared the carnival an official event. Once the declaration was made, Venice was embraced worldwide as Europe’s pleasure capital and symbol of hedonism. Of course, all good things must come to an end, and when Napoleon invaded Venice in the late 1700s he made sure to put a stop to all Carnival celebrations. Tourism to Venice greatly declined over the next 200 years, and it wasn’t until 1979 that Italy’s most decadent party made its comeback. The Carnival now brings over three million people to Venice every year , and the city’s winding series of streets and canals fill with countless masked party-goers. The act of wearing Venetian masks is what separates Carnival from similar events in New Orleans or Rio. The location, dress code, and price tag add a distinct level of luxury that you won’t find at any other festival. If you’ve ever wished to experience the sensation of being someone else, somewhere else, Carnival will give you the opportunity to live out your most elegant European fantasies.

Carnival Essentials

• Wear a Venetian mask
• Book travel and accommodations early
• Venice will be very crowded during Carnival, so avoid this event if you don’t like large crowds
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you won’t be driving anywhere during your stay
• Pack your umbrella or raincoat
• Avoid private water taxis

Venetian Masks

Before you begin celebrating, you will absolutely need to select a mask to dawn throughout the festivities. There are several styles to choose from, each made from different materials that range from glass to leather. Some masks cover your entire face, some cover just half, and others obscure only your eyes. If you arrive a few days early, you can even commission a local vendor to create a unique mask that’s fitted to your face. Choose one that speaks to who you are - or who you want to be!

Useful Italian Phrases

More on venice.

• Venice Public Transport
• Venice Museums
• Italy Railway

Venice Carnival Highlights

The Grand Opening

Festa delle Marie

The Flight of the Angel

Donkey's Flight

Mascheranda Grand Ball

The Best Mask Contest

How to get to venice.

You will want to arrive at Venice’s Marco Polo Airport. From there you can take a public bus or taxi to Piazzale Roma, where you will then switch to a water bus which will take you further into the heart of Venice. You can take the public Alilaguna traghetto ferry straight to San Marco for the most direct route.

When taking the train to Venice, keep in mind that there are two stops with the name Venice in them. Do not get off at Venezia-Mestre but instead wait until you arrive at Venezia-Stazione Santa Lucia to exit.

There are no cars allowed in Venice, so if you are driving through Italy to make it to Carnevale you’ll have to park in the South Giuliano lots in Mestre and take a water bus onto the island. If you want to park even closer you can drive across the causeway, over the bay and into the only part of Venice that’s accessible by car.

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Luxe Adventure Traveler

Adventure Travel With a Glass of Wine

Luxe Adventure Traveler’s Complete Guide to Venice Carnival

By Jennifer Dombrowski 43 Comments

La Serenissima, as the Republic of Venice is known, was anything but serene during the Carnevale di Venezia . At that time Venice was known as the pleasure playground of Europe; a must-stop on The Grand Tour . Carnival was a time that Venetians and visitors alike unabashedly took part in revelry and licentiousness, any cares cloaked by their masks and costumes. Centuries later, Carnival is still Italy’s biggest event. As former seven year residents of a small village near Venice , we went to Carnevale – most years in our own period costumes – every one of those seven years. From a plethora of events to where and what to eat, and even how to put together a costume without needing to refinance your mortgage, we’ve put our experience and knowledge together to help you have a magical experience with our complete guide to Venice Carnival.

History of the Carnevale di Venezia

The history of the Carnival of Venice dates back to 1094, when the Doge Vitale Falier first mentioned the word “carnevale” in a document as a way of describing public amusements. In 1162 the Republic of Venice had defeated Ulrico, Patriarch of Aquileia, in a battle that year and slaughtered a bull and twelve pigs in Piazza San Marco to commemorate the victory. This celebration was around Shrove Tuesday (also known as Fat Tuesday).

Even though the celebration of the defeat of the Patriarch of Aquileia grew larger year after year, Carnevale di Venezia wasn’t officially recorded until 1268. The following year, the Senate declared the day before Lent (Shrove Tuesday) a public holiday.

The Carnival of Venice carried on after that with jugglers, dancers and musicians all entertaining the public. Venetians would eat, drink and be merry before going in to the period of fasting during Lent. This continued until the fall of the Republic of Venice in 1798.

Carnival halted in Venice for nearly two centuries after the Austrians took control of the city in January 1798. Venice Carnival was even outlawed under the fascist government in the 1930s.

It wasn’t until 1979 that the Carnevale di Venezia was revived. Modern day Venetians recognized the potential for Carnival to bring money to the city, and the new 10-day long Carnival of Venice was born. Much like historical re-enactments in the US celebrate the victory of important battles, Carnevale di Venezia recreates a time when the Venetian Republic ruled the trade routes and held an elite place in the world. The lavish parties, costumes, masks, food, music and spectacles all tip their hat to the wealthy Venetian merchants of the past.

Things to Do at Venice Carnival

One of the misconceptions about attending Carnival in Venice is that it’s expensive. It’s not all about extravagant masked balls that do cost a small fortune. From the free shows and costume parades at Piazza San Marco to special video projections and free guided museum tours only happening during this two weeks, there’s a lot of free things happening that make attending the Carnival of Venice a not-to-miss event. Check the official Carnevale di Venezia program for a full list of all the events. We’ve also narrowed down our own favorites from our seven years of experience attending with these top things to do at Venice Carnival.

Il Volo dell’Angelo: Flight of the Angel

The Flight of the Angel, or Il Volo dell’Angelo in Italian, is one of the highlights of Carnevale di Venezia. It’s actually the event that officially kicks off the 10 days of Carnival, and it’s also one that dates back to the original carnivals during the La Serenissima period.

Back in the 16th century during the days of the Republic of Venice, a daring Turkish acrobat caused quite the stir. He had succeeded at a stunt to walk a rope from a boat anchored in front of Piazza San Marco to the top of the bell tower. He reached the balcony of the Palazzo Ducale during his descent, paying homage to the Doge. The crowds were so delighted, that this stunt became a tradition to be repeated by professional tight rope walkers each year on Shrove Thursday (the last Thursday before Lent).

Unfortunately, an acrobat fell to his death during the stunt in 1759 while attempting to fly down a rope at excessive speed. Seeing the crowds’ horror, the Doge outlawed the stunt from the further years that Carnival carried on until the entire event was banned from 1798.

When Carnevale was revived in 1979 after its nearly two centuries of abandonment, this was one tradition that was carried on. Today, the winner of the previous year’s Festa della Marie, a sort of beauty pageant dating back centuries, has the honor of dressing in period costume complimenting the year’s Carnevale theme and descending along a sort of zip line from the bell tower at controlled speed. This event marks the official opening of Carnival.

It’s also the most crowded of any of the free Venice Carnival events. If you don’t make your way to Piazza San Marco early enough, you probably won’t make it in to the square at all because of crowd control. Plan to be in St. Mark’s Square no later than 10am in order to witness the Flight of the Angel, which still takes place at 12 noon on the first Sunday of Carnival.

Note that the Flight of the Angel is cancelled for 2024 due to works in Piazza San Marco.

Costume Parade

Masks are what make the Carnival of Venice so unique. Entire costumes are built around the selection of a unique mask, a tradition that began in the 5th century. Flamboyant and striking masqueraders strut their stuff in Piazza San Marco to the oohs and aahs of the crowds and for a chance at a prize.

Best of all, the masqueraders come from all over the world and anyone can enter. As with how the tradition to wear masks and “mask” your identity and social class began centuries ago, it’s impossible to know if the person under the costume is a Venetian. The daily costume parades are some of the best Venice Carnival free events and perfect for photo opportunities.

The costume parades take place daily during the 10 days of Carnival, with the daily winners being invited to participate in the final parade on the last Sunday.

Enter the Best Mask Contest

Don’t just watch the parades – be in the parades! A daily contest takes place on the stage in Piazza San Marco and it’s completely free to enter. Plus, the mask hides your identity so you can’t feel foolish. And if you need an ounce of courage to get up on that stage in front of the thousands that come to see the masks and costumes, toss back a glass of wine and enjoy the experience.

It’s free to enter. Just download and email the mask contest entry form from the Carnevale di Venezia website.

Venice Carnival Pub Crawl

With a price tag of €500 per person, the masked balls can cost as much to attend as your trip to Venice itself. For some the masked balls, which have a strict dress code and have dinner, dancing and entertainment, are a must-attend event. For us, it was never quite our cup of tea and probably would be most fun with a group of friends all willing to shell out for a party like that. Instead, we often opted for a costumed pub crawl .

The pub crawl, or giro d’ombra as it’s known in Italian, is very Venetian. A centuries old tradition itself, Venetians would move from bacaro to bacaro enjoying cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and a small glass of wine while socializing. Embodying a similar spirit of the ritzy masked balls, a Venice Carnival pub crawl where food, wine and socializing are what it’s all about, is a good alternative at a fraction of the price.

There’s honestly not much going on in the evenings during the Carnival of Venice, so the pub crawl is a great way to spend an evening out. And perhaps it’s the costumes or the wine that make us feel emboldened, but we always met friends we’ve kept in touch with on these pub crawls.

This pub crawl is only available during the 10 days of Carnival. Book the Venice Carnival Pub Crawl here . A cicchetti food tour is an excellent alternative for any time you’re visiting Venice and this Venice food tour by Walks of Italy is an excellent one.

Vivaldi Venice Carnival Concert

A journey back to 18th century Venice isn’t complete without discovering the music from the times when Venice was the pleasure capital of the world. It was a time when concerts, dancing and late-night revelry took place inside Venice’s churches and convents, and classical music was one of life’s indulgences. Venetian-born Antonio Vivaldi, who had been ordained a priest, instead decided to follow his musical passion and is recognized today as one of the greatest Baroque composers. Even Bach studied with Vivaldi and his musical influence spread far and wide.

Though Vivaldi concerts are also a quintessential Venetian experience you can attend any time of the year, there’s special Carnival Vivaldi concerts during the Carnival period. The special Carnival concert takes place in the sumptuously decorated Salone Capitolare, where you’ll most certainly feel as though you’re at the official Venice Carnival dinner show and ball, but again minus the extravagant price tag. The concert lasts about 90 minutes, and it’s another excellent way to spend an evening after dinner in Venice.

The I Musici Veneziani Carnival Concert is only available during the Carnival period. Book the concert here . A Vivaldi concert is a wonderful cultural way to experience for any time you’re visiting Venice and this Vivaldi Four Seasons Concert is the most popular.

Eat Frittelle

The Carnival of Venice is known for a lot of things, though one you might not know about is the fried dough Venetians love to eat. Frittelle, literally meaning fritters, are like a type of fried donut that start showing up a few weeks before the Carnevale period, then disappear just as soon as Carnevale ends.

Frittelle are another tradition from La Serenissima and they were so popular that they were declared the national dessert. They could only be made by an authorized fritoler , and it was a job so exclusive that you could only become a fritoler if your father had been one.

These days frittelle are in just about every pastry shop of Venice from just after the Epiphany on January 6 until Carnival ends, and each will have their own recipe. Frittelle can be filled or not, and dusted with powdered sugar or rolled in cane sugar. The nutella filled ones from  Pasticceria Dal Mas are to die for and the rum and chocolate creams ones from  Bonifacio are out of this world. Any way you try them, they’re delicious and a special treat you can’t miss during the Carnevale period.

Book a Venice Carnival Activity or Event

How to dress for venice carnival.

Wondering what to wear for Venice Carnival?

As masqueraders ourselves for seven years, we assure you that it’s most fun to get in the spirit of things and wear a costume yourself. The tradition of the masks started to hide social status. If you couldn’t identify the wearer of the mask, you couldn’t possibly know his social status. And when you’re in period costume, you’re likely to be mistaken for a Venetian. Or, at the very least, it’s fun to feel like a celebrity for the day while everyone wants a photo with you.

Some of the costumes can cost thousands of dollars – more than your trip to Venice cost in the first place. But there’s no reason to worry. You can easily put together a great period costume for a reasonable price.

My costume cost less than $200, with the biggest expense being the dress. My exact wig and gloves are available on Amazon and a very similar dress is also available on Amazon. My mask was purchased in Venice and is a handmade artisan mask. I accessorized with a gold leather clutch I already had by Jimmy Choo and a string of pearls. For years that were much to cold to wear the dress alone, I also layered a faux fur jacket on top.

Men are a bit easier and the Plague Doctor is a popular choice. This was a very typical mask used not only for costumes in the Republic of Venice; the beak resembles a doctor’s long breathing apparatus which held a sponge doused in vinegar and was thought to prevent contracting the plague while treating patients.

Black dress pants and a white button down shirt might even be items you already have in your wardrobe. Tim ordered a black cape from Amazon, and purchased his mask in Venice and the three-tip hat in Venice.

There’s also places like Ca’ del Sol to rent period dress costumes from in Venice, though you need to plan several months in advance and book your costume. Rentals typically start around € 200 for men’s costumes and around € 350 for women’s costumes per day. That prices doesn’t include a wig, mask or other accessories.

You definitely don’t have to dress in period dress. Carnival is one big party that fills every crevice of the island and is like a mixture of Mardi Gras and Halloween. While period costumes dominate the scene, pretty much anything goes. People even dress up their dogs. The point is just to dress up and join in the fun.

Your costume can even be as simple as picking up a mask in Venice. There’s also face painters, usually just outside of the Venezia Santa Lucia train station.

Masks from the little carts and tourists shops are inexpensive, but they’re also not made in Venice. If you want a traditional and truly Venetian-made mask, do yourself a favor and head to one of Venice’s mask makers’ shops. Benor Maschere Venezia in the Santa Croce neighborhood makes all of their masks by hand right there in their workshop. Ca’ Macana in the Dorsoduro neighborhood also makes all their masks right there in their workshop, and you can also see the masks being made.  Mondonovo Maschere , also in the Dorsoduro, is famous for making masks for Hollywood blockbusters like Eyes Wide Shut .

There’s even Venetian mask making workshops , where you mix the sand and then paint your own mask that you can then take home. You’ll learn a bit about the history of the Carnival masks while you work with an artisan in a mask stop.

Shop Our Costumes

• Marie Antoinette wig
• White satin elbow length gloves
• Venetian Medieval dress
• Faux fur shrug
• Imitation pearl necklace
• Men’s hooded black cape

Where to Eat in Venice

We hate to say it, but it is easier to find bad overpriced food in Venice than it is to find good restaurants serving fresh and quality food. But it doesn’t have to be that way. The biggest rule of thumb is to turn and run in the other direction from any restaurant with someone outside trying to lure you in with a tourist menu and a free bellini. Don’t even look if the menu has pictures on it. And just get up and leave if the menu is in six languages. These are all pretty good indicators that what you’ve about to be served isn’t fresh or authentic.

Some of Venice’s best meals are to be had at the most unassuming of places – tiny bacari that can only hold a dozen people at most and you’d hardly notice if they weren’t throbbing with people. Cicchetti, pronounced “chee-KET-eeh,” are small dishes sold individually and eaten with friends over a glass of wine. Cicchetti bars , or bacari, have a selection and each bar will have its own specialties like Cà D’Oro alla Vedova’s meatballs, which are known as the best meatballs in Venice. Cicchetti typically cost from € 1 to a couple of euro a piece, and you can easily select a plate full and have a glass of wine for under € 10.

Discover the Real Venice on a Venice Food Tour

Snagging a table at a bacari can be a bit of challenge. Locals are happy to stand around chatting and nibbling, all while also impressively balancing a wine glass in hand.

Of course, all those bridges and stairs make anyone want to collapse in a chair and linger over a good Italian meal. There are definitely sit-down restaurants that are excellent, though you should plan to eat at them in your itinerary and make a reservation in advance.

To help you avoid a bad meal in a city bulging with crappy tourist restaurants, we’ve put together a list of a handful of our own favorite places to eat and find the best food in Venice at.

Osteria al Squero, Dorsoduro 943/944

Osteria al Squero is still off-the-beaten-path, or as off-the-beaten-path as one of Venice’s best bacari can be in a city that sees as many tourists each year as Venice does. But the tourists that do make it to Osteria al Squero don’t simply just stumble upon it; they purposefully seek this local favorite out.

Located directly across a small canal from Venice’s oldest still functioning gondola workshop, you’ll want to take your plate of cicchetti and drink outside to catch a glimpse of the gondolas being repaired and built.

The selection of cicchetti at Osteria al Squero is good and delicious. The swordfish is a favorite of ours. And at € 1 – € 2 a piece, you can try a plate full of various cicchetti.

All’Arco, Sestiere San Polo 436

Just steps away from the Rialto, where you can find bad food by the boat load, is the tiny All’Arco. It’s family run and you’ll find either Francesco Pinto or his son Matteo behind the bar preparing the day’s cicchetti and serving up glasses of wine to hungry customers.

Even though many tourists have found their way to All’Arco, it’s still a long-loved local favorite. The cicchetti like langoustines, proscuitto di San Daniele with melon, or prawns are all served on bread and are quite tasty.

Expect to pay € 1.50 – € 2.50 a piece here. And while more expensive than out of the way Osteria al Squero, it’s a far cry from the ridiculous prices you’ll pay for a bad and cooked from frozen meal at the many tourist restaurants lining the Grand Canal near Rialto.

Al Timon, Fondamenta dei Ormesini 2754

Al Timon has long been a local favorite in the Cannaregio neighborhood. There’s just a handful of tables, but it’s especially great if you can grab one of the outdoor ones along the Ormesini canal. The owner has a boat tied up there that serves as a stage for impromptu concerts for his patrons. The cicchetti selection is excellent with salumi, pecorino cheese topped with tomatoes and drizzled with olive oil or baccalà (a Venetian salt cod that is so creamy you won’t even guess that it’s fish).

There’s actually a menu at Al Timon and you can order a selection of pastas and main dishes. Prices are quite reasonable with pasta dishes starting around € 12 and main courses like meat and fish from € 18.

Cà D’Oro alla Vedova, Calle Cà d’Oro 3912

Alla Vedova, as it’s simply known among locals, has been run by the same family for over a century. It’s a bit rustic with the traditional wooden tables and copper pans, but this is Venetian charm at its best.

The small bacaro is known for making the best meatballs in Venice, though they won’t be covered in sauce and on top of heaping plate of spaghetti. That’s not actually Italian. These meatballs are sold individually as cicchetti and if you’re standing up eating at the bar, they’re usually served on a napkin. Get the meatballs early though, because only so many are made daily and when they’re gone, they’re done.

Alla Vedova does have a handful of tables and takes reservations for both lunch and dinner. The prices for pasta dishes start from € 10. You’ll find traditional Venetian pasta dishes here like spaghetti with squid ink (bavette al nero di seppia), or the very rustic and thick Venetian spaghetti known as bigoli in salsa. We also like their spaghetti alla vongole (spaghetti with clams). Main dishes are also inexpensive from € 11 and this is a good place to try the Venetian specialty of liver and onions.

Ristorante Casa Cappellari, Calle Figher, 805

Casa Cappellari is a newer restaurant in the Venice dining scene, but its founders are no strangers to owning successful restaurants. A stone’s throw from Rialto, this upscale restaurant features a modern and innovative take on classic Venetian dishes.

At Casa Cappellari, all the pasta is homemade, the fish is purchased directly from the fish market, and even the bread and bread sticks are all made by hand in house. The menu changes seasonally to reflect the freshest and best regional products. When in season, you’ll find dishes like Venetian spider crab, which I highly recommend trying. And if the menu offers their braised veal cheek, don’t even hesitate to order this melt-in-your-mouth dish.

Casa Cappellari is a popular Venetian restaurant and ranked among the best. Expect to pay around €60 per person for a 2-course meal. Reservations are highly recommended and can be booked online on Casa Cappellari’s website.

Al Gatto Nero, Burano

When you need a break from the pulsating crowds in Venice, hop on the vaporetto and head to the colorful island of Burano . Not only is the fisherman’s island incredibly charming with the rainbow of houses, it’s also home to one of Venice’s best traditional restaurants.

Of course, heading to a fisherman’s island you can expect the menu to be fish and seafood heavy. Try specialties from the Venetian lagoon like razor clams or langoustines. Savor the plates at one of the outdoor tables if the weather is nice enough, slowly sipping wine and watching the world (or the visitors of Burano) go by.

L’Alcova,  Campo Santa Sofia Cannaregio 4198/99

Picture it. You’re sitting on a little terrace, one  so  exclusive there are only nine tables, at a 15th century palazzo right on the Grand Canal. The palazzo has even been declared a national monument. As you sip on some local wine, tourists on passing vaporettos crane their necks to see who might be special enough to dine on that little terrace of the ancient noble residence.

We know we said to steer clear of the restaurants lining the Grand Canal, but L’Alcova is different. L’Alcova is one of the most exclusive restaurants on the Grand Canal and worth the splurge for a memorable meal. The restaurant’s chef likes to put his own unique spin on traditional Venetian cuisine and he even takes the traghetto gondola across the Grand Canal to personally hand select fresh fish and vegetables from the Rialto Market daily.

Expect to pay €51 – €100 per person at L’Alcova and it’s best for a special romantic lunch or night out during your trip to Venice.

Da Mario Alla Fava, Calle dei Stagneri 5242

First opened in 1960, Mario Bonavita wanted to rediscover the true Venetian style of cooking. It has since been passed down from father to sons Mario, Guido and Luca, who continue with the same passion in running the restaurant that they inherited from their father.

The “gallery” of famous personalities that have enjoyed the restaurant are displayed on the walls of the restaurant along with photos of Mario Bonavita, lending to the family feel of this vintage Venetian restaurant.

The menu changes seasonally, but the dishes are traditional Venetian recipes with modern twists. Expect to pay €50 – €100 per person at Da Mario Alla Fava . You can even book reservations online on LaFourchette .

Where to Stay in Venice

When traveling to Venice, you want to stay right in Venice for the best access to all of the sights and events. Though hotels in Mestre can seem tempting as the price per night is lower than hotels right in Venice, remember that you’ll have to travel back and forth between Venice and Mestre either by bus or train.

Residenza Corte Molin

One of our absolute favorite boutique hotels in Venice is the Residenza Corte Molin . Set in a palazzo formerly occupied by none other than a Doge of Venice, the owners have taken great care to retain a feel of the Venice of days gone by. The rooms are decorated with historic furniture pieces typical of Venice’s heydays. Yet, the hotel offers modern conveniences like air conditioning (definitely necessary in Venice’s summer months), wifi, and spacious ensuite bathrooms.

The location is right in the heart of Venice, steps away from the Rialto Bridge but tucked just far away enough to always be quiet. The owner is incredibly friendly, and the hotel is dog-friendly. There’s also a garden for guest use where you can sit out and enjoy a glass of wine.

Know Before You Go

A stay at the Gritti Palace Hotel , which is situated in a Venetian palazzo from 1475 on the Grand Canal will definitely make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to a wealthy Republic of Venice. The rooms are updated with modern amenities and this is one of the best hotels of Venice.

Steps away from the Rialto Bridge, but tucked away in a quiet area is another palazzo once the home of a Doge of Venice. It’s now a small boutique hotel with care taken to make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time when Venice was still ruled by Doges. Modern conveniences like air conditioning and wifi make Residenza Corte Molin an excellent choice for your home away from home when visiting Venice.

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Loved this post? We love when you share our content! ~ Jen & Tim

About Jennifer Dombrowski

Jennifer Dombrowski is an independent travel publisher and an American expat who has lived in Bordeaux, France since 2016. She previously lived in Northern Italy in a small village near Venice for seven years where she fell in love with wine and wine tourism. She is an award-winning travel writer. She is also a travel correspondent on Traveling on the American Forces Radio Network. Luxe Adventure Traveler was named one of the top travel blogs to watch by the Huffington Post and TripAdvisor, and has been featured by top publications such as National Geographic, CNN, Buzzfeed, and Business Insider. Jennifer's photography has also been featured on publications such as USA Today and Travel + Leisure and on the Travel Channel.

Susanna says

January 26, 2018 at 11:49 AM

I love seeing the different carnivals from around the world! Germany’s celebrations are so vibrant and I love them, but Venice’s has those fantastic masks! I would love to experience this in person one day. Loved your photos!

Jennifer Dombrowski says

February 1, 2018 at 12:16 PM

I can imagine the carnivals in Germany are pretty crazy parties!

Laura Guerin Lovett says

January 27, 2018 at 3:46 AM

This is great! We were there right before carnival for about a week and loved it, though I wish I could have picked your brain before we went! I loved how you gave the history of the masks, the carnival, and traditions.

February 1, 2018 at 12:20 PM

Just before Carnival you probably still saw some people in costume and there is usually a boat parade down the Grand Canal. Hope you enjoyed your visit!

January 27, 2018 at 9:23 AM

Wish we had made it when you guys were still living there as it would’ve been fun to have you show us the ropes as first-timers. And, I second the recommendation for the cicchetti tasting tour with Walks of Italy, We took it a few years ago and it’s one of the best food tours I’ve done. I learned a number of interesting tidbits about Venice itself in addition to all the delicious snacks and wine we had! Great photos and an awesome guide to Carnival for anyone who’s thinking of going!

February 1, 2018 at 12:21 PM

Coulda, woulda, shoulda! 😉 We held on to our costumes just in case we decide to do it all again as visitors some day.

Indrani says

January 27, 2018 at 1:18 PM

What fun to participate in a live festival! The costumes are a bit expensive in my opinion, may be I will prefer to splurge in the restaurants and I would prefer to photograph the event. You got some lovely captures making me envious. 🙂

February 1, 2018 at 12:27 PM

It can also be fun to just photograph all the costumes!

January 27, 2018 at 6:02 PM

Wow, I enjoyed reading the history of the Venice carnival. The festival dating back to 13th CE makes it ancient and the fact that it stopped happening for good 200 years and then came back with a bang makes its history quite interesting. We in Goa also have the carnival at the same time – just before lent when King Momo tells everyone to eat, drink & be merry. Very close my home, we enjoy the song, dance, masks and floats.

February 1, 2018 at 12:28 PM

We didn’t realize that India also has a carnival. It sounds like people also dress up in costume?

Eric Gamble says

January 27, 2018 at 7:42 PM

So being from New Orleans, I am always intrigued by other places and how they celebrate Carnival, Mardi Gras, or Shrove Tuesday. Though Venice always peeks my interest as it along with France is the root of the rest of our celebrations. I love your history of Carnevale di Venezia. Most festivals around the world are often based on victory. I am glad they brought it back. For Darcee & I, I think all the bar crawls, free events like watching the angel, & the Vivaldi Concert are perfect for us to celebrate the Carnevale di Venezia! We would definitely constume because well…BECAUSE!

February 1, 2018 at 12:29 PM

Yup, you’ve got to wear a costume! We’ve done both. The very first year, we didn’t wear costumes and it’s a totally different experience. With the costume, it’s like you’re a celebrity and everyone wants photos with you.

Fiona Maclean says

January 28, 2018 at 10:50 AM

Ah, you have really enlightened me. I did think the Venice Carnival was expensive and something I’d never be able to afford to take part in. Now I know! And I loved getting an understanding of the history too. What a comprehensive post

February 1, 2018 at 12:32 PM

So many people think that, and really it can be an entirely free event. I suppose attending the official ball would be an experience, but it was just never our thing. And we had a lot of fun going year after year without ever splurging on the balls.

Nicole says

January 28, 2018 at 9:38 PM

Your costume is so beautiful! I love that you have an artisan mask. The whole festival looks like a lot of fun especially the pub crawl. So cool.

Thanks Nicole! I sure got my money’s worth out of my costume. And even though we’ve moved to Bordeaux, we both kept our costumes.

Medha Verma says

January 29, 2018 at 11:46 AM

I’ve been reading a lot of posts on the Venetian carnival lately and its such a great experience to look at all the splash of colours. I love the masks, and the black one in your last picture is so cool and classy! A pub crawl with all that delicious food and wine sounds like the perfect plan. It’s expensive to participate in the actual carnival though! Your costumes are nice 🙂

February 1, 2018 at 12:33 PM

No, the carnival is 100% free. It’s the balls and parties that are expensive.

January 30, 2018 at 4:23 AM

Super ! Another article on Venice Carnival, It must be an omen! I have been to Venice but the atmosphere seems to be so different during the carnival. The elaborate masks and period dresses look lovely, albeit the rentals being on the higher side. The food is definitely another highlight there 🙂

February 1, 2018 at 12:34 PM

Really? We haven’t really seen any others writing about Venice Carnival. In fact, it took us 7 years of living and going to finally sit down and write this guide.

Megan Jerrard says

January 30, 2018 at 4:46 AM

Wow I had no idea that the Carnival was outlawed for a period of time. Nothing like the lure of tourist $$$ to keep culture alive right 😀 I do really want to experience the Venetian Carnival at some stage though, it’s one of the truly iconic festivals in the world, and it’s probably one of the most romanticized I think. Thanks for highlighting that it’s not expensive – always something I’ve kept in the back of my head for wanting to do, but I think I figured it would be a splurge, between costumes and events. Nice to know that there’s a range of things you can do for free!

Il Volo dell’Angelo and the costume parades are two things I wouldn’t miss, and it sounds fantastic to catch a Vivaldi Venice Carnival Concert! I think the photographer in me is most looking forward to the opportunities to photograph the elaborate costumes though. So many stunning and amazing looking dresses and masks!

February 1, 2018 at 12:36 PM

Yes, so many people think it’s expensive to go to Carnival. The event itself is free, but flights and hotel rates do go up during the time as with any destination in high season.

Jennifer St Louis says

January 30, 2018 at 5:53 AM

I love Venice but have never been during Carnival. It looks amazing! I would love to see all the costumes and masks in person. I think we would skip the ball and do the pub crawl too, It sounds more fun!

February 1, 2018 at 12:38 PM

The pub crawl really is a lot of fun, which is why we did it several times over our years living there. And each time, we ended up meeting visitors that we’ve kept in touch with.

January 30, 2018 at 11:38 AM

I love the costumes and the masks! So over the top! I would love to experience the carnival in Venice. But the amount of people there would scare me, I have been to Venice many times in low and high season and I prefer the low season. Your costumes are really fun and it looks like you had a fantastic time.

February 1, 2018 at 12:40 PM

Yeah, the hoards of people wasn’t our favorite part. The Flight of the Angel is the most crowded event, and if you get trapped in the streets on the way there you can feel like you’re about to be trampled. But that really only happens for the one event, otherwise people are streaming in and out of San Marco and doing the other usual tourist things.

Claire says

January 30, 2018 at 10:38 PM

I didn’t know where the history of Carnival began, or that it was banned under the Fascist government – was that Mussolini? I’m glad it came back with a bang, it looks like a fabulous experience. The masks are incredible, and these are great tips for finding good food – I like the sound of the Cicchetti bars!

February 1, 2018 at 12:42 PM

Yes, it was under Mussolini that Carnival was banned.

January 31, 2018 at 12:09 AM

So cool that you got to experience an authentic Carnival! Its been on my bucketlist for quite some time now. I never knew Il Volo dell’Angelo was the starting event. This will help me so much when planning my own trip to Venice.

February 1, 2018 at 12:43 PM

Well, you can’t live 30 minutes away and not go to Carnival!

Andrzej Ejmont says

January 31, 2018 at 1:47 AM

Man you have just made me soooo hungry!!! I love Venice and I wish that we have visited during the Carnivale!! Next time, right?! Thanks for a great post! Love the read and all the pics. What grabbed me the most, was your pic of the Piazza San Marco. Love that place!!! Thank you!

February 1, 2018 at 12:44 PM

Thanks! You have to be up very, very early to get a shot of an empty San Marco like that.

Lauren West says

January 31, 2018 at 4:50 PM

I love Venice any time of year but it must be so much fun at Carnival! I really appreciate your food tips, it all looks really good- eating disappointing tourist food is a huge pet peeve of mine so thanks for the tips!

February 1, 2018 at 12:45 PM

A lot of Venice visitors are disappointed with the food, and it’s because they fall prey to the tourist traps. Venetian food isn’t at all what people think of as typical Italian and I think it’s harder in Venice to find good, local food than most other places in Italy.

January 31, 2018 at 5:54 PM

We were just in Venice a few months ago and sadly missed the frittelle. Would have loved them filled with nutella. And a “pub crawl” through the cicchetti bars sounds like a great way to spend the evening. We found All’Arco and loved it. Thanks for the in-depth guide to Carnivale.

February 1, 2018 at 12:46 PM

Glad you found All’Arco!

Lillie says

February 1, 2018 at 2:31 AM

I had no idea about these details! WOW about the history of the Flight of the Angel. The fried dough looks delicious — though it\’s hard for fried dough not to be! And I never considered it before, but you\’re so right that dressing up would be key to getting into the spirit of things, rather than being an awkward onlooker. Thanks for taking me along to peek at this event I haven\’t yet experienced in person!

February 1, 2018 at 12:48 PM

We didn’t dress up our first year going. It was fine, but you do get a totally different experience when you’re in costume. People, who can get crabby from the crowds, are just a little bit nicer to you and it’s fun that everyone wants to be photographed with you. I can’t even imagine how many photos we’re in with people from all over the world.

Darlene says

February 1, 2018 at 7:44 AM

Just recently watched a video on how the masks are made by the Venetians. It’s nice to know that it’s not expensive to attend the Carnivale and that there are free guided museum tours. I loved reading about the history of the Carnivale. Thank you for writing such a comprehensive post! I would love to experience this someday!

Kevin Wagar says

February 4, 2018 at 4:16 AM

I’ve always to take part in this event! And all the history you’ve shared hasn’t only grown that desire! I picked up a Venetian mask when I was there and I would LoVE a chance to use it.

Emma Hoyes says

December 11, 2018 at 10:25 PM

Hey! I’m thinking of going to the carnival next year and this was a really useful post to start planning my trip! I am torn between being sensible with budgeting and blowing it on an amazing costume! It’s nice to know there’s a pub crawl as another option to the expensive balls! (Although again I am tempted! ?) Enjoyed your post!

Diane Curry says

May 29, 2023 at 5:01 PM

We’re getting ready to book for 2024! Any chance you’ve updated this info or others can share tips on hotels and where to eat? We’ve already got lots of costume experience and we’re packing the good to flaunt it! Thanks in advance.

Also – any idea if the Carnival ‘theme” is adhered to or is it just an umbrella title for the annual event?

June 15, 2023 at 11:11 AM

Carnival does not refer to like circus or carnival of that sort, if that’s what you mean. It’s the name for the event, and while just about anything goes there are some dress codes for the balls.

Also, all the information is up to date. As the next year’s Carnival approaches, I update event specific information like the dates and any special events.

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2024 Venice Carnival

by LeeVaris | Jul 4, 2023

Bobbi Lane and Lee Varis, Fuji-X Photographers,  are hosting the  Venice Carnival Photo Tour  for a seven day event that includes photographing the amazing costumes and an exploration of this gorgeous city.It’s an extraordinary event, and we will help you capture the fun and revelry along with the rich architecture and the splendid light.

This is Bobbi’s 12th and Lee’s 9th time photographing Venice Carnival and we have made many friendships with the top models with their elaborate costumes. We arrange private shoots with the costumers, including the opportunity to photograph them in a gondola. Lighting is of great importance, and we provide extensive instruction in both natural lighting, and working with flash.

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Venice Carnival 2025

Bobbi Lane and Lee Varis, Fuji-X Photographers, are hosting the Venice Carnival Photo Tour for a seven day event that includes photographing the amazing costumes and an exploration of this gorgeous city.It’s an extraordinary event, and we will help you capture the fun and revelry along with the rich architecture and the splendid light. This is Bobbi’s 13th and Lee’s 10th time photographing Venice Carnival and we have made many friendships with the top models with their elaborate costumes. We arrange private shoots with the costumers, including the opportunity to photograph them in a gondola. Lighting is of great importance, and we provide extensive instruction in both natural lighting, and working with flash. This is essential for the dawn shoots of costumers at St. Mark’s Square, combining flash with the background to create stunning and magical effects.

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Venecian Carnival Tour

• 8.40 / 10 16 reviews | 668 travellers The guide was lovely. I learned a lot with her. During carnival time I recommend taking the tour since all the information provided is very helpful. This app never disappoints me. 10 Anonymous
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the service starts
• X (Twitter)

The history of the Venice Carnival goes far beyond the colorful and identity-hiding masks. Join us on this walking tour to learn about the medieval origins of this iconic festival.

Description

A passing glance. Fleeting. Seductive. Faces hidden behind beautiful multicolored masks. The ability to observe without being seen. Suggestive, but friendly. Flirting with a veiled identity. The Venice Carnival has its own set of social codes that make this celebration on the banks of the legendary canals one of the most popular in the world. But what is the exact origin of this festival that is celebrated each year just before Lent? We'll begin to learn about its fascinating history in front of the church of San Simeon Piccolo .

During our unique guided tour of Venice, we'll visit the sestieri of San Polo, Santa Croce, and Dorsoduro . Walking through these neighborhoods, we'll be transported back in time to the Middle Ages . Back to a time when this festival of pagan origin was created and then evolved until, in the 13th century , the nobility began to dress up in costume to mingle with commoners. As we meander through the narrow streets along the canals, we'll discuss the most significant events that led to the immense popularity of the celebration up to this day.

In the 18th century , the Venice Carnival reached its height of grandeur. We'll get to go inside an  atelier of masks and Carnival costumes  to learn more about the history and the eighteenth-century aristocrats who decided to dress up so that they could enjoy the celebrations without anyone knowing what their real identity was. Among these nobles, one stood out above all others. Diplomat, philosopher, cellist, and, above all, seducer (he had some 130 love affairs), the libertine Giacomo Casanova certainly made the best of the carnival.

After revealing some anecdotes and secrets about Casanova and other famous characters, we'll end the tour and say our goodbyes in the historic center of Venice.

If you do this tour during the actual Venice Carnival, you'll get a  tasting of a typical sweet treat called a cicchetti , a typical little morcel eaten around this time.

More Information

1 hour 30 minutes.

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English and Spanish.

English–speaking guide

Admission to an atelier of masks and Carnival costumes

Tasting of a typical sweet treat or a cicchetti (depending on the season)

When to book?

You can book up until 10 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

Vivaldi Tours Show more

Corporate name: MARIA CONCEPCIÓN LÓPEZ SASTRE

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Are there any requirements?

A - Yes, you have to download the LiveVoice mobile app and bring your own earphones.

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities .

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

A - This activity requires a minimum of 4 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point.

Saint Simeon Piccolo Church

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Offer: St. Mark's Basilica + Doge's Palace Tour

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7 - Day Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL

Cruise itinerary.

Carnival Fun Italian Style

Day 1: Port Canaveral (Orlando)

Day 2: celebration key.

Day 3: Fun Day at Sea

Day 4: cozumel, day 5: mahogany bay.

Day 6 & 7: Fun Day at Sea

Day 8: port canaveral (orlando).

Get to Know Carnival Venezia

It's a long way from Venice to NYC, but Carnival Venezia thinks the two could be next-door neighbors. This ship is now sailing from its Big Apple homeport... and already has big Port Canaveral plans for the winter/spring 2025 season! What can you expect to find in this ship? Well, there’s more than a little Italy in this one — that’s why we’re calling this new type of cruising Fun Italian Style ™ . It starts with the Venice-inspired atrium Piazza San Marco , the onboard flavor and flair continues at the three-course Marco Polo and Canal Grande Restaurants , La Strada Grill ™ and its Italian street food, plus fusion spots Tomodoro ™ (Mexican-Italian, yum!) and Guy’s Burger Joint (new burgers with Italian flavors — also yum!). And in authentic ristorante style, the elevated Italian of Il Viaggio . Sip well at bars that each specialize in their own thing: complex and sophisticated cocktails at Amari ™ , bubbly stuff (plus snacks and coffee) at Frizzante ™ , frozen everything at Rococó ™ and fine Italian wines at Carnevale Bar & Lounge ™ . There’s great entertainment at the red-velvety Teatro Rosso and its Playlist Productions ™ shows, plus Gondola Lounge was inspired by the famous canals of Venice. Terrazza staterooms are a whole new way to stay in style and comfort, all in a great location close to amenities like the exclusive Terrazza Carnevale , a private terrace deck made for lounging, sipping and fun, day or night! There’s also a lot of the classic Carnival fun that repeat cruisers ( hey there!) know and love. Deliciously familiar flavors come from spots like Bonsai Teppanyaki ™ and Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse ™ , while celebration spots include Piano Bar 88 and Serenity Bar , and relaxation happens at Cloud 9 Spa ™ and Serenity Adult-Only Retreat ™ . For the kids, there’s spaces just right for their age like Camp Ocean ™ , Circle “C” ® and Club O2 ® . And outdoors, get ready for a very splashy WaterWorks ™ and SportSquare ™ featuring a ropes course, jogging track, mini golf and outdoor fitness center. So as we were saying… hey, we’re cruising here! Carnival Venezia and all this Fun Italian Style sailing now from NYC. Andiamo!

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Cruise Ship 'Made Contact' with Large Piece of Ice in What Passenger Called a 'Titanic Moment'

The Carnival Spirit struck floating ice in an Alaskan fjord last week and cruisers captured the moment on Tiktok

Peter Bischoff/Getty

A cruise ship struck a large floating piece of ice in Alaska last week in a scene one passenger called a "Titanic moment."

On Thursday, Sept. 5, the Carnival Spirit cruise ship was traversing the notoriously icy Tracy Arm Fjord when it "made contact with an errant piece of drifting ice," a spokesperson for Carnival Cruise Line said in a statement to PEOPLE.

In a video shared to TikTok of the cruise — which departed from Seattle, Wash. on Sept. 3 — user Cassandra Goskie documented the moment. "If we die it was damn-well worth it, it's a Titanic moment," Goskie said in the clip as the ship approached the ice, which appeared to make contact with its right side. "Oh gosh. We're hitting it. Damn."

Thankfully, she wrote, the ice "didn't do any damage that caused us to use any emergency procedures."

A Carnival spokesperson confirmed there was an assessment that determined there was "no damage to the ship’s hull" as the boat "continued on its cruise" with "no impact to operations.” CNN reports that no one on board the ship was hurt.

PETER PARKS/AFP via Getty

The footage itself showed multiple passengers on the side of the ship with their phones out, recording the large chunk of blue-tinged ice as the Spirit sailed right toward it. In the video's caption, Goskie commended Carnival staff on how they responded to the ice, writing, "The crew did an amazing job at [assessing] the damage and keep all of its crew and passengers safe and informed!"

While CNN reports that passenger Saurabh Singhal said the ship was stopped “for hours to assess damages," the ship reportedly returned to Seattle as planned after its seven-day cruise on Tuesday, Sept. 10, before embarking again on a 14-day trip to Alaska.

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A view of the deep-fried goodies at Carnival Cravings Sweetery

Get a gander at some of the carnival inspired deep-fried goods available at Carnival Cravings Sweetery.

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