Brunetti's Venice: A Culinary Journey Through Leon's Mysteries

Explore Venice through the mysteries and flavors of Donna Leon's Commissario Brunetti series. This unique food tour takes you to hidden gems of the city, offering authentic Venetian cuisine while uncovering iconic locations from the books. Visit traditional Venetian eateries and savor dishes like cicchetti, fresh seafood, and local pastries. As you walk through winding streets and canals, discover key locations from the novels, such as bustling markets, hidden squares, and cozy trattorias. Your guide, an expert in both Venetian food and literature, will share fascinating stories about the series and the real-life inspirations behind the settings. Perfect for fans of the books and food lovers alike, this tour offers a new way to experience Venice through the eyes of Commissario Brunetti. Immerse yourself in the flavors, history, and mysteries of the city on this unforgettable culinary adventure.

1. 1

   Canal Grande

   15 min

   Sant'Angelo Vaporetto Stop: A View of Brunetti's Terrace Our journey begins at the Sant'Angelo vaporetto stop, where we’ll enjoy a magnificent view of the famous Brunetti family terrace. This is the very spot where the family often enjoys large dinners and aperitifs, all with a spectacular view of the Grand Canal.

2. 2

   Campo San Bartolomeo

   15 min

   A Rosticceria Every Venetian Knows Next, we’ll stop at a historic Venetian rosticceria that has been serving the workers of San Marco since the 1930s. Here, we’ll taste some delicious fried Mozzarella in Carrozza or a tramezzino, paired with a glass of red wine. Brunetti himself would often stop here for a quick bite, enjoying the authentic flavors of Venice.

3. 3

   Mercati di Rialto

   15 min

   Rialto Market: Venice's Authentic Food Heart We’ll cross the famous Rialto Bridge and explore the vibrant Rialto Market, where the fishmongers’ stalls overflow with fresh seafood. Here, we’ll try some fried fish paired with a glass of Prosecco, just as the locals—like Sergeant Vianello and Officer Alvise—would do during their breaks from work.

4. 4

   San Polo

   15 min

   A Stop in a Traditional Bacaro for Cicchetti Time for some cichetti, the quintessential Venetian snacks, served in traditional bàcari (cicchetti bars). We’ll enjoy small plates of seafood, meat, and vegetables atop slices of bread or polenta, accompanied by a glass of wine. Just like Brunetti, who would often grab a quick meal of cichetti when Paola wasn’t cooking for him, we’ll enjoy a taste of everyday Venetian life.

5. 5

   Dorsoduro

   15 min

   Dulcis in Fundo: A Historic Venetian Pasticceria To continue in sweetness, we’ll visit a historic pasticceria, where we’ll enjoy a coffee and taste freshly made pastries, just as the sweet-toothed Sergeant Vianello would. The air is filled with the scent of fresh dough, and we’ll indulge in Venetian treats like bussolai and fritole—a perfect way to treat ourselves in true Venetian style.

6. 6

   Ca' Zenobio degli Armeni

   15 min

   A Final Amaro: A Historic Trattoria in Dorsoduro To conclude our culinary journey, we’ll enjoy a local amaro in a historic trattoria in the Dorsoduro district, a place frequented by Commissario Brunetti himself. As we sip the bitter-sweet herbal liqueur, we’ll take in the view of the famous terrace of the Questura, where Brunetti, Elettra, and Vice-Questore Patta have often paused to reflect on their cases. This is a perfect way to wrap up our tour, savoring the essence of Venice, its flavors, and its mysteries, just as the characters of Donna Leon’s stories might do after a long day of investigation.

7. 7

   Venice

   15 min

   Tour Variations: Customizable Experience: Please note that the stops on the tour can vary. The shared small group tour is based on the German TV adaptation of Donna Leon’s novels, while the private German tour may include different stops depending on your preferences. The private English tour, on the other hand, is based on the novels and therefore includes different locations.

• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.