I’m an official, authorized tour guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese as well as Italian. Born and raised in Venice, I adore my city and have been sharing my passion for Venice with visitors since 2006.
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Customer comments
Martino - Minneapolis, USA
We had one day in Venice. Francesco was amazing, He met us at the train station and took us on a tour of Venice that only a passionate local could have done. He showed us the back streets, the hidden gardens, the ghetto and of course San Marco and the other tourist spots. The complicated roads, bridges and water ways of Venice seemed almost manageable with Francesco in charge. He brought us into amazing old palaces that are now hotels and showed us «the inside.» This was the only way to see Venice in one day. He explained to us the history of Venice in a clear and passionate way. Grazie Francesco!
Myrna Navarrete Eng - Hawaii, USA
Hello Francesco, few months ago we vacationed in Venice via Holland America cruise… I just want to say hello and thank you once again for making our stay in Venice wonderful. It was an amazing experience to learn a little bit about your culture, the people, the food and most especially the history. Although it was a very short stay, we have fond memories and we would love to visit your country again, particularly the city of Venezia. We just want to thank you for one of the many wonderful people we got to meet during our Mediterranean trip. We hope you and your family and your tour business were not affected much during the flooding in December. As we say in Hawaii «ALOHA!», which means, hello, goodbye, welcome. Ciao, Myrna and Michael
David M. - Belfast, UK
Having been to Venice a number of times we decided that, instead of just walking around by ourselves, we would get a guide to learn more about the city. What a difference this made, Francesco was absolutely superb. Within a few metres of St. Marks square Francesco had us away from the crowds and exploring the city properly. We saw more of the city than we would ever have done if we were by ourselves and we learnt more about Venice than we have done in all of previous visits combined. For anyone visiting Venice I could not recommend this tour or Francesco highly enough – it was a highlight of our holiday.
Amar Arekapudi - Fairfield, Connecticut, USA
We had a great time with Francesco. He picked us up at our hotel promptly at the meeting time and had an entire agenda mapped out. Which we changed entirely on fly based on our timing, our questions, and our 1-year old little girl. Francesco was wonderful. He had deep knowledge on the history of the city and the buildings, told great anecdotes, and even shifted us on the fly to end the tour at the library (actually a church, who knew?) from The Last Crusade (big Indiana Jones fan over here). Venice is a great city to explore on your own. But if you really want to understand the history, culture, and stories, a private tour is the way to go.
Petra B. - Wageningen, The Nederlands
We had the luck to have guide Francesco just for the four of us (female relatives 85, 54, 50 en 20 years old) and enjoyed the tour very much. Francesco is a very nice man who in a pleasant way is very informative about history and art. It was very worth the money and time. We would recommend it everybody.
Ron - Coppel, USA
This year, the opportunity arose for me to spend two days in Venice on the back end of a biking trip done with a friend in northern Italy & Slovenia. This tour was led by Francesco Zanchi who did a great job of using his vast knowledge of the city to bring things to life for us. I highly recommend taking a tour with Francesco! He has a great selection of tour options which in my opinion, allow a Visitor to experience Venice from many perspectives in a non stressful manner.
Rob - Cambridge, USA
I want to thank you once again for all you taught us and for your extraordinary patience and good humor with the group. Sergio and I are going to talk next week about the finances of another trip (I have a smaller class next year and therefore a smaller budget), and if we are able to visit Venice next spring, I hope very much you will again guide us. I really couldn’t imagine anyone better. I hope you have been well since we last saw each other. Best
Annie & Phil Harman - Melbourne, Australia
Just a note to thank you once again for helping to make our stay in Venice such a special one. We have travelled extensively & had many guides and we think you did a great job. Will recommend you to any of our friends who are coming to Venice. Kind Regards.
Nancy Guilfoil - Danbury, Connecticut, USA
Thank you, Francesco! You gave us so much insight on the history and culture of Venice. We very much enjoyed seeing the city with you, and will recommend you as a guide to anyone traveling to Venice!
Aaron Fletcher - Sarasota, Florida, USA
Francesco’s tour along the grand canal is unbeatable.
Dirk Winter - Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
A tour with Francesco is a valuable experience, and the best way to see and learn about Venice. He is an expert on the history and architecture of his beautiful city. His tour was fun and his English is perfect. Two thumbs up!
Kim and Anthony Genovese - Princeton, New Jersey, USA
My husband and I travelled to Venice for the first time last May, and we were lucky enough to have Francesco as our guide for the walking tour «Secret Venice». Francesco was so knowledgeable and showed us the side of Venice most tourists don’t have time to see. He is fun, interesting and made our time in Venice memorable. We recommend him highly!
Lotte - Zurich, Switzerland
Looking forward to our next walk through your town with you, Francesco!
Susan and Rob - Dublin, Ireland
A very nice and friendly guy, full of stories and very knowledgeable! my wife and I enjoyed our tour very much! Susan and Rob
Helen - Victoria, B.C., Canada
Dear Francesco, you have often been on my thoughts since we returned from Venice. We surely enjoyed your city, and hope to return one day for a longer visit.
Jean Irving - Fairfax, CA, USA
Dear Francesco, My girls are talking every moment about our wonderful day with you. Every time I am in your company I learn a little more about your lovely city. Again you have given me a gift of great value. Thank You
Madelyn - Texas, USA
Francesco, thank you for everything. You were the perfect guide and everyone loved you! If you ever come to Texas you should call. Warm regards.
Shell team - The Hague, The Netherlands
On behalf of the Shell team, many thanks for making our event in Venice very special. We all realise that these events are only successful when great people like yourself deliver exceptional support. Many thanks for the great work you have done for us, it was excellent.
Pat, Mandy, Blake, Izaac and Grace Kelly - Melbourne, Australia
Francesco, Thank you for your very informative walking tour of Venice. It was just what we were looking for. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Regards
David, Sonia and Olivia - Brisbane, Australia
Francesco, thank you once again for a fantastic time. We enjoyed meeting you, hearing more about the real Venice you are so rightly proud of. Thank you again.
Cherri Standfield - Sydney, Australia
Dear Francesco, I have finally returned to my home in Sydney. My trip to Italy was so wonderful and this was my first visit to Venice. Your city overwhelms me with its beauty and uniqueness. I enjoyed the tour you gave very much and it was the best way for a visitor to be introduced to Venice for the first time. Ciao.
Joe - New York, USA
Thank you so much for this private tour… my group thoroughly enjoyed it. Francesco, our tour guide was wonderful. We were met at the designated place on time and proceeded to walk through Venice. I must say, having never been to Venice before, it is now my favorite city. Francesco explained in detail every landmark, square, statue and so much more… he was very patient with us since some of us who are up there in age were lagging behind. After our walk we were led to a taxi which took us through the Grand and little canals of Venice. The driver was also very good. It was wonderful to get another perspective of this lovely City.
Diane - New York, USA
Ciao Francesco. Just want to drop you a quick line to say Happy New Year… I was in Venice in October and had taken one of your evening tours of the Grand Canal. My friend and I enjoyed the trip very much and especially enjoyed the tour you gave us. Not sure if you remember us… we were 2 women from New Jersey… My friend had asked you to show her the Jewish Community… Again, thank you for making my trip to Venice memorable… it was definitely a highlight. Please feel free to write back… would love to hear from you…
Bev & Lynn - Maidstone, Kent, UK
Thank you for your impassioned tour of the lesser known areas of your beloved birthplace. My friend and I enjoyed our two hour walking tour immensely and learnt so much more in detail than we would have been able to from reading the guidebooks. Your great love for Venice made her alive for us. There is something about her that tells me this may have been my first visit but it cannot be my last; I have to return one day. Grazie mille e per adesso, ciao
Liz and Bill - Toms River, NJ, USA
We were extremely pleased with the Ghost and history tour and the Grand Canal and inner canals. You were outstanding.
Lindiva - Sidney, Australia
Francesco was spry, witty and spoke good English. The weather was good, the walk wasn’t too taxing and the information imparted made it worth the effort.
Jay - Oak Park, California, USA
Francesco was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about showing us around. Overall, it was a fabulous trip.
Kimmerie Ellis - Texas, USA
Francesco! Howdy from Texas! Thank you so much for showing us your beautiful city! It was my favorite place in Italy and I look forward to visiting again. Ciao!
Luisa Liussi - Gold Coast, Australia
Grazie molto Francesco. A lovely evening indeed, and the ladies are most interested in your talks, and amazed at your knowledge delivered with passion
Mike, Katy, Raffaella, Anna, Kate and Leo - USA
Hello Francesco, I just wanted to write and say thank you for your really interesting walk yesterday. You managed to keep everyone’s attention with excellent insights which all of us, young and not so young, could relate to. I hope you enjoy the rest of the summer and are looking forward to getting your city back from us tourists later in the year. Very best wishes
Mark C. - USA
There was a very good mixture of true horror, myths and legends. Our guide, Francesco, took us around a variety of nooks and crannies through night time Venice and gave us a wonderful perspective of the city. The tour gave us a great historical insight and added an extra dimension to our short stay. Francesco had plenty of grisly stories to tell, but delivered them with a dash of humor. (and i phone photographs!).
UK
My husband and I loved the tours: «Monumental Venice» and «Ghost and history tour». We had Francesco and he’s very good. The Ghost tour was really interesting. A mixture of ghoulish history and tall, ghostly tales. We thought it was brilliant and we would definitely recommend it to friends.
Jean Irving - Fairfax, CA, USA
Dear Francesco Zanchi, I have fond memories of your tour. You made our stay memorable. Thank You. Warm Regards
Adrianne - Sacramento, CA, USA
Thank you for the lovely tour of the «back streets» of Venice – away from the maddening crowds- and for scheduling us at such short notice. We are safely returned to California and remember your home town w great fondness. AdrianneA
Louise - London, UK
Hi Francesco. Thank you so much for arranging our tour, it was super and we really enjoyed it. Regards
Sue and Mark Hibberd - London, UK
Hi Francesco, thanks for a great walking tour and boat trip. We had a fantastic time in Venice, you are very lucky to live in such a beautiful city. Regards.
Lisa Mosca - Ocean Isle Beach, NC, USA
You were wonderful!!!! Thanks for such a great morning. You are a very fond memory of Venice.
Grace Lozano - California
Grazie x the tour ieri. I didn’t expect it, it was a great surprise. and of course I LOVE history and am amazed how you can have all that information stored in your memory. bravo bravo!!
Barbara Boiling - Oxford (MS)
Precious memories of Venice especially thanks to Francesco! 
Damian Gomez - California
Francesco, it’s Damian. Thanks for the great tour today.
Susan Chae - Michigan, USA
Francesco was a great guide giving us insight into modern Venetian life and the history of Venice. His love and knowledge of his city was evident.
Alenka Yege - USA
We have the best guide in Venetia and authentic Venetian who told us a lot of secret about this wonderful city.
Summer Fritz - Orlando, Florida
Thank you for making time to take me out of another fabulous tour! I really appreciate it all and knowledge you imparted upon me and learning so much about history and architecture!
Cynthia Mitchell - USA
The tour was great. Francesco was the best of the best. We enjoyed so much. Very personable and even gave us ideas of where to eat. Personally taking us there. Top notch!!! Thank you!
Tanya Bastick - Melbourne, Australia
Thank you again for the tour today! It was Wonderful. I will not forget that unbelievable view over Venice! All the best. Tanya from Melbourne
David - USA
Thank you for everything. we had a wonderful time and that is thanks in large part to you.
Sassy - USA
Francesco is the most incredible tour guide. Worth every bit! Thank you for such magical moments
Linda Parr - California, USA
Thank you, Francesco, for sharing your city and your knowledge of it. you really brought the sites to life.
Mimi Carlin - Siesta Key, Florida
Thank you! I noted that you are an excellent guide for Venice and will pass along your contact to friends traveling through. Again many thanks!
Tara Giannolla - USA
It was the most wonderful experience that we will never forget! And we now have you as our forever friend.
Shahnaz Batmanghelidj - New York, USA
We had the best time with you. Boat ride was great too. A treat for the eyes.
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