VENICE BLIND TOUR

We start our run bright and early at Saint Mark’s Square, where the morning calm is almost dreamlike. Our friendly guides, Alessandro and his team will grasp the cord that will bind us together for this adventure!

We dart out of the square, and head for the pier, going through the iconic Door of Venice, which is made up of two imposing columns that are adorned with statues of San Marco and San Todaro.

We make a left turn and sprint along the broad waterfront promenade, Riva degli Schiavoni, which is empty during the early hours. We begin our ascent over the first of the six bridges that line our path, which takes us straight up towards the verdant gardens of Saint Elena

We start our journey at the Ponte della Paglia, with the Ponte dei Sospiri standing silent to our left. The hushed surroundings will allow us to feel the different textures of the bridge’s surface beneath our feet, aiding our ascent and descent.

As we get closer to the shore, we hear the soft pitter-patter of hurried footsteps as people rushes to catch the last water bus, which is announced by the siren’s cry from a distance.

By now, we will find ourselves surrounded by a vast area of verdant vegetation within the Saint Elena gardens. Here, we drive past manicured lawns and gravel driveways.

As we walk into Castello, a busy residential neighbourhood, we will be welcomed by the aromas of freshly baked bread emanating from the bakery, the displays of the fishmonger filled to the brim with their morning catch, and the boat-turned-greengrocer exuding the fragrances of ripe fruits and vegetables.

As we cross a couple more bridges, we’ll find a quaint fountain. Its trickling water will provide a refreshing break, which is a godsend for thirsty runners! As you turn to the corner, you will smell the scent of freshly laundered clothes wafting through the air.

As we make our way through alleys and calles, we will reach Campo San Pietro di Castello, home to one of the city’s grandest churches. Here, you can trace the weathered contours of ancient stone capitals, each bearing the weight of history upon its timeworn surface.

Then we arrive at Via Garibaldi, an unusually broad street for Venice. The only noises in the area during the early hours are those of restaurateurs arranging their tables and chairs in preparation for the next day. The street will be crowded in a few hours with people sipping spritzers or wine and cicchetti.

We will then find ourselves back in Riva degli Schiavoni, which is now bustling with groups of tourists, excited to discover the wonders of the city. And then our journey ends where we started, at Saint Mark’s Square, where the old cafes are starting to come alive.