Brunetti's Venice: Walk His Beat Through Hidden Venice - Private Tours & Luxury Guided Experiences

Tour Overview

Explore Venice through Commissario Brunetti’s world. Discover real locations from Donna Leon’s novels and uncover the city’s hidden corners.

Calling all Donna Leon fans!
Step into the world of Commissario Guido Brunetti on this exclusive walking tour through Venice, where fiction meets reality. Discover the real-life locations behind the beloved crime novels and the long-running German TV adaptation that brought Brunetti to screens across Europe.

As we explore quiet backstreets and lesser-known canals, you’ll uncover the hidden Venice that inspired author Donna Leon – from the noble palazzos to the everyday corners where Brunetti solves his cases. Along the way, you'll learn how the books evolved into a television phenomenon and how each medium portrays the city in its own way.

This isn’t just a tour about a detective – it's a journey through a city of contrasts, secrets, and deep cultural layers, seen through the eyes of one of its most iconic fictional residents.

Whether you're a devoted reader, a fan of the TV series, or simply curious about Venice beyond the postcards, this experience offers a unique and thoughtful glimpse into the city’s soul.

What's Included

Top-rated local guide (licensed tour guide – registration no. 06000001)
Pickup from your hotel or any location in Venice’s historic center (private tours only)

What's Not Included

Gratuities are at your discretion

Your Itinerary

From a Charming Meeting Spot to Brunetti’s Doorstep

Our tour begins at a charming meeting place, where I will introduce you to the world of Commissario Brunetti and Donna Leon’s Venice. From there, we’ll stroll to the entrance door featured in the series, instantly recognizable to fans. The route concludes at the façade of the Questura, where many key moments unfold.

Brunetti’s Favorite Restaurant

Located near Brunetti’s home, this cozy restaurant is a frequent family gathering spot in the series. It’s where Commissario Brunetti listens to Raffi’s amusing remarks on sexual science and attempts to enjoy family dinners—often interrupted by work, much to Paola’s frustration. Fans of the episode Das Gesetz der Lagune will recognize these memorable scenes.

At the Holy Drinker: A Heated Discussion

In this atmospheric pub, Commissario Brunetti confronts his daughter Chiara after discovering her involvement with the radical animal rights group Angelo Animale. Their tense conversation unfolds as the murder of Professor Nava, a former slaughterhouse employee, places Chiara’s "animal angels" under investigation. Fans of the episode Tierische Profite will recall this pivotal moment.

School authorities, public prosecutor's office and the Court

These buildings play a significant role in Brunetti’s investigations. At the school authority, Brunetti unsettles the alleged Dottore Signor Trotti with questions about the former employee Paolo Battestini. The public prosecutor’s office becomes the setting for a tense confrontation between Brunetti and his rival, Capitano Marvilli, as they seek clarity on jurisdiction over the murder of Rozafa Krasnic. Finally, at the court, Brunetti—aligned for once with his superior, Patta—successfully enforces the arrest warrant against slaughterhouse manager Signor Papetti.

Angelo Animale Headquarters: A Shocking Discovery

Set in a historic palazzo, this is the headquarters of the radical animal rights group Angelo Animale. In a dramatic scene, two masked figures flee from a side entrance, pursued by Brunetti and his colleagues. While one escapes, the other is captured—and to Brunetti’s astonishment, it turns out to be his daughter Chiara.

Signora Gismondi’s Supermarket and Her Last Chocolate Ice Cream

On her way home from the train station, Signora Gismondi stops at this supermarket to pick up a fresh dinner, even on Sundays. In a poignant moment, she enjoys the last two scoops of chocolate ice cream of her life at the nearby bar, a small indulgence before a tragic fate

The Brunetti’s Newspaper Kiosk: A Moment of Discovery

Located in the heart of Venice, this newspaper kiosk sells popular German and international papers. Brunetti stops here to pick up the latest issue, where he first learns about the details of his newest case.

Soldier Foster is Dead: A Grim Discovery

The body of American soldier Foster is found the following morning by two Japanese tourists in a gondola, floating in the Rio near the water stairs of this Campo. His death sets the stage for a complex investigation that unfolds in the heart of Venice.

The Marriage Church of Dottor Pedrolli and Bianca Marcolini

This church serves as the backdrop for the wedding of Dottor Pedrolli and Bianca Marcolini, a couple caught in a scandal surrounding the illegal adoption of an Albanian boy. Their marriage is central to a case that challenges both their personal lives and ethical boundaries.

The House of the Mother of the Killed Cadet Ernesto Moro

This is the residence of the grieving mother of cadet Ernesto Moro, whose tragic death is central to the investigation. Interestingly, the flower shop featured in the famous film Bread and Tulips by Mario Soldini (2000) was also filmed at this location, adding a cinematic touch to this poignant site.

Bar Rosa Salva: Brunetti’s Breakfast Spot

Bar Rosa Salva is the go-to place for Brunetti and his team to start their day. Vice-Questore Patta might indulge in a couple of glasses of grappa here, while Vianello enjoys the best coffee in town and delicious croissants. Brunetti himself often treats himself to a panino prosciutto or a tramezzino with ham and artichokes, savoring a moment of calm before diving into the day's investigations.

Brunetti’s Questura: The Iconic Green Door

The tour concludes at a place we cannot miss: the striking columned hall in a campo, through which employees, visitors, and delinquents hurry towards the Questura. This is where the famous green door and its iconic portal stand, marking the entrance to the heart of Brunetti’s investigations.

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.

Meeting Point

Campo dei Gesuiti 4878, 30121 Venezia

Get directions →

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Additional Info

Book in advance 1 day before
Difficulty Easy
Starts 09:00, 11:30, 14:30, 17:00
Language German, English, Italian, Spanish
Group size Up to 15 people
Operated by deTourist

Brunetti’s Venice: Walk His Beat Through Hidden Venice