Travel back in time to discover Altinum, one of the most important Roman cities in Northern Italy — a vibrant port that flourished centuries before Venice. Overlooking the ancient lagoon, Altinum stood at the meeting point between land and water, its canals, temples, and villas already echoing the landscape that would later inspire Venice.

This guided tour includes both the National Archaeological Museum of Altino and the excavated city. Inside the museum, you’ll encounter exceptional finds: finely crafted glass and jewellery, mosaics, funerary sculptures, everyday tools, and luxury objects that reveal the elegance and complexity of Roman life on the lagoon’s edge.

Outdoors, you’ll walk along the original Roman streets — the cardo and decumanus — past mosaic pavements of patrician houses, the remains of monumental gates, and the site of the ancient harbour. You’ll see how Altinum’s history reflects centuries of transformation, from prosperity to decline, before the rise of the lagoon settlements that would one day become Venice.

More than a simple “origin story,” this visit offers a deeper understanding of the world that came before Venice — a journey through archaeology, memory, and the landscapes that shaped the city we know today.

National Archaeological Museum of Altino
Begin your journey among marble statues, colourful mosaics, glass objects, and everyday artefacts that tell the story of Roman Altinum. The museum reveals the city’s refined lifestyle, its trade connections across the Mediterranean, and the remarkable craftsmanship that flourished on the lagoon’s edge.

The Roman Decumanus and Cardo
Walk along the ancient stone-paved streets still marked by the Latin alphabet carved by Roman workers. These roads once connected houses, workshops, and temples in a perfectly planned grid — a vision of urban order centuries before Venice’s winding alleys.

The Domus Quarter and Mosaics
Discover the remains of elegant patrician houses with mosaic floors in black, white, and glass paste. Admire symbolic decorations — from the knot of Solomon to the Dionysian panther — that reflect Roman taste, ritual, and domestic beauty.

The Harbour Gate (Porta-Approdo)
Stand before the monumental harbour entrance that faced the lagoon, where ships from the Adriatic once arrived. Here, Altinum truly reveals its amphibious nature — a city of canals, bridges, and trade long before the time of Venice.

The Landscape of Campo Rialto
End the visit amid the green fields that still preserve the ancient city’s outline. Between the Roman remains and the lagoon horizon, you’ll sense the deep continuity between Altinum’s past and the Venetian landscape of today.

Top-rated local guide (licensed tour guide – registration no. 06000001)
Personalized private tour of Altino Archeogicial museum and site
Expert guide providing insights into the history and art
Flexible customization based on your preferences
Museum ticket – youth 0-17 yrs old

What’s not included
Entrance ticket to be paid to the museum – Adult
Entrance ticket to be paid to the musem – 18 to 25 yrs old
Gratuities

The tour is offered in English, Italian, Spanish and German.

It is a private tour: it will be a customized private experience with your group only.

Please arrive at the meeting point at least 5 minutes before the tour starts to ensure a smooth and high-quality experience.

I recommend wearing comfortable shoes

The experience is meant to be inclusive and accessible: if you are a traveller with motor, sensorial or cognitive disabilities, please let us know in advance and we will make our best to meet your needs. The tour can be arranged as wheelchair accessible on request.

1. Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at the National Archaeological Museum of Altino (Via S. Eliodoro 56, Quarto d’Altino, Venice). The meeting point is near the museum entrance and ticket office.

2. How do I get to Altino from Venice?
You can reach Altino by ATVO bus from Piazzale Roma, which stops right in front of the museum — ask me for the current schedule.
Alternatively, take a train to Quarto d’Altino station and then a short taxi ride (5 minutes).

3. Is hotel pickup available?
There’s no direct hotel pickup, but I can help you organize a private transfer from your hotel in Venice or Mestre to the museum.

4. Is the museum accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Yes, the museum and archaeological park are fully accessible, with ramps and wide, even paths suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

5. Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
No — tickets can be purchased directly at the museum entrance. Your guide will assist you if needed.

6. How long does the tour last?
The full experience lasts about 2 hours, including both the museum visit and the archaeological area.

7. What will we see during the tour?
You’ll explore the museum’s fascinating collection of Roman and pre-Roman artifacts — mosaics, glassware, jewelry, and inscriptions — and then walk through the archaeological excavations of ancient Altinum, following original Roman streets and domus foundations.

8. Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes! The visit is educational and family-friendly, with stories and discoveries that engage younger visitors.

9. Will we see the connection between Altino and Venice?
Yes — you’ll learn how Altinum evolved over centuries and why the origins of Venice are much more complex than the simple “Altino-to-Venice” legend.

10. What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended. Part of the tour takes place outdoors, so bring water, sun protection, or a light jacket depending on the season.

11. Is the tour available in other languages?
Yes, the private tour is available in English, Italian, German, and Spanish.

12. Can I get there by bicycle?
Yes — you can reach the museum by bike! If you wish, we can arrange a bike tour that includes the Altino Museum as part of the route.

13. Can I get there by boat from Venice?
Yes — it’s possible to organize a private boat tour across the Venetian lagoon that includes Altino and Torcello. Ask me for details and options.

14. Can I combine this tour with other experiences?
Absolutely! Many guests combine this visit with tours in Torcello, Murano, or Venice itself. Contact me for personalized itineraries or special offers.

15. How can I contact my guide?
You can reach me directly at valerio@detourist.it or via WhatsApp at +39 340 671 1267 for any questions before your visit.