Commissario Guido Brunetti may be fictional, but the Venice surrounding him is very real.

Donna Leon lived in Venice for decades, and her crime novels use the city as much more than a beautiful backdrop. Through Brunetti and his investigations, we encounter Venetian neighborhoods, institutions, family life, food, politics, bureaucracy and the contradictions of living in one of the world’s most extraordinary cities.

Two Ways to Discover Brunetti’s Venice

German Small-Group Tour

The German-language small-group tour focuses primarily on filming locations from the German TV adaptation of Donna Leon’s novels. Walk through the Venice familiar to viewers of the series and discover locations used as Brunetti’s home, the Questura, cafés, offices, crime scenes and settings from memorable episodes.

The group is limited to a maximum of 15 participants.

Private Brunetti Tour

Looking for something more personal? A private tour can be customized around Donna Leon’s novels, the German TV series, or a combination of both.

Tell me if you have a favorite novel, episode, character or location and I can adapt the route accordingly. Private tours are exclusively for your group and available in English, German, Italian and Spanish.

Fiction, Television and the Real Venice

The German television adaptation created a Brunetti universe of its own. Familiar palaces, squares, cafés and canals became Brunetti’s home, his Questura, crime scenes and meeting places — sometimes following the geography of the novels and sometimes reinventing it completely for the screen.

On this walking tour, we explore both Brunetti’s imaginary Venice and the real city behind it.

And Brunetti is also our excuse to take a detour. Rather than simply ticking filming locations off a list, we use his stories to discover quieter corners of Venice and talk about the real city: how Venetians live, how Venice has changed, and how much truth can be found behind Donna Leon’s fictional world.

What you may discover

There is no single fixed route through Brunetti’s Venice. The locations we visit vary depending on the tour format and, on private tours, your personal interests. Here are some of the places and stories we may discover along the way.

Brunetti’s home

See one of the most recognizable locations for fans of the German TV series: the building chosen as the Brunetti family home.

Discover how Brunetti’s fictional address compares with the location used on screen — and how the geography of television sometimes differs from Donna Leon’s Venice.

The Questura

No Brunetti tour would be complete without the Questura.

See the familiar entrance used in the German television series and step into the world of Brunetti, Vianello, Signorina Elettra and Vice-Questore Patta.

Crime Scenes and Investigations

Murders, witnesses, suspects and unexpected discoveries have taken Brunetti into almost every corner of Venice.

Along our route, we may encounter locations connected with memorable investigations and discover how ordinary Venetian places were transformed into crime scenes and fictional settings for the screen.

Brunetti’s everyday Venice

Brunetti’s world isn’t only about crime.

Cafés, restaurants, shops, newsstands and neighborhood squares are an essential part of his Venice. They are also a perfect starting point for talking about food, family, habits and everyday Venetian life.

Books vs Television

Where does Brunetti really live? Where is the Questura supposed to be? And how closely does the German television series follow Donna Leon’s Venice?

Along the way, we compare the literary and television versions of the city and discover how Venice itself became one of the main characters in the Brunetti universe.

Beyond Brunetti: the real Venice

Brunetti takes us away from the postcard views and into a quieter, more lived-in Venice.

Between locations, we’ll discover the neighborhoods we cross and talk about Venetian history, contemporary life and the changes facing the city today — because the real Venice is every bit as fascinating as the fictional one.

Have a favorite Brunetti novel or TV episode?

If you book a private tour, tell me in advance. Whenever possible, I can adapt the itinerary around particular novels, episodes, characters or locations.

• Guided walking tour with a licensed Venice tour guide and Brunetti enthusiast
• 2-hour tour
• Hotel or central Venice pick-up for private tours
• Customized itinerary for private tours upon request

What’s not included

• Gratuities are at your discretion
• Food and drinks

The shared small-group tour is available in German only and has a maximum of 15 participants.

Private tours are available in English, German, Italian and Spanish and are reserved exclusively for your group.

The German small-group tour focuses primarily on filming locations from the German television adaptation. Private tours can be customized around the novels, the TV series, or both.

The tour takes place outdoors and runs rain or shine. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

If you have reduced mobility or motor, sensory or cognitive accessibility requirements, please contact me in advance so that I can plan the most suitable experience.

The standard small-group route includes bridges and is therefore not wheelchair accessible. However, I can create a wheelchair-friendly private Brunetti tour using an alternative route and, when useful, Venice’s accessible public transport network.

1.⁠ ⁠Is this tour based on Donna Leon’s novels or on the German TV series?

Both are possible.

The German small-group tour focuses primarily on filming locations from the German TV adaptation of Donna Leon’s novels.

A private tour can be customized around the novels, the TV series, or a combination of both, depending on your interests.

2. In which languages is the tour available?
The small-group tour is available in German only. Private tours are available in English, German, Italian and Spanish.

3.⁠ ⁠How long does the tour last?
The standard tour lasts 2 hours, but a customized private tour can be arranged to include additional locations. Contact me in advance to tailor the experience to your preferences.

4. Where is the meeting point?
For the German small-group tour: 📍 Campo dei Gesuiti, inside COMBO, in the courtyard near the well.

5.⁠ ⁠Is it possible to customize the tour based on specific episodes or novels?
Yes! For private tours, everything is possible. If you are particularly interested in locations from a specific novel or episode, I can customize the itinerary accordingly. Please contact me in advance to discuss your preferences.

6.⁠ ⁠Can we visit specific locations such as the Questura terrace, Brunetti’s mother’s nursing home, or other private sites?
Yes, but access to certain locations requires prior arrangement and may include an additional cost. Some sites, like the terrace of the Questura or private buildings, are not regularly open to the public, but with advance notice, I can check availability and organize special access for a private tour. Please contact me in advance to arrange this.

7.⁠ ⁠Is this tour suitable for people who haven’t read Donna Leon’s books or watched the TV series?
Absolutely! While the tour is designed for fans of Donna Leon’s novels and the TV adaptation, it is also a fascinating way to explore Venice off the beaten path, discovering hidden locations and learning about the city’s history and culture.

8.⁠ ⁠Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The shared small-group tour is not wheelchair accessible due to the nature of Venice’s streets and bridges. However, a wheelchair-accessible route is possible as a private tour upon request. Please contact me in advance to discuss your needs.

9.⁠ ⁠Does the tour include visits inside buildings featured in the books and TV series?
The tour focuses on outdoor locations used in the TV series and the real-life settings that inspired Donna Leon’s novels. Some buildings may not be open to the public, but we will explore their surroundings and discuss their significance in the stories. For special access to certain private locations, please refer to question 6.

10.⁠ ⁠How much walking is involved?
The tour involves a moderate amount of walking, mostly on flat terrain but with some bridges and cobblestone streets. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.

11.⁠ ⁠What happens if it rains?
The tour runs rain or shine, so please dress appropriately for the weather. In case of severe weather conditions, I will contact you about possible adjustments.

12.⁠ ⁠How can I contact you for more information?
For any questions about the tour or your stay in Venice, feel free to contact me:
📧 Email: valerio@detourist.it
📱 WhatsApp: +39 340 671 1267