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.

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.

Top-rated Local Guide

Pickup from your hotel or any location in Venice’s historic center (private tours only)

What’s not included

Gratuities are at your discretion

The shared small-group tour is available only in German and limited to a maximum of 15 participants.
For tours in English, Italian, Spanish, or German, a private experience is available upon request.
Private tours are fully customizable and reserved exclusively for your group.

Please arrive at the meeting point at least 5 minutes before the tour starts to ensure a smooth and high-quality experience.
I also recommend wearing comfortable shoes

I strive to make this experience as inclusive and accessible as possible.

If you have motor, sensory, or cognitive disabilities, please inform me in advance — I’ll do my best to accommodate your needs

The shared group tour is not wheelchair accessible, but a wheelchair-friendly private version is available upon request.

1.⁠ ⁠In which languages is the tour available?
The shared small-group tour is available only in German. If you prefer the tour in English, Italian, or Spanish, it is available as a private experience upon request.

2.⁠ ⁠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.

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

4.⁠ ⁠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.

5.⁠ ⁠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.

6.⁠ ⁠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.

7.⁠ ⁠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.

8.⁠ ⁠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 5.

9.⁠ ⁠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.

10.⁠ ⁠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.

11.⁠ ⁠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