Ciao, I'm
Barbara A.
I'm passionate about showing travelers what makes Venice so special and have been a tour guide for more than 20 years—loving every single minute.
- Venice, Italy
- Guide since 2001
About Me
Q. What inspired you to become a guide?
Being able to share with the rest of the world how I feel about the amazing city I live in. Above all, I enjoy helping visitors experience Venice in the most genuine and authentic way possible.
Q. What do you love most about Venice?
Getting lost down its narrowest alleys and knowing that there'll be real beauty around every corner. Venice is incredibly unique and different from any other city in the world!
Q. What's your favorite story to tell on tour?
I love to tell travelers how powerful and ahead-of-its-time the Republic of Venice was. And did you know words like "ciao" or "bankrupt" actually have Venetian origins? There's so much history to discover.
Q. What's one of your favorite memories from a tour?
One time I talked a man who had told me didn't like any seafood into giving baccalà mantecato a try. He obviously loved it and became obsessed ever since!
Fun Facts
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I wanted to work as a translator and got my Masters to be one, but realized I am a people person and went down a different path into guiding.
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My biggest passion ever is volleyball. I used to play (spent 20 exact years playing competitively) and miss it every day a little bit more.
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My favorite travel mate is my daughter, who is now a teenager, but has always been a very enthusiastic traveler and art lover.
Leading a group on our Venice at Sunset food tour
My Insider Tips for Venice
Q: Best time of year to enjoy Venice?
Definitely October because in my opinion it's the best weather (not too hot nor too chilly). Come in November or January if you don't mind the cold—Venice in the fog is something everybody should experience at least once in a lifetime.
Q: What do you tell your visiting friends to see in Venice?
You have to visit St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. It's the best way to truly understand the history and legacy of Venice.
Q. What about the culture in Venice should people not miss?
The way we usually eat and drink—hopping from a wine bar to the next one enjoying different bites and flavorful food. Above all, it's how we love to spend time with our friends.
Q: What are some unmissable foods and drinks?
Since we claim to be the birthplace of the Spritz, I would suggest trying the real Venetian one—the Spritz al Select. As for the food, indulge in all kinds of cicchetti (finger foods). My personal favorites are baccalà mantecato (whipped cod), folpetti (baby octopus in tomato sauce) and pasta with squid ink.
You might see me on these tours
