VENICE, FRANKINCENSE AND MYRRH! A JOURNEY ON AROMATICS TRADE

Venice, Frankincense and Myrrh! A Journey on Aromatics Trade offers a captivating glimpse into Venice’s long-standing role as a hub for exotic spices and precious raw materials from the Middle and Far East. This tour isn’t just about sniffing perfumes—it’s a carefully curated voyage into Venice’s storied merchant past, the art of aromatics, and their uses in ancient times. Priced at just $29 per person, it promises a deep dive into history, botany, and the art of fragrances, all in an accessible, hands-on format.

What makes this experience stand out? For starters, you get to smell authentic ancient aromatics like frankincense, myrrh, and sandalwood—some of the most treasured materials of the past. Second, the guided storytelling is delivered by highly knowledgeable hosts who breathe life into Venice’s historic trading routes, including the silk, spice, and frankincense routes. Finally, the setting—a dedicated showroom called Anbesa—is a true Incense kingdom, overflowing with raw materials and essences that you can explore with all your senses.

One consideration? Since the tour involves a lot of olfactory exploration, some visitors might find the sensory overload a bit intense if they’re sensitive to strong scents. Also, the experience is primarily focused on history and fragrances, so those seeking a visual or cultural sightseeing tour might need to complement this with other activities.

This experience is ideal for curious travelers, history enthusiasts, fragrance lovers, and anyone wanting a more sensory and educational look at Venice’s merchant legacy. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or visiting Venice for the first time, you’ll gain a richer appreciation for the city’s historic trade through this aromatic journey.

Key Points

• Unique Focus on Aromatics: A rare chance to smell and learn about ancient raw materials like frankincense, myrrh, and sandalwood.
• Deep Historical Context: Insightful storytelling about Venice’s role in global trade routes like the Silk, Spice, and Frankincense routes.
• Authentic Setting: The Anbesa showroom, described as an Incense kingdom, offers an immersive environment for scent exploration.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable hosts who share fascinating details about aromatic products and their uses in medicine, cosmetics, and rituals.
• Flexible Booking: Reserve now with pay-later options and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Accessible Price: At $29, the value of this experience is high considering the depth of information and sensory engagement provided.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

The Setting: Anbesa Showroom — A True Incense Kingdom

Your journey begins at the Anbesa showroom, a dedicated space that feels more like a temple of aromas than a simple storefront. It’s a place filled with glass jars, raw materials, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that immediately sets the tone for discovery. With 20 years invested in studying and trading these raw materials, the hosts are passionate and well-informed, ready to share their expert knowledge.

The showroom itself is well-organized, allowing you to explore different raw aromatics easily. Visitors have mentioned how the environment feels more like stepping into a treasure trove of scents than a commercial space, which enhances the sensory aspect of the tour.

The Historical Journey: Venice’s Role in Aromatic Trade

The first part of the tour is dedicated to storytelling. Your guide takes you through Venice’s history as a key player in importing exotic spices and raw materials from the Middle East and Far East. You’ll learn why Venice became so famous as a trading hub and how its merchant ships traversed routes like the Silk Road, Spice Route, and Frankincense Route.

One reviewer noted, “The guide’s storytelling was so engaging, I felt like I was right there in the bustling markets of Venice centuries ago.” It’s this narrative that provides context for the aromatic materials you’ll smell later, connecting history with sensory experience.

Exploring Raw Materials and Their Uses

The second part is a sensory journey. You’ll encounter a wide array of raw aromatics, including frankincense, myrrh, sandalwood, storax, benzoin, copal, mastic, colophony, and more. The hosts walk you through each scent’s origin, traditional uses in medicine, cosmetics, or religious rituals, and what makes them unique.

Guests frequently mention how much they appreciated the detailed explanations. One reviewer shared, “The hosts explained how frankincense was used in religious ceremonies and how sandalwood impacted perfumery—learning these stories made the scents even more meaningful.”

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What to Expect During the Tour

• Duration & Group Size: The tour lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours, usually with small groups that encourage a personalized experience.
• Language Options: Offered in both Italian and English, making it accessible to international visitors.
• Pricing & Value: At $29, this experience offers extraordinary value, considering the expert guidance, the variety of raw materials, and the hands-on olfactory exploration.
• Flexibility: You can reserve now with pay-later options, and cancel up to 24 hours before the tour without penalty.

Authenticity & Expertise

A key aspect highlighted in reviews is the guides’ expertise. Multiple guests mention how well-informed and passionate the hosts are, often sharing insider tidbits about sourcing and use that you wouldn’t find in typical tourist guides. This depth enriches the experience significantly, making it more than just a scent test—it’s a lesson in history, trade, and craftsmanship.

Sensory Experience & Environment

Expect to be surrounded by potent, natural fragrances. Some scents, like frankincense and myrrh, are surprisingly strong and can be quite evocative. The environment is designed to be a sanctuary for these aromas, allowing you to focus on each scent individually and appreciate their nuances. Visitors with sensitivities should be aware that some aromas are quite potent, but the staff is helpful in managing the experience.

Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable clothing for sensory exploration.
• Arrive a few minutes early to settle in and get the most out of the experience.
• Ask questions — the guides are approachable and eager to share their knowledge.
• Consider bringing a notebook if you want to remember details about specific scents or trade routes.
• Combine this tour with other Venice activities to make your day well-rounded—this experience complements well with cultural or historical sightseeing.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

For $29, you’re getting far more than just a scent experience. The combination of historical storytelling, expert guidance, and hands-on olfactory exploration provides a well-rounded educational journey. Many reviews highlight the passion and knowledge of the guides, which elevates the experience beyond a simple workshop.

This is particularly true for those interested in history, trade routes, or the cultural significance of fragrances. It’s a rare opportunity to understand how Venice’s merchants influenced the world’s scent landscape, and to do so in an environment that celebrates the raw materials themselves.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

• History buffs curious about Venice’s role in global trade.
• Fragrance lovers wanting to deepen their understanding of raw materials.
• Travelers looking for an authentic, sensory experience that’s different from the typical city tour.
• Cultural explorers eager to connect past and present through scent.
• Groups or individuals who enjoy storytelling and hands-on activities.

The Sum Up

Venice’s Frankincense and Myrrh Aromatics Trade Tour stands out as a compelling way to combine the city’s merchant legacy with sensory discovery. The knowledgeable guides, immersive environment, and fascinating stories about ancient trade routes make it a memorable experience that enriches any Venice visit.

It’s especially suited for those who love history, perfumes, or cultural stories told with passion and expertise. The small group size and flexible booking options also make it a practical and accessible choice.

While it’s not a sightseeing tour with grand monuments, it offers a different kind of insight—one that appeals to your senses and your curiosity. For $29, it’s a delightful, educational add-on to your Venice trip that provides a meaningful connection to the city’s trading past and the scents that once traveled across continents.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The experience typically lasts between 1.5 and 2 hours, allowing enough time for storytelling and scent exploration.

Is the tour suitable for children or sensitive noses?
It’s best suited for adults or those comfortable with strong aromas. Some scents can be quite potent, so sensitive individuals should consider this before booking.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the booking allows you to reserve with pay-later options.

What languages are available?
The tour is offered in both Italian and English, ensuring accessibility for most travelers.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the San Samuele water bus stop, where the guide will hold a sign with the company’s logo. The tour ends at the same meeting point.

What makes this experience different from other Venice tours?
This tour’s focus on raw aromatics, trade history, and sensory engagement sets it apart from traditional sightseeing, offering an intimate look at Venice’s merchant past through scent and stories.

You can check availability for your dates here: