Welcome to Venice: Walking Tour & Gondola Ride
Learn the history of Venice on a small group walking tour, passing famous monuments like St. Mark’s Basilica, and finally enjoy a gondola ride down some of the enchanting canals of the city center.
Highlights
- Learn the secrets and history of the Rialto Bridge.
- Row down the hidden canals of Venice in a gondola.
- See the Rialto Market and learn about Venetian cuisine.
- Discover the house where Marco Polo lived.
- Stop to admire St. Mark’s Basilica (outside)
What's included
- Local English-speaking guide
- Expertly guided walking tour
- Gondola Ride
- Headset
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
- Guide (during gondola ride)
- Ticket to St Mark's Basilica
Overview
A first-timer to Venice, or don’t know where to begin your explorations? Over the course of this small-group tour, experience many of the city’s top highlights: see the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square on a guided city walk plus enjoy a relaxing gondola ride. You also explore areas of the city that many tour groups miss, from the sestiere of Cannaregio to the Rialto Fish Market.
Discover the magic of Venice on foot and by water on a combined walking tour and gondola ride. Explore the city center with a local guide, marvel at the Basilica from St. Mark's Square, and then take a ride down the canals on the city’s famous mode of transport.
Meet near the Rialto Bridge and learn why it was initially considered a very bad idea to build it. Take a quick look at the Rialto Fish Market to learn about the long fishing history of the city and its famous cuisine. Get a couple of restaurant recommendations from your local guide!
Continue to the sestiere (district) of Cannaregio, home to some of the city’s hidden gems. Discover the house where Marco Polo once lived, and go to the unique Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli. See a remarkable statue by Verocchio on the Campo San Giovanni and Paolo, where you will also see a variety of typical Venetian architectural styles. Meander through hidden alleyways, and hear tales of the city’s past.
Learn what it is like to live on the island today as you walk to St. Mark’s Square and gaze up at the city's famous Basilica. You'll be captivated as your guide explains how Venice built a mercantile empire that once spanned the entire Mediterranean.
Your guide will then leave you to enjoy a 30-minute (approximately) gondola ride with a professional gondolier. Limited to only 5 people per gondola, this experience will be both intimate and relaxing. Punt through the quieter canals of Venice as you relax and enjoy the city at its best!
Additional Information
Our group tour utilizes multiple areas that are not wheelchair accessible. Those with wheelchairs should contact us so we can arrange your visit.
Sites visited on this tour occasionally close due to holy days, high tides, and/or flooding. If time permits, we will notify you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time. If a site closes, you will tour the exterior of the site.
During times of high tides, flooding, or heavy rain, the gondola ride may be substituted for another experience.
Walks comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to Italy government guidelines for the most up to date information
The Rialto Fish Market is closed on Sundays.
Due to the religious nature of the Basilica, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. A scarf or shawl is acceptable. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.
Mobile tickets will be accepted
Know before you go
This tour is in English.
This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
This tour meets 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
If you cannot join your tour (running late, etc.) please contact us. We may be able to reschedule your tour (with an amendment fee) depending on availability.
Our group tour utilizes multiple areas that are not wheelchair accessible. Those with wheelchairs should contact us so we can arrange your visit.
Due to the religious nature of sites on this tour, all individuals (regardless of gender) must cover their shoulders and knees. It is acceptable to bring extra coverings to put on just before entering a holy site. Walks cannot be responsible for anyone denied entry.
Sites visited on this tour occasionally close due to holy days, high tides, and/or flooding. If time permits, we will notify you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time. If a site closes, you will tour the exterior of the site.
During times of high tides, flooding, or heavy rain, the gondola ride may be substituted for another experience.
Large bags and backpacks cannot be accommodated on this tour.
The Rialto Fish Market is closed on Sundays.
Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
Walks comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to Italy government guidelines for the most up to date information
Cancellation policy
Cancellations received greater than 72 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable
