Private Welcome to Venice Tour with St. Mark's & Gondola

Summary Description

Let your expert local guide give you the perfect introduction to Venice on a private walking tour featuring St. Mark’s Basilica, the Rialto Bridge, and a 30-minute gondola ride through the city’s quieter canals. 

Highlights
  • See Venice’s highlights in just 3 hours
  • Explore the canals on a private gondola ride
  • Enjoy local insight from an expert private guide
  • Skip the line into St. Mark's Basilica
  • Relaxed pace ideal for families, couples, or friends
Description

Experience the best of Venice on a private walking tour designed as the ideal introduction to the city. With an expert local guide, explore both iconic landmarks and hidden neighborhoods. Wander through Cannaregio and the lively Rialto Fish Market, where Venetians still shop for fresh seafood. Admire the Rialto Bridge and discover quiet canals, elegant bridges, and charming courtyards that many visitors miss. Soak in the lively atmosphere at St. Mark's Square before stepping into the famous Basilica itself. Enjoy a guided tour of the church and see its stunning gold mosaic ceiling.  End your tour in true Venetian style with a 30-minute private gondola ride, gliding through tranquil waterways for an unforgettable view of the city from the water. Perfect for first-time visitors, couples, or families, this experience offers the best of Venice at a relaxed, personal pace. 

Begin your introduction to Venice near the Rialto Fish Market along the Grand Canal. This is where locals have purchased fresh seafood for centuries, offering a glimpse of authentic daily life. From there, follow your guide to the Rialto Bridge, one of Venice’s oldest crossings over the Grand Canal. Enjoy sweeping views of the waterway and hear tales of the merchants who once made this area the bustling center of Venetian trade. 

Continue into Cannaregio, a peaceful neighborhood filled with quiet canals, artisan workshops, and hidden courtyards. This sestiere reveals a side of Venice that few visitors see, full of atmosphere and history.

Then you'll arrive in St. Mark’s Square, the city’s most famous landmark and a showcase of its former glory. Skip the line inside St. Mark’s Basilica with your guide to admire the gold ceiling, altarpieces, and incredible artwork. At each stop, your guide will reveal how this dazzling church came to symbolize Venice’s power, devotion, and artistry.

After saying goodbye to your guide, conclude your exploration with a 30-minute private gondola ride, gliding through serene canals and beneath elegant bridges. It’s the perfect finale to your private walking tour, offering first-time visitors an intimate and memorable introduction to the city.

Important: You must provide the following details for every guests in your party at the time of booking: first and last name. All guests must bring ID on the day of their tour as it is required to visit the St. Mark's Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument. Name changes are not permitted. This experience is refundable up to 7 days before your tour.

Included / Excluded
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Expertly guided walking tour
  • Gondola Ride
  • Headset
  • Skip-the-line access to St. Mark's Basilica (12€)
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
  • Guide (during gondola ride)
Start / End Locations

Start Location: Campo S. Giacomo di Rialto, 255, Campo S. Giacomo di Rialto, 255, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy

Start Location Notes: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets outside the entrance of the Church of San Giacometto at Campo San Giacomo di Rialto (also known as Campo San Giacometto).

Start Location Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/A9zA8yrsRPDtU8W49

End Location: St. Mark's Square, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy

Commentary

Guide : English

Important Information
Know Before You Book
  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
  • During times of high tides, flooding, or heavy rain, the gondola ride may be substituted for another experience.
  • The Rialto Fish Market is closed on Sundays.
  • This tour is in English.
  • This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
  • Large bags, trolleys and backpacks cannot be accommodated on this tour.
  • Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
  • The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and must match the names on the ID/Passport. Name changes are not permitted.
Know Before You Go
  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
  • During times of high tides, flooding, or heavy rain, the gondola ride may be substituted for another experience.
  • Large bags, trolleys and backpacks cannot be accommodated on this tour.
  • The Rialto Fish Market is closed on Sundays.
  • Appropriate footware is advised.
  • Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
  • Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
  • Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
  • The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and must match the names on the ID/Passport. Name changes are not permitted.
Cancellation

Cancellation Cutoff: 7 days

Cancellation Notes: Cancellations received greater than 7 days prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 7 days of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.

Terms and Conditions

Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.

Additional Information

Ticket age ranges:
- Adult (15+)
- Child (2-14)
- Infant (0-1)

Redemption Information

Tickets will be held at the box office

About operator:

Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.

In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.

Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...

Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.

Basic Information
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Max Group Size: 8
  • Category: Tours & Sightseeing
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