Welcome to Venice: Walking Tour, St. Mark's Basilica & Gondola Ride

Learn the history of Venice on a walking tour, skip-the-line entry to St. Mark’s Basilica, and finally enjoy a gondola ride down some of the enchanting canals of the city center. 

• 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.
• Step inside Venice's most beautiful bookstore.
• Admire the stunning art inside St. Mark’s Basilica.

New to Venice? Perfect. We’ll show you everything you didn’t know you needed to see.

 From grand icons to secret corners, this is an introduction into Venice’s rich, surreal beauty. Wander the storied streets where gondolas glide past mansions, explore the buzzing Rialto Fish Market, and pop into one of the city’s quirkiest hidden gems, a bookshop where resident cats lounge on the stacks.

 Then, step inside the golden glow of St. Mark’s Basilica, a masterpiece most travelers only scratch the surface of. You’ll also float beneath centuries-old bridges on a classic gondola ride and explore neighborhoods most tours skip that locals actually live in.

__Start near Venice’s iconic Rialto Bridge.__
Your journey begins where history and hustle meet—at the famous Rialto. Learn why this striking stone bridge was once considered a terrible idea, and peek into the bustling fish market to hear how seafood helped build Venetian cuisine.

__Get a Taste of Local Life.__
Leave the tourist trails behind and dive into a neighborhood where locals live. Have a glimpse of real life in Venice as you slip into the quieter corners of the city. You’ll meander through tucked-away alleyways that locals know by heart, arriving at one of Venice’s most delightfully eccentric gems: a beloved bookstore bursting with character, canal views, and a few furry feline residents. Your guide will wait outside while you enjoy free time to wander, snap photos, and soak up the charm at your own pace. 
On Campo San Giovanni e Paolo, see where military heroes are honored with a rare equestrian statue by Verrocchio, and take in a panorama of Venetian architecture at its finest.

__Step inside the legendary St. Mark’s Basilica.__
This is where Venice reveals her grandeur. Gaze up at the breathtaking basilica as your guide shares how the city became a mercantile powerhouse. You will have skip-the-line access to St. Mark's Basilica and explore its stunning history, architecture, and art with your guide. 

__End your day with a peaceful gondola ride.__
Your guide will say farewell, but your journey isn’t over. Hop into a classic gondola for a quiet 30-minute ride through Venice’s lesser-known canals. With no more than five guests per boat, it’s the perfect way to end your adventure in true Venetian style.

*Please note that it is not possible to bring large backpacks on the tour.*

*Please note that this description is an example and your experience may vary depending on the season, day of the week, and group size. Regardless of where your tour goes, you always have an excellent experience.*

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