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

Summary Description

Learn the history of Venice on a 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.
  • Admire the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica from the outside.
Description

A first-timer to Venice, or don’t know where to begin your explorations? Over the course of this tour, experience many of the city’s top highlights: see the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square on a guided city walk (please note: entrance to St. Mark's Basilica isn't included.) Plus enjoy a relaxing gondola ride and explore areas of the city that many tour groups miss, from the sestiere of Cannaregio to the Rialto Fish Market. 

__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.

__Explore Cannaregio’s quiet charm__
Leave the tourist trails behind and dive into Cannaregio, a neighborhood where locals live, laugh, and linger. Along the way, discover the house where Marco Polo once lived, admire the perfect proportions of Santa Maria dei Miracoli, and cross peaceful campos lined with Renaissance façades.

__Step into a past shaped by power and pride.__
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.

__Arrive at legendary St. Mark’s Square.__
This is where Venice reveals her grandeur. Gaze up at the breathtaking basilica as your guide shares how the city became a mercantile powerhouse. Entry to St. Mark's Basilica isn't included in this tour, but your guide will give a brief from the square of the dazzling mosaics, art, and history within the basilica's walls.

__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.*

Included / Excluded
  • 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
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.
  • Entrance to St. Mark's Basilica is included on the 2pm tour only.
  • 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.
  • A valid photo ID is mandatory for entry to St. Mark’s Basilica.
  • 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. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
  • Entrance to St. Mark's Basilica is included on the 2pm tour only.
  • 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.
  • A valid photo ID is mandatory for entry to St. Mark’s Basilica.
Cancellation

Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours

Cancellation Notes: Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours 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.

Options and Pricing

Welcome to Venice Pricing valid Jan 1 - Feb 28 & Dec 1 - Dec 31

Welcome to Venice Pricing valid Jan 1 - Feb 28 & Dec 1 - Dec 31 RETAIL PRICE
Terms and Conditions

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

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: 20
  • Category: Tours & Sightseeing
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