Best of Venice – 4-Hour Walking Tour & Venetian Ferry Experience

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  Piazza San Marco

  Piazza San Marco is the magnificent heart of Venice, famously known as the “drawing room of Europe.” Admire the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace and the soaring Campanile, alongside the elegant Clock Tower and the surrounding historic arcades and architectural treasures. Wander across the vast marble square, soaking in its rich heritage, historic cafés and timeless Venetian atmosphere.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 2
  gondola ride

  Gondola Ride to Punta Della Dogana

  7 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 3
  Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

  Cross the Grand Canal from San Marco aboard a traditional gondola ferry to Punta della Dogana, where spectacular waterfront views introduce Venice’s artistic and architectural heritage. Continue on foot to the magnificent Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, renowned for its grand Baroque dome. Admire the surroundings of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Gallerie dell’Accademia and other historic landmarks of Dorsoduro. Pause at a local café for a quick bite before wandering through charming canals, picturesque squares and traditional Venetian streets, discovering the city’s rich history, artistic treasures and everyday life along the way.

  1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 4
  Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

  Continue on foot through the charming streets and picturesque canals of Venice towards the Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, one of the city’s most significant Gothic churches. Built by the Franciscan order and completed in the 15th century, this remarkable landmark stands in the heart of San Polo. Admire its imposing brick exterior, reflecting the simplicity of its Franciscan origins, and discover its rich artistic and historical heritage, offering a glimpse into Venice’s religious devotion and cultural grandeur. The basilica remains an enduring symbol of the city’s medieval past.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 5
  San Polo

  After admiring the basilica’s impressive Gothic architecture, continue exploring the surrounding streets towards San Polo, one of Venice’s oldest and smallest districts. Known for its historic market streets, traditional Venetian atmosphere and close connection to the city’s commercial past, the district was once a thriving hub for merchants and traders. Its charming squares, narrow lanes, historic churches and lively local markets offer a glimpse of everyday Venetian life, revealing a more intimate side of the city beyond its grand palaces and celebrated monuments.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 6
  Mercati di Rialto

  As you explore the charming lanes and historic surroundings of San Polo, continue towards the Rialto Market, Venice’s historic culinary hub, where colourful produce stalls sit alongside the famous Pescaria fish market near Rialto Bridge. A morning visit offers the chance to experience the lively atmosphere as vendors display fresh seafood and seasonal goods. Steeped in centuries-old traditions and animated by the rhythms of local life, the market provides an authentic glimpse into Venice’s vibrant food culture and enduring trading heritage.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 7
  gondola ride

  Gondola Ride to Cannaregio district

  7 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 8
  Ponte degli Scalzi

  Upon crossing the Grand Canal aboard the gondola ferry, enjoy a leisurely wander through Cannaregio, one of Venice’s most authentic districts, known for its quiet canals, charming lanes and traditional neighbourhood atmosphere. The walk concludes at Ponte degli Scalzi, a graceful stone bridge near Santa Lucia Railway Station. Completed in 1934, it replaced an earlier iron bridge and remains an important crossing over the Grand Canal, offering lovely views of Venice’s waterways.

  16 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• This is a walking tour through Venice and it is a very unique experience in its self.
• On certain dates during the month of April - July, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 to €10 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit the website in the Ticket section.
• A walking tour complemented by traditional ferry crossings (traghetti).
• Carry Comfortable shoes

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