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

5.0
(1 reviews)
Venice, Italy

3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Experience the best of Venice on a private tour designed as the ideal introduction to the city. With an expert local guide, explore both iconic landmarks and hidden neighborhoods. Wander through the lively Rialto Market, where Venetians still shop for fresh seafood. Admire Rialto Bridge and discover quiet canals, palaces, and charming courtyards that many visitors miss. You'll even stop by a bookstore considered by many to be the most beautiful in the world, with a stunning canal view, quirky decor, and friendly resident cats. Afterwards, 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. Perfect for first-time visitors, couples, or families, this experience offers the best of Venice at a relaxed, personal pace.

What's Included

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

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

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).

End point

St. Mark's Square

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Mercati di Rialto

    Explore one of Venice’s liveliest local markets, where vendors have sold fresh seafood for generations. See how Venetians still shop and enjoy this slice of daily life.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • Ponte di Rialto (Pass by)

    Stroll across the city’s most iconic bridge and enjoy sweeping views of the Grand Canal while your guide shares the story of Venice’s rise as a maritime power.

    Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Castello

    Continue to 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.

    50 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Pause to admire a unique mansion that belonged to a powerful Venetian family.

    Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Libreria Acqua alta

    One of the highlights of your guided walk is a visit to a famous bookstore that feels authentically Venetian and uses gondolas and boats for decoration. Your guide will wait for you outside, allowing you to wander the stacks of books, see the friendly cats, and admire the view of the peaceful canal.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4
    St. Mark's Basilica

    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.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 5

    After saying goodbye to your guide, conclude your experience with a serene private gondola ride through the city’s tranquil back canals, offering a timeless perspective of Venice from the water.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • 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.
  • Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
Supplied by Walks - Italy & Spain
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Tags

Half-day Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Gondola Cruises
Water Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 1 1 review
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