Venice Highlights Walking Tour and Gondola Ride

2 to 3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

This Venice walking tour with a gondola ride combines the city’s most famous landmarks with authentic local neighborhoods.

Follow an expert local guide from the historic Rialto area toward St. Mark’s Square, crossing picturesque bridges, passing traditional Venetian campos, and discovering hidden corners that many visitors miss.
Along the way, learn the fascinating history of the Venetian Republic, local traditions, and stories behind the city’s iconic architecture.

The experience concludes with one of Venice’s most unforgettable activities, a classic gondola ride through the scenic canals, offering a unique perspective of Venice from the water before arriving near the magnificent St. Mark’s Square.

What's Included

2-Hour Easy & Well-Paced Walking Tour
Professional and licensed expert guide
Intimate Small-Group Setting
Headsets to hear the guide better
30 minutes shared gondola ride (optional)
Transportation to the meeting point

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

We meet at Campo San Bortolo, near the monument of Carlo Goldoni. Your guide will have a signboard that says “Walks In Europe.”

End point
Piazza San Marco

The tour concludes with a brief introduction to Venice’s main monuments: St Mark’s Clock Tower, St Mark’s Campanile (Bell Tower), the Procuratie Buildings, historic Caffè Florian, St Mark’s Basilica, and the majestic Doge’s Palace, the symbolic heart of Venice.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 to 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Campo San Bortolomio

    Discover Venice’s most iconic landmarks on a guided walking tour through historic squares, hidden streets, and picturesque canals, followed by a classic gondola ride along the famous Grand Canal. This Venice highlights tour is the perfect introduction to the city, combining history, local culture, and one of Venice’s most unforgettable experiences. Meet your expert guide in Campo San Bortolo, next to the statue of Venetian writer Carlo Goldoni, and begin exploring the historic heart of Venice near the Rialto Bridge. Walk through narrow streets, charming Venetian campos, and scenic canals while learning about the history, traditions, and daily life of the Venetian Republic. End your experience with a classic gondola ride through Venice’s canals before arriving near the magnificent St. Mark’s Square.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Ponte di Rialto

    Continue toward the famous Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge crossing the Grand Canal and once the bustling commercial center of the Venetian Republic. Nearby, admire the historic Fontego dei Tedeschi, a former merchant trading house that once hosted German traders and still overlooks the Grand Canal today.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Along the route, pass the traditional site associated with Marco Polo’s House, where Venice’s most famous explorer is believed to have lived. Your guide will share the story of Marco Polo’s remarkable journeys along the Silk Road and how Venice became a powerful gateway between Europe and Asia during the medieval period.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Reach Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo, one of Venice’s largest and most impressive squares, home to the grand Basilica of San Zanipolo and the elegant Chiesa dell’Ospedaletto, both reflecting centuries of religious and artistic heritage.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Bridge Of Sighs

    Stroll through the quieter Campo Santa Maria Formosa, one of Venice’s most charming historic squares, offering a glimpse into everyday Venetian life. Then cross the Ponte del Remedio to enjoy an exterior view of the iconic Bridge of Sighs, one of the city’s most photographed landmarks connecting the Doge’s Palace to the historic prison.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Piazza San Marco

    Your walking tour concludes at Piazza San Marco, the monumental heart of Venice. Admire exterior views of St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Campanile, and the Clock Tower as your guide shares essential insights into their history and significance.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Grand Canal

    After the walking tour, enjoy a optional gondola ride, gliding along sections of the Grand Canal and peaceful smaller canals — the perfect way to experience Venice from the water

    30 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as there will be a moderate amount of walking involved.
  • Clients must arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start of the tour.
  • Please be advised that it is not possible to join the tour after it has commenced.
  • There will be 5 people on each gondola shared.
Supplied by Walks In Europe
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Tags

Private and Luxury
Architecture Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Gondola Cruises
Water Tours

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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