Tour Enchanting Venice Majestic City Walk and Gondola Ride





Description
Explore Venice's iconic landmarks on an unforgettable journey. Visit St. Mark's Square, where architectural wonders like St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the Renaissance clock tower await. Meander through Castello's elegant residential district, crossing charming bridges and strolling down picturesque alleys. Discover the treasures of campo Santa Maria Formosa and campo San Giovanni & Paolo, home to the majestic Basilica and historic sites like Marco Polo's residence and the Malibran theatre. Our knowledgeable guide shares Venice's rich history and architectural marvels. The walking tour concludes at St. Mark's Square, passing through the bustling Mercerie shopping street. Then, immerse yourself in Venice's essence with a Gondola ride from campo San Moisè. Glide gracefully along the Grand Canal, admiring stunning architecture and uncovering hidden entrances to opulent palaces and secluded corners.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Embark on a journey through the hidden gems of Venice, wandering off the beaten path between St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge. Your adventure begins at campo San Moisè, just steps from St. Mark's Square, where you'll dive deep into the city's rich history. Follow your guide as they lead you through a labyrinth of narrow alleys, charming squares or 'campi,' and regale you with captivating tales of Venice's past and the local Venetian dialect. Take a moment to stand before the magnificent La Fenice opera house, where you'll uncover its remarkable yet tumultuous history. Marvel at the Bovolo Staircase, a Renaissance masterpiece and one of Venice's most exquisite architectural treasures. This captivating and intricate spiral staircase is a part of the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, dating back to 1499 and nestled near Campo Manin
Santa Maria Formosa, nestled in the heart of Venice, Italy, is a picturesque square renowned for its rich history and enchanting ambiance. Dominating the square's center stands the magnificent Santa Maria Formosa Church, a timeless architectural wonder dating back to the 15th century. The church's façade, a harmonious blend of Byzantine and Renaissance styles, captivates all who behold it, making it a must-see for visitors. Encircled by graceful edifices and labyrinthine alleyways, Santa Maria Formosa emanates the quintessential charm of Venice, offering a serene respite from the city's lively energy. It serves as an ideal locale for leisurely strolls, immersing oneself in the local atmosphere, and savoring the unique allure of Venice. Aptly named "Formosa," which translates to "beautiful" in Italian, the square lives up to its moniker, etching an unforgettable memory in the hearts of all who have the privilege of experiencing its splendor
The Rialto Bridge, a Venice icon, gracefully spans the Grand Canal, uniting the districts of San Marco and San Polo. Adorned with its elegant arches and charming shops that line its sides, the bridge embodies the essence of Venetian beauty and history. Dating back to the 16th century, it proudly holds the distinction of being one of Venice's oldest and most renowned bridges, drawing visitors from every corner of the globe. Gazing from the Rialto Bridge, one is treated to awe-inspiring vistas of the bustling Grand Canal, where gondolas and boats weave through its waters. It endures as a symbol of Venice's storied heritage, an essential stop for all who wish to explore this captivating city
Flowing at the heart of Venice, the Grand Canal stands as a breathtaking spectacle. Stretching over 2 miles and shaped like a graceful, meandering "S," this iconic watercourse threads its way through the city, forming vital connections between enchanting neighborhoods and serving as a stage for Venice's architectural marvels. Embarking on a voyage along the Grand Canal unveils a tapestry of grandeur, with palaces, churches, and buildings gracing its banks. These structures, resplendent in their intricate designs, boast colorful facades and exquisite details, each a testament to centuries of Venetian history and cultural opulence. As you glide serenely atop the glistening waters, immerse yourself in the lively pulse of Venetian life. Behold the graceful gondolas and vaporettos gracefully navigating the canal's arteries, ferrying both locals and travelers to their respective destinations, in a vibrant and ever-moving dance.
In the latter part of the 18th century, Venice boasted a total of seven venerable theaters, two of which were dedicated to the dramatic arts, while the remaining five celebrated the world of music. Among this prestigious array of venues, none shone brighter than the Teatro San Benedetto, situated in the vicinity of Campo San Luca. Its origins traced back to its establishment by the illustrious Grimani family in 1755, although later, the reins were passed into the hands of the Noble Society of boxholders. However, a significant turn of events unfolded in 1787, marked by a judicial agreement that led to the expulsion of the society from their cherished theater. They were obliged to surrender this hallowed stage to the Venier nobility, who held ownership of the land upon which the edifice stood. In response, the society embarked on an ambitious endeavor to erect a new, grander theater, which they aptly christened the Gran Teatro La Fenice.
Numerous place names in Venice evoke the city's historical ties to horticultural activities and areas teeming with vegetation. Examples include the campi, campazzi, grassy courtyards, and the calluses of the fig tree. The first documented reference to the Rio dell'Alboro dates back to 1696, while the Rio de le Ostreghe appears in records during the subsequent century. It is likely that vendors of these delectable seafood creatures once plied their trade in the vicinity. The cultivation of such seafood, especially in the lagoon, experienced significant growth, particularly in the first half of the 19th century.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The gondola ride is not private but is shared with other participants.
- The seat on the gondola cannot be chosen but will be assigned by our gondolier
- IMPORTANT: The tour is not private, it is a shared tour
- Each gondola can accommodate a maximum of 5 individuals.
- The itinerary is subject to change in case of inclement weather.
- Children up to 2 years old do not pay, only if they do not occupy a seat on the gondola
- When you book, pass us your whatsapp number, we will send you a voucher, via whatsapp, which you must present on the day of the tour.
- Once you arrive at the meeting point, you must enter the Aliguna Ticket Office, show the voucher, which we will send you via whatsapp, and receive the tickets. If you have any doubts, you can ask our desk colleagues
- Important, we ask you to arrive 20 minutes before the departure of the tour, rightly so because you have to show your voucher at the ticket office, and receive the tickets from our colleagues, ok
- if you don't arrive in time, or you miss the meeting point you will lose the tour. If you miss the tour, you will not get a refund
- If the gondola tour is canceled due to bad weather, the customer will receive a refund of 30 euro per person.
- The gondola tour has a maximum capacity of 5 people, the walking tour up to 15 people
- On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
- Gondola departure times may vary at the discretion of the gondoliers. It may happen that once you have checked in you still have to wait (maximum 1 hour) beyond the requested time.
Reviews(9)
Magical insight to the city of Venice. Very well organized and informative tour. We had a blast! Thank you for a great experience!
Thank you for your feedback! You're very important to us! We always choose the best guides to offer excellent service! Thank you!
Tour guide was nice , but really only walked us around the areas you can easily find your self She took us down small side streets Which was terrible for two ladies , they had their purses taken Gondola ride wasn’t much , he was on his phone the the whole time
Thank you for your feedback. Our tours are designed to provide unique local experiences, and we ensure guides lead visitors safely through selected areas. We appreciate your input as we continue to refine our services.
Very average tour. The guide did not introduce herself, was rude, didn’t answer questions properly, actually said to one person that she didn’t have to tell them all about the city and finished the tour earlier than was advertised. The gondola ride was scary as I thought our gondola would capsize or sink with the size of the people in it (ie no attempt at even weight distribution between gondolas. The gondolier did not engage with us at all.
Hello, Thank you for your feedback. We are very sorry to hear about your disappointing experience on the tour. We have forwarded your comments to the relevant department to investigate the guide's behavior. We apologize for any rudeness and for not providing the service you expected. Your feedback is essential for us to improve. Regarding the gondola ride, we regret that it was not up to standard. Safety and enjoyment are our top priorities, and we will address these issues with our team. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding. Sincerely,
Walking tour was cancelled due to the Pope arriving the next day. We were not notified until after we stood in line at the ticket counter- an email or a text would have been nice. We were only able to do the gondalla ride which we had already done the day before. We still have not been reimbursed for the tour that was cancelled.
Hello, Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We deeply regret the inconvenience caused by the unexpected cancellation of the walking tour. Unfortunately, the Pope's arrival is not always communicated in advance, and we are often informed only on the same day, which makes it extremely difficult to adjust logistics. We sincerely apologize for not being able to notify you before you arrived at the ticket counter. We understand the importance of efficient communication and are working to improve our processes to ensure that situations like this do not occur in the future. Thank you for your understanding, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused. Sincerely,
The Pope was visiting the day of our tour so we found out the evening before that part was canceled with no offer of a partial refund. We couldn’t even get to the gondola part and I messaged the operator back about it but got no response.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you experienced during your tour with us. We apologize for any frustration or disappointment this may have caused you and the other members of your group. We fully understand how important this part of the tour was to you. Once again, we apologize for the setbacks and appreciate the opportunity to learn and improve from this experience. Sincerely,
I was disappointed with this tour. Online, it advised we would go to San Marco piazza, Doge’s palace and Rialto bridge. None of this occurred. Also, we were advised to arrive 20 mins early. The Tour guide arrived after 3pm. Although she was lovely, it involved walking the various streets of Venice rather than the main tourist attractions, which is not what I booked. I have given 1 star as the gondola ride was fun, and the only thing that they followed through with. Had I known the tour was not as described, I would have booked elsewhere.
Good Morning, We must address your recent feedback with utmost clarity. Despite your tardiness, which inconvenienced the entire group, we accommodated your late arrival and proceeded with the tour as scheduled. Throughout the entirety of the tour, our guide demonstrated professionalism and courtesy, despite your evident displeasure. Your unwarranted demands for a refund, following a completed tour as described in our itinerary, were rightfully denied. We uphold the standards outlined in our policies, and your request did not meet the criteria for reimbursement. We implore you to reflect on your actions and consider the impact of your behavior on both our staff and fellow tour participants. Respect and adherence to agreed-upon terms are essential in maintaining a harmonious and enjoyable experience for all involved. We extend our sincerest wishes for a pleasant day ahead.
The walking part of the tour was fun and informative. It showed us parts of the city that would normally be missed as they aren’t common touristy areas. And our tour guide showed passion for his city! The gondola ride left much to be desired and was a disappointment. The gondalier wasn’t pleasant and actually a little rude. He spent the entire time chatting it up with passing gondolas and playing catch with fruit.
We appreciate your feedback regarding your recent tour experience. While we're pleased to hear that you enjoyed the walking portion of the tour and found it informative, we regret to learn about your disappointment with the gondola ride. We want to assure you that we take your feedback seriously and are investigating the matter further. It's essential for us to ensure that all aspects of our tours meet the high standards we strive for. However, we must clarify that the behavior you described from the gondolier does not align with the professionalism and service quality we expect from our partners. Rest assured, we will address this issue promptly to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you during your tour. We hope that despite this setback, you were still able to enjoy the unique sights and experiences our city has to offer. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention, and we hope to have the opportunity to provide you with a more satisfying experience in the future.
Venice is beautiful, and this tour made it even more special. The walking tour was informative, and the Gondola ride allowed us to see the city from a different perspective. It's a must-do when in Venice.
Hello how are you ? We appreciate your comment. We are happy for your satisfaction, We hope you come back soon to repeat this beautiful experience. Hugs!
This tour was a magical adventure. The gondola ride added a unique perspective to the city, and our guide made the history come alive. Loved every moment.
Hello how are you ? We appreciate your comment. We are happy for your satisfaction, We hope you come back soon to repeat this beautiful experience. Hugs!



