Tours/Venice/Venice for First-Timers: Essential Private Tour
Venice for First-Timers: Essential Private Tour
5.0(63)Venice2 hours
TRIPADVISOR5.0(63)
+14 photos
At a glance
Duration
2 hours
Price from
$176 / person
Location
Venice, Italy
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 63 reviews
Languages
DE, EN, IT, ES
Group
Private
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Hotel pickup
Available
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
deTourist Venice Valerio Coppo
Description
Welcome to Venice! Want to know the best places to eat? Which places to go to and which to avoid? Or simply get some help to navigate the city and better plan your stay? Book this private tour and get the perfect introduction to Venice!
First time in Venice? Wondering where to go and what to see in this fascinating city? Kickstart your time in Venice with 2 hours introduction to the city with the help of top rated guide. This tour is the city overview you were looking for that brings together sights of main highlights and attractions, plus must-have tips and tricks that will help you get acquainted with the city, its people, and culture.
So, ready to start your time in Venice in the best way possible? On this private tour, you’ll meet up with the local guide at your hotel and any place you prefer and have a tailor-made experience.
Any questions? Book the tour and ask before your trip about anything that pops into your mind and get all the answers you need for the perfect Venice trip.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, and Fri
Start times
9:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM, and 5:00 PM
Next available
Wed, Dec 2
Adult (ages 16+)
$176
Youth (ages 0–15)
Free
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $352.
Larger groups pay less per person.
In demand: 88 of the next 88 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 13.
Tour Options
Venice for First-Timers: Essential Private Tour
Pickup included
Itinerary
Laguna di Venezia
15 min
We will jump over centuries to understand how the lagoon have been shaped by the Republic of Venice to its own purposes and survival, creating herculean barriers from the sea, deviating rivers while keeping a delicate balance between human intervention and natural events.
Venice
15 min
Discover how the Venetian lagoon is connected with the Adriatic Sea through three port inlets, allowing the exchange of waters to enter and exit from the Adriatic Sea at the rhythm of the tides.
This cyclical movement performs an indispensable function for the balance of its ecosystem: high tide becomes a problem for Venice only when it exceeds the level of 80 cm, the limit beyond we can speak of "Acqua Alta" ("High water")
City of Venice
15 min
Understand the complicated mix of phenomena causing Acqua Alta and why some are predictable and others much less. You will discover why rain has nothing do to with it and how lunar phases and astronomical tides, strong winds low pressure plays a much bigger role.
15 min
You will get explained how is possible that with 80 cm tides your feet keep dry and why a tide of 140cm is impacting the city so hardly.
Venice
15 min
Get back to the 60s, when a tragedy renamed the "aqua granda" occurred due to an exceptional wave of bad weather hitting all of Italy. Back those days Venice experienced one of the most tragic days in its history, with the tide reaching the highest peak ever recorded in the history. We will understand how this event impacted the development of the city and life of its inhabitants in the following decades.
Lido di Venezia
15 min
Venice experienced a similar situation on the evening in 2019, making clear that natural events are more and more linked with global climate changes and over tourism exploiting the city. We will understand more about what happened visiting some places heavily impacted back on those days.
Campo Santa Maria Formosa
15 min
Venice experienced a dramatic situation also at the end of 2019, making clear that natural events are more and more linked with global climate changes and over tourism exploiting the city. We will understand more about what happened visiting some places heavily impacted back on those days.
What's included
Included
Licensed Tour Guide
Not included
Gratuities
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
63 reviews
5
61
4
2
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Venice
Rated higher than 81% of 560 reviewed tours in Venice
Starting price $176 is 52% above the typical $115 for tours of similar length in Venice
Excurgo comparison of 1,967 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Venice for First-Timers: Essential Private Tour take?
Venice for First-Timers: Essential Private Tour lasts about 2 hours. The itinerary has 7 stops.
How much does Venice for First-Timers: Essential Private Tour cost?
Prices start at $176 per person for this Venice experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $352. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Venice for First-Timers: Essential Private Tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, starting at 9:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM, and 5:00 PM.
Does Venice for First-Timers: Essential Private Tour sell out?
It can: 88 of the next 88 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Venice for First-Timers: Essential Private Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Pickup points include Hotel Carpaccio, Ca' Giorgio.
What languages is Venice for First-Timers: Essential Private Tour offered in?
The experience is available in DE, EN, IT, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 10 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible Wheelchair accessible
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(63)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
1
122jasmink
April 1, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
If you want to see Venice through the eyes of a local and want to experience it, not just see it, this is the right place!
Valerio is a good-hearted person. He knows his way around, not just Venice. We have received many tips also for our further holiday. Likewise, he has very specifically addressed our 10 year old daughter so that she does not get bored. All in all, a feel-good package with him.
Operator response
Liebe Jasmink,
vielen herzlichen Dank für diese wunderbare und persönliche Bewertung — das bedeutet mir wirklich viel! 😊
Es freut mich sehr, dass ihr Venedig nicht nur gesehen, sondern auch erlebt habt — genau das ist mein Ziel bei jeder Tour. Und ganz besonders schön ist es zu hören, dass sich eure Tochter wohlgefühlt hat und Spaß hatte.
Danke auch für eure Offenheit und die angenehme gemeinsame Zeit — solche Begegnungen machen meinen Job wirklich besonders.
Ich wünsche euch noch eine fantastische Weiterreise und hoffe, euch eines Tages wieder in Venedig begrüßen zu dürfen!
Herzliche Grüße
Valerio deTourist
R
Relax14984952771
March 1, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Superguide
I have been with Valerio Coppo for several hours, days in Venice, Murano and when I come back then he is again my favorite leader. Everything I wanted to see and know, I learned. Not only that, but all the tips he gave afterwards helped me.
So if guided tours, only with VALERIO COPPO
Operator response
Was für eine wunderbare Rückmeldung – ganz herzlichen Dank dafür!
Es war mir wirklich eine Freude, dich mehrere Stunden und Tage in Venedig und Murano begleiten zu dürfen. Genau so stelle ich mir eine ideale Entdeckungsreise vor: neugierig, offen, mit Zeit für Fragen – und mit Raum für die kleinen Details, die eine Stadt lebendig machen.
Dass dir nicht nur die Tour selbst, sondern auch meine Tipps für danach geholfen haben, freut mich besonders. Venedig ist keine Stadt, die man „abarbeitet“ – sie erschließt sich Schritt für Schritt, und es ist schön zu wissen, dass ich dazu beitragen durfte.
Und dass ich wieder deine Lieblings-Führungsperson sein darf, wenn du zurückkommst… das ist das schönste Kompliment überhaupt 😊
Ich freue mich jetzt schon auf unser nächstes Wiedersehen in der Lagune!
Herzliche Grüße aus Venedig
Valerio deTourist
L
lukasmR548NS
February 9, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Good Venice Introduction
Great walk through of Venice. So much more to see and learn.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your kind words!
I’m really happy you enjoyed our walk together. Venice always has more layers to uncover, especially for first-time visitors — and I’m glad I could help you discover some of them.
I hope this was just the beginning of your relationship with Venice… there’s always more to explore!
Warm regards,
Valerio deTourist
T
thomasbE13RN
September 10, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
You can't get better!
Valerio exceeded all expectations with his kind and safety, experience and empathy to our group. So make the day of our silver wedding an unforgettable one. Thank you very much
Janet und Thomas
Operator response
Liebe Janet, lieber Thomas,
es war mir eine große Freude, euch an eurem besonderen Tag zu begleiten. Danke für eure wundervollen Worte – sie bedeuten mir sehr viel. Ich wünsche euch weiterhin viele gemeinsame glückliche Jahre und hoffe, euch vielleicht eines Tages wieder in Venedig begrüßen zu dürfen!
Herzliche Grüße
Valerio deTourist
I
Inspire294285
February 25, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Palazzi Venezia Ca'...
Very well prepared, flexible in the choice and timing of the meeting (spontaneously brought forward during arrival), he managed to open “inaccessible exhibition spaces” for us with charm and tenacity. See you again in autumn...
Operator response
Liebe/r Inspire294285,
herzlichen Dank für die tolle Rückmeldung! Es freut mich sehr, dass ihr die Flexibilität und die besonderen Einblicke während der Tour geschätzt habt – manchmal lohnt sich ein wenig Hartnäckigkeit! Ich freue mich schon jetzt auf ein Wiedersehen im Herbst.
Alles Gute und bis bald in Venedig!
Valerio
I
isabelcA7068WM
January 19, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Fantastic private tour: Authentic venezia
Fantastic experience knowing Venice with Valerio. We had little time and thanks to the tour we did with it, we were able to enter the most authentic Venice away from crowds and understand a little of its history and essence. Great professional, it was a luxury to visit. Thanks for everything. We'll be back!
Operator response
Muchísimas gracias, Isabel, por tus palabras tan generosas. Me alegra saber que, aunque el tiempo era poco, hayamos podido vivere juntos una Venecia più auténtica y tranquila, lejos de las multitudes. Fue un verdadero placer acompañarles y compartir con ustedes la esencia de esta ciudad única.
¡Aquí estaré esperándolos para la próxima visita!
Un fuerte abrazo,
Valerio
S
Stay51167968569
October 28, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Very nice and interesting
Valerio made the tour very interesting (asked questions, told the story of Venice, made jokes, showed us secret spots) it was very great!
The 3 hours in the rain have passed really quickly, Valerio has booked a tour for me personally then with the Armenian island. Thanks for the effort!
He managed everything great even though we were a school class of over 24 people👏🏻
V
Voyager53482967321
October 24, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Great, keep it up!!!
Great, exciting tour. Cool insider tips from a real Venetian. The 3 hours through Venice have flown by despite pouring rain.
N
nicolerY3023TE
June 16, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
See Venice through the eyes of a local
The goal was to get to know Venice from a different perspective, with a bit of history and knowledge. Valerio brought all of this to life for us. We were traveling as a family and were amazed at how many other sides of Venice there are. It was a lot of fun and it won't be the last tour with Valerio.
Operator response
Liebe Nicole,
herzlichen Dank für deine wunderbare Bewertung! Es freut mich sehr zu hören, dass ihr Venedig so intensiv und unterhaltsam erleben konntet. Eure freundlichen Worte bedeuten mir sehr viel 😊. Ich freue mich schon darauf, euch bei eurer nächsten Tour wieder begrüßen zu dürfen!
Liebe Grüße,
Valerio
R
ruthgY9637GH
April 6, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Very interesting for those interested in history
Everything was perfect, nice tour, great information, nice additional tips; thank you!!
Route and guide perfect
Operator response
Vielen Dank für Ihre freundliche Bewertung. Es freut uns, zu hören, dass Sie die Tour und die Informationen genossen haben. 😊 Valerio
Compare similar tours in Venice
Lowest price: Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat — $50
Best rated: Venice In a Day St Mark's Doges Palace Gondola Ride and City Tour — 4.8 (5,125 reviews)
Shortest: Venice for First-Timers: Essential Private Tour — 2 hours
