Venice Walking Tour and Gondola Ride
Description
Discover the timeless magic of Venice with an unforgettable experience combining a 90-minute guided walking tour and a 30-minute traditional gondola ride. Begin in the iconic St. Mark's Square and follow your expert guide through the authentic streets of the Castello district, where hidden canals, peaceful squares, and centuries of history reveal the city's true character. Visit the magnificent Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo, admire the legendary home of Marco Polo, and uncover fascinating stories of Venice's glorious past before returning to St. Mark's Square. Enjoy approximately 45 minutes of free time to relax, explore at your own pace, or take memorable photos. Then, board a traditional Venetian gondola and glide through charming canals to the breathtaking Grand Canal, passing magnificent palaces, the majestic Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, and the world-famous La Fenice Theatre. A perfect blend of history, culture, and Venice's most iconic tradition.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The magnificent heart of Venice and one of the most iconic squares in the world. Step into a breathtaking open-air masterpiece surrounded by centuries of history, where political power, religion, and art once defined the Venetian Empire. Admire the grandeur and feel the unique atmosphere that has fascinated travelers for centuries.
Escape the crowds and discover the authentic soul of Venice on a captivating walking tour through the charming streets of the Castello district. Wander along peaceful canals, hidden squares, and picturesque alleys as you uncover local traditions, fascinating history, and the timeless atmosphere of one of Venice's most authentic neighborhoods. A perfect experience for travelers seeking the city's true character beyond the usual tourist routes.
Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo is one of Venice's most impressive and historic squares, surrounded by magnificent architecture and centuries of history. Dominated by the majestic Basilica of Saints John and Paul—final resting place of many Venetian Doges—it offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's glorious past. A vibrant and atmospheric spot, it perfectly captures the grandeur, charm, and timeless spirit of Venice.
The legendary home of Venice’s most famous explorer. Pass by the place linked to Marco Polo and imagine the extraordinary journeys that connected Venice to Asia and the Silk Road. A symbolic stop that brings global history to life.
Return to the magnificent St. Mark's Square, where your journey comes full circle. Take in the timeless beauty of Venice's most iconic landmark, surrounded by extraordinary architecture, lively cafés, and an unforgettable atmosphere—the perfect ending to an immersive walk through the city's history, culture, and hidden treasures. After returning to St. Mark's Square, you will enjoy approximately 45 minutes of free time before your gondola ride begins. This is the perfect opportunity to relax, explore the square at your own pace, take memorable photos, or enjoy a coffee while soaking up the unique atmosphere of Venice before your next unforgettable experience.
Before taking the gondola, you need to check in at Campo San Zaccaria. During your gondola ride, you’ll glide along Venice’s canals, admiring the city from a unique perspective. Venice was designed to be admired from the water, and it is precisely on the water that the gondola’s smooth, gentle movements will make this experience unforgettable. Relax and let the gondolier guide you as you discover the city’s magic.
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
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- Maximum of 25 people on each tour
- The second part of the tour (gondola ride) is unguided
- 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
Reviews(17)
We missed the walking tour but took the Gondola ride. The drivers and staff were very professional and made sure every one got one the gondola safely. The ride was a good length . I felt we saw a lot and a good value.
the tour was overcrowded, the tour guide was rude and not good -- the local staff was not available to intervene and address concerns. Have used viator many, many times - NEVER had an experience like this.
This type of tour is great to know none turistic places and history about Venice, and also somehow a way to get the gondola experience. RECOMENDED to go with a partner.
<p>we have opted for this tour as it states that it shows you and takes you all around Venice important sites and also shows you Venice from the local's point of view. Well, it did nothing of the sort! The guide did not take us to any Venice landmarks, did not stop for any photos and only showed us the narrow streets of Venice nothing major!<br/> the gondola ride was a big flop!! where it states that it will take you for a 30mins of gondola ride through the narrow canals of Venice, this gondola ride only lasted for 20 mins and we only went out to the big canal and back in! the gondolier did not even explain anything to us!<br/> this tour was not worth the money!!</p>
<p>This tour helped with giving me ideas as to whereabouts I wanted to visit after the tour was over. I expected more of a commentary and to learn more about Venice than I did. Gondola ride was great, they took us through some smaller canals and then to the Grand Canal.</p>
<p>It was interesting, and the Gondola Ride was okay. I guess that I was a bit underwhelmed by Venice.</p>
<p>This was a perfect tour for us. Our guide was local and brought us great background in introducing us to Venice. Highly recommend!</p>
<p>You can't go to Venice without this Walking Tour and Gondola Ride. The streets are so narrow in Venice and it's easy to become confused. Our guide walked us through these narrow streets and told us quaint stores about the different neighborhoods. Also, highlighted interesting buildings, which one can easily miss. The city is extremely charming with its squares, bridges, and multitude of shops. After, the walking tour, we relaxed on the Gondola Ride. Sharing the ride was pleasant, however, the Gondolas are restricted for the canals and there could be some traffic. Boats and water taxi traffic We enjoyed Venice very much and this tour helped us have a better understanding of this beautiful city.</p>
<p>loved the walking tour and the knowledge of the guide. Saw things I certainly wouldn't have found on my own. Little disappointed with the gondola ride. Gondolier not at all friendly it was very much done out of duty not pleasure. Overall though I would recommend the tour. Venice is just magical from all view points.</p>
<p>Loved the walking tour through Venice. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable. Would highly recommend this tour.</p>
