Private Welcome to Venice Walking Tour with Gondola Ride

Venice , Italy

Private Welcome to Venice Walking Tour with Gondola Ride

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About this experience

Experience the best of Venice on a private walking tour designed as the ideal introduction to the city. With an expert local guide, explore both iconic landmarks and hidden neighborhoods. Wander through Cannaregio and the lively Rialto Fish Market, where Venetians still shop for fresh seafood, then admire St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. Along the way, discover quiet canals, elegant bridges, and charming courtyards that many visitors miss. 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 from the water. Perfect for first-time visitors, couples, or families, this experience offers the best of Venice at a relaxed, personal pace.

Available options

Private Welcome to Venice Walking Tour with Gondola Ride

What's included

Gondola Ride

Local English-speaking guide

Headset

Expertly guided walking tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

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.

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.

Stop 3

See where Marco Polo once lived and wander through a peaceful sestiere filled with quiet canals and hidden courtyards. Discover a local side of Venice often missed by larger tour groups.

Stop 4

Stand in Venice’s most famous square, surrounded by centuries of history. Admire the exterior of St. Mark’s Basilica and learn how this site shaped the Venetian Republic.

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.

What's not included

Gratuities

Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

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.

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).

Important notes

- Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- During times of high tides, flooding, or heavy rain, the gondola ride may be substituted for another experience.
- Large bags, trolleys and backpacks cannot be accommodated on this tour.
- The Rialto Fish Market is closed on Sundays.
- Appropriate footware is advised.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.

About Venice

Venice is a unique and enchanting city built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Known for its canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture, Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination for its rich history, art, and culture. The city offers a romantic and timeless atmosphere that captivates visitors from around the world.

Top Attractions

St. Mark's Basilica

A stunning Byzantine cathedral known for its opulent design, golden mosaics, and historical significance. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free entry, €3 for museum and treasury

Doge's Palace

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Doge's Palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice and the seat of Venetian government. It offers a glimpse into the city's political and cultural history.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours €25 for standard ticket, €30 for Secret Itineraries Tour

Rialto Bridge

The oldest and most famous of Venice's four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge is an iconic symbol of the city.

Architecture 30 minutes Free

Grand Canal

The main waterway of Venice, the Grand Canal is lined with beautiful palaces, churches, and historic buildings. A vaporetto ride along the canal offers stunning views.

Nature/Scenic 30-60 minutes €7.50 for a vaporetto ticket

Murano

An island famous for its glass-making tradition. Visitors can watch artisans at work and purchase unique glass souvenirs.

Cultural/Historical Half-day Free to explore, €10 for museum

Burano

A colorful island known for its lace-making tradition and picturesque houses. Burano is a charming and photogenic destination.

Cultural/Scenic Half-day Free to explore, €5 for lace museum

Must-Try Local Dishes

Risotto al Nero di Seppia

A risotto made with cuttlefish ink, giving it a distinctive black color and rich, briny flavor.

Main Course Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians or those with seafood allergies.

Sarde in Saor

Sweet and sour sardines marinated with onions, raisins, pine nuts, and vinegar.

Appetizer Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Bigoli in Salsa

Pasta with a sauce made from anchovies, onions, and breadcrumbs.

Main Course Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Frito Misto

A mix of fried seafood and vegetables, including shrimp, squid, and zucchini.

Appetizer Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians.

Popular Activities

Kayaking in the canals Cycling on Lido di Venezia Hiking in the Venetian Lagoon Sunbathing on Lido di Venezia Enjoying a gondola ride Visiting a spa or wellness center Attending a concert or opera Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. The city is vibrant with events and festivals, and the temperatures are comfortable for exploring.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, German
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken in local areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Venice is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, pickpocketing and petty theft can occur in crowded areas, and acqua alta (high water) events can disrupt travel plans.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Use official taxis and ticket vendors
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests

Getting there

By air

Venice Marco Polo Airport • 12 km from city center

By train

Santa Lucia Railway Station

By bus

Piazzale Roma

Getting around

Public transport

The vaporetto is the main public transport system in Venice. It operates on fixed routes and is the most convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber (limited availability), Local taxi apps

Rentals

Neighborhoods

San Marco Dorsoduro Cannaregio Castello

Day trips

Burano and Murano

10-45 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

Visit the colorful island of Burano and the glass-making island of Murano for a unique and picturesque day trip.

Lido di Venezia

20 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

A long, narrow island between the Venetian Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea, known for its beaches, the Venice Film Festival, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Padua (Padova)

40 km (25 miles) • Half-day to full day

A charming city known for its beautiful architecture, historic sites, and the famous Scrovegni Chapel with its stunning frescoes by Giotto.

Festivals

Venice Carnival • February or March (dates vary) Venice Film Festival • Late August to early September Festa del Redentore • Third weekend of July

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Explore the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and hidden gems for a more authentic experience
Try local specialties and dishes, and ask locals for recommendations
Use a map or GPS to navigate the intricate streets and canals, as Venice can be easy to get lost in
Be prepared for acqua alta (high water) events, especially from October to January, and check forecasts and plan accordingly