Venice: St. Mark's Square and Rialto with 30 minutes Gondola Ride

Venice , Italy

Venice: St. Mark's Square and Rialto with 30 minutes Gondola Ride

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

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About this experience

This is the tour for those that come to Venice for the first time: we will talk about the winged lion, the story of St Mark being brought to Venice from Egypt, his “golden church”, and then Theodore, killing a dragon, and, of course, when, how and why the Venetians have built a city on hundreds of thousands of wooden poles stuck in the mud of the lagoon.

We will visit St Mark’s square, the basilica and we will end at the Rialto bridge on the Grand Canal.

Walking across the city --you can choose between the Castello or San Marco districts-- we will also see some of the hidden corners in Venice, understanding everyday life in the city, its problems, what is like to live in such a city and about the “high water” phenomenon and what is on to protect the city and the lagoon.

And, last but not least: a 30 minutes Gondola ride to end with an unforgettable experience.

Available options

Venice: St. Mark's Square and Rialto with 30 minutes Gondola Ride

Pickup included

What's included

30 minutes Gondola ride

Meet & Greet your Guide at your Hotel(only hotels within San Polo, Santa Croce, and San Marco areas)

Official Private Tour Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Begin your journey in Piazza San Marco, the heart of Venice and one of the most breathtaking squares in the world. Surrounded by architectural masterpieces like St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the towering Campanile, this iconic square has been the center of Venetian life for centuries. Your guide will share stories of the city's powerful past, its maritime empire, and the significance of the remarkable landmarks that make this piazza an unmissable stop.

Stop 2

Walk through the vibrant streets of Venice and arrive at the Rialto Bridge, the oldest and most famous bridge crossing the Grand Canal. From this scenic spot, admire the stunning views of the bustling waterway below, where gondolas and vaporettos glide past historic palaces and lively markets. Your guide will bring the bridge’s history to life, from its early wooden structures to the grand stone archway that stands today, a symbol of Venice’s trading legacy.

Admire the magnificent Grand Canal, the city's main waterway, lined with opulent palaces, elegant bridges, and centuries of history. Your guide will highlight the architectural beauty and historical significance of this Venetian artery, where merchants and noble families once showcased their wealth.

To complete your experience, enjoy a 30-minute private gondola ride, drifting through Venice’s serene canals. Relax as your gondolier navigates hidden waterways and picturesque bridges, offering you a unique perspective of the city. This timeless experience captures the romance and charm of Venice, making for an unforgettable way to end your tour.

What's not included

Transfers from/to hotels

Entrance Tickets

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT FR ES

Important information

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

Kindly note that the guide will not join you during the Gondola Ride

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