Venice City Wonders Walking Tour with Expert Guide

Venice , Italy

Venice City Wonders Walking Tour with Expert Guide

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About this experience

Spend two hours of your stay in Venice by joining our small group tour of the highlights of one of the most fascinating cities in Italy. You will meet your local English-speaking guide in Dorsoduro, see the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and the Basilica de' Frari. Next you will cross Rialto Bridge and walk by Marco Polo’s House, Campo San Giovanni e Paolo and San Marco Square.
The tour is outdoor and is an introduction to the main beauties of the unique city of Venice. Go ahead and ask your guide for further instructions to how to visit the city, or for more things to do in the following days of your stay.
Enjoy your time in the unique city of Venice, jumping from bridge to bridge and discovering all its magnificent beauties.

Available options

Private Walking Tour

Venice Tour of the City’s Wonders with Expert Guide

What's included

Pick up from the meeting point

Small group tour

English language

Expert Local Guide

Detailed itinerary

Your tour begins at the Church of San Pantalon, nestled in the charming Dorsoduro district. This Baroque masterpiece is renowned for its intricate art and mysterious origins. As you stand before the church, you’ll be awed by its stunning facade and learn about the church’s artistic history, including the world-famous Assumption of the Virgin painted on the ceiling. The church’s deep connection to Venice's past and its unique atmosphere make it a perfect starting point for your exploration.

Stop 2

Just a short walk from the Church of San Pantalon, we arrive at Campo Santa Margherita, one of Venice's liveliest and most vibrant squares. This expansive space, filled with cafes, shops, and a youthful energy from the nearby University of Venice, offers a chance to soak in the local atmosphere. Here, you can observe daily Venetian life, as locals gather for a coffee or chat, and enjoy the beautiful surrounding buildings. The square’s relaxed vibe provides a perfect moment to catch your breath before continuing on

Stop 3 Pass by

Our next stop is the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, situated in the picturesque Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo. This monumental church, one of the largest in Venice, is a true masterpiece of Gothic architecture. As you explore the exterior, your guide will share the basilica's fascinating history, including its role as the burial site for 25 Venetian doges. You’ll also hear about the church’s significant role in Venetian religious and political life. Take in the impressive facade and discover why this basilica is considered one of the city’s most important landmarks

Stop 4

Next, we head toward the iconic Rialto Bridge, a symbol of Venice and one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. Spanning the Grand Canal, this historic bridge offers an unparalleled view of the bustling waterway and surrounding buildings. Your guide will provide fascinating insights into the bridge’s construction, its historical significance, and the role it played in Venice’s economic rise. You’ll have time to pause and enjoy the scenery, making it the perfect spot for photos.

Stop 5

Finally, we reach the magnificent Piazza San Marco, the heart of Venice. This square, flanked by the majestic St. Mark’s Basilica and the imposing Doge’s Palace, is the most famous public space in Venice and one of the most beautiful in the world. As you stand in the square, you’ll be surrounded by centuries of history, from the intricate mosaics of the basilica to the elegant architecture of the surrounding buildings. Your guide will share captivating stories about the piazza's historical role, its significance in Venetian politics, and the famous events that have taken place here. After exploring the square, you’ll have some free time to enjoy the views and take in the atmosphere.

What's not included

Gratuities

Pick up from Hotel/station

Food and Drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Meet your guide in front of the coloured wall

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