Private Venice Tour: Landmarks & Hidden Gems with Caffè Florian

Venice , Italy

Private Venice Tour: Landmarks & Hidden Gems with Caffè Florian

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About this experience

Discover the true essence of Venice with an exclusive private tour that blends the grandeur of its iconic landmarks with the charm of its hidden corners. This experience is crafted for travelers seeking authenticity and elegance, led by a passionate local guide who brings centuries of Venetian history to life.
Enjoy a pause at the legendary Caffè Florian—the oldest café in Venice. It's a step back in time, a moment to savor the luxury and romance that define Venice!
From capturing perfect photos of the romantic Bridge of Sighs to uncovering the mysterious flooded crypt of San Zaccaria, you'll experience an unforgettable Venice!
Explore the vibrant Rialto Market in the morning or meander through quiet alleyways in the afternoon, uncovering stories of ancient merchants and local traditions.
This is more than a sightseeing tour it's a curated journey through the soul of Venice. Book now and experience Venice like never before—authentic, elegant, and unforgettable.

Available options

Afternoon guided walking tour

Afternoon Tour: Departure time at 2 pm

Morning Guided Tour

Departure time at 10 am

What's included

Private Local professional Guide at your side in Venice for 2 hours

Coffee at the counter at Caffè Florian

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Begin your journey at the breathtaking St. Mark's Basilica, renowned for its magnificent Byzantine architecture and glittering golden mosaics.

Stop 2

Wander through the lively St. Mark's Square and admire the Clock Tower, the Bell Tower, and the Doge's Palace as your guide shares captivating stories of Venetian art, history, and legends.

Step into the tranquil Piazzetta dei Leoncini, a secluded square adorned with charming lion statues.

Enjoy picturesque views from the Ponte della Paglia, offering the perfect photo opportunity of the romantic Bridge of Sighs. Continue to the scenic Ponte della Canonica for postcard-worthy views of the Grand Canal and St. Mark's Basilica.

Stop 5

Visit the enchanting Church of San Zaccaria, famous for Giovanni Bellini's masterpieces and its mysterious, flooded crypt—a hidden gem rich in history and allure.

Indulge in a refined break at the historic Caffè Florian, the oldest café in Venice. Savor an authentic Italian coffee while standing, surrounded by the timeless elegance that has welcomed poets, artists, and travelers for centuries.

Stop 7

Conclude your tour at the iconic Rialto Bridge, a symbol of Venice's rich trading history. Opt for a morning tour to explore the bustling Rialto Market, bursting with vibrant colors and local flavors, or choose an afternoon tour to discover hidden alleyways and stories of ancient Venetian merchants, ending with breathtaking views of the Grand Canal.

What's not included

Gratuities

Everything not mentioned as Included

Entrance fees and tickets to museums, churches, palaces

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.8

17 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

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Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Go in front of the Caffè Todaro and look for a guide holding a sign with the customers' name on it

Important notes

- Meeting Point : In front of CaffèTodaro, San Marco Square, 3- Morning Option at 9:30 am; Afternoon Option at 2.30 pm
- The private Local guide in Venice is available for 2 hours
- Please be aware that in case of no-show, the guide will wait for you for a maximum of 30 minutes from the tour departure time. After that time, if nobody informed us about the delay, they are entitled to leave and no refund will be granted to any client who is not at the departure point at the established time.
- It is recommended that participants wear comfortable shoes
- Access to the Churches is allowed only if equipped with suitable clothing: is forbidden entry with shorts, bare shoulders, sandals, hats and sunglasses.
- San Zaccaria Church Admission Ticket to be paid on the spot: € 3,50)
- Concerning San Zaccaria Crypt In certain times of the year, could be not available for visits due to the high level of water or it may not be flooded
- We remind you that San Zaccaria Church could be closed in case of any possible religious and private event not scheduled yet , it could be replaced by the visit of San Giacomo or San Guliano Church in Rialto
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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