Venice: City Highlights with Spritz and Cicchetti

Venice , Italy

Venice: City Highlights with Spritz and Cicchetti

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About this experience

Embark on a captivating journey through the timeless labyrinth of Venice on our introductory walking tour of the Floating City. Discover the unparalleled beauty of Venice in the company of our friendly local expert guide, and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the city’s narrow alleys and winding canals. Whether it’s your first time in Venice or you’re an old hand in the Serenissima, there’s something for everyone on our carefully crafted itinerary!

Our route will take us past unmissable highlights like St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs as well as hidden corners that only the locals know, where ancient churches, dazzling palaces and mysterious canals brim with history and intrigue.

Enjoy a complimentary spritz on us at a traditional Venetian bar, or bacaro, and marvel at the ethereal beauty of Venice illuminated by the soft glow of twilight. Venice is a city that will stay in your soul forever. Explore it with us!

Available options

Venice: City Highlights with Spritz and Cicchetti

What's included

Headsets (for groups of 6 or more)

Complimentary Spritz at a Bacaro

All Fees and Taxes

Perfect Introduction to Venice

Expert English-Speaking Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

In Venice, there are some places that you simply can’t afford to miss. Prepare to be awestruck as you're introduced to the amazing highlights of Venice, from architectural marvels to artistic treasures. Our route will begin where the story of Venice itself began: according to legend, the first stone of Venice was laid in the square of San Giacometto more than 1,000 years ago. After strolling through the buzzing market area of Rialto, one of Venice’s liveliest neighborhoods, we’ll cross the spectacular Rialto Bridge - this marvel of Renaissance engineering is the oldest and most famous bridge spanning the Grand Canal. Next wander through the narrow alleys and along the shimmering canals of the historic center, where unexpected delights await around every corner - from quaint campo squares to centuries-old churches chock-full of artistic masterpieces.

Amongst the unmissable highlights you’ll encounter on your tour is the stunning Bridge of Sighs, named after the dismayed groans of prisoners catching their last sight of the beauty of Venice as they made their way across the bridge to the nearby prisons of the Doge’s Palace beyond. On our Venice walking tour, we’re saving what might just be the best for last: we’ll conclude our itinerary in grand St. Mark's Square, the beating heart of Venice where the Byzantine domes and turrets of the iconic basilica soar into the sky.

As we make our way through the dense web of streets and alleys, we’ll be following in the footsteps of some very famous local heroes - we’ll pass by the house where Marco Polo was born 700 years ago, and learn about how his voyage to the East changed the course of European history.

Stop 4

There’s a lot more to Venice than famous landmarks. With our expert local guide leading the way, on our tour we’ll venture off the beaten track and discover a hidden side of Venice that few tourists ever see. Wander through lovely piazzas like Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo where locals still hold sway amidst ancient churches and artisans’ workshops, and learn about some of Venice’s most beautiful churches like Santa Maria dei Miracoli, known as the ‘church of marble’ thanks to its spectacular and precious facade.

What's not included

Transportation to and from the meeting points

Food

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The total tour duration included the travel time from one location to another.

Meeting point

You will meet your guide at the fountain located at Campo San Giacomo di Rialto, very close to the Rialto Bridge.

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