Venice in a Day: The Main Highlights of the City

Venice , Italy

Venice in a Day: The Main Highlights of the City

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About this experience

Venice in a day tour is a combination city tour, of 4 of our most popular tours taken in Venice and the best way to spend your time in Venice.

Starting in Saint Mark’s square, this atmospheric walking tour will then whisk you away from the crowded streets into the treasure filled pockets of the Castello area.
A qualified guide will walk you through the hidden squares, winding canals and historical buildings providing you with a perfect introduction to the origins, symbols, traditions, architecture, and life in current day Venice.

The tour then continues with the guided visit inside the Doge's Palace and the Saint Marks Basilica.

The walking tour ends in Saint Mark's square at 1.00 pm
At this time you will have approx 2 hours free to stroll around the area or to have lunch (not included)

The last appointment of your package is the 30 min classic gondola ride at 3:00 pm or 5.15 pm (verify the availability on your date).

Available options

GERMAN

Walking tour: 9.00 am (1h 30min)
Doge's Palace + St Mark's Basilica: 10:45am (2 hours)
Gondola: 3.00 pm or 5.15 pm (30min)

French

FRENCH

Walking tour: 9.00 am (1h 30min)
Doge's Palace + St Mark's Basilica: 10:45am (2 hours)
Gondola: 3.00 pm or 5.15 pm (30min)

ENGLISH

Walking tour: 9.00 am (1h 30min)
Doge's Palace + St Mark's Basilica: 10:45am (2 hours)
Gondola: 3.00 pm or 5.15 pm (30min)

German

English

Spanish

SPANISH

Walking tour: 9.00 am (1h 30min)
Doge's Palace + St Mark's Basilica: 10:45am (2 hours)
Gondola: 3.00 pm or 5.15 pm (30min)

What's included

Headsets to hear the guide clearly

30-minute shared gondola ride (not guided)

Entrance fees for the St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace

Correr museum entrance ticket to visit on your own

1-hour 30 min external walking tour from St Marks square to Castello area

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Meet your guide in front of the Clock tower (not the bell tower!). Starting in Saint Mark’s square, this atmospheric walking tour will then whisk you away from the crowded streets into the treasure filled pockets of the Castello area.
A qualified guide will walk you through the hidden squares, winding canals and historical buildings providing you with a perfect introduction to the origins, symbols, traditions, architecture, and life in current day Venice.
The tour starts with a historical introduction of St. Marks’s Square, and its architectural delights.

Leaving the square, you will be guided into the residential Castello area, allowing you to discover this part of Venice in all of its elegance, through its labyrinth of narrow alleys - “calli”, many bridges, winding canals and wide picturesque squares - “campi”.
Discover campo Santa Maria Formosa and campo San Giovanni & Paolo with its Basilica the place where the doges of Venice were buried.
The former residence of Marco Polo, probably the most famous Venetian merchant, and the Malibran theatre are also part of the itinerary.
At the end of your walking tour, come back with your local guide in Saint Mark's square passing through the Mercerie, the shopping connection street between Rialto and San Marco.

Stop 3

The tour then continues with the guided visit inside the Doge's Palace.
Be intrigued by the fascinating history of La Serenissima and enter with your skip the line ticket into the Doge’s Palace, crossing the Bridge of Sighs and visiting its prisons cells.
The Palace is a magnificent combination of Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance architecture, in the heart of Venice.
Once the residence of the Doge, the elected ruler of the city, and his counsellors, it became the centre of the Venetian Empire and the seat of the Government.
The Doge's Palace was opened as a museum in 1923.

Stop 4

Follow your guide visiting the Saint Marks Basilica, which majestically symbolizes the lagoon and enshrines the city’s history and Saints relics.
With its awe – inspiring gold mosaics our talented guide will walk you through the church.
The walking tour ends in Saint Mark's square at 1.00 pm
At this time you will have approx 2 hours free to stroll around the area or to have lunch (not included)

The last appointment of your package is the gondola ride at 3:00 pm or 5.15 (please verify the availability on your date).
Meet the assistant in front of the Saint Mark's post office (behind the Correr musuem)
Your shared 30 minutes round trip starts on the Grand Canal and then through the smaller canals.
It is the perfect way to appreciate the beauty, charm and colour of this unique city built on water.
Feel part of an ancient Venetian tradition and experience Venice as the locals have for more than a thousand years.

Stop 6

At the end of the tour, keep your Doge's Palace ticket to visit on your own (the same day or the following day) the Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale and Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana in Saint Mark's square, opposite side of the Saint Mark's Basilica.

What's not included

Gratuities

Hotel pick up and drop off

Food and drink

Hidden itineraries in the Doge's Palace

Pala d'oro

Museum and Loggia dei Cavalli on the 1st floor

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

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Tripadvisor 4.4

49 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please arrive at each meeting point 15 minutes before the departure of the tour

Large bags and rucksacks are NOT allowed inside the Basilica or Doge's Palace

Knees and shoulders MUST be covered inside the Basilica

On occasion, Saint Mark's Basilica may be closed due to public holidays, religious ceremonies, private events or high water and the local service provider is not always informed in advance

For children document required

All the late arrivals or no show are NO REFUND!

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

Meeting point

15 min before in Calle larga de l’Ascension - 30124 (behind the Correr museum on the opposite side of the Saint Marks Basilica).
Look for the TURIVE assistant next to the post office San Marco.

Walking tour from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Gondola ride at 3:00 pm

Important notes

MEETING POINT:
Print or show your voucher TWICE, once for the walking tour in the morning and once for the gondola in the afternoon.

15 min before in Calle larga de l’Ascension - 30124 (behind the Correr museum on the opposite side of the Saint Marks Basilica).Look for the TURIVE assistant next to the post office San Marco.

• Walking tour from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (4 hours)
• Gondola ride at 3:00 pm or 5.15 pm (30 min)
April-October 3 pm or 5.15pm / November-March 3 pm

• Check-in is 15 minutes prior to booked tour start time
• This activity is not wheelchair accessible
• Shoulders and knees must be covered inside the Basilica
• Backpacks are not allowed inside the Basilica and the Doge's Palace
• From the 1st of November to the 31st of March there is no skip-the-line entrance to the Basilica

Emergency Number:
Office: +39 041 5239979 Mobile: +39 349 3054767

It is your responsibility to be at the meeting point punctually.
Late arrivals, no shows, NO REFUND!

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