Private Tour of San Polo Rialto and Basilica Dei Frari
Active
2h - 5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the cultural heritage and commercial history of Venice on a private tour of San Polo and Rialto. See Rialto Bridge and Market, and visit the spectacular Basilica Dei Frari. Extended options: visit St. Mark’s Bell Tower and the Doge’s Palace.
Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs and interests:
2-hour: Basilica Dei Frari & San Polo
Choose this tour to explore San Polo, visit the Basilica Dei Frari, and see highlights such as Rialto Bridge and Chiesa di San Giacomo.
3-hour: Basilica Dei Frari, San Polo & St. Mark's Bell Tower
Choose this tour to explore San Polo, visit the Basilica Dei Frari and St. Mark's Bell Tower, and see highlights such as Rialto Bridge and Chiesa di San Giacomo.
5-hour: Basilica, San Polo, Bell Tower & Doge's Palace
Choose this tour to explore San Polo, visit the Basilica Dei Frari, St. Mark's Bell Tower and Doge's Palace. See highlights such as Rialto Bridge and Chiesa di San Giacomo.
Available options
2H:BasilicaDeiFrari & San Polo
Duration: 2 hours: Choose this tour to explore San Polo, visit the Basilica Dei Frari, and see highlights such as Rialto Bridge<br/>,: and Chiesa di San Giacomo. <br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language. ITVE015
3H:BasilicaDei,SanPolo&St.Mark
Duration: 3 hours: Choose this tour to explore San Polo, visit the Basilica Dei Frari and St. Mark's Bell Tower, and see highlights<br/>,: highlights such as Rialto Bridge and Chiesa di San Giacomo.<br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language. ITVE015
5H:Basilica,SanPolo,Bell,Doge
Duration: 5 hours: Choose this tour to explore San Polo, visit the Basilica Dei Frari, St. Mark's Bell Tower and Doge's Palace. See highlights<br/>,: such as Rialto Bridge and Chiesa di San Giacomo.<br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language. ITVE015
What's included
(number of attractions depends on the selected option)
Admission fee to the Basilica Dei Frari (all options)
Private Walking Tour of San Polo with Basilica Dei Frari, St. Mark's Bell Tower and the Doge Palace
Skip-the-line tickets to St. Mark's Bell Tower (3 and 5-hour options only)
Skip-the-line ticket to Doge's Palace (5-hour option only)
5-Star Licensed Guide who is fluent in the language of your choice
Detailed itinerary
1
Meet your guide in front of the main entrance to the Church of Saint Roch, Campo dei Frari, 3063, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
2
Stop 2
See the highlights of the San Polo and Rialto neighborhoods and visit the magnificent Basilica of Santa María Gloriosa dei Frari. Don't be disappointed by the basilica's modest Gothic exterior, as the interior hides the wealth of the Italian Renaissance. It's amazing architecture is complimented by a number of sculptures and paintings, including works of masters such as Titian and Bellini. It's an awe-inspiring space that has served the local community for centuries.
3
As you wander along some of Venice's oldest streets lined with with small medieval houses and merchants’ shops, your Private Guide will explain how during the Middle Ages this crowded neighborhood became the center of trade for silk, spices, precious metals, exotic woods and other goods. Head to the largest square in Venice, Campo San Polo to feel the buzzing atmosphere, smells and sounds, and learn about the famous Rialto Market, which has been in operation for more than 600 years.
4
You will pass San Giacomo di Rialto, the oldest church in Venice’s Old Town, and end the tour at the popular Rialto Bridge, which has been connecting San Paulo to San Marco for over 400 years. It is a must-see in Venice!
5
Also explore San Marco district and visit St. Mark’s Bell Tower to enjoy the best views over the Old Town and Grand Canal.
6
During this you will walk from the Rialto Bridge to Piazza San Marco, which is the principal square in Venice, featuring prominent landmarks such as the beautiful St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. These buildings play a major role in the city’s history.
7
Stop 7
Visit Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) with skip-the-line tickets that allow you to jump the queue to this top attraction. The Doge’s Palace is an iconic example of Venetian Gothic and a treasure box of local history. Learn about the city’s Golden Age as you explore the luxurious Doge’s apartments, institutional chambers, the Old Prison, and the New Prison.
8
Highlights include works by famous artists such as Titan, Veronese, and Tintoretto, and taking photos at the Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to its prison and offers an amazing view of St. Mark’s Square and the lagoon.
9
The highlight of this tour will be admiring the city’s panorama from the viewing terrace of the Campanile (St. Mark’s Bell Tower) with skip-the-line tickets.
What's not included
Skip-the-line tickets to St. Mark's Bell Tower (2-hour option)
Skip-the-line ticket to Doge's Palace (2 and 3-hour options)
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
RU
EN
IT
PL
FR
ES
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please check your email the day before the tour to receive your voucher and important information.
Please note that the number of attractions depends on the option selected. You will not visit St. Mark’s Bell Tower and the Doge’s Palace on the basic 2-hour tour.
Skip-the-line tickets to Doge’s Palace grant you immediate entry at your booked time, without waiting in line at the ticket office. There are mandatory security checks. Headphones/audio whisper systems will be provided for groups larger than 10.
Skip-the-line tickets to St. Mark's Campanile (Bell Tower) include priority admission without waiting at the ticket office and lift access to the viewing terrace. Tickets to St. Mark’s Basilica are not included in this tour.
2-hour tour: For the comfort of all guests, it is best to have 1 licensed guide per maximum of 25 guests. If there are 26-50 people in your group, we will provide the service of 2 licensed guides so that all guests can get the best experience, ask questions and hear the guide well.
3- and 5-hour tours: Due to regulations, we will have 1 licensed guide per maximum of 20 guests. If there are 21-40 people in your group, we will provide the service of 2 licensed guides.
Meeting point
Meet your guide next to the Il Gobbo di Rialto statue, Campo S. Giacomo di Rialto, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
Important notes
Know Before You Go:
- Please check your email the day before the tour to receive important information.
- Please note that the number of attractions depends on the option selected. You will not visit St. Mark’s Bell Tower and the Doge’s Palace on the basic 2-hour tour.
- Skip-the-line tickets to Doge’s Palace grant you immediate entry at your booked time, without waiting in line at the ticket office. There are mandatory security checks. - Headphones/audio whisper systems will be provided for groups larger than 10.
- Skip-the-line tickets to St. Mark's Campanile (Bell Tower) include priority admission without waiting at the ticket office and lift access to the viewing terrace. Tickets to St. Mark’s Basilica are not included in this tour.
- 2-hour tour: For the comfort of all guests, it is best to have 1 licensed guide per maximum of 25 guests. If there are 26-50 people in your group, we will provide the service of 2 licensed guides so that all guests can get the best experience, ask questions and hear the guide well.
- 3- and 5-hour tours: Due to regulations, we will have 1 licensed guide per maximum of 20 guests. If there are 21-40 people in your group, we will provide the service of 2 licensed guides.
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
