Private Walking Tour of Venice's Old Town with Gondola Ride
Active
3h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Enjoy a romantic gondola ride on the Grand Canal and explore the city on foot with a Private Guide. See St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge, and more. Extended option: see also Chiesa di San Zaccaria, Campo Santo Stefano, and more.
Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs and interests:
2,5-hour: Short Walking Tour of the Old Town & Gondola Ride
See St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, Rialto Bridge, and more on a 2-hour walking tour of the Old Town led by a Private Guide. Includes tickets for a 30-minute shared gondola ride with live commentary by Gondolier or mobile app guide.
3,5-hour: Extended Walking Tour of the Old Town & Gondola Ride
Visit the Church of San Zaccaria and see St. Mark's Basilica and Rialto Bridge on a 3-hour walking tour of the Old Town led by a Private Guide. Includes tickets for a 30-minute shared gondola ride with live commentary by Gondolier or mobile app guide.
Available options
2,5H:WalkingTour &Gondola Ride
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes: See St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, Rialto Bridge, and more on a 2-hour walking tour of the Old Town. <br/>,: Includes tickets for a 30-minute shared gondola ride with live commentary by Gondolier or mobile app guide.<br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language. ITVE013
3,5H: Extended Walking&Gondola
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes: Visit the Church of San Zaccaria and see St. Mark's Basilica and Rialto Bridge on a 3-hour walking tour of the Old Town.<br/>,: Includes tickets for a 30-minute shared gondola ride with live commentary by Gondolier or mobile app guide.<br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language. ITVE013
What's included
Tickets for a 30-minute shared gondola ride on the Grand Canal
Lots of interesting facts about the history and culture of Venice
Extended walking route with free entry to the Church of San Zaccaria (3,5-hour option only)
Private Walking Tour of Venice's Old Town Highlights with a Shared Gondola Ride
(number of attractions depends on the option selected )
5-Star Licensed Guide who is fluent in the language of your choice
Detailed itinerary
1
Meet your guide in front of Hotel Londra Palace (opposite Monument to Victor Emmanuel II), Riva degli Schiavoni, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy. Please do not enter the building, as the staff are not informed about the tour.
2
Your Private Guide will show you the best selected highlights of Venice and share the city’s fascinating history and heritage. You will wander around St. Mark’s Square and admire its beautiful Venetian Gothic architecture, featuring the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Bell Tower, the Doge’s Palace and the unique Astrological Clock of Torre dell'Orologio.
3
At every turn, Venice will surprise you with its unique atmosphere, culture and traditions.
The walking tour will end at the Rialto Bridge, which connects San Marco to San Polo.
4
Here, you will say goodbye to your Private Guide and meet your Italian-English speaking gondolier who will tell you the history of gondolas (also available via multilingual audio guide). They will take you on a shared 30-minute gondola ride, showing you the highlights of the Grand Canal. It is a must-do in Venice, the Floating City!
5
Stop 5
You will see the beautiful Venetian Baroque facade of the Church of Santa Maria del Giglio, the popular Teatro la Fenice, the iconic 15th century Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, and more.
What's not included
Extended walking route that covers Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo (3-hour options only)
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 for important information.
For the comfort of all guests, it is best to have 1 licensed guide per maximum of 25 people during the walking tour.
The 2,5- and 3,5-hour options include tickets for a 30-minute shared gondola ride. You should reserve 1 hour for this experience as it includes a short introduction to the history of gondolas in Venice.
The gondola ride is a separate attraction from the walking tour and your Private Guide will not participate in it. They will escort you to the gondola and provide all necessary information. It is not a private ride, so other people will join you. Each gondola can host a maximum of 6 people. Random seating will be arranged by the gondolier.
Live commentary during the gondola ride will be provided in English and Italian. Audio guide is available in 7 languages: Spanish, German, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, French and Hindi via a mobile app. Please bring your phone and headphones.
Gondoliers do not approve of visitors eating or drinking in their gondolas. It is also not advisable to ask them to perform a serenade without a prior agreement and an additional fee.
We recommend bringing an umbrella for your gondola ride to hide from the rain or strong sunshine.
Guided tours inside the churches during mass and special events (such as scheduled concerts) are limited, therefore the guide may provide all information outside.
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
Meet your guide in front of Colonna di San Todaro, P.za San Marco 3, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy (next to Caffè Gelateria Al Todaro Dal 1948).
Important notes
Know Before You Go:
- Please check your email the day before the tour for important information.
- For the comfort of all guests, it is best to have 1 licensed guide per maximum of 25 people during the walking tour.
- The 2,5- and 3,5-hour options include tickets for a 30-minute shared gondola ride. You should reserve 1 hour for this experience as it includes a short introduction to the history of gondolas in Venice.
- The gondola ride is a separate attraction from the walking tour and your Private Guide will not participate in it. They will escort you to the gondola and provide all necessary information. It is not a private ride, so other people will join you. Each gondola can host a maximum of 6 people. Random seating will be arranged by the gondolier.
- Live commentary during the gondola ride will be provided in English and Italian. Audio guide is available in 7 languages: Spanish, German, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, French and Hindi via a mobile app. Please bring your phone and headphones.
- Gondoliers do not approve of visitors eating or drinking in their gondolas. It is also not advisable to ask them to perform a serenade without a prior agreement and an additional fee.
- We recommend bringing an umbrella for your gondola ride to hide from the rain or strong sunshine.
- Guided tours inside the churches during mass and special events (such as scheduled concerts) are limited, therefore the guide may provide all information outside.
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
