Venice Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour
Active
2h - 6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the most important monuments, palaces, churches and world heritage sites in Venice's Old Town with a Private Guide. Extended options: see the Rialto Bridge and visit the Church of San Zaccaria, Contarini del Bovolo Palace and the Doge's Palace.
Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs and interests:
2-hour: Old Town Highlights
Choose this tour to see the most important highlights of Venice's Old Town, such as St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace (exterior), Teatro La Fenice, and more.
3-hour: Old Town Highlights & Rialto Bridge
Choose this tour to see more highlights of Venice's Old Town, such as the Rialto Bridge, and visit the Church of San Zaccaria.
6-hour: Old Town, Rialto, Contarini Palace & Doge's Palace
Choose this tour to see more highlights of Venice's Old Town, such as the Rialto Bridge, and visit the Doge's Palace, Contarini del Bovolo Palace and the Church of San Zaccaria.
Available options
3H:OldTownHighlights&RialtoBri
Duration: 3 hours: Choose this tour to see more highlights of Venice's Old Town, such as the Rialto Bridge, and visit the Church of San Zaccaria<br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language. ITVE011
2-hour: Old Town Highlights
Duration: 2 hours: Choose this tour to see the most important highlights of Venice's Old Town, such as St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica,<br/>,: Doge's Palace (exterior), Teatro La Fenice, and more.<br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language. ITVE011
6H:Old,Rialto,Contarini&Doge's
Duration: 6 hours: Choose this tour to see more highlights of Venice's Old Town, such as the Rialto Bridge, and visit the Doge's Palace<br/>,: Contarini del Bovolo Palace and the Church of San Zaccaria. <br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language. ITVE011
4H:OldTown,Rialto&Contarinidel
Duration: 3 hours: Choose this tour to see more highlights of Venice's Old Town, such as the Rialto Bridge<br/>,: and visit the Contarini del Bovolo Palace and the Church of San Zaccaria. <br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language. ITVE011
What's included
Skip-the-line tickets to the Doge's Palace (6-hour option only)
5-Star Licensed Guide who is fluent in the language of your choice
Pickup from accomodation in the Old Town
Skip-the-line tickets to the Contarini del Bovolo Palace (4 and 6-hour options only)
- Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo & Doge's Palace(number of attractions depends on the selected option)
Free entry to the Church of San Zaccaria and crossing the Rialto Bridge (3, 4 & 6-hour options only)
Private Walking Tour of Venice's Highlights such as as St. Mark's Square, -
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
Discover the best things to do in Venice, from famous bridges, to majestic palaces, to awe-inspiring churches. Explore the famous St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco), the beating heart of San Marco.
3
Do you know how often the Basilica of St. Mark is flooded by the tide? Or who is the only person who escaped from the prison of the Doge's Palace? Or how does the Astrological Clock of Torre dell'Orologio work? Don't worry as your Passionate Guide will tell you all about it and also share other interesting facts about the Republic of Venice, the Venice Carnival, and more.
4
Admire the views of the Grand Canal and San Giorgio Maggiore from the square, then go deep into the maze of narrow streets and canals to discover locally-loved places such as Teatro La Fenice, Chiesa di Santa Maria del Giglio (outside only), and Campo Santo Stefano.
5
Stop 5
The final stop will be Ponte dell'Accademia, a popular spot for photographers and lovers.
6
Learn more about Venice. This extended tour includes a visit to San Zaccaria, a hidden gem of San Marco. It is one of the most decorated churches in town,with many beautiful Gothic and Renaissance sacred artworks.
7
Another highlight will be crossing the iconic Rialto Bridge, an ornate footbridge which offers picturesque views of the Grand Canal with its beautiful Venetian architecture and romantic gondolas. It is one of the busiest places in Venice, connecting San Marco to San Polo and the famous Rialto Market.
8
On the other side you will find Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto, the city’s oldest church.
9
Stop 9
Visit San Marco’s top attraction, Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, with skip-the-line tickets that allow you to jump the queue. This 15th century palace is known as a film location for Orson Welles' Othello, featuring an iconic spiral staircase. Climb up the stairs "of the snail" to an arcade to enjoy an impressive view of the city rooftops. It’s a great place to take in the handmade beauty and complexity of Venice’s unusual landscape.
10
Stop 10
Visit the Doge’s Palace, one of Italy’s most luxurious palaces! With skip-the-line tickets you can beat the crowds that flock to this popular attraction and go straight in. Explore the charming inner courtyard and discover the treasures of the Doge’s Apartments, where over 120 Doges of Venice lived over the centuries. The palace houses works by Titian, Veronese, Tintoretto, Vittoria and Tiepolo.
11
Another highlight will be crossing the Bridge of Sight from the palace to its prison, where the famous lover Casanova was imprisoned. With so many stories to tell, the Doge’s Palace is a must-see in Venice!
What's not included
Tickets to the crypts and underground of the Church of San Zaccaria (Optional 10 euro)
Free entry to the Church of San Zaccaria and crossing the Rialto Bridge (in 2-hour option)
Skip-the-line tickets to the Contarini del Bovolo Palace (in 2 and 3-hour options)
Skip-the-line tickets to the Doge's Palace (in 2, 3 and 4-hour options)
Pickup from accomodation outside the Old Town
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
RU
EN
IT
PL
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
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 details from Rosotravel, your tour operator.
Please note that the number of attractions depends on the selected option.
Admission to churches during mass and scheduled events is restricted.
The Church of San Zaccaria is open daily from 10 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 6 PM. Tickets to the chapels and crypts cost €1.5.
Skip-the-line tickets to Contarini del Bovolo Palace and the Doge’s Palace include a pre-booked entry time. You may skip the ticket office line but not the entrance or security checks.
Due to new local regulations, the group size is limited to a maximum of 10 guests per guide. Additional guides will be arranged for larger groups.
Pickup service is available only for accommodations located in Venice’s Old Town, within 1.5 km of the meeting point at Hotel Londra Palace.
Have a special request or need accessibility support? Let us know in advance!
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 details from Rosotravel, your tour operator.
- Please note that the number of attractions depends on the selected option.
- Admission to churches during mass and scheduled events is restricted.
- The Church of San Zaccaria is open daily from 10 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 6 PM. Tickets to the chapels and crypts cost €1.5.
- Skip-the-line tickets to Contarini del Bovolo Palace and the Doge’s Palace include a pre-booked entry time. You may skip the ticket office line but not the entrance or security checks.
- Due to new local regulations, the group size is limited to a maximum of 10 guests per guide. Additional guides will be arranged for larger groups.
- Pickup service is available only for accommodations located in Venice’s Old Town, within 1.5 km of the meeting point at Hotel Londra Palace.
- Have a special request or need accessibility support? Let us know in advance!
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
