Grand Canal and Venices Old Town Private Tour and Gondola
Active
2h - 5h
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 highlights of Venice’s Old Town and Grand Canal, from St. Mark’s Square to San Polo. See St. Mark’s Basilica, Rialto Bridge, and more.
Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs and interests:
2-hour: Grand Canal & Old Town Walking Tour
Book a walking tour of the Grand Canal and Old Town and see the Rialto Bridge, Ponte dell'Accademia, St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica, and more.
2,5-hour: Grand Canal, Old Town & Gondola
Book a 2-hour walking tour of the Grand Canal and Old Town led by a Private Guide. Includes tickets for a 30-minute shared gondola ride with live commentary in Italian and English or multilingual mobile app guide.
4,5-hour: Grand Canal, Old Town, Doge’s Palace & Gondola
Book a 4-hour walking tour of the Grand Canal, Old Town and Doge’s Palace (skip-the-line tickets) led by a Private Guide. Includes tickets for a 30-minute shared gondola ride with live commentary in Italian and English or multilingual mobile app guide.
Available options
2H:GrandCanal&Old Town Walking
Duration: 2 hours: Book a walking tour of the Grand Canal and Old Town and see the Rialto Bridge, Ponte dell'Accademia<br/>,: St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica, and more. <br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language. ITVE010
2,5H: Canal+Old Town+Gondola
Duration: 6 days 6 hours: Book a 2-hour walking tour of the Grand Canal and Old Town. Includes tickets for a 30-minute shared gondola ride<br/>,: with live commentary in Italian and English or multilingual 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. ITVE010
4,5H:Canal+Town+Gandola+Doge's
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes: Book a 4-hour walking tour of the Grand Canal, Old Town and Doge’s Palace (skip-the-line tickets).<br/>,: Includes tickets for a 30-minute shared gondola ride with live commentary in Italian and English or multilingual mobile app g<br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language. ITVE010
What's included
Tickets for a 30-minute shared gondola ride on the Grand Canal (2,5 and 4,5-hour options only)
(number of attractions depends on the selected option)
Skip-the-line tickets to the Doge’s Palace (4,5-hour option only)
5-Star Licensed Guide who is fluent in the language of your choice
Private Walking Tour of the Grand Canal and Venice's Old Town with Gondola Ride and Doge’s Palace
Interesting history facts, cultural anecdotes and legends of Venice
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 walking tour will begin at the south end of the Grand Canal with sightseeing of St. Mark’s Square. It is the most important piazza in Venice with outstanding Venetian Gothic architecture.
3
Top attractions such as the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Bell Tower and the unique Astronomical Clock of Torre dell'Orologio. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of this historic site and marvel at the views of the Grand Canal while listening to amazing stories from the city’s past, present and future.
4
Follow your Private Guide through the maze of narrow streets and canals lined with beautiful 12th to 18th century houses, warehouses and churches in the styles of Venetian-Byzantine, Venetian Gothic, Renaissance, and Venetian Baroque. This city is full of surprises and scenic views.You will cross the famous Rialto Bridge with its distinctive 24-foot arch to get from San Marco to San Polo, one of the oldest and liveliest districts in Venice.
5
Here, you can learn more about the city's growth and trade during the Venetian Golden Age and see the Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto, which is the oldest church in Venice. There will also be more opportunities to admire and photograph the Grand Canal and its landmarks.
6
Enrich your Grand Canal walking tour with a 1-hour gondola experience that includes an introduction to the history of gondolas told by a real gondelier and a 30-minute gondola ride. It’s on top of every traveler’s bucket list! Venice is known as the City of Water and many of its beautiful sights cannot be reached by foot, so a gondola ride is the best way to explore this world heritage city. Enjoy the panoramic views of the city’s landscape and soak in its lively atmosphere. Your Private Guide will not accompany you on this 1-hour experience but your gondolier will provide live commentary in English or Italian, and there will also be a multilingual audio guide available.
7
Stop 7
Visit the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) with your Private Guide. This will be a part of your private walking tour before the scheduled gondola experince. Skip-the-line tickets to Doge's Palace are included in this extended tour so you will not waste time waiting in long lines at the ticket office. The Doge’s Palace is a former residence of 120 Doges of Venice, the supreme authority of the former Republic. Inside, you will explore the beautiful Doge’s apartments, institutional chambers, the Old Prison, Bridge of Sighs, New Prison, and more. Discover the heart of the Republic of Venice!
What's not included
Private Guide during the gondola ride
30-minute shared gondola ride on the Grand Canal (in 2-hour option)
Skip-the-line tickets to the Doge’s Palace (in 2 and 2,5-hour options)
Available languages
Audio guide
DE
RU
EN
IT
PL
FR
ES
Guide guide
DE
RU
EN
IT
PL
FR
ES
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 4,5-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.
Skip-the-line tickets to Doge’s Palace grant you immediate entry at your booked time, without queueing at the ticket office. There are mandatory security checks. Headsets will be provided for groups larger than 10.
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 4,5-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.
- Skip-the-line tickets to Doge’s Palace grant you immediate entry at your booked time, without queueing at the ticket office. There are mandatory security checks. Headsets will be provided for groups larger than 10.
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
