Venice , Italy

Private Grand Tour of Venice Highlights

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About this experience

Embark on a captivating walking tour through Venice’s most iconic landmarks. Begin by admiring the grandeur of St. Mark's Basilica in its stunning square, followed by the majestic Doge’s Palace, a true masterpiece of architecture. Marvel at the famed Bridge of Sighs, where your guide will share intriguing legends surrounding this historic site. Ascend the steps of the Rialto Bridge to take in sweeping views of the Grand Canal. Next, enjoy a private water taxi ride to the two most renowned islands of the Venetian lagoon: Murano and Burano. Each island offers its own unique charm, with Murano celebrated worldwide for its exquisite glass-making artistry, Burano known for its delicate lace craftsmanship, and Torcello, a peaceful island with only about twenty residents, revered for its invaluable archaeological treasures.

Available options

Private Grand Tour of Venice Highlights

Pickup included

What's included

Professional licensed tour guide

Private motorboat to reach and return from Murano and Burano

Admission tickets for the Doge's Palace

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The tour guide will explain all the landmarks of the famous Piazza San Marco, the former political centre of the Venetian Republic.

Stop 2

You will walk over the "Ponte di Rialto" to visit one of the most ancient neighborhoods of Venice with its traditional markets and San Giacometto Church: the first one builted in Venice (dates about 1000 A.C.).
The Rialto area was the main commercial center of Venice Republic where merchants from all over the world, traded their exotic goods. The guide will narrate the amazing history and curiosities of the city and the monuments around you to you.
An unforgeable experience to learn history and legends about this incredible and unique city.

The Bridge of Sighs in Venice is an iconic, historic structure connecting the Doge's Palace to the prison. Its name is derived from the belief that prisoners would sigh as they caught their final glimpse of the outside world before being confined. The bridge is renowned for its beautiful white limestone design and graceful, enclosed architecture, making it one of Venice’s most photographed landmarks. Despite its dark history, the Bridge of Sighs remains a symbol of the city’s unique blend of beauty and intrigue.

Stop 4

You will learn everything about the Doge's palace, once the seat of the government, where the Doge, the ‘leader’ lived and together with his advisors and politicians decided the fate of Europe in the 15th and 16th C.

Stop 5

Burano is famous for the ancient art of lace, embroidery and for the colorful fishermen's houses. A legend told that they built them so gaudy to find their home during the days of thick fog. In this delightful island you can buy magnificent bobbin lace in the typical shops or in the street stalls.

Murano is well known all over the world for the artisan production of blown glass and the Venetian "murrine". You will have the opportunity to see a master glass-maker at work in an ancient furnace. It is a unique show where you will be amazed by the incandescent molten glass that turns into a unique creative object.

What's not included

Entrance tickets not listed (St. Mark's Basilica, pass by only)

Food & beverage

Optional gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR ES

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

The tour guide will meet you at the meeting point and wait for maximum 10 minutes. Missed tours cannot be refunded.

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