Venice Small Group Walking Tour with St. Mark's Basilica Terrace

Venice , Italy

Venice Small Group Walking Tour with St. Mark's Basilica Terrace

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Your Semi-Private Venice Walking Tour takes you through this enchanting city’s main highlights. Your semi-private small group of six people max is guaranteed, allowing for your introduction to Venice to be intimate and personal.
This walking tour winds through Venice’s serene canals and charming bridges, stopping along the way to discover the major sites, as well as the less known hidden throughout. Capture the essence of this floating city by seeing and experiencing a slice of the 118 islands that Venice is built upon.
You will see the city’s most ancient church in Campo San Giacometto, cross the Rialto Bridge, walk through the neighborhood where Marco Polo grew up, and stand in awe of the ornately decorated and domed St. Mark’s Basilica. This semi-Private Venice walking tour offers you a glimpse into Venice’s remarkable past and the opportunity to also experience its vibrant present.

Available options

Semi Private Group Tour

Small Group of 6 people max

Private with St Mark's

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes: Upgrade: Private Venice Walking Tour with St Mark’s Access lets you completely immerse yourself in Italy.<br/>Private Tour

What's included

The Grand Canal

campo santa maria formosa

Tour in the Safety and Intimacy of a TRULY small group of MAX 6 people, guaranteed

Expert English Speaking guide

Church of San Giacomo di Rialto

Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo

Rialto bridge

St. Mark’s Basilica (from the outside)

Detailed itinerary

Meet your guide in Campo San Giacomo di Rialto, either with your exclusive Small Group of 6 people max or in your very own Private Tour - we offer both options. See the beautiful Piazza and Church of San Giacomo di Rialto and begin your intimate and rich walking tour of the City of Water

Stop 2

Walk over to Venice's most famous Bridge: the Ponte di Rialto. Admire the gorgeous views of the Gran Canal hear all about its history and stories

Stop 3

As you zigzag your way through Venice's winding streets, hearing tales of its tumultuous past, you will end up at the infamous Bridge of Sighs. One of the most photographed bridges in the world, learn the true story behind its name.

Stop 4 Pass by

St. Mark’s Basilica (from the outside)

What's not included

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

1 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

13 reviews

5★

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

PLEASE NOTE: due to these unprecedented times and unexpected regulation changes, some areas may not be accessible if the venue can not guarantee social distancing for that part of the tour.

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

In front of Chiesa di San Giacomo in Campo San Giacomo al Rialto. Your guide will be holding a LivTours sign.

Important notes

• Please arrive 10-15 min prior tour start time Your guide will be holding a LIvItaly Tours sign.
• A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
• Occasionally the basilica may be closed due to last minute private events outside of the tour operators control and often without notice. In these uncommon circumstances the tour will operate as usual and the time spent inside the basilica will be enjoyed by an extended tour in an alternate area

ABOUT OUR 6 PEOPLE SMALL GROUP POLICY

When you book a LivTours Small Group Tour, you are guaranteed one tour guide per group of 6 people. Please bear in mind though that in order to accommodate traveling families and friends, we do on rare occasion make the exception of adding an additional one to two guests in order not to split groups who are traveling together. On that same note, you may find yourself on tour with less than six people. As we accept bookings in multiples of six, math doesn’t always work in our favor to help accommodate individual travelers and their families when on the same tour, so we hope you understand and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

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