Explore the best of Venice and see "The City of Canals" most popular highlights on this private 2-hour introduction tour with a professional tour guide, who will take you to on a journey to discover one of Italy's more picturesque and romantic cities.
On your private tour, you will:
- Explore the Rialto area, famed for its markets and of course the iconic Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge crossing the Grand Canal;
- Navigate through Venice's maze of "calle" streets and canals with the expertise of your tour guide;
- See Marco Polo’s house, and Santa Maria dei Miracoli Church, often described as the "Marble church" and "treasure chest" due to its precious marble decorations;
- Stop in Campo San Giovanni e Paolo to hear about the "Scuole Grandi" (great schools) of Venice, confraternities founded in the late 13th century, as welfare and religious institutions that resembled present-day lobbies;
- Walk along the Venetian lagoon waterfront and marvel at the Bridge of Sighs, which connects the interrogation rooms of Doge's Palace to the New Prison;
- Learn of the Venetian Doges and the city's complex - and modern - ruling system as you take in the majesty of the Doge's Palace, the seat of the Venetian Government;
- End your tour in the famed St. Mark's Square, the only "piazza" in Venice and learn the fascinating story of how St. Mark's body was brought to Venice and laid to rest in St. Mark's Basilica.
Trace the city’s fascinating beginnings, learn about its failed defence against the plague and unearth its dark secrets.
You will begin your tour by visiting Venice's Rialto neighbourhood. Take in all the sights, sounds, and smells of the local markets before crossing the Rialto Bridge. Famous for being the oldest bridge on the Grand Canal.
Venture through the magical streets and canals of Venice, step off the beaten tourist path to uncover the quieter side of the city, and end the tour in the iconic St Mark’s Square. Probably one of Italy’s most iconic locations and Venice’s largest urban open space, this square is enclosed by the astonishing St Mark’s Basilica and the magnificent Doge’s Palace.
You will see the Doge’s Palace, built-in 812, which is one of the best examples of Venetian gothic architecture. Right next to the Doge’s Palace is another superb building that will be sure to capture your attention!
Tour duration2 hours
Type of tourWalking tour: no transportation is included
Suitable forFamily Friendly
Attractions along this route:
Bridge of SighsAccording to legend, convicts would sigh as they walked this bridge before being imprisoned in the Prigioni Nuove.
Doge's PalaceOriginally home to Venice’s most powerful man, this Gothic masterpiece is one of the city’s top attractions.
St Mark’s SquareEnclosed by spectacular buildings, St Mark's is one of the most beautiful squares in the world.
St Mark's BasilicaFormerly the Doge’s chapel and famous for its sumptuous design, the Church of Gold will leave you breathless.
Campo Santa Maria FormosaA lovely neighbourhood square surrounded by narrow alleyways and Gothic buildings, barely changed since the time of Canaletto.
Campo Santi Giovanni e PaoloThis historic square is home to an imposing Gothic church and the Scuola Grande di San Marco, as well as an important 15th century equestrian statue.
Marco Polo's HouseBelieved to have been the residence of the world famous explorer and his family, the ancient Corte del Milion is a must see for adventure lovers.
Rialto BridgeVenice’s busiest and most iconic bridge, the Rialto gives visitors a wonderful view of the Grand Canal.
Ca’ d’OroCommissioned in 1428 by the family who gave Venice eight Doges, the 'Golden House' is now open to the public as an art gallery.
St Mark’s Bell TowerThe bell tower of St Mark's Basilica, located in the Piazza San Marco
Rialto Fish MarketThis traditional fish market, located right by the Grand Canal, offers a wide variety of fresh fish that marvels both locals and tourists. You can find squid, spider crabs and even moeche, straight from the Venetian lagoon.
Rialto Vegetable & Fruit MarketExplore the colours and scents of fresh produce at the Rialto fruit and vegetable market that marvels both locals and tourists.
Torre dell' OrologioThe clock tower is an early Renaissance building on the north side of St. Mark's Square.
