If it’s your first time in Venice, see all the highlights of this magical city on a combination walking tour of Venice’s narrow streets and a boat tour on the Grand Canal. From Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square) to the Rialto Bridge, your informative guide will offer historical perspectives on this fascinating medieval city. Plus, you’ll skip the long lines at St Mark’s Basilica – there’s no need to waste time waiting in lines when you’re on vacation!

Highlights

• Three-hour combination walking and boat tour of Venice
• Enjoy a two-hour walking tour including the famous monuments of St Mark’s square, such as Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace)
• Gain skip-the-line entry to St Mark’s Basilica
• See Campo Santa Maria Formosa, the home of Marco Polo and the Rialto Bridge
• Explore small back streets, narrow passageways and piazzas as you learn about historical Venice from your guide
• Relax while cruising along the Grand Canal as well as minor canals aboard a water taxi for one hour

What You Can Expect

Your comprehensive introduction to Venice begins near St Mark’s Square with a two-hour guided walking tour highlighting the city’s important monuments. Follow your guide to the famous piazza and learn the history behind its landmarks, including the Byzantine architectural heritage of St Mark’s Basilica and the adjoining prisons of Doge’s Palace.

Visit the famed basilica of St Mark’s with skip-the-line admission, without having to stand in long queues! At the Scuola di San Marco, learn about the medieval trade schools of Venice that provided the foundations for the great mercantile empire of Venice.

Leaving the crowds behind, enter a labyrinth of narrow passageways, alleys and meandering canals punctuated by delicate bridges as you further explore the enchanting city with your guide. Explore the lively Campo Santa Maria Formosa with its outstanding Gothic palaces, and view Marco Polo’s house as well as an old merchant’s warehouse and the city’s most beautiful wellhead.

Complete your walking tour near the Rialto Bridge, and enjoy free time before your boat tour of the Grand Canal begins. (Depending on the season, your boat tour will start between 4:30pm and 5:30pm. Your guide will provide details of the exact meeting location and time after the walking tour.)

Next, enjoy a relaxing one-hour cruise along the Grand Canal of Venice via water taxi. Along the way you will learn the history of the stunning palaces and churches that line the famous canal, as well as hear anecdotes about the famous people who have resided on Venice’s most important ‘street.’ During the second half of your boat tour, discover the minor canals of Venice and soak up the romantic atmosphere.

Please note: St Mark’s Basilica is free of charge to enter and we guarantee that you’ll skip any long lines as part of this tour. Venice is subject to flash floods and occasionally the Basilica is closed to the public (without notice) because of high water or festivities.

Details

Inclusions

• Professional guide
• Skip-the-lines entry to St Mark’s Basilica
• Walking tour (2 hours)
• Grand Canal boat tour (60-70 minutes)

Exclusions

• Gratuities (optional)
• Hotel pickup or drop-off
• Food and drink, unless specified

Additional info

• Confirmation will be received within 48 hours, unless booked within 1 day of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
• Tour is not suitable for people in wheelchairs or with walking difficulties as passengers are required to step down onto the boat when boarding. The variation of the level of tides can make the vessel unstable
• Occasionally the basilica will be closed to the public (without notice) because of festivities or high water
• It is possible to take the walking tour and boat tour separately (over a couple of days). Please specify the date for each tour at time of booking
• Adult pricing applies to all travelers
• 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

Schedule

Departure point

Tour commences from the entrance to the Royal Gardens (Giardini ex Reali) near San Marco Square

Departure time

10:00; 15:00

Duration

3 hours (approx.)

Return details

Concludes near the Rialto Bridge