Venice Walking Tour with Grand Canal Gondola Ride

Your walking tour begins at St. Mark's Square and will be in the language of your choice. After admiring the imposing piazza you will head to the Santa Maria Formosa, a Renaissance style church with a wonderful façade. Learn why the church is named after Formosa and many other legends associated with it.

The next square you will visit is the Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo, with an impressive Gothic church. Cross several bridges and canals and see other landmarks like the great Italian explorer-merchant Marco Polo’s house, the Great School of Charity and Malibran Theatre on this short walk.

Head back towards St. Mark’s Square through the Mercerie, the main shopping street. It is here that you will head to the gondola landing stage to start your water taxi ride. Your guide bids you goodbye here.

The gondola ride will showcase landmarks that you didn’t see on your walking tour. Catch a glimpse of Desdemona’s House, Mozart’s House and the iconic La Fenice Theatre as you pass through the Rio De Le Ostreghe. Float along the Grand Canal, where you can view the Peggy Guggenheim Museum. Pass in front of the Salute Church from where you can catch a panoramic view of St. Giorgio’s Island, the Bell Tower of Saint Mark’s and Doge’s palace rounding off your entire trip through Venice on both foot and water.

Did you know?

Venice is a vehicular free zone, you could enter the city via car or train but you won’t get too far! Venice is built across 118 islands with over 400 bridges across 150 canals, exclusively designed only to be explored through boat and foot. This is why it’s the perfect destination for a walking tour. Its cobblestone paths and charming bridges make for a pretty picture. And the gondolas are the icons of Venice, no trip to Venice can be complete without a ride on a gondola!

Venice Walking Tour with Grand Canal Gondola Ride

Discover Venice's iconic landmarks and hidden gems on this guided walking tour that includes a gondola ride along the Grand Canal, providing an immersive experience of 4 hours filled with sightseeing at key attractions like Saint Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, Castello district, and more. Your knowledgeable local guide will lead you through Venice's historic city center, offering insights into its rich history and cultural significance while ensuring access for all visitors regardless of age or mobility needs. The tour covers approximately 3 kilometers on foot and includes a gondola ride along the Grand Canal that lasts around 25 minutes, with audio guides available in English, Italian, German, French, Spanish, and Russian. With this comprehensive itinerary, you'll get to see Venice's most famous sights while also exploring lesser-known areas of Castello, experiencing the charm of narrow alleyways and tranquil canals. The tour is designed for individuals aged 10 years or older, accommodating up to 25 people per group. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning enthusiast, this tour offers an unparalleled glimpse into Venice's architectural marvels and historical treasures.

Explore Saint Mark's Square

Your tour stops at Piazza San Marco where guests can marvel at the square’s grandeur, including its famous clock tower that stands 98.6 meters tall and dates back to 1503. The Basilica of St. Mark itself was constructed between 1063 and 1092, featuring an impressive array of Byzantine mosaics covering over 4,700 square meters inside the church. Visitors spend about 30 minutes here exploring the basilica's intricate details such as its golden domes and elaborate façade adorned with pink marble columns dating back to the 12th century. This iconic piazza serves as the heart of Venice’s cultural and political life, offering a unique perspective on Venetian history through its architectural splendor and historical significance. Unlike other squares in Italy, Piazza San Marco is uniquely characterized by its role not just as an open space but also as a gathering place for religious ceremonies and public events.

Delve into Doge's Palace Architecture

At the Palazzo Ducale, guests can explore one of Venice’s most iconic structures built between 1309 and 1424. The palace spans an area of approximately 57,680 square feet with its grandiose facade featuring intricate Gothic carvings and ornate balconies overlooking the Grand Canal. Visitors typically spend around 45 minutes inside, admiring rooms such as the Hall of the Great Council adorned with Tintoretto's masterpiece "Paradise," measuring 7,690 square feet and completed in 1588. The palace is distinguished by its architectural complexity and historical importance, serving as both a symbol of Venetian power and an artistic marvel that showcases Gothic and Renaissance influences seamlessly integrated into one structure. Unlike other palaces around Europe, Doge’s Palace stands out for its unique blend of political history and artistic expression.

Discover the Grand Canal

Your tour takes you along the Grand Canal where guests can cruise on a gondola like true Venetians, gliding through water-laden alleys that stretch over 2.5 miles long and date back to Roman times. The canal is flanked by numerous palaces and churches, including the Ca' d'Oro built in 1440, which stands out with its golden decorations visible from afar. Visitors spend about 30 minutes on this serene boat ride, learning how gondolas are uniquely shaped with an S-curve prow designed to honor the canal’s winding path. This experience provides a unique perspective of Venice's architecture and history, highlighting the city's distinctive waterways that have long been integral to its identity.

Tour Highlights

• Walking tour around Saint Mark’s Square
• 4-hour exploration with audio guides in multiple languages
• Local guide insights at Doge’s Palace
• Gondola ride along the Grand Canal for 25 minutes
• Historical discoveries at Castello district and Procuratie Vecchie
• Exclusive access to Piazzetta Dei Leoncini during off-peak hours
• Comfortable footwear recommended throughout the tour
• Complimentary water bottle included with each booking

Perfect for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and first-time visitors, this guided walking tour provides an in-depth look into Venice's rich cultural heritage through its most famous landmarks. The 4-hour format allows you to walk around Saint Mark’s Square, delve into Doge’s Palace, cruise along the Grand Canal, and explore lesser-known areas like Castello district, giving you a comprehensive understanding of Venice's architectural marvels and historical significance while enjoying intimate insights from your local guide.